Conservative councillors in Kingston last night (July 7) abstained from a motion supporting the Black Lives Matter movement, arguing that the group has “some very murky undercurrents”, while the motion passed unanimously with Tory support in neighbouring Richmond.

Kingston Conservative councillor Jason Hughes brought forward an amendment to the original Liberal Democrat motion in favour of supporting the global campaign, which has seen a resurgence in recent weeks after the death of George Floyd at the hands of the police in the United States.

Cllr Hughes said: “We want to see racism in 21st-century Britain smashed out of existence”, but added that the council must “avoid falling into divisive politics and avoid being associated with a campaign that has some very murky undercurrents”.

He claimed that the Black Lives Matter campaign “has deliberately failed to officially utter any statement condemning the unspeakable violence against police officers done in its name.

“Nor has it said it condemns the activities of a cowardly front to vandalise memorials in our capital city.”

He concluded: “However well intentioned in signing up to one thing, you will sign up to the rest of it.”

Liberal Democrat and Green councillors opposed the amendment arguing that campaigns to de-fund the police were only being discussed in the US, and were in favour of funnelling more money into community programmes.

Your Local Guardian: Socially distanced protesters line New Malden High Street in support of Black Lives Matter. Image: Henry RileySocially distanced protesters line New Malden High Street in support of Black Lives Matter. Image: Henry Riley

Green councillor Sharron Sumner added that the amendment “makes no acceptance of the reality of police brutality which happens on a regular basis here in the UK, there are incidents across this country where people are victims of police brutality just because of the colour of their skin.

“In any kind of moderate or temperate society that is unjust,” she said.

The council instead overwhelmingly voted in favour of a motion supporting the Black Lives Matter campaign and committed to lobbying the government for immediate action to implement the recommendations on a recent report on the disproportionate impact of coronavirus on BAME people.

It also said it would lobby the government to review the school curriculum including teaching children about diversity and inclusion from a young age and work with local police to ensure that stop and search incidents are not based on racial characteristics.

The council will likewise work with its BAME staff to listen to their experiences and make improvements.

Council leader Caroline Kerr noted at the beginning of the meeting that while the borough has a black Chief Executive and a diverse group of councillors “it is not lost on me that we have no black councillors who can contribute their direct experience”.

All nine Kingston Conservatives abstained from voting on the motion.

In neighbouring Richmond a similar motion in support of Black Lives Matter was passed unanimously with Conservative support.

Cllr Paul Hodgins, leader of the opposition, said:  “The video and death of George Floyd are shocking. It showed a lack of respect for fellow human beings.

“We need to recognise the outrage – not just globally but also locally. As local representatives it is right that we make a commitment to continue to improve and push for the broad objectives that have come from the campaign.

“We need to ensure we eliminate racism in our communities and society. It can’t be lip service. There needs to be practical action on how we will, on a day-to-day basis, improve and push for fair and proportionate treatment for all residents, equality and opportunity for all. Most of all – black lives do matter!”