Following the killing of George Floyd and the disturbing scenes from the USA, the Steve Prescott Bridge was lit in purple to show solidarity from St Helens in support of justice and equality, and opposition to racism, in the US, UK and everywhere else.

At a time like this when there is such a burning sense of injustice there is a need for far sighted, healing and unifying leadership.

I joined the Labour Party and became politically active to fight all forms discrimination and injustice: social, economic and racial. I’m proud of our record but I know that we all still need to do more to recognise the racism that black people and BAME communities experience.

We shall overcome, some day.