Commission For Racial Equality

EDM number 117 in 1995-96, proposed by Ann Winterton on 27/11/1995.

That this House reaffirms its view that all citizens should be equal before the law and be free from discrimination on grounds of race; welcomes the fact that the overwhelming majority of the population both from the 94 per cent. white European ethnic majority and from the 6 per cent. ethnic minority communities live peacefully and harmoniously respecting the diversity of cultures and religions which brings a genuine richness to British life; notes, however, with profound concern that among the 212 staff of the Commission for Racial Equality only 62, or 29 per cent., are from the main white European ethnic group, whilst 150 staff, or 71 per cent. are from ethnic minorities; further notes that the Commission also demonstrates a bias against Asians of whom there are nearly twice as many in the population at large when compared to black ethnic groups, but who are so disadvantaged by the Commission in that there are nearly three times as many blacks among its employees as there are Asians; further notes that among the 12 Commissioners only two are of white European background; believes that such a situation is intolerable in a public body funded to the tune of ú16 million in the current year; and urges the Home Secretary to bring forward proposals for the abolition of this hypocritical, divisive, and anachronistic organisation.

This motion has been signed by a total of 8 MPs, 3 of these signatures have been withdrawn.