Prime Minister Backs National Day of Hope on Damilola's Birthday

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson has given his full backing to a National Day Of Hope for 7 December.
In a letter to The Sun today, which would have been Damilola Taylor's 31st birthday, Mr Johnson says, "We need to change the lives of the young people who are being sucked into this world and who become the victims of this culture of violence".

He says that the Government is making progress through its police recruitment drive, its programme to tackle county lines gangs, and greater stop and search powers. However, he admits that, "you can't beat this problem simply by locking people up". Reflecting on Damilola Taylor and his ambition to be a doctor, he added, "We need to give all our kids the same sense of ambition, of purpose, of hope".

In closing, Mr Johnson says, "I salute the Taylor family, the Damilola Taylor Trust and Hope collective, for all the work they do. Let's honour the memory of Damilola Taylor on what would have been his 31st birthday — and let's make today a National Day of Hope.

"Richard Taylor OBE, said, "This announcement coming today, on what would have been Damilola's birthday, means a great deal to myself and everybody involved in the Hope 2020 campaign. I would like to thank the Prime Minister for showing his support in helping us to change the narrative for young people into one of hope.

A National Day of Hope would be a fitting tribute to Damilola and all that he stood for. The Day of Hope forms part of the Hope 2020 legacy campaign which aims to shine a light on the positive contributions of young people.

To find out more, please visit the Hope 2020 website.