^{Sam Tarry - MP for Ilford South} 

Sam Tarry, Labour MP for Ilford South released a video statement commemorating the 'Black July pogrom', highlighting how the pogrom led to a 'brutal war of oppression' being waged by the Sri Lankan government which led to 'many being murdered' by state forces. 

The shadow minister went on to reflect on the current situation in Sri Lanka and the difficulties Tamil people still face within the island. 

"Black July is a time in which we reflect on the situation now in Sri Lanka, and the difficulties that Tamil people around the world still face, and their fight for justice and their fight for self-determination in their own homeland"

Drawing on experiences of his own Tamil constituents in Ilford South, He noted how it was 'difficult to stomach'  seeing people who had been the 'main architects of genocide now in senior positions within the Sri Lankan government'. He went on to note that Magnitsky sanctions should be brought against individuals and people in the Sri Lankan government who have been found guilty of these crimes. 

He concluded his statement by noting that if peace is to be found across the island justice must be served to the Tamil people.

On the anniversary of #BlackJuly we remember all Tamils who faced brutal state-led oppression and violence.

Many victims fled #SriLanka and are now an integral part of the Ilford community.

Those responsible for these and all human rights abuses must be held accountable. pic.twitter.com/4egwQc53zL

— Sam Tarry MP (@SamTarry) July 27, 2021