Data from 2016 to 2020 shows that 43.8% of all victims of homicides in London were black, despite only making up 13.3% of the population.
The London Assembly has today agreed to call on the Mayor to undertake a review specifically on why the murder rate among the black community is so high, and then develop deliverable actions to save the lives of black Londoners.
Shaun Bailey AM, who proposed the motion said:
"For many black Londoners, our city feels unsafe. Tragically, they are right to feel that way. Not only did the number of homicides soar to an 11-year high before lockdown, but the number of black victims also rose by over 68% between 2016 and 2020, compared to the previous five-year period.
"Londoners are crying out for the Mayor to make our city safe. But, after five years of soaring violent crime, the Mayor needs a new approach. That's why the London Assembly called today for the Mayor to review his policing policies to keep black Londoners safe. Unless the Mayor conducts this review, he risks letting down a whole generation of black Londoners.
"This is an issue for all of us. If our streets aren't safe for everyone, London isn't safe."
The full text of the motion is:
“In the current Mayor’s term of office (2016-2020) 43.8% of all victims of homicides in London were black, despite only making up 13.3% of the population. This Assembly notes that homicides in London have fallen by 15.8% in 2020 compared to a decrease of 12% nationally. This Assembly further notes that that according to the Office of National Statistics, the homicide rate for Black victims nationally has been increasing steadily since the year ending March 2015. In the three years ending March 2020, the number of black victims of homicide nationally increased by 68% compared with the three-year period to year ending March 2014. Therefore, this Assembly calls on the Mayor to undertake a review specifically on why the murder rate among the black community is so high, and then work with the Home Secretary to develop deliverable actions to save the lives of black Londoners.”
Notes to editors
- https://www.met.police.uk/sd/stats-and-data/met/homicide-dashboard/
- Watch the full webcast.
- The motion was agreed unanimously.
- Shaun Bailey AM, who proposed the motion, is available for interviews.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
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