HL Deb 24 October 2002 vol 639 cc111-2WA
Lord Ouseley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether it is compatible for police constabularies or police authorities in England and Wales which are required to promote good race relations in accordance with the new duty imposed under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 also to provide protection to extremist organisations holding extremist rallies. [HL6008]

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

Public authorities listed in Schedule 1A to the Race Relations Act 1976, as amended by the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000, are subject to the duty to promote race equality. These include police authorities. The duty requires public authorities, in carrying out their functions, to have due regard to the need to eliminate unlawful racial discrimination and to promote equality of opportunity and good race relations between persons of different racial groups.

People are free to assemble and to express views with which the Government may profoundly disagree so long as they do not breach the law. Decisions about how to police public assemblies are the responsibility of individual chief police officers. But we would expect these policing functions to be carried out in compliance with the duty.

Lord Ouseley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What advice the Home Secretary receives, and from whom, on policies and practices to be pursued to achieve racial equality and good race relations in England and Wales. [HL6009]

Lord Filkin

The Home Secretary receives advice from a wide range of bodies including the Lawrence Steering Group, the Community Cohension Panel, the Race Equality Advisory Panel, the Race Equality Adviser to the Permanent Secretary, the Commission for Racial Equality and from the Race Equality Unit at the Home Office.