THE Archbishop of York has branded racism a “devastating cancer in society.”

Writing a tribute to Stephen Lawrence prior to today’s 20th anniversary of his murder, Dr John Sentamu said considerable progress had been achieved in the past two decades, but the elimination of racism remained a serious task for everyone.

He said: “As we remember Stephen’s death at this time we need to renew our determination to rid our communities of racism, hatred, fear, ignorance, stereotyping, and the advantaging or disadvantaging of others because of their colour or ethnic origin. “

The Archbishop played a key role in the campaign by Stephen Lawrence’s parents to tackle institutional racism in the Metropolitan Police and eventually bring their son’s killers to justice.