Failing to Address Race Inequality: A Manifesto Critique

As Chair of Operation Black Vote (OBV), I have spent years advocating for racial equality and fighting against systemic racism in all its forms. The Liberal Democrats’ manifesto, while comprehensive in many areas, falls short in addressing the pervasive issue of race inequality and social racism that plagues our society. This critique aims to highlight these shortcomings, identify opportunities for improvement, and call for a more robust commitment to racial justice.

A Missed Opportunity

The manifesto’s broad focus on climate change, health, education, and economic reform is commendable, yet it glaringly overlooks the systemic racial inequalities that intersect with these issues. The absence of a detailed strategy to combat racial discrimination and promote social inclusion is a missed opportunity for a party that prides itself on liberal values and inclusivity.

Inadequate Race Equality Strategy

While the manifesto mentions developing and implementing a comprehensive Race Equality Strategy, it lacks specificity and depth. It fails to provide clear, actionable steps to address the entrenched disparities faced by Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities. Without detailed plans, timelines, and accountability mechanisms, such a strategy risks being nothing more than a token gesture. To strengthen this strategy, the manifesto should include:

• Specific targets for reducing racial disparities in education, employment, and health.
• Timelines and benchmarks to measure progress.
• Accountability mechanisms to ensure commitments are met.

Education and Employment

The manifesto promises improvements in education and employment but does not adequately address the racial disparities within these sectors. BAME students continue to face significant barriers in accessing quality education and achieving academic success. Similarly, employment rates and workplace advancement for BAME individuals lag behind their white counterparts. The manifesto should have included targeted measures to close these gaps, such as:

• Mentorship programs for BAME students and professionals.
• Bias training for educators and employers.
• Stricter enforcement of anti-discrimination laws in education and employment.

Health Inequalities

Health inequalities disproportionately affect BAME communities, yet the manifesto’s health section does not address this critical issue. The impact of COVID-19 has starkly highlighted these disparities, with BAME individuals suffering higher infection and mortality rates. The manifesto should have committed to comprehensive research into these disparities and implemented specific health interventions to address the unique needs of BAME communities, such as:

• Culturally competent healthcare services.
• Targeted public health campaigns.
• Increased funding for mental health services in BAME communities.

Criminal Justice and Policing

The manifesto's brief mention of reforming policing and the criminal justice system does not go far enough in addressing the systemic racism that pervades these institutions. BAME individuals are more likely to be stopped, searched, and arrested than their white peers. The manifesto should have included specific commitments to end racial profiling, ensure independent investigations into police misconduct, and increase community oversight of policing practices. Strengthening this area requires:

• Mandatory racial bias training for all police officers.
• Independent bodies to oversee complaints and investigations.
• Community-based policing strategies.

Housing and Homelessness

BAME individuals are disproportionately affected by housing instability and homelessness, yet the manifesto’s housing section does not address these disparities. Ensuring access to affordable housing and preventing discrimination in the housing market should have been key priorities. The manifesto should have outlined measures to support BAME communities in securing safe and affordable housing, such as:

• Increasing funding for housing assistance programs.
• Enforcing anti-discrimination laws in housing.
• Developing community-led housing projects.

Constitutional Change and Political Reform

The manifesto’s commitment to political reform and constitutional change presents an opportunity to embed racial equality into the fabric of our political system. The manifesto includes proposals to:

• Ensure no politician can take the public for granted by introducing proportional representation.
• Strengthen democratic rights and participation by scrapping the Conservatives’ voter ID scheme and giving 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote.
• Transfer greater powers away from Westminster and Whitehall, introducing a written constitution for a federal United Kingdom with strong voices for England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

However, these reforms should also include measures to:

• Increase the representation of BAME individuals in political offices and public bodies.
• Ensure that any new constitutional framework explicitly protects the rights of minority communities.
• Implement diversity quotas in political parties and public appointments to ensure that the decision-making process reflects the diversity of the UK population.

Conclusion

While the Liberal Democrats' manifesto presents a vision for a fairer and more inclusive society, it falls short in addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by BAME communities. To truly commit to equality, the party must go beyond broad statements and implement detailed, actionable plans to combat racial inequality and social racism. Strengthening the Race Equality Strategy, addressing disparities in education, employment, health, criminal justice, and housing, and embedding racial equality in political reforms are crucial steps. As Chair of Operation Black Vote, I urge the Liberal Democrats and all political parties to prioritize racial justice and work towards a society where everyone, regardless of race or ethnicity, has the opportunity to thrive.

David Weaver
Chair, Operation Black Vote (OBV)