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My story: Patricia, 68

Black Lives should Matter to everyone in this country as well as across the world.  I was very glad to see, after watching the events in America that led to the death of George Floyd, how people across the world finally saw for themselves the insidious, systemic racist abuse and inequalities that black people endure constantly. They saw that this is something that cannot continue to be ignored

Globally people were galvanised into action by marching and calling for change.

We need to put pressure on organisations to include more stringent policies and strategies to enable the eradication of racism and inequalities in government, employment, education, policing and the NHS. Black and ethnic minorities being treated fairly and with respect should not be a privilege. This should be part of the fabric of our daily existence so that we, as a people, can access equal and fair opportunities; and we and our children can aspire to be the best we can be and feel worthwhile in the society in which we live and contribute.

Independent Age, as a campaigning organisation, can put pressure on the government to ensure legislation and policies about the care of older people are equal and just and available to all, regardless of their class, ethnicity, religion, disability and more. And Independent Age should ensure that black staff within their organisation are given the same equal opportunities for training and pay.

I’m alarmed that the coronavirus appears to have a greater impact on black and ethnic people. I am confused with what the Government is telling us and don’t have confidence in them. I’m concerned to read that various Labour MPs have accused the Government of covering up vital recommendations about the disproportionate effects of Covid-19 on Black people and those of other ethnic minorities. This is quite unacceptable.