Bryony Rudkin -  Chair, Ipswich Labour Party
Bryony Rudkin - Chair, Ipswich Labour Party

Ipswich Labour Party stands by all those in the USA and beyond who are angry and hurting right now.  Those of us here in Ipswich will have seen this anger and hurt so eloquently expressed by our former Mayor, Councillor Glen Chisholm in the local media. You can read the article here.  As Chair, I have also been engaged in dialogue with other people of colour, one of whom expresses it thus:

“The death of George Floyd, at the hands of police officers sworn to protect, is horrific. It warrants worldwide condemnation and individual outrage.

No man, woman or child should have to die to bring us to our feet, or drop to our knees in protest. One racist killing is too many.

A life doesn’t have to end to be destroyed by racism. Every day, in schools, workplaces, in shops, on the bus, going peaceably about their lives, BAME people are subjected to racism. From invidious slights, to name calling and physical abuse: on the street or on social media. It has to stop.

We need to educate our children and the adults who harbour these thoughts and behaviours.

Just as a disproportionate number of BAME people succumb to Covid-19, BAME people are dying inside every time good people remain silent. When words are heard that strike a physical blow, the real hurt comes from the silent friends or passer by. When the EDL came to town to chant their hatred the real hurt comes from the senior police officer who shakes their hand. When the BNP stand for election in our town, the real hurt comes from seeing a mainstream candidate hug their candidate.

Good people cannot stay silent as BAME people are being broken.

Ipswich Labour Party sends its condolences to George Floyd’s family and friends. A life stolen, but a moment in time when we can break this cycle.

A word can save a life. It is time to speak out.“

These words get to the heart of the matter and should make us all think and act.  Our thoughts are with the family of George Floyd and with everyone who is in pain right now.

Bryony Rudkin

Chair, Ipswich Labour Party

Link to Instagram Link to Twitter Link to YouTube Link to Facebook Link to LinkedIn Link to Snapchat Close Fax Website Location Phone Email Calendar Building Search