Businessman criticised over race report
OVER 400 people have signed an open letter condemning a Birmingham businessman involved in the controversial government report on racism in the UK.
The Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities report prompted a widespread backlash after stating it no longer saw Britain as institutionally racist.
The study was led by a team of board members including Birmingham’s Aftab Chughtai, the owner of a Alum Rock baby-wear shop for almost 40 years, who was honoured by the Queen with an MBE for services to business and community relations.
Mr Chughtai has also sat on the board of Birmingham’s Asian Business Chamber of Commerce, been a chairman on the West Midlands Police Independent Advisory Group, and named as a member of the four-man Grenfell Tower fire taskforce. But now hundreds of people including academics, teachers, faith leaders, doctors, and charity workers have signed an open letter questioning Mr Chughtai’s involvement on the board and condemning the findings published on March 31. The letter questions Mr Chughtai’s position on the commission in relation to other posts he holds, including his role on the West Midlands Police Independent Advisory Group. It claims Mr Chughtai would have been aware of Project Champion, which saw cameras installed in predominantly Muslim areas of Birmingham. They were later removed.
Other points raised included the disproportionate use of stop and search against black people in Birmingham.
When approached for comment, Mr Chughtai directed the Post to the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities. A spokesman said: “The report found evidence that outright racism does exist in the UK and has made strong recommendations that the EHRC be given the resource it needs to tackle the issue in this country.
“The Commission’s view is that, if implemented, these 24 recommendations can change for the better the lives of millions across the UK, whatever their ethnic or social background. That is the goal they continue to remain focused on.”