"George Floyd case is a lesson for those of us in Britain"

Undoubtedly, he will serve a custodial sentence and as such join the few ranks of American police officers who serve custodial sentences for committing murder in the line of duty.

The bringing of this case and the conviction would never have been possible without the pressure brought by the Black Lives Matter protests.

There is a lesson for those of us here in Britain.

Since 1969, over 3,000 people have been killed either in police custody or after coming into contact with the police.

Gianna Floyd, the daughter of George Floyd, joins family and supporters during a news conference after the verdict was read in the trial of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, in Minneapolis

During this 50-year period only one police officer has been convicted, in1969, and even then they served a non custodial sentence.

In this light, the government’s legislation entitled the Police, Crime, Courts and Sentencing Bill will make it even harder to hold the police accountable and ensure justice for those who have died after contact with the police.

From the Chartists to the Suffragette movement, to the anti Poll Tax campaign and even the anti European Super League - protest works and should be defended.

John Curtis

Socialist Workers Party, Colchester Branch

Flagstaff Road, Colchester

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