Earley Councillor shows support for Black Lives Matter protests

Tahir Maher, Liberal Democrat for Maiden Erlegh, Earley, made a passionate statement on Facebook following the protests in Hyde Park last week.

His statement, sparking controversy with residents of the Wokingham Borough online, demonstrated his support for the Black Lives Matter campaign.

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Councillor Maher said: "I can't breathe...'

"A forty-six-year-old African-American died in police custody in Minneapolis on May 25, and on June 3, Britons in Hyde Park “took the knee” in tribute to that man, George Floyd, and other victims of racism.

"Over the last few weeks, communities from all backgrounds in Wokingham have come together to support and help each other in this time of crisis.

"Kindness and support have been our watchword.

"This reminds me, why Wokingham is such a special place.

"Our diverse community stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter campaign.

"The tragic death of George Floyd in America is a reminder how much racial injustice is an outrage against humanity.

"We in Wokingham are reminded to champion acceptance and inclusivity and support a zero-tolerance approach towards any form of prejudice, be that against ethnic minorities, Islamophobia, antisemitism or any form of sexism, including injustices like Windrush.

"Black lives matter because all lives matter."

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Cllr Maher's post was published yesterday, Sunday, June 7.

The statement sparked controversy among residents in the comments, suggesting that supporting the protests may encourage a second wave of coronavirus.

One resident said: "Protest peacefully, do what ever you feel is the right thing to do but please follow social distancing rules.

"All I can see is a breeding ground for Covid-19 and I'm sure none of us want a second lockdown!"