May 25th marked the sixth anniversary of the murder of George Floyd. His death sparked a global conversation on race that I, like many, hoped would result in serious, systemic change. After the platitudes around black squares, the meaning of taking the knee and the rather depressing debate that followed, it is time for a different debate. What change has actually occurred and how do we as Liberal Democrats play an effective part in delivering systemic and lasting progress?

Rob Blackie and Roderick Lynch powerfully outlined how poor our performance was in inner London in the recent elections and, if we’re honest, in wider metropolitan areas across England, Wales and Scotland. Our cities are the youngest, most diverse and liberal parts of our country. The multicultural, multiracial team in Brent scored our greatest success in London and are now the official opposition. Frankly as a Liberal Democrat Party, we’ve seen years of hard work by urban local parties be submerged by a Green wave powered by a strong national message and an active social media presence.

We can and we must get on the front foot if we want to make an impact in urban Britain. A fair, free and open society where we balance the fundamental values of liberty, equality and community can be addressed in 3 key issues:

• The Windrush Scandal. The failure to pay adequate compensation to the victims of a Home Office cock-up of epic proportions is a stain upon our nation. The service of the parents of these victims, many served in World War 2, guaranteed us the freedom we now enjoy, this should be a liberal call to arms. Who will defend the descendants of the guarantors of liberty not conscripted but volunteers. How do we ensure the Home Office truly learns the lessons and more importantly pays their elderly victims swiftly ?
• The Grenfell Disaster. This failure of local government, the regulatory environment, corporate interests and an inadequate approach to social housing has finally seen some criminal charges. Ensuring the plight of social housing tenants , the most vulnerable in society, is a priority that should appeal to the party that believes Equality is a powerful force for all.
• The future of the Notting Hill Carnival. The Carnival tradition in the Caribbean reflects a freedom the enslaved did not have. The ability to walk unmolested along the King’s highway. In fact, the enslaved had to be accompanied. When they were freed they celebrated in song and dance, a Christian rite. They brought this tradition to the UK as British Citizens in the 1950s. When faced with a resurgent populist right fomenting riots under Sir Oswald Mosley, these patriots, many of whom had fought fascism in the war, rebuffed their attacks with a Carnival. Strange how formerly Moseley-supporting media are still supporting the nativist, populist right. We should ensure it is financed for the long term as the world’s second largest Carnival and the truly national event that it is.

If we are serious about an urban revival and showing black voters that liberty, equality and community are universal liberal traits there are 3 issues our 72 MPs can pursue vigorously.

* John Armah is a member of City of Westminster Liberal Democrats and a digital transformation consultant based in London.