Bristol CORE condemns the violence & criminal damage that occurred in the aftermath of the Kill the Bill Protest

Dear friends and colleagues,

We acknowledge the challenging times that many of us are experiencing and trying to navigate. Rising tensions in the city that we have witnessed over the last week in relation to protesting have added another layer of discomfort and concern for many. The Bristol Commission on Racial Equality (CoRE) condemns the violence and criminal damage that occurred in the aftermath of the Kill the Bill Protest on the evening of Sunday 22nd March. We are concerned the violence of this event has overshadowed and potentially undermined the legitimate concerns of so many in relation to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill. At a time when we are fragile and so many of us are frustrated we hope we can instead unite to build and protect our communities peacefully.

While we support the rights to peaceful demonstrations in accordance with article 11 of the Human Rights Act (1998) which allows the “Freedom of assembly and association”, we believe, these must come with responsibility and accountability. We recognise the important role that peaceful protests have played in creating positive change throughout our history, within our city and beyond. Let us not forget the success of Black Lives Matters Protests here in the city last summer which helped propel racial equality onto the city’s agenda and has in part given CoRE and other racial equality groups even more relevance when speaking on such issues. However, against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must also do whatever we can to keep ourselves and others safe.

We celebrate diversity, knowing it is a strength for our city and we applaud all people who continue to work across communities promoting inclusion, racial equality, equity and respect. We urge communities to stand together, discourage and condemn violence in order to create a welcoming and safe city for us all.

CoRE will continue to hold these principles dear and work with communities affected by violence, discrimination and racism.

Professor Olivette Otele

Independent Chair, Bristol CORE.