America is not alone – now is the time to look at our own problems with race

Editorial: European nations need not try to appear superior about the situation in the US

America’s cities are burning. Her sacred national monuments are defaced. The president has been sent to a bunker.

Not for more than half a century has racial tension erupted in such a widespread and violent fashion, and the unrest, provoked by a moment of realisation and awakening in Minneapolis, shows little sign of abating. This is not least because of Donald Trump’s childish bating of the rioters on social media. For every childish tweet he sends out, he is met with another challenge to his own authority, and even his safety.

There have already been too many fires, too many injured people and too much damage to lives, businesses and property. Much of America is wounded and overcome with anger, and there is now a riptide of straight criminality – looting and arson. As so many responsible leaders have pleaded, this is no way to honour George Floyd. They can tear down every famous lump of granite and marble in the National Mall, but it will be in vain, especially if it offends Americans themselves. Such actions will not, to make the point, do anything in themselves to stop President Trump being re-elected in November. In some ways, it might even help Mr Trump. If so, then black lives will continue to be blighted and lost for years to come.