HL Deb 23 October 2000 vol 618 c11WA
Baroness Uddin

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How they will respond to the recommendations of the Parekh Report on the future of multi-ethnic Britain. [HL4141]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Bassam of Brighton)

On 11 October 2000, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department launched the report of the Runnymede Trust's Commission on the Future of Multi-ethnic Britain. He said that he welcomed all contributions to the debate about how we promote race equality in this country and many of the recommendations made by the commission; that he was disappointed that the commission appeared grudging in its recognition of what the Government had achieved already; and that he disagreed with the commission's views on Britishness. Specific recommendations addressed to the Government are being considered, and a more detailed response will be given in due course.