Police forces across Britain are still guilty of institutional racism 25-years after the murder of Stephen Lawrence, one of Britain's most senior church leaders has suggested.

The Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, said the recommendations made by the Macpherson Report, following the racist murder of the black teenager, needed to be revisited and lessons still needed to be learned.

Speaking on the 25th anniversary of Stephen's murder in south east London, Dr Sentamu - who was the Bishop of Stepney at the time - said the murder still had a "chilling effect" on Britain.

And he said it was time to look again at the findings of the Macpherson Report, and consider where areas of policing could be improved.

He told BBC Radio 4's Sunday programme: "I think the 72 recommendations, which were accepted by the then Home Secretary, and there was an action plan ... I'm afraid it needs to be revisited by every police service so that they learn the lessons that were very clear."</s>Image copyright AFP

A national day of commemoration for murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence will take place on 22 April every year, the prime minister has said.

It came as the family of the black teenager attended the 25th anniversary memorial of his death in London.

The 18-year-old was stabbed to death in a racially motivated attack in Eltham, south London, in 1993.

Royal couple Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attended the service at St-Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square.

Prime Minister Theresa May said that Stephen's mother Doreen - now a peer in the Lords - and his father Neville "have fought heroically to ensure that their son's life and death will never be forgotten".

Mr Lawrence was set upon by a gang, stabbed and left to die in Eltham on the evening of 22 April 1993.

Two of the group of up to six men who attacked the teenager and his friend Duwayne Brooks have been convicted of murder, but the rest have evaded justice.

David Norris and Gary Dobson are both serving life sentences.

The Macpherson Report into the investigation into Stephen Lawrence's death found that there had been "institutional racism" in the police.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also attended the memorial.

Mrs May said: "It is right that Stephen's name and legacy lives on."

Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Harry and Meghan met Stuart and Doreen Lawrence before the service

Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Baroness Lawrence, Stephen's mother, with Prime Minister Theresa May

Baroness Lawrence said she looked forward to delivering the first Stephen Lawrence Day in 2019 alongside the government, adding: "I feel honoured she has recognised the changes that have been made in Stephen's name and the changes that are still needed."

She thanked those who had helped her throughout the years and said that after 25 years "it is time to draw a line".

The government will work alongside the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust - set up to transform the lives of young people and campaign for social change - to deliver an annual commemoration to the death of Stephen Lawrence, which was considered a watershed moment in race relations in the UK.

Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Baroness Lawrence meeting Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at St-Martin-in-the-Field

Prince Harry said: "It hardly seems possible that 25 years have passed since Stephen Lawrence was so cruelly taken from his family.

"I remember vividly the profound shock that I felt at his senseless murder, a feeling shared by so many people across this country and beyond.

"I remember, too, just how deeply moved I was by the determination of Stephen's family to build something positive from the tragedy they endured and to ensure that Stephen's story did not end with despair, but continued with hope."</s>The life and legacy of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence will be celebrated every year on April 22, Prime Minister Theresa May has announced. The announcement of "Stephen Lawrence Day" comes 25 years after the 18-year-old was fatally stabbed by a gang of racists in Eltham, south-east London, on April 22 1993. A memorial service marking the 25th anniversary of his death is being attended by national figures, including Prince Harry, his fiancee Meghan Markle and Theresa May. Stephen's father Neville said the annual national commemoration is "a mark of what we have been trying to do for years - our son's memory is going to be enshrined in history". The murder of the teenager was a watershed moment in modern race relations in the UK, after the subsequent Macpherson Report into the case concluded the police made mistakes and were guilty of "institutional racism".

Prince Harry and Ms Markle met Stephen's mother, now a peer sitting in the Lords, and brother Stuart before the memorial service at St Martin-in-the-Fields church in central London. During the service Theresa May gave a scripture reading and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn read an extract from Nelson Mandela's Long Walk To Freedom. Confirming the national day of commemoration Mrs May said: "For the past 25 years, Doreen and Neville have fought heroically to ensure that their son's life and death will never be forgotten." She added: "I can announce that the Government will work with the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust to establish a national, annual commemoration of Stephen's life and legacy, to take place on 22 April each year: Stephen Lawrence Day." Baroness Lawrence thanked the Prime Minister for the announcement. Prince Harry added that the teenager's family had honoured him with everything they had done in his name and the changes they have brought about.

A group of up to six thugs attacked the teenager and his friend Duwayne Brooks, simply because they were black, however only two of them were convicted of murder. David Norris and Gary Dobson are both serving life sentences but three others, who have consistently been accused of the killing, have never been convicted. Jamie Acourt, his brother Neil Acourt, and Luke Knight have not been convicted but Knight, 41, is the only one who still lives locally. Neil Acourt, 42, is in jail for conspiracy to supply drugs and his brother Jamie, 41, is on the run in Spain suspected of drugs smuggling. All five men had their pictures printed on the front page of the Daily Mail accusing them of murder.

Scotland Yard has admitted it has no new lines of inquiry in the investigation into Stephen's murder. The force has said that unless detectives receive new information the investigation is "unlikely to progress further". Earlier this month, before the update from Scotland Yard, Stephen's mother Baroness Lawrence told the Daily Mail the investigation should end. Stephen's father Neville Lawrence, 76, announced last week he had made the humbling decision to forgive his son's killers. He told the Press Association: "The fact that I had to lose my first child has been devastating. I can't begin to explain the pain and the anguish me and my family have suffered over the past 25 years."</s>Theresa May has announced an annual Stephen Lawrence Day to be held each year on the anniversary of the teenager’s murder.



The prime minister made the announcement at a memorial service to mark the 25th anniversary of the hate crime that shocked the nation and led to the Metropolitan police being labelled as institutionally racist.



In a statement, Stephen’s mother, Doreen Lawrence, welcomed the announcement. “I feel honoured she has recognised the changes that have been made in Stephen’s name and the changes that are still needed.”

Stephen Lawrence Day would be “an opportunity for young people to use their voices and should be embedded in our education and wider system regardless of the government of the day,” she added. The first Stephen Lawrence Day will be on 22 April 2019.



Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were among the up to 800 people who attended the service.



The service on Monday, at St Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square in central London, was also attended by Theresa May, Jeremy Corbyn, the London mayor Sadiq Khan, actor Lenny Henry, singer Beverley Knight, and the Metropolitan police commissioner Cressida Dick.



Stephen’s mother, Doreen Lawrence, and his brother Stuart greeted guests at the church entrance before the service, which was held to celebrate his life and legacy. Many of those attending the service were wearing the orange ribbon lapel badges of the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust.



Harry and Meghan were the last of the VIP guests to arrive, stopping to talk for a few moments to Doreen and Stuart. Crowds who had gathered outside the church cheered as the couple, who are to marry in less than a month, arrived.



During the service, Harry read a letter of support on behalf of his father, the Prince of Wales. It said: “I remember vividly the profound shock that I felt at [Stephen’s] senseless murder, a feeling shared by so many people across this country and beyond. I remember, too, just how deeply moved I was by the determination of his family to build something positive from the tragedy they endured and to ensure that Stephen’s story did not end with despair, but continued with hope.”



Letters of support were also sent by May, Corbyn, home secretary Amber Rudd, and former home secretary Jack Straw.

Corbyn read an extract from Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, A Long Walk to Freedom. The late anti-apartheid hero and former president of South Africa met the Lawrence family at his request while on a visit to London two weeks after Stephen’s murder. The meeting helped to focus national attention on the hate crime.



As well as hymns, readings, prayers and reflections, Beverley Knight sang two songs, A Change is Gonna Come and Fallen Soldier. Lenny Henry interviewed three beneficiaries of the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust, which last year supported more than 2,000 young adults with training, mentoring and bursaries.



The service opened and closed with music from a gospel choir.



In an introduction to the order of service, Doreen Lawrence wrote: “I wish for Stephen’s name not to be identified by his murder, but by the mark he has left on this country and the wider world and for the role model he was and continues to be for many young people today, even though the majority of them would not have been born at the time of his death.”



She added: “It has been a long journey that is not over yet, for there are many injustices that are still taking place today.”



Stephen was murdered by a gang of five youths in Eltham, south-east London, on 22 April 1993. Only two, David Norris and Gary Dobson, were convicted of murder almost two decades later, and last week Scotland Yard said it had no new lines of inquiry to pursue.



The failure of police to investigate Stephen’s murder properly and bring to account those responsible, and their shocking treatment of his family and friend Duwayne Brooks, led to a watershed moment in race relations in the UK. The subsequent Macpherson inquiry concluded the police were guilty of institutional racism.</s>The anniversary of the death of Stephen Lawrence is to be marked on April 22 each year by a national commemoration of his life and legacy, to be known as Stephen Lawrence Day, Theresa May has announced.

The commemorative day was announced by the Prime Minister at a memorial service marking the 25th anniversary of Stephen's murder.

Baroness Lawrence and Prime Minister Theresa May after attending a memorial service at St Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square, London to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the murder of Stephen Lawrence.

Mrs May was among a number of national figures, including Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick, who joined Stephen's parents Doreen and Neville at St Martin-in-the-Fields church in central London.

The 18-year-old student was fatally stabbed by a gang of racists in Eltham, south-east London, on April 22 1993.

The murder was a watershed moment in modern race relations in the UK after the subsequent Macpherson Report concluded the police made mistakes and were guilty of institutional racism.

Harry and Ms Markle met Stephen's mother, now a peer sitting in the Lords, and brother Stuart before the service.

The prince brought a message of support on behalf of the Prince of Wales, who in 2000 gave the annual Stephen Lawrence Memorial Lecture which began with a tribute to the Lawrence family.

During Monday's service Mrs May gave a scripture reading and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn read an extract from Nelson Mandela's Long Walk To Freedom.

Mrs May added: "For the past 25 years, Doreen and Neville have fought heroically to ensure that their son's life and death will never be forgotten.

"Their dignity, their courage and their sheer determination are an inspiration to us all.

"We are privileged to be here today at this special final anniversary service to commemorate Stephen.

"But it is right that Stephen's name and legacy lives on. In the run-up to this service, I have spoken with Baroness Lawrence about how best to achieve this.

"And so, today, with Baroness Lawrence's blessing, I can announce that the Government will work with the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust to establish a national, annual commemoration of Stephen's life and legacy, to take place on 22 April each year: Stephen Lawrence Day.

"We will use this day to encourage and support young people in achieving their dreams, and to reflect on Stephen's life, death and the positive change he has inspired."

Harry told the congregation: "My father is very sorry not to be able to make it here so I am going to read some remarks on his behalf.

"'It hardly seems possible that 25 years have passed since Stephen Lawrence was so cruelly taken from his family.

"'I remember vividly the profound shock that I felt at his senseless murder, a feeling shared by so many people across this country and beyond.

"'I remember, too, just how deeply moved I was by the determination of Stephen's family to build something positive from the tragedy they endured and to ensure that Stephen's story did not end with despair, but continued with hope.

"'A quarter of a century later, we can only imagine the man who Stephen would have become, and just how his extraordinary potential might have been fulfilled.'"

Harry added that the teenager's family had honoured him with everything they had done in his name and the changes they have brought about.

Baroness Lawrence said: "I'd like to thank the Prime Minister for her announcement today that the Government will work with the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust to establish a Stephen Lawrence Day to take place every year on 22 April.

"I feel honoured she has recognised the changes that have been made in Stephen's name and the changes that are still needed.

"This 25th anniversary is a moment for the country to come together to remember Stephen and, going forward, 22 April will provide that focal point every year.

"Stephen was denied his voice but the Stephen Lawrence Day will be an opportunity for young people to use their voices and should be embedded in our education and wider system regardless of the government of the day.

"I look forward to working with the Government to deliver the first day on April 22 2019."

She also thanked those who had helped her achieve all she has, and said that after 25 years "it is time to draw a line".

Singer Beverley Knight sang at the service, captivating the congregation with renditions of Fallen Soldier and A Change Is Gonna Come.

Two of the group of up to six thugs who attacked Stephen and his friend Duwayne Brooks, simply because they were black, have been convicted of murder.

Three other men who have consistently been accused of the killing but never been convicted are Jamie Acourt, 41, from Bexley, his brother Neil Acourt, 42, who uses his mother's maiden name Stuart, and Luke Knight, 41, both from Eltham.

Mr Lawrence, 76, announced last week he had made the humbling decision to forgive his son's killers.

He told the Press Association: "The fact that I had to lose my first child has been devastating. I can't begin to explain the pain and the anguish me and my family have suffered over the past 25 years."

Scotland Yard has admitted it has no new lines of inquiry in the investigation into Stephen's murder.

The force said that unless detectives receive new information the investigation is "unlikely to progress further".</s>The life and legacy of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence will be celebrated every year on April 22, Prime Minister Theresa May has announced.

The announcement of "Stephen Lawrence Day" comes 25 years after the 18-year-old was fatally stabbed by a gang of racists in Eltham, south-east London, on April 22 1993.

A memorial service marking the 25th anniversary of his death is being attended by national figures, including Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle.

The murder of the teenager was a watershed moment in modern race relations in the UK, after the subsequent Macpherson Report into the case concluded the police made mistakes and were guilty of "institutional racism".

Download: The STV News app is Scotland's favourite and is available for iPhone from the App store and for Android from Google Play. Download it today and continue to enjoy STV News wherever you are.</s>A national day of commemoration of the life of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence has been declared, to take place on April 22nd every year.

Theresa May today announced that the Government will work with the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust to establish a national, annual commemoration of Stephen’s life and legacy.

The Prime Minister paid tribute to the "heroic" campaigning parents of Stephen, and said the initiative would support young people "in achieving their dreams".

Speaking at a memorial service marking the anniversary of Stephen's murder, Mrs May said: "For the past 25 years, Doreen and Neville have fought heroically to ensure that their son’s life and death will never be forgotten.

"Their dignity, their courage and their sheer determination are an inspiration to us all.

"We are privileged to be here today at this special final anniversary service to commemorate Stephen. But it is right that Stephen’s name and legacy lives on. In the run up to this service, I have spoken with Baroness Lawrence about how best to achieve this.

"And so, today, with Baroness Lawrence’s blessing, I can announce that the Government will work with the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust to establish a national, annual commemoration of Stephen’s life and legacy, to take place on the 22nd of April each year: Stephen Lawrence Day.

"We will use this day to encourage and support young people in achieving their dreams, and to reflect on Stephen’s life, death and the positive change he has inspired."

Prince Harry and his fiancée Meghan Markle also attended the service at St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, Trafalgar Square.

Lawrence's murder in 1993 exposed racism in the London police and led to a change in the law allowing suspects to be tried twice for the same crime.

The 18-year-old student was stabbed to death at a bus stop in southeast London in an unprovoked attack by a gang of white youths shouting racist abuse.

Five men were arrested in the following months, but charges were dropped due to lack of evidence. Two of the men were later convicted of murder in 2012.

The case became a catalyst for change after exposing deep-rooted failings in London's Metropolitan Police, dominated by senior white officers in an increasingly multiracial society.

A 1999 report by senior judge William Macpherson said the murder had exposed "institutional racism" in the force and also accused officers of incompetence and a failure of leadership.</s>A national commemoration of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence is to take place on April 22 each year, Prime Minister Theresa May announces.

It will be known as Stephen Lawrence Day.

The announcement comes on the 25th anniversary of the death of the 18-year-old, who was stabbed to death by a racist gang.

A memorial of Lawrence's life and legacy is taking place today.

Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle are joining Lawrence's family and other notable figures at St Martin-in-the-Fields in Central London for the event.

The young murder victim was attacked in Eltham, south-east London, on April 22 1993.

Two of the group of up to six assailants are serving life sentences for the racially-motivated killing.

Three other men have consistently been accused of the killing but never convicted.

A sixth gang member was thought to be involved in the attack.

The murder of the teenager has become a watershed moment in modern race relations in the UK.

Duwayne Brooks, who was with Lawrence during the attack, says he heard the group yell racially abusive language before launching their violent assault on his friend.

A report into the case concluded the police made mistakes and were guilty of "institutional racism".</s>Labour's equalities chief has called Theresa May 'racist' for the hardline immigration policies which she believes led to the Windrush scandal.

Dawn Butler said that the prime minister's apologies were not enough and that she wanted to see action.

Ms Butler, who is the shadow women and equalities minister, said that she was convinced the Tory government was "institutionally racist" for the 'hostile environment' policy.

The MP told Sky's Niall Paterson that it was only by looking at the Stephen Lawrence case and the definition of "institutional racism" that she realised that Theresa May's Government fitted the description.

She said of the prime minister: "when she wanted to create a 'hostile environment' she has actually created an environment that disproportionately affects and discriminates [against] people of colour and therefore could be described as institutionally racist and I don't say that lightly I say that with a very heavy heart."

Labour have drawn links between the hardline immigration of policies of Theresa May and the difficulties currently facing the Windrush generation.

'How much worse can it get?' Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry calls on Amber Rudd to quit over Windrush scandal

Despite the fact they are British citizens, many of those who came from the Commonwealth to help Britain rebuild after the Second World War do not have the documentation to prove when they arrived.

Their lack of documentation became a problem in the wake of Theresa May’s immigration crackdown as Home Secretary.

When asked if Theresa May herself could be accuse of racism, Dawn Butler replied: "Yes, she is the leader, she is presiding over legislation that is discriminating against a whole group of people who suffered racism when they came over, the ‘No blacks, no Irish, no dogs ’ and now they are having to relive that trauma all over again because of Theresa May?"

She told Sky that the situation was reminiscent of the racism that many from the Caribbean faced when they first arrived in the UK.

She continued: "[Theresa May] She is not going to get let off the hook on this and this has to be redressed as quickly as possible and just saying stuff isn’t good enough, I need to see action and I need to see action quickly."

He said: "I just want to be absolutely clear, you are saying that Theresa May herself, her position is untenable and that she is racist?" 



She replied: "In my own personal opinion, and I’m speaking as myself, as Dawn Butler, the daughter of Jamaican parents, I am saying Theresa May has presided over racist legislation that has discriminated against a whole generation of people from the Commonwealth.

"Her policies that she has implemented have disproportionately affected people from the Commonwealth and people of colour and therefore if you look at what institutional racism is, that’s what her policies are currently delivering so she is, so Theresa May has to not only reconsider her position but she has to reconsider her policies and an apology is not good enough."</s>A senior Labour frontbencher has personally accused Theresa May of racism and leading an "institutionally racist" government.

Dawn Butler, shadow equalities secretary, told Sky News that Commonwealth citizens were being made to "relive" the trauma of the "no blacks, no Irish, no dogs" days.

She issued Labour's strongest criticism yet as pressure grows on the Prime Minister and Home Secretary over the Windrush scandal.

Asked on Sky's Sunday with Niall Paterson whether Mrs May could personally be accused of racism, Ms Butler said: "Yes.

"She is the leader that's presiding over legislation that's discriminating against a whole group of people who came from the Commonwealth, who suffered racism when they came over, the 'no blacks, no Irish, no dogs'.

"And now they're having to relive that trauma all over again because of Theresa May.

"She's not going to get let off the hook on this. And this has to be redressed as quickly as possible.

"Just saying stuff isn't good enough. I need to see action and I need to see action quickly."

Asked to clarify if she was calling Mrs May a racist, the Brent Central MP said: "In my own personal opinion, and I'm speaking as myself as Dawn Butler, the daughter of Jamaican parents, I'm saying that Theresa May has presided over racist legislation that has discriminated against a whole generation of people from the Commonwealth.

"Her policies that she has implemented have disproportionately affected people from the Commonwealth and people of colour and therefore if you look at what institutional racism is, that's what her policies are currently delivering.

"Theresa May has to not only reconsider her position but she has to reconsider her policies. And an apology is not good enough."

Ms Butler doubled down on her remarks in a tweet, saying: "Sadly it is true.

"From the 'Go home' racist vans to the hostile environment to the political austerity measures to the new identification to vote. I will be publishing my article next week."

Downing Street has been approached for comment.

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Ms Butler also blasted the hotline set up to help those affected, saying it was being staffed by "inexperienced" people from a call centre.

"It's inappropriate and not good enough," she said.

It came as Jeremy Corbyn blamed Mrs May for setting a "deliberately unreachable bar" for Windrush citizens and their children by creating a "hostile environment" policy.

"We're now seeing the consequences in a string of harrowing human stories - people's lives ripped apart because of the personal decisions and actions of Theresa May and her Government," he told a Welsh Labour conference.

Justice Secretary David Gauke also admitted on Sunday that he was "ashamed" of the scandal.

Earlier this week, Amber Rudd apologised and blamed officials in her own department.

"The Home Office has become too concerned with policy and strategy and sometimes loses sight of the individual," she said on Monday.

Days later, Mrs May told leaders at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting that she was "genuinely sorry".

Baroness Scotland, Secretary-General of the group of 53 nations, told Sky News "many people were greatly encouraged and warmed" by the apology.

"Family fall out sometimes," she said. "They do things they regret, and then they say sorry. But the great thing about families is that the tend to forgive each other."
UK Prime Minister Theresa May announces that henceforth April 22 will be marked nationally as Stephen Lawrence Day to commemorate the black teenager murdered 25 years ago in a racist assault. The high-profile crime led to the Metropolitan Police being labeled "institutionally racist".