Letter to Julie Marson MP: Demand Exports of British-made Riot Gear to the USA Are Halted.

Dear Ms Marson,

We are writing to you in regards to the export of British-made riot control gear to the United States of America. This follows the tragic murder of George Floyd, days of unrest and numerous acts of state sponsored violence committed against protesters at the behest of President Trump.

According to their most recent report, the Department for International Trade last year licensed the export of a variety of riot control projectiles and equipment to the United States, including anti-riot guns, tear gas, and riot shields.

A cross party group of over 160 MPs have written to Elizabeth Truss MP, the Secretary of State for International Trade, calling for an immediate halt to these exports. They have also called for an urgent investigation into whether or not British-made riot control equipment was used against peaceful protestors in the United States.

We call on you, as the MP for Hertford & Stortford, to join this group of MPs and write to in Elizabeth Truss MP in support of these demands as a matter of urgency.

We also call on you to seek an explanation from the government and the Prime Minister in regards to their silence on the murder of George Floyd and their failure to acknowledge the mass calls for fairness, equality and safety from persecution from black people both here and in the United States.

The shockwaves of George Floyd’s death extend far beyond the borders of the United States of America. There will be many people in our own community feeling hurt, anger and fear as these events continue to unfold.

As the elected MP for Hertford & Stortford it’s vital you show solidarity with those in our local area feeling very strong emotions at this time. Local people want to be sure that you support freedom and equality, and that you give your full backing to the peaceful demonstrations occurring here and in the United States.

We hope that you will join MPs in Parliament in their call to Elizabeth Truss MP and we await your reply to the points raised in this letter.

With regards,

Hertford & Stortford Constituency Labour Party