BLACK and minority ethnic households are four times more likely to be exposed to Covid-19 as a result of overcrowded living conditions.

The shocking statistic was highlighted at a full council meeting last week where members debated the Black Lives Matter Movement (BLM) and agreed to explore the feasibility of a national museum dedicated to illuminating colonialism, imperialism and slavery.

The SNP motion which was amended by the Tories also agrees to engage in a legitimate democratic process and civic conversation regarding the statues and street names that commemorate prominent figures associated with slavery through the tobacco, sugar and cotton trades.

READ MORE: Glasgow councillor's plea to stand up against modern slavery​

Councillor Graham Campbell, who presented the motion said it was his honour and privilege to be doing so.

He said: “Perhaps many of the previous city fathers who may have sat in our chairs could not have ever imagined that somebody like me would be in this position.

“In memory of them and all the suffering and enslaved Africans ancestors I am presenting this motion to council. Glasgow City Council has a responsibility to not just say its anti-racist but to be anti-racist in its practices and in how it funds things which are important to the city’s development.

“This is a city which grew off the back of slavery. The buildings which we benefit from today are as a result of Glasgow’s deep involvement with the slave trade.”

His motion was backed by councillor Annette Christie. She said: “We should be amplifying black voices. Black and minority ethnic households are four times more likely than white households to live in overcrowded properties and those households are more easily exposed to viruses with Covid-19 related deaths being four times higher. There is a race health gap – fact.”

READ MORE: Glasgow City Council to discuss development of national slavery museum for city​

Labour’s amendment suggested that, despite making progress, the local authority accept that there is still chronic under-representation of BAME in senior and leadership positions within Glasgow City Council, the council family and in Glasgow’s schools. They wanted the City Council to explore ambitious targets, with clear timelines and monitoring arrangements to address this imbalance.

Labour councillor Soryia Siddique said: “Actions will make the difference, not words. We know that there is institutional racism. We know that Glasgow’s leadership roles do not reflect the diversity of our city.

“We have known this for years. The question is what actions and positive steps will the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council will take to address this chronic bias?

“We need change, funded strategy and outreach. We can learn from our past and shape a better future for new generations. To be actively anti-racist this is a fight for all of us.”

Following the discussion the original motion with the amendment from the Conservative group was carried.