News from Southampton Labour

“We’re committed to tackling inequality and disadvantage wherever it exists”

John Denham Unveils Next Steps In Promoting Equality For All.

MP John Denham has re-affirmed the Government’s steadfast commitment to tackling race inequality. Yesterday, in his role as Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, he outlined plans to build on the significant achievements by pledging to tackle inequality wherever it exists.

Published yesterday, Tackling Race Inequality: A Statement on Race details the consistent progress that has been made to tackle racism and secure race equality in recent years, highlights the remaining challenges and the need to broaden the focus of equalities work to respond to new and emerging issues.

Mr Denham said:

“The Government has an absolute commitment to eradicating racism and promoting race equality: a commitment which will not be met until every single person in this country has the same opportunities and an equal chance of success.

“New trends are emerging linked to the way that race and class together shape people’s lives and this makes the situation much more complex.

“We are working towards building a society where regardless of class, race, beliefs or anything else: in every community, in every corner of the country – we are on people’s side. No favours. No privileges. No special interest groups. Just fairness.”

Mr Denham today pledged to redouble efforts to promote greater equality for all, and combine that with action to target the specific problems faced by particular groups. He stressed the need to do this in ways which are fair, seen to be fair, and in a way that will ensure no group is neglected or overlooked.

The new document details how Government will build on the remarkable achievements of the past ten years setting out a threefold approach to tackling what is now a more complex challenge:

* Enforcing the strong legal framework – The new Equality Bill will modernise, streamline and strengthen the existing legislative framework, helping people to understand their rights and further reduce inequality and discrimination. The Bill acknowledges the wider context in which race inequality must now be tackled. Instead of addressing the needs of different groups separately, it will require all public services to offer a decent service to everyone – regardless. And it will mean more of a focus on outcomes – not processes. For the first time, public bodies will have to take class into account and consider what action they can take to tackle entrenched socio-economic disadvantage.

* Leadership – Communities and Local Government will work with those charged with inspecting public bodies to make sure that services are complying with their duties and obligations. CLG will continue to challenge other Government Departments and public bodies to promote race equality in everything they do.

* Targeted work – where certain groups face specific challenges targeted work is needed in response. The REACH role modelling programme is addressing low achievement and low aspirations amongst young black boys, works is going on in schools to improve poor white boys progress and help particular groups overcome specific challenges, where needed.

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