Lancaster's Ashton Memorial to be lit up to in solidarity with those protesting against racism

Lancaster City Council said it is joining cities around the world and marking its continued stand against racism in the wake of the death of George Floyd, the black American man who died after a white police officer knelt on his neck in Minneapolis, USA, last week.

Coun Alistair Sinclair, Cabinet member with responsibility for communities and social justice, said: “Like many others, I was horrified by the murder of George Floyd and the response from President Trump to legitimate protest in the US.

“Racism has no place in our society and it’s important that we make a stand and challenge it at every opportunity.

Hundreds of people, many of them young, held socially-distant solidarity protests in Dalton Square this week and it was inspiring to see so many people come together in grief and protest.

“The colour purple has become associated across the world with the struggle against oppression.

"By lighting up the Ashton Memorial we are showing our solidarity with George Floyd's family and friends, and all those who continue to challenge police brutality, racism, discrimination and inequality in all their forms."