Amazon refuses to withdraw Blue Lives Murder t-shirts

2 July 2020

Humberside Police Federation chair Pete Musgrave has expressed his disappointment that Amazon has refused to withdraw t-shirts and other items emblazoned with the message ‘Blue Lives Murder’ from its site.

Pete says the merchandise range is deeply offensive and seeks to create division.

“I’m absolutely disgusted by the merchandise and the message it sends out,” said Pete. “I find it deeply offensive and I’m sure many of our members and the public will do as well.

“Every day, our members are working tirelessly to build trust and relationships in their communities. These items undermine the really good work our officers are doing. It’s appalling.

“Amazon should do the right thing and take the merchandise down and show support for communities coming together and working together.”

Last week national Federation chair John Apter wrote to Amazon’s UK-based managing director Doug Gurr and called on the company to stop selling the merchandise.

Following a meeting this week between John and Amazon UK executives, that plea was rejected with the company saying the merchandise does not contravene its policies.

“I believe most members of the public will agree with me that this calls into account the moral judgement of Amazon,” said John. “I really can’t contain my anger and disgust that Amazon failed to act and refuse to remove the ‘Blue Lives Murder’ merchandise from sale.

“I met with senior directors from Amazon UK and they did not consider that the sale of these disgraceful items contravenes their policy on offensive and controversial materials.

“I think this is a bad decision and a wrong decision and smacks of poor judgement. I believe that this is a decision police officers and the public will find hard to understand and stomach.

“Given recent attacks on my colleagues, this was an opportunity for Amazon to hear the voices of those officers, their families and others who have objected to the sale of these items and to show support for policing during this difficult and dangerous time. With policing under so much pressure and being unfairly vilified by some, this is a kick in the teeth.

“I hope Amazon will urgently reconsider its decision and put right the wrong many of us feel.”