In light of the difficult situation we face regarding COVID-19, and with deep concerns about the negative narrative of a small minority, I was moved by the letter from the Queen’s representative in Leicestershire, the Lord Lieutenant, Mike Kapur. The letter was printed in the Leicester Mercury on Tuesday of this week. One line caught my attention:
“It troubles me to see signs of an ‘us and them’ attitude appearing, and seemingly, the promotion of a divide between the County and the City.”
On behalf of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland, I welcome and echo these words. COVID-19 does not respect lines drawn on a map. We are all vulnerable. Lessons will no doubt be learned once the outbreak is behind us, but now is not the time for finger-pointing and apportioning blame within our community. Unity is strength, and we must all stand together to counter the continuing threat to our health and economic wellbeing.
Throughout my time as Lord Willy Bach’s deputy, I have worked alongside the police and our partners to promote fairness and equality; for young and old, for black and white, for rich and poor, and across the diverse community that makes up the city and the counties of Leicestershire and Rutland. This has also been a central tenet of our work to deliver the Police and Crime Plan.
That work goes on. There is a duty on all of us to act and provide reassurance, promote inclusivity and solidarity. We want to protect lives and livelihoods.
Now is the time for unity, not division. We must all lead by example, and I look forward to working with all partners and stakeholders to repair the damage inflicted by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Yours sincerely
Councillor Kirk Master
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicester Leicestershire and Rutland
Posted on Friday 10th July 2020