12.04.2020
We are deeply disappointed to hear about an incident in Fallowfield, Manchester, in which a black man was arrested and threatened with pepper spray whilst running errands for his loved ones. He rightfully referenced the Mutual Aid movement to defend his right to provide support, and it is worrying to hear that this was ignored by Greater Manchester Police. Government guidance explicitly states that it is permissible to leave one’s house “to provide care or assistance … to a vulnerable person, or to provide emergency assistance”. We send our full solidarity to the individual in question, and the family he was trying to support. An apology was issued by Greater Manchester Police earlier today, but this incident should never have taken place. This unlawful arrest adds to a growing concern that police do not fully understand their new powers and are repeatedly misusing or abusing them.
Mutual Aid groups are continuing to provide a lifeline for their local communities and stepping in to provide the support where the government has failed. This case contributes to a growing concern that the police are utilising their increased powers to disproportionately harass Black and Brown people without legal foundation. Between April 2018 and March 2019 Black people were 9 times more likely to be stopped and searched compared to their white counterparts. Mutual Aid volunteers, particularly black and brown volunteers, must not fear arrest when carrying out vital duties. This is particularly crucial given reports that 35% of the most severe cases of Covid19 have been black or Asian, nearly triple the proportion in the UK as a whole. If black and brown people are already more likely to contract the most serious cases of Covid19, volunteers and family members must be allowed to offer this vital lifeline without threat, or it is likely we will see the death rate climb even further. We encourage groups to continue this essential work in your communities and to report any police misconduct to Netpol.
