Many of us woke up to grim news headlines yesterday as thousands of police officers prepared for possible riots across England. The news followed a week of civil unrest, criminality and racist attacks in the UK.
As a College, we condemn these acts of violence in the strongest terms – there is no place in our society for discrimination or abuse.
The news makes for sobering reading: the UK Government has called emergency Cobra meetings, more than 400 arrests have been made in connection with disorder in England and Northern Ireland, and a growing list of countries have warned their citizens to be extra vigilant when travelling to the UK.
As members of communities around the UK, many healthcare professionals will be feeling anxious or worried for their patients, friends and families. Some have been abused themselves or faced discrimination.
We are incredibly proud of our College community, which brings together more than 15,000 inspiring healthcare professionals and employees from diverse backgrounds, from all faiths and none.
As the UK’s only multidisciplinary Royal College, we also know first-hand that healthcare challenges are best solved by bringing together a wide range of experiences, perspectives and expertise. Diversity is not something to be tolerated, but to be cherished and celebrated.
As Chair of the Inclusion Advisory Group, I know that many of you will be feeling the impact of the unacceptable events of the last week. With disinformation, hatred and fear spreading rapidly online, I know many of you are also concerned about the mental toll of recent events on your patients and communities.
In the days and weeks to come, it will be especially important that we take time to look after those around us – colleagues, patients, family, friends, communities; to offer reassurance, kindness and support.
It is heartening to see the many reports of communities reaching out to those most affected, refusing to stand for racism, and calling for hope not hate.
Everyone has a right to live and work in a safe and supportive environment, and as a College community, we stand together.
Professor Moe Oo is Chair of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow’s Inclusion Advisory Group, and Chair of Medical Education and Inclusive Practice at the University of Leeds