Boris Johnson says death of George Floyd was ‘appalling and inexcusable’

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BORIS Johnson has described the death of George Floyd “appalling and inexcusable” as protests in the United States continue to rock the country.

The PM spoke up after Labour’s leader Sir Keir Starmer said the case had “shone a light on racism” across the world.

Boris Johnson today said he understood the anger erupting across the US
George Floyd was killed by the police in Minneapolis last week
Several nights of protests have taken place across the United States since Floyds death

George Floyd died after he was arrested by officer Derek Chauvin last month, who was filmed kneeling on his neck.

His shocking death has sparked a wave of outrage, protests and clashes around the world.

And Boris told the nation at PMQs this lunchtime: “Let me begin by associating myself absolutely with what the Right Honourable Gentleman had to say about the death of George Floyd.

“I think what happened in the United States was appalling, it was inexcusable.

“We all saw it on our screens, I perfectly understand people’s right to protest what happened.

“I also think protest should take place in a lawful and reasonable way.”

Labour leader Sir Keir demanded the PM take the matter up with President Trump the next time the pair speak.

It comes as London is set to see another Black Lives Matter demonstration later today.

Thousands are expected to descend on London’s Hyde Park from 1pm today as worldwide outrage continues to flare over the death of Mr Floyd in Minneapolis.

People across the UK have also been asked to “take the knee” on their doorsteps at 6pm in solidarity.

This comes as demonstrators defied curfews in the US.

In New York City, police officers trying to wind down a day of peaceful protests allegedly arrested at least 40 people for breaking a 7pm curfew as looting broke out around Manhattan.

In LA, protesters staged a post-curfew sit-in outside Mayor Eric Garcetti’s home.

They held up their hands and chanted “peaceful protest” while ignoring the police’s orders to move.

And in Atlanta, tensions increased between protesters and police just before the 9pm curfew as officers launched tear gas into crowds.

‘DADDY CHANGED THE WORLD’

Mr Floyd’s daughter Gigi, 6, appeared today in a heartbreaking video where she shouts “daddy changed the world” after her dad’s death sparked a global protest movement.

The video, which shows the little girl smiling proudly as she sits on the shoulders of a family friend, Stephen Jackson, has given inspiration and hope to many who are campaigning for justice.

From high up on Jackson’s shoulders, Gigi proudly declares “Daddy changed the world!”

The video was posted to Jackson’s Instagram account and is captioned: “That’s right GiGi, Daddy changed the world, George Floyd the name of change.”

The former NBA star has been vocal about his friendship with George, often referring to him as “twin” in his social media posts and vowing to get justice.

Another post shows Jackson giving Gianna a piggyback and reads: “Don’t worry Twin on my soul I got GiGi. Know dat. I am my brothers keeper and I got a lot of brothers. #justiceforgeorgefloyd.”

Yesterday Gianna’s mum spoke out about her grief over her former partner’s death, saying their six-year-old will never be walked down the aisle by her father.

“He was a good man,” said Roxie Washington, in a news conference in Minneapolis on Tuesday. “I’m here for my baby and I’m here for George because I want justice.”

George Floyd’s 6-year-old daughter, Gianna, is embraced by her mother, Roxie Washington
Thousands have since taken to the streets to protest racial inequality
There were protests in Trafalgar Square following the death of George Floyd last week

Gianna stood by her mother, who choked back tears as she demanded justice for the 46-year-old, who died during an arrest last week.

“I don’t have a lot to say, I can’t get the words together right now. I want everyone to know that this is what those officers took from me,” she said, referencing their daughter.

“At the end of the day, they get to go home and be with their families. Gianna does not have a father. He will never see her grow up, graduate, he will never walk her down the aisle.

“If there’s a problem and she needs her dad, she does not have that anymore.”