‘Nothing will be gained by blame game’
“IT IS unfortunate that the report from the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities has become so controversial, so quickly, especially as its original purpose was to heal divides rather than stoke division.
“The contents of the 258-page investigation are more nuanced than the media reporting suggests and include 24 specific recommendations.
“However, these constructive and practical aspects of the commission’s report have been lost in the battle of narratives and semantic debate over definitions of racism.
“The report acknowledges that racism is still an important element which holds back equality of opportunity but examines the underlying causes of it more holistically, especially the role that socio-economic factors and family circumstances play in it.
“The positive progress in educational attainment among ethnic minorities has not always translated into greater economic opportunities or better health outcomes, and policing remains an area of friction.
“It is these gaps that we need to address urgently. The proposals to create an Office for Health Disparities; the use of training and technology to improve stop and search; and updating the school curriculum through better teaching resources about the ‘Making of Modern Britain’ are among the many helpful suggestions.
“We owe it to ourselves to have a more mature debate on race. There is a strong desire to do the right thing across the majority of British society but neither can we erase the legacy of behaviour towards ethnic minorities and deep-rooted mistrust.
“Racism won’t be eradicated by a battle of narratives, a blame game or a culture war. It can be addressed through a more cohesive society which systematically addresses equality of opportunity.
“I hope that all sides of the debate can find common ground to deliver on this positive agenda for change.”