MP investigates 'race incidents' in York

The York Central MP, Rachael Maskell, says she is currently investigating several 'racial incidents' that she has become aware of in the city.

The Labour MP hasn't released details, but has decided to highlight the issue in response to events in the USA, where people are rioting over the death of a black man at the hands of the police.

Rachael Maskell:

“We have to take a zero-tolerant approach to all forms of discrimination.

It is an issue that I actively pursue and I am deeply troubled when hearing about incidences across the globe, or here in York.

Direct and indirect discrimination against any resident is completely unacceptable, and I will do all I can to root out all forms of racism, sexism, discrimination against LGBTQ+ or disabled people, or discrimination against any other protected group."

Rachael Maskell has also asked the government a number of questions about the growing discrimination against BAME  (Black and Minority Ethic) residents.

Following the death of George Floyd in Minnesota, she asked several questions about the government’s response to the events in America and the actions they are taking.

Yesterday (Tuesday) was the first time since the situation arose that the MP had the opportunity to ask questions in Parliament.

Ms Maskell said she was deeply concerned that the government is not doing enough to articulate its anger at the structural discrimination against BAME communities in the US.

“With Parliament returning, I have asked the Foreign and Home Secretaries about the actions they are taking and will drill down further depending on their responses.

We have to have transparency across all our statutory bodies, services and within our communities and I will fight for this.

With York being a Human Rights city, we cannot wear this as a badge, if we find that our institutions aren’t doing more to promote equality for all the residents.

I believe far more needs to be done to address this.”

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