[{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"43979","proposer":"10431","edm":"2874","session":"2010-12","title":"Government Work On Race Equality","text":"That this House notes the publication of the Government's integration strategy; recognises that it is important to foster integration but notes that this is not a substitute for action to tackle racism and racial injustice; is concerned that racial inequalities persist insociety; further recognises findings from the Ethnic Minority British Election Study that 57 per cent. of ethnic minorities believe that there is racial discrimination in the UK, with 36 per cent. reporting personal experience of discrimination; welcomes the Government's recent work to tackle racism and racial inequalities in football; calls on the Government to extend this commitment by tackling the racial inequalities faced by ordinary people; and urges the Government to publish a cross-departmental race equality strategy with clear, measurable outcomes.","date":"2012-03-15","status":"o"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"43974","proposer":"10256","edm":"2870","session":"2010-12","title":"Sale Of Nazi Memorabilia","text":"That this House deeply deplores the sale of dozens of items of Nazi memorabilia, including items of oppression belonging to Holocaust victims, which was held on 6 March 2012 by Dreweatts Auction House in Bristol;condemns other auctions of similar items which have been held by other firms previously; decries the profiteering on items promoting and glorifying hatred and violence; applauds the policies of such firms as Christie's, Sotheby's, Bonhams and eBay which prohibit the sale of such items; recognises that such sales are banned in France, Germany, Austria and Hungary; and calls on the Government to bring in immediate regulation and control of this abhorrent trade.","date":"2012-03-14","status":"o"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"43688","proposer":"24910","edm":"2592","session":"2010-12","title":"Speak Up, Speak Out Holocaust Commemoration","text":"That this House joins in the commemoration of the Holocaust and genocides in Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda and Darfur for Holocaust Memorial Day on 27 January 2012, which is the 67th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau; notes the theme Speak up, Speak out which provides an opportunity to pledge that the language of hatred will not be used or go unchallenged, that a voice will be given to the voiceless and that work will be done with friends, family, colleagues and community to create a society which is free from the dangers of persecution and hatred; and commends the PCS Union work for 2012, which encourages civil servants to speak out against racism and fascism in the workplace, especially in the public sector where such beliefs run counter to both the public service ethos and human rights and dignity more generally.","date":"2012-01-11","status":"o"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"43557","proposer":"13864","edm":"2465","session":"2010-12","title":"Basil D'oliveira","text":"That this House recognises the passing of Basil D'Oliveira; and records its thanks for the dignified and courageous role he played in helping to do away with apartheid in South Africa and the important and critical part he played in changing history.","date":"2011-11-22","status":"o"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"43536","proposer":"11427","edm":"2444","session":"2010-12","title":"Sepp Blatter","text":"That this House condemns the unacceptable and offensive remarks made by the President of FIFA, Sepp Blatter; recognises that his comments have attracted the condemnation of both anti-racism campaigners andall sections of this House; believes that the comments have made his position untenable and that world football needs new leadership; further recognises that he is in conflict with FIFA's policy of zero tolerance and this conduct demonstrates that he has no understanding of what racism is, the ideology behind it, the damage it causes and how it denotes one group of people as inferior; further believes that enlightened leadership at this level is needed and a clear message delivered that racism is not a minor matter and cannot be dismissed and trivialised; and therefore calls on Sepp Blatter to resign with immediate effect.","date":"2011-11-21","status":"o"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"43432","proposer":"10614","edm":"2344","session":"2010-12","title":"Racism In Football","text":"That this House condemns any incidents of racism in sport; notes that there are currently two ongoing investigations into alleged incidents ofracism by high-profile football players; commends the work of the Kick It Out campaign, Show Racism the Red Card and other charities which provide an inspiring service campaigning to ensure football is free from discrimination; and urges the Government to support these organisations in their excellent work.","date":"2011-11-01","status":"o"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"42988","proposer":"24848","edm":"1920","session":"2010-12","title":"English Defence League March In Middlesbrough On 9 July 2011","text":"That this House condemns the English Defence League which promotes racism and anti-Semitism and who are planning a march in Middlesbrough on 9 July 2011; notes that this organisation has always been silent on crucial local issues like the closure of Redcar blast-furnace, cuts to local services such as health and education and that they are not from Middlesbrough and have nothing to do with the area; further notes that this march displays a complete disregard and ignorance of the history of the town, which was founded on immigration from a range of countries including Italy, Germany, Ireland and theBaltic countries, which previously had a large Jewish community and now has a large Asian community, and its forefathers like Henry Bolckow, the industrialist and Middlesbrough's first Member of Parliament who was from Germany; further notes that the Cenotaph in Middlesbrough is a commemoration to the brave local men and women who gave their lives to fight fascism; believes that this march is a grave insult to their sacrifice; and calls on all the communities in Middlesbrough to join together in showing solidarity and opposition to this march.","date":"2011-06-15","status":"o"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"42569","proposer":"13852","edm":"1527","session":"2010-12","title":"Natalie Portman And Anti-Semitism","text":"That this House congratulates Natalie Portman for denouncing the anti-Semitic remarks of John Galliano in Paris and for demanding his sacking by the company Dior and supports this public stance against anti-Semitic remarks.","date":"2011-03-03","status":"o"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"42416","proposer":"10133","edm":"1391","session":"2010-12","title":"Top Gear Programme And Mexico","text":"That this House condemns the ignorant, derogatory and racist remarks about Mexico made by the Top Gear presenters on 30 January 2011; notes that this level of ignorance is far below anything expected from anyone in the public eye and illustrates a serious lack of judgement by the programme makers; further notes that the programme is shown in Mexico and that the Mexican press have already taken note of these insults; also notes that the Deputy Prime Minister is due to visit Mexico in two weeks' time and such comments by the BBC are both unacceptable and untimely; and calls on the BBC to make a public apology as a matter of urgency so that there is no significant interruption to the excellent political and economic relations that the two countries currently hold.","date":"2011-02-02","status":"o"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"42143","proposer":"11707","edm":"1135","session":"2010-12","title":"Oldham East And Saddleworth Campaign","text":"That this House condemns the election literature of the former MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, Phil Woolas; believes that the campaign literature from Mr Woolas deliberately tried to stir up racial tensions in an area that saw race riots in 2001; further condemns the actions of members of the Labour Party who are defending the actions of Mr Woolas; feels that all hon. Members of this House have an obligation to condemn thosewho seek to stir up racial tensions; and calls on the Labour Party to apologise to the people of Oldham East and Saddleworth for their campaign in May.","date":"2010-12-06","status":"o"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"41944","proposer":"10682","edm":"955","session":"2010-12","title":"Islamophobia","text":"That this House recognises the important contribution the Muslim community makes to society in the UK; recognises the problems they face in day to day life coming up against Islamophobia, both in the workplace and outside; and calls on the Government to bring in tighter regulation to tackle this and other forms of religious and racial discrimination.","date":"2010-11-03","status":"o"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"41718","proposer":"10614","edm":"758","session":"2010-12","title":"English Defence League","text":"That this House notes with concern the activities of the English Defence League (EDL) which is trying to spread fear, hatred and violence against Britain's ethnic minority community; further notes that the EDL has planned a rally in Leicester on 9 October 2010; recognises that this rally has the potential to be provocative and to threaten race relations and community cohesion; and congratulates the Hope Not Hate Campaign for its efforts to maintain peace and unite communities.","date":"2010-09-16","status":"o"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"41569","proposer":"10543","edm":"612","session":"2010-12","title":"English Defence League Rally","text":"That this House notes with concern the activities of the English Defence League (EDL) which is trying to spread fear, hatred and violence against Britain's Muslim community; further notes that the EDL has planned a rally in Bradford on 28 August 2010; recognises that this rally will be provocative, and will threaten race relations and community cohesion; further notes that the City of Bradford has suffered riots in the past provoked by threats from far right groups; and calls on the Home Secretary to ban this rally.","date":"2010-07-26","status":"o"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"41564","proposer":"11427","edm":"607","session":"2010-12","title":"Show Racism The Red Card Charity","text":"That this House recognises the excellent work of the anti-racist charityShow Racism the Red Card which was established in 1996 with the aim of harnessing the high-profile status of professional footballers as anti-racist role models to combat racism through education; notes that hundreds of top footballers and managers take part in its activities which have made racism the exception rather than the rule at football matches in contrast with experience abroad; further notes that the campaign employs 12 former professional footballers throughout England, Scotland and Wales to coach young people using football as a way of engaging young people with anti-racist messages; welcomes the possibility that the campaign could be selected as the Football Association Charity of the year for 2011 and has so far won the support for this of Gordon Taylor and the Professional Footballers' Association, as well as former England Manager Graham Taylor; and wishes them the best in their endeavours.","date":"2010-07-22","status":"o"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"41254","proposer":"10383","edm":"319","session":"2010-12","title":"Seafarers And The Race Relations Act 1976","text":"That this House welcomes the Government's publication of the independent external review of evidence submitted to the consultation on regulations to end discriminatory pay on UK ships; further welcomes the recommendation of the review that the practice of nationality-based pay differentials for seafarers be outlawed altogether on UK ships; believes that no UK industry should be permitted to ignore legislation on non-discrimination and notes that this discrimination has resulted in rates of pay below the national minimum wage on UK ships; and therefore urges the Government to endorse the findings of the independent external review and to bring forward regulations to end this discrimination as soon as possible.","date":"2010-06-24","status":"o"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"41094","proposer":"11816","edm":"171","session":"2010-12","title":"Positive Discrimination","text":"That this House is very concerned to note that Bristol City Council is restricting work opportunities by excluding white applicants from certain positions; believes that jobs should be given to people on merit irrespective of their race; opposes this form of political correctness in the name of positive discrimination; notes that positive discrimination is simply a form of discrimination which serves to undermine real equality and damages race relations; and calls on the Government to bring forward proposals to repeal all current legislation on positive discrimination.","date":"2010-06-08","status":"o"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"40714","proposer":"10001","edm":"1079","session":"2009-10","title":"Muslims In Britain","text":"That this House opposes the increased demonisation of Muslims in sections of the media; expresses its deep concern at the recent visit to the House of Lords by the far-right politician Geert Wilders; condemns the English Defence League demonstration outside Parliament in support of Geert Wilders and its slogans and placards inciting hatred, such as its demand for the closure of the East London Mosque, that will only lead to a climate of fear, division and disharmony; welcomes the participation and contribution of Muslims in British society, including in politics; and believes that the full participation of all communities in the forthcoming general election is in the interests of democracy.","date":"2010-03-12","status":"o"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"39437","proposer":"10543","edm":"2182","session":"2008-09","title":"English Defence League","text":"That this House notes with concern the activities of the English Defence League (EDL), which is trying to spread fear, violence and hatred against the Muslim community; further notes that, in the light of previous EDL demonstrations, the proposed demonstration in West Yorkshire is likely to threaten race relations and community cohesion especially in a region that has in the past been blighted by riots inspired by racism; and calls on the relevant Government departments to come together to investigate and if necessary quash this new non-political social movement.","date":"2009-10-28","status":"o"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"39368","proposer":"10171","edm":"2134","session":"2008-09","title":"Eurostar Cleaners","text":"That this House is appalled that workers employed by Carlisle Group on the Eurostar trains contract are on poverty wages which are less than the London Living Wage; is dismayed that these cleaners are denied sick pay and pensions and there are constant complaints of bullying and harassment of staff and victimisation of trade union representatives; is deeply concerned that the Eurostar cleaners have complained that there is a racial undertone to the haranguing of the mainly black and ethnic minority workforce; believes these employment abuses are more akin to the Victorian age; notes that the cleaners have been pushed into taking strike action to fight for dignity at work and salutes their bravery and solidarity; demands Eurostar and Carlisle Group take urgent steps to reach a fair settlement with the cleaners; further notes that Eurostar is publicly owned and that many public authorities have successfully intervened to ensure a living wage is paid throughout their contract chains; and therefore calls on the Government to do all it can to bring about a just conclusion to this dispute.","date":"2009-10-21","status":"o"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"39312","proposer":"10077","edm":"2081","session":"2008-09","title":"150th Anniversary Of The Speech Of Frederick Douglass To The People Of Leeds","text":"That this House congratulates the City of Leeds, the City of Louisville in Kentucky, Leeds Metropolitan University, Nazareth College in Rochester, New York State and West Yorkshire Playhouse for commemorating the 150th anniversary of the speech given by Frederick Douglass to the people of Leeds on the eve of the American Civil War; notes that in this bicentennial year of the birth of Abraham Lincoln the people of the United States have elected their first ever President of African descent, Barack Obama; and acknowledges the contribution made by those British people who supported the struggle to end slavery in the United States.","date":"2009-10-19","status":"o"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"38686","proposer":"10521","edm":"1516","session":"2008-09","title":"Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry Vc","text":"That this House calls on all decent British citizens to condemn the British National Party (BNP) for stating on its website that Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry was awarded the Victoria Cross, not for bravery in the face of the enemy in Iraq in 2005 and saving the lives of comrades in two individual acts of great heroism as set out in the Citation, but for what the BNP disgracefully says was a `politically correct' decision by the Ministry of Defence for an action limited to the Grenada-born soldier driving away very fast from a combat zone; is proud that HM Armed Forces comprises men and women from all ethnic backgrounds, from the UK and the Commonwealth, plus Gurkhas from Nepal; notes as an historic fact that people of all racial groups served, and lost their lives, fighting fascism in the Second World War and thus helped to preserve this country's freedoms against such evils; deplores the use in BNP election literature of a false photograph of a British soldier, with false quote, claiming support for the BNP; and urges the Government to ensure that the British people are made fully aware that the BNP represents the views which Britain went to war to defeat.","date":"2009-05-18","status":"o"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"38588","proposer":"10614","edm":"1425","session":"2008-09","title":"Racism In Football","text":"That this House welcomes the steps being taken by the Football Association to counter racism in football; applauds the proposals of the Football Association's working group on tackling Islamophobia and anti-Semitism in football to introduce tribunals to investigate racist and religious abuse at all levels of the game; encourages the football authorities fully to utilise the powers at their disposal to tackle all forms of abuse; recognises the need for the football community as a whole to unite to stamp out intolerance in the sport; and looks forward to the publication of the working group's report containing their full recommendations later in the year.","date":"2009-05-05","status":"o"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"38560","proposer":"10614","edm":"1399","session":"2008-09","title":"Racist Bullying In Schools","text":"That this House notes with concern the Teachers TV survey of education employees which found that 55.1 per cent. of respondents are aware of racist bullying in their school; further notes with alarm that 68.3 per cent. of respondents commented that their school does not have a strategy to help combat racist bullying; commends the work of the Anti-Bullying Alliance in attempting to counter bullying of all kinds; applauds the makers of Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks for drawing public attention to this important issue; and calls on the Government to provide sufficient resources to help ensure that schools successfully implement comprehensive strategies against racist bullying.","date":"2009-04-30","status":"o"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"38319","proposer":"10224","edm":"1198","session":"2008-09","title":"World Conference Against Racism (No. 2)","text":"That this House recognises the importance of the forthcoming Durban Review Conference to be held in Geneva in April 2009; recalls the declaration of the World Conference Against Racism held in Durban in 2001 which emphasised the importance of the provision of effective remedies, recourse, redress, and compensatory and other measures at the national, regional and international levels, aimed at countering the continued impact of slavery and the slave trade; and urges the Government to support proposals at the Review to ensure that the recommendations of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action are put into practice.","date":"2009-03-26","status":"o"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"38253","proposer":"10186","edm":"1138","session":"2008-09","title":"Proposed British National Party March In Liverpool","text":"That this House notes the cancellation of the planned march in Liverpool city centre by the British National Party; condemns and opposes the hatred the march was intended to foster; welcomes the campaign against the march supported by the community, local politicians and the North West Trades Union Congress; and thanks all those members of the public on Merseyside who signed the Hope not Hate petition opposing the march, thus ensuring a clear and loud voice against the bigotry of the British National Party.","date":"2009-03-20","status":"o"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"37417","proposer":"13933","edm":"402","session":"2008-09","title":"Holocaust Memorial Day 2009","text":"That this House notes that 27 January will mark Holocaust Memorial Day, the day on which the Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated; further notes this year's theme Stand up to Hatred and its profound contemporary significance; condemns unreservedly denial and denigration of the memory of the Holocaust and the politics of hatred and division which led to it; believes all people hold a collective duty to actively oppose racism, anti-Semitism and prejudice of all kinds; thanks the city of Coventry for hosting the national Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration and the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust for arranging it; commends organisations including the Holocaust Educational Trust, which works with schools and communities across the United Kingdom to ensure the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten; applauds its Lessons from Auschwitz Project now taking visits from across the United Kingdom, as well as its Think Equal programme, which works with schools in areas suffering from community tensions to help students understand the dangers of racism and discrimination; further notes that a book of commitment will be placed in the corridor between the Members' Cloakroom and Members' Staircase between the hours of 14.30 and 16.30 from 14 January until 27 January; and encourages all right hon. and hon. Members to sign the book and to involve themselves with the day, to ensure that neither the Holocaust, nor its crucial lessons are ever forgotten.","date":"2009-01-12","status":"o"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"37247","proposer":"10780","edm":"216A1","session":"2008-09","title":"British National Party Racism Cuts Both Ways Campaign","text":"at end add `but does nonetheless accept that, whether fascists or democrats use the phrase, racism does indeed cut both ways.'.","date":"2008-12-10","status":"o"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"37210","proposer":"10828","edm":"216","session":"2008-09","title":"British National Party Racism Cuts Both Ways Campaign","text":"That this House deplores the Racism Cuts Both Ways campaign being waged by the British National Party (BNP); believes that this is a deliberate attempt by the BNP to whip up racism by spreading lies and misinformation; is particularly concerned that the BNP is now intending to target secondary school children; and deplores the incitement of racial violence by the spread of falsehood in such propaganda.","date":"2008-12-09","status":"o"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"37165","proposer":"11610","edm":"173","session":"2008-09","title":"Press Complaints Commission And Giles Coren","text":"That this House notes with great sadness the decision of the Press Complaints Commission (PCC) to refuse to take action in the case of Giles Coren's article of 26 July 2008 published in The Times; supports the Federation of Poles in Great Britain in maintaining that the use of offensive words such as `polack' and the statement that Poles ` ... used to amuse themselves at Easter by locking Jews in the synagogue and setting fire to it' should most certainly be condemned and fall within the remit of the PCC; and, while saluting the dignified response of Her Excellency the Polish Ambassador, acknowledges the great pain and distress caused by this article to the Polish community in the UK and beyond.","date":"2008-12-08","status":"o"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"37075","proposer":"10169","edm":"83","session":"2008-09","title":"World Conference Against Racism","text":"That this House notes that the 2001 World Conference Against Racism held in Durban produced unprecedented levels of anti-semitism and anti-Zionism under the banner of the United Nations; notes that a follow-up Review Conference will be held in April 2009; recalls that the Government has publicly pledged to withdraw from the Review process if there is a repetition of the anti-semitism experienced at the 2001 Conference; further notes that Israel and Canada have already withdrawn their participation from the conference; expresses concern that the draft working document produced at the October 2008 Preparatory Committee Meeting of the Durban Review Process contains unacceptable text accusing Israel of committing genocide and apartheid while no other country is singled out for mention, language that downplays the importance of tackling anti-semitism and passages that seek to curtail freedom of expression in order to protect religion from criticism; commends continuing efforts by UK diplomats to negotiate a fair and legitimate Declaration for the conference; and calls on the Government to withdraw from the Durban Review Process if the final Declaration is not acceptable.","date":"2008-12-03","status":"o"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"36732","proposer":"10383","edm":"2352","session":"2007-08","title":"Heathrow Equalities Impact Assessment","text":"That this House expresses its concern that, in the Government's current equalities impact assessment consultation on adding capacity at Heathrow airport, not a single black and minority ethnic organisation in the London Borough of Hillingdon is listed as a consultee despite the devastating threat Heathrow expansion is to communities in Hillingdon; and considers that in the light of the failings within the consultation process, the consultation should be recommenced.","date":"2008-10-27","status":"c"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"36671","proposer":"11093","edm":"2303","session":"2007-08","title":"Football Against Racism In Europe (Fare) Anti-Racism Week","text":"That this House notes the Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) anti-racism week celebrates 15 years of Kick Racism Out of Football campaigns; sees the need for more progress across the board but particularly to combat anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in football; welcomes local projects like Game On that are being launched as part of the 2008 FARE anti-racism week; commends the creation of the FA Working Group on anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in Football; recognises the best practice that has taken place in UEFA; and congratulates the leadership of FARE, Kick it Out and other national affiliates for their excellent anti-racism campaigns.","date":"2008-10-21","status":"c"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"36392","proposer":"10521","edm":"2050","session":"2007-08","title":"Italian Government And Roma People","text":"That this House registers with revulsion the actions taken by the Italian government against Roma people; regards such actions, coupled with television footage of Italians verbally abusing and harassing Roma people, and the deliberate burning of Roma property, to be an unwelcome reminder of Italy's 20th century fascist regime; affirms that such discrimination is not compatible with the United Nations Charter and the principles of equality of all citizens laid down in requirements for membership of the European Union; and calls on the Government to make urgent representations to the Italian government to cease repressive measures against the Roma community and to uphold the UN Charter and the principles of EU membership.","date":"2008-07-15","status":"c"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"35636","proposer":"10123","edm":"1389","session":"2007-08","title":"Love Music Hate Racism","text":"That this House welcomes the Love Music Hate Racism Carnival due to take place in East London on Sunday 27th April 2008; recognises the historic impact and importance of the Rock Against Racism Concert which took place in Victoria Park in 1978; congratulates Love Music Hate Racism performers, organisers and supporters including trade unions; is aware that many anti-racism activists have campaigned over a long period to thwart the spread of racism in the United Kingdom over the past 30 years and to stop it being considered in any way acceptable; notes that the racist BNP are hoping to secure a seat in the forthcoming London Assembly elections and in other council elections; and calls on voters in London and throughout the country to use their vote on 1st May to keep the racists out of public office.","date":"2008-04-22","status":"c"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"35610","proposer":"10383","edm":"1366","session":"2007-08","title":"Institutional Racism","text":"That this House notes that as one of its final actions the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) produced a report identifying 15 Government departments that failed properly to implement the provisions of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 - legislation designed to tackle institutional racism - and recommended enforcement action against them; further notes that job cuts in a number of the Government departments referred to in the report have had a negative and disproportionate impact on race grounds, and that despite this at least one department has proceeded to make staff compulsorily redundant before conducting a race equality impact assessment; is concerned that 10 years after the publication of Sir William McPherson's report on the death of Stephen Lawrence which identified the need to tackle institutional racism, sufficient progress has not been made in central Government departments; is further concerned that failure to take robust action will render the review of race equality schemes for the 2008 to 2011 period meaningless, resulting in the continued entrenchment of inequality; and calls on the new Equality and Human Rights Commission to pursue legal enforcement against those departments that have not taken urgent action to become compliant as a result of the CRE's report.","date":"2008-04-21","status":"c"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"35341","proposer":"13934","edm":"1122","session":"2007-08","title":"Southall Black Sisters Facing Closure","text":"That this House notes that Southall Black Sisters, a pioneering and pre-eminent campaigning and advocacy group for black and minority ethnic women experiencing domestic violence, is facing possible closure due to proposed funding cuts by Ealing Council; further notes that the local authority has justified its decision on the basis that single group funding promotes segregation; calls upon the Government to clarify its cohesion funding strategy with special regard to secular groups such as Southall Black Sisters which work with women from different ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds, many of whom are amongst the most marginalised and voiceless women in society; further calls on the Government to condemn publicly any moves towards this proposed funding cut; urges the Government to acknowledge the invaluable work that Southall Black Sisters has been doing for abused women since the 1970s; and further calls on the Government to voice its support for the Southall Black Sisters' continued role in empowering vulnerable and isolated women in Ealing and beyond.","date":"2008-03-05","status":"c"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"34788","proposer":"10001","edm":"635","session":"2007-08","title":"Allegations Of Racist Abuse In Immigration Detention","text":"That this House is alarmed by the recent report commissioned by the Border and Immigration Agency into allegations of racism in immigration detention centres; notes that investigations at immigration detention centres across the country found a catalogue of racist incidents and mistreatment of detainees; further notes that the report finds internal inquiries taking place at some centres to be inadequate; and calls on the Government to take urgent action to ensure staff working in these centres are fully trained in race relations and to create a robust system for internal inspection at the centres.","date":"2008-01-07","status":"c"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"34720","proposer":"10001","edm":"575","session":"2007-08","title":"Conduct Of The Hon. Member For Henley","text":"That this House condemns the reference by the hon. Member for Henley of black people as `piccaninnies', of Africans as having `water melon smiles' and of African people that `left to their own devices, the natives would rely on nothing but the instant carbohydrate gratification of the plantain'; notes that the leader of the Conservative Party, the rt. hon. Member for Witney, has been asked by leading members of London's black community to disassociate his party from these remarks and has refused to do so stating that the rt. hon. Member's remarks have been `taken out of context and fail to properly represent what he has said in the past'; further notes that the hon. Member has never disputed the fact that he wrote these comments about black and African people; and believes that there is no context in which such remarks could be defensible or justified.","date":"2007-12-13","status":"c"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"34670","proposer":"10120","edm":"530","session":"2007-08","title":"Race Relations Act 1976","text":"That this House takes serious note of the continued refusal of the Governing Body of Aberdare Girls' School to permit a 14 year-old Sikh girl from wearing to school her Kara, a small Sikh bangle that is an article of her faith; is concerned to learn the punishment for the girl for her insistence on wearing her modest Kara was at first keeping her in isolation for nine weeks and then on 5th November, excluding her from school; and calls upon the UK Government to work with the Welsh Assembly and to do everything within its power to ensure the girl is immediately reinstated as her treatment clearly amounts to discrimination and contravenes the Race Relations Act 1976.","date":"2007-12-10","status":"c"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"34377","proposer":"10001","edm":"270","session":"2007-08","title":"Italy And The Rroma Population","text":"That this House is troubled by the recent events in Italy concerning the Romanian Rroma population living there; notes that an emergency law was rushed into force stating that immigrants deemed to be a threat to public security may be summarily expelled from the country; further notes that since then 38 Romanians have been expelled and some politicians are calling for as many as 20,000 Rroma in Rome alone to be expelled; is concerned that these events have increased animosity towards the Romanian Rroma population in Italy and have already led to attacks on people from these communities; and calls on the UK Government to put pressure on the Italian government to honour their obligations under EU law only to expel immigrants who individually pose a threat to public security, to provide a right to appeal and to give a month in which to leave the country.","date":"2007-11-14","status":"c"},{"topic":"Racial discrimination","id":"34294","proposer":"10001","edm":"192","session":"2007-08","title":"Imprisonment Of Frank Kakopa","text":"That this House deplores the imprisonment of engineer Frank Kakopa in Belfast in 2005 on the mistaken grounds that he was an illegal immigrant; notes that the Equality Commission has condemned the imprisonment as unlawful and brought about purely on the grounds of Mr Kakopa's race; and congratulates the Commission on securing an out-of-court settlement and an apology for Mr Kakopa and his family from the Immigration Service.","date":"2007-11-12","status":"c"}]