Birmingham MPs have put out a joint statement in solidarity with the black community in Birmingham and beyond in light of the recent killing of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter protests that followed it around the world.
In the statement, 10 MPs have committed to engage with and listen to the black communities they represent to help bring about meaningful, lasting change in the city.
MPs Preet Kaur Gill, Liam Byrne, Andrew Mitchell, Shabana Mahmood, Jack Dromey, Jess Philips, Khalid Mahmood, Steve McCabe, Tahir Ali and Gary Sambrook have jointly issued the statement.
"The death of George Floyd has sparked justified anger in the black community here in Birmingham, across the country and around the world. We cannot ignore the deep hurt and grief felt by the black community at this time. We cannot stay silent. That’s why we stand in solidarity with all those fighting for justice and against racism in all its forms," the statement said.
The statement described Floyd's death as an "important moment in history" which must be a "catalyst for fundamental change".
"Recent events have shone a spotlight on the many structural injustices sadly still present in society today. Injustices manifested by the many daily discriminations faced by black people and those from other ethnic minorities." it said.
"As Members of Parliament representing constituencies in one of the most diverse cities in the UK, we know that it is only through listening to those affected by structural injustices that we can begin to understand what needs to change to heal our communities."
The MPs said that they will use this time to educate ourselves by engaging with and listening to the black communities.
"We stand with those fighting for justice and against racism, and stand ready to bring about whatever meaningful, lasting change is necessary here in Birmingham and across the country, because black lives matter," the joint statement said.
Moglai Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap perform at Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury
BRITISH police said they were considering whether to launch an investigation after performers at Glastonbury Festival made anti-Israel comments during their shows.
"We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon," Avon and Somerset Police, in western England, said on X late on Saturday (28).
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan made anti-Israeli chants in separate shows on the West Holts stage on Saturday. One of the members of Bob Vylan chanted "Death, death, to the IDF" in a reference to the Israel Defense Forces.
"Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation," the police statement said.
The Israeli Embassy in Britain said it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival".
Prime minister Keir Starmer said earlier this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap to appear at Glastonbury.
The band's frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November. He has denied the charge.
A British government minister said it was appalling that the anti-Israel chants had been made at Glastonbury, and that the festival's organisers and the BBC broadcaster - which is showing the event - had questions to answer.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he was also appalled by violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
"I'd also say to the Israeli Embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank," Streeting told Sky News.
"I wish they'd take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously," he said.
(Reuters)