London's Mayor expresses solidarity with Black Lives Matter protesters

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has expressed his solidarity with the Black Lives Matter protests taking place in the capital, asserting that the killing of George Floyd by police officers in the United States must lead to "lasting change" across the globe.   

"Londoners of all ages, races and backgrounds joined millions of people around the world yesterday to come together peacefully to say that Black Lives Matter. I stand with you and share your anger and pain," Khan said Sunday in a statement, reports the CNN.

"George Floyd's brutal killing must lead to immediate and lasting change in countries, cities, police services and institutions everywhere. We must root out racism wherever it is found," he added. 

Addressing the protests which took place in capital on Saturday, the London Mayor cautioned that further protests must remain peaceful and acts of violence will not be tolerated.

"The vast majority of protesters in London were peaceful. But this vital cause was badly let down by a tiny minority who turned violent and threw glass bottles and lit flares, endangering other protesters and injuring police officers," Khan said. 

"This is simply not acceptable, will not be tolerated and will not win the lasting and necessary change we desperately need to see," he added. 

Ahead of a planned demonstration in London on Sunday, Sadiq Khan reiterated that the coronavirus pandemic still poses a significant threat to the United Kingdom and called for protesters to adhere to the government's social distancing guidance.

"Please also remember that Covid-19 is still a very real threat to our communities. I urge people to consider ways of making your voice heard that doesn't put yourself and others at risk of catching coronavirus," the London Mayor said. 

"If you are planning to protest today you must do so safely, peacefully and within the law. Use hand sanitiser, wear a face covering and keep 2m apart from others," he added.