14 July 2021

Claire Murdoch, CNWL Chief Executive, sent this message to staff on 13 July 2021

Like you I loved watching the football so much and one of the reasons was the sense of cohesion and togetherness which was palpable in the diverse team Gareth Southgate put together. I also revelled in the fact that this diversity was reflected in all of us who supported our lads. 

I was disappointed by the result and then outraged by the racist abuse that then appeared.

I know that most people were horrified and understand how doubly upsetting it was for staff from ethnic minorities and why it is important for us all to speak out against it; I’m on leave but I took to twitter about it too (see below).

Racism and racist abuse has no place in society and our job is to stand firmly against all forms of it and be proud of our diversity.

I am quite moved by the reaction to the defacing of Marcus Rashford’s mural with racist graffiti in Manchester – the local community covered it in messages of love, respect and pride.

I think that has to be our reaction too. Don’t tolerate abuse and let’s act together to stamp it out.