Oldham Council to discuss Black Lives Matter motion

Black Lives Matter motion to be discussed by Oldham Council.

Oldham Council will discuss a Black Lives Matter motion at Wednesday's virtual council meeting.

The authority is looking to make the borough a fairer place to live, work and feel safe.

The motion will be tabled, including a proposal to draft a new Equalities Strategy and bring more equality to the local authority.

Councillors will be asked to back the motion, which follows the killing of George Floyd in the United States and the hurt and anger that has followed across the world.

It goes on to note that, since 1991, there have been more than 1,500 deaths in police custody or following police contact in the UK, but no police officers have been found guilty of murder or manslaughter related to any of them. 

Meanwhile, as highlighted by the Lammy Review, disproportionality in the criminal justice system remains significant.

Black people were searched by Greater Manchester Police nearly seven times more than white people using stop and search powers in 2018-19.

Councillor Amanda Chadderton, Cabinet Member for Human Resources and Corporate Reform said: "The killing of George Floyd has caused revulsion, anger and sadness across the world, including here in Oldham.

"We can’t just sit back and think 'this has happened thousands of miles away, it’s got nothing to do with us'.

"Despite all the good work that has taken place racism and racial inequality remain aspects of everyday life in Oldham. Sadly, we are no different than anywhere else.

"We are proud of our multi culturalism but also accept work has still to be done. Everyone should be able to live their life without discrimination

"That’s why we have tabled this motion – so we can look at how the council and our partners can make the borough and the council a better place for people of all races."

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