Operation Hope and Recovery

When David Starkey stated on national TV, “the Whites have become Black”, he was unequivocal in his demonisation of the Black community. For him, unless you speak and dress like David Lammy - coded for “unless you appear White” - you're bad. Worse still, he believes it is ‘Black culture’ that is now to blame for criminality and general lack of morality within White youths.

Starkey, supported by the usual Black suspects - Tony Sewell, Shaun Bailey - might be the outspoken voice. But the reality is that many believe it too. Right now, the Black community is not only being blamed for the riots, but also for the fact the thousands of White youths were involved too.

Operation Hope and Recovery seeks to articulate a narrative as to why these events occurred but also, and perhaps even more important, offer a set of solutions way beyond the wicked blame game the likes of Starkey and others spew.

This particular project does not seek to start a new organisation - we have plenty and those that are there need supporting not undermining. Our aim is to harness what is already there with a focus to undertake the largest political empowerment programme this nation has ever seen - for Black and White communities.

The focus of the project will be on political participation and economic enterprise. One demands justice and equality, the other creates wealth and jobs. You are invited to attend the launch of Operation Hope and Recovery at Friends House, Euston Road, London, NW1 2BJ this Friday at 6.30pm. This is the community's response to this emergency.

Please find time to join us. Our collective voice will speak volumes.

To attend the event at Friends House, click HERE to sign up

Simon Woolley