A senior councillor called for people to unite in opposition to prejudice that has a “devastating” impact on communities following the death of George Floyd in the USA.

Cllr Mark Blake, Haringey’s cabinet member for communities and equalities, said the death of Mr Floyd was a “stark reminder that racism and injustice are still too prominent a feature in our world”.

Cllr Blake warned there had been an increase in racism and hate crime in the UK, while the coronavirus was having a disproportionate effect on BAME communities.

He added that Haringey stood in “peaceful solidarity” with the demonstrators and called for everyone to learn from what is happening in the US.

The death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25 sparked a wave of demonstrations across the US and around the world.

Former police officer Derek Chauvin – who was filmed kneeling on Mr Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes – was subsequently charged with second-degree murder, while three other former officers were charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder.

All four officers were fired by Minneapolis Police the day after the incident.

Demonstrations in recent weeks have seen many people rally in support of Black Lives Matter – a human rights movement that campaigns against violence and systemic racism towards black people.

Cllr Blake (Labour, Woodside) said: “The horrific death of George Floyd is a stark reminder that racism and injustice are still too prominent a feature in our world. Many of us knew this already – but it is playing out now on TV and social media across the globe. We know the USA’s long history with regard to its treatment of African Americans, but we have seen an increase in racism in our own country too, and a rise in hate crime. The Windrush scandal is our nation’s own shame.

“Now, yet again, we need to unite in our opposition and abhorrence of the prejudice that has a devastating effect on our communities. Even now, we are seeing the disproportionate impact that the coronavirus pandemic is having on BAME communities.

“Policing in a democratic society is a central issue that this case has raised, and it is clear that over a near-decade of peaceful protest, the response from institutions in the USA has been woeful.

“The UK has its own challenges, as we in Haringey know only too well. Across the country, it is imperative that our politicians and institutions take these challenges seriously, engage with communities with good faith and respond with real conviction. We are committed to that in our borough.

“We hope for a non-violent conclusion to the protests in the USA, that can result in justice not just for George and his family but for African Americans. As for the UK, and our borough, we feel the pain intensely, and we stand in peaceful solidarity. We must all learn from what is happening in the USA.”