“These may be just words, but they sting in a different way from the others,” said Rishi Sunak (File)
London:
British Chancellor Rishi Sunak spoke today about the racist abuses he faced when he was a child in Britain, but said the country has made huge strides over time.
The Indian finance minister, born in the United Kingdom, revealed that the abuses worsened when they occurred in the presence of his younger brothers and sisters, when he was asked to comment on a another series of far-right and anti-racism protests. in London over the weekend.
“It’s the kind of thing that happens by yourself, it’s hard enough, but when I had my younger brother and sister with me at the time, it was particularly overwhelming; I wanted to protect, “he told Sky News when asked about his experience of racist abuse.
“They may be just words, but they sting in a way that other things don’t … [racist abuse] it affects you, “he said.
The minister stressed that the violent clashes, such as those observed during certain demonstrations in London on Saturday, were “both shocking and disgusting” and that those responsible would face heavy legal consequences.
He said: “It has always been an open and tolerant country and what we saw yesterday was not. There will always be a small minority that is prejudiced and is in fact racist, but it is not overall the description that I would attribute to our country.
“I think our country and our society have made tremendous strides if I think back to the time when my grandparents first arrived, when I was growing up.”
Mr. Sunak, who leads the UK’s economic response to the coronavirus pandemic, then encouraged people to support the reopening of the country’s main streets from Monday, when non-essential retail stores are allowed to reopen in conditions secured by Covid. The minister said the government is reviewing the current two-meter social distance standard to further help businesses.
“People have to be sure it is safe … and I can give that assurance,” he said, referring to the next phase of easing the British lock starting Monday.
“The Prime Minister has put in place a complete review of the two-meter rule. We are keeping everything under control … I can very well understand the positive impact it will have on businesses being able to open,” he said. he declares.
Cabinet minister has once again recognized store “difficulties” as steps prepare to restart the economy after months of foreclosure following the deadly virus that claimed the lives of more than 41,000 people the UK.
“Above all, I think we need to reopen our economy slowly and safely, and this is the most important thing, to try to save as many of these jobs as possible. But as I look to the future, I recognize that there will be difficulties People will lose their jobs, “he said.
“I want to make sure we have the level of support for them, whether skills or other support, to help them get back to work. I want to make sure that companies are encouraged to employ people, “he added.
