A CROSS party group of councillors have joined put aside traditional squabbles to encourage ethnic minority communities to take the covid vaccine.
The open letter is signed by Black, British Indian, Muslim and the other minority councillors from both Labour and the Conservatives across Britain.
The campaign seeks to encourage people not only to take the vaccine but also to have important conversations with loved ones and relatives about getting the protection they need from the virus.
Cllr Gurjit Kaur Bains, a Conservative from Gravesham and Cllr Paulette Hamilton, from Labour in Birmingham have come together to encourage black and ethnic minority councillors from across the country to play their part in fighting misinformation and urging people to take the vaccine when asked to do so.
The campaign, which has been viewed a million times online, has received the backing of the Boris Johnson, Labour’s Sir Keir Starmer as well as Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi.
Cllr Bains said: “As elected councillors we understand our communities and throughout this pandemic have been helping to provide support to our most vulnerable.
“This initiative is cross party because we all have a duty to protect our communities and fight misinformation.
“The message is clear, the vaccine is safe, it will protect you and your family.
“We all have a role to play so I urge everyone to have conversations with their own friends and families about the importance of taking the vaccine. Let’s work together and fight this virus.”
Cllr Paulette Hamilton added: “The vaccine not only protects the individual it protects their families, loved ones and the wider community.
“The vaccine is our way collectively as a nation to beat this deadly virus; do not let misinformation put you or your loved ones at risk.
“I understand the concerns people may have so please do speak to your GP or local Public Health officers to get more advice.
“It is our duty as elected councillors to encourage our communities to take the vaccine and this is why I am supporting this cross party campaign.”
