Being asked to leave the EU parliament wasn’t fun – but it’s the racism of mainstream politicians that really bothers me →
“When I tweeted about my experience of being asked to leave the European parliament on Tuesday, I didn’t call it out as racism. Although I want to know more about the motivations of the individual responsible, I’d like to think it was a misunderstanding and nothing more. And yet, the incident is all too familiar for black people excelling in any field – our dress is scrutinised, our appearance is criticised, our non-conformism is ridiculed and our mere presence and existence is questioned.
Some hard-right figures from the Brexit mob have attempted to use this opportunity to try to disparage the entire European Union as racist – they are shameless, and clearly possess zero sense of irony. Racism is not a UK problem or an EU problem, and nor is it a convenient political attack or card to be played. It’s the reality of everyday life for millions of our people. It’s an issue that is endemic within the fabric of each nation, and manifests itself through every layer of society…”