David Cameron has said the murder of Stephen Lawrence 'sparked monumental change' in Britain, but admits 'more still needs to be done'.
He's been speaking ahead of a memorial service to mark the 20th anniversary of the teenager's death. On the 22nd April 1993, 18 year-old Stephen was murdered in a racist attack while he waited for a bus in Eltham, south east London.
Last year - after a long campaign for justice - two of his killers, Gary Dobson and David Norris, were found guilty and jailed for their part in the murder.
The case is credited for changing the UK's attitude to race and today the Prime Minister paid tribute to the impact it had on our society.
He said:
"The senseless killing of Stephen Lawrence in 1993 was a tragedy.
"It was also a moment that sparked monumental change in our society - change that has been brought about by the tireless efforts of Stephen's family in challenging the police, Government and society to examine themselves and ask difficult questions."
Bevan Powell is the Chair of the Metropolitan Black Police Association (MBPA). He told Premier's Marcus Jones on the News Hour the Met Police has made improvements but the organisation is still 'institutionally racist'.
He also said churches could do more to help eradicate racism in their communities.
In 1998, a public inquiry was launched headed up by Sir William Macpherson and concluded that the force was "institutionally racist".
In 2009, Scotland Yard's then commissioner, Sir Paul Stephenson claimed that conclusion was no longer the case - a comment which was immediately rejected by the MBPA. Today, the former Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Lord Blair, believes the force is still institutionally racist. He said: "Mainly around the issues of stop and search and road blocks. In road blocks black and minority ethnic young people, in particular, are 25 times more to be stopped than their white counterparts."
The MPBA's General Secretary Damian Okonkwo told Premier's News Hour what needs to be done to eradicate racism within the Met.
A memorial service is being held at St Martin's in the Field in London, to mark twenty years since Stephen's death.
Senior political figures are attending as well as singer Beverley Knight, who wrote a song to mark the 10th anniversary of Stephen's death.
Rt Revd Michael Langrish is the Bishop of Exeter and is sitting in the House of Lords this week. He tells Premier racism is 'poison that seeps into society'.
The Archbishop of York has written a tribute to Stephen Lawrence.
He said that today Stephen would be 38 years old, and could be a successful architect, a husband and a father.
"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 elimination of racism remains a serious task for all of us. For racism is like a devastating cancer in society, attacking community structures and all its components.
"We may congratulate ourselves that it has been eradicated in one place and we can relax, but sadly it often turns up somewhere else, with slightly different characteristics - this time perhaps focussed on asylum seekers, or Eastern European workers.
"Wherever it is found it must be fought.
"So, let us remember Stephen Lawrence today with more determination than ever that his legacy will be one of true love and justice, so that peace may flower in our country."
The Stephen Lawrence Trust is using the day to launch a campaign to challenge Britain to realise the potential of all its youth.
Symon Sentain, Chair of Trustees said:
"While there has been progress in the 20 years since Stephen's death, not enough has changed.
"Social justice remains the focus of the Trust and we will continue to campaign, ensuring the lessons from Stephens murder are acted upon. "Britain cannot afford to waste talent.
"We need to have an inclusive and diverse workforce and encourage young people to transform their lives, overcome disadvantage and begin ambitious careers as professionals."