Deputy Leadership contenders on all ethnic minority shortlists
17 05 2007
At the first big Labour deputy leadership hustings, organised by Progress and the Fabian Society, the candidates were asked by an audience member whether they would favour the introduction of all ethnic minority shortlists in light of the lamentable numbers of ethnic minority members of parliament and the recent comments of Culture Minister, David Lammy, on the issue.
Black, Asian and minority ethnic (’BME’) people make up 8% of the population; there are 646 members of Parliament, of which 352 are Labour. Presently there are 15 BME MPs (2.3%), of which 13 are Labour. If BMEs were represented in parliament in proportion to their share of the population, there would be 52 BME MPs; if 8% of the Parliamentary Labour Party was BME, there would be 28 BME Labour MPs. Notably, all women shortlists have failed to produce a single BME candidate.
When asked, Hazel Blears, Jon Cruddas and Peter Hain all spoke in favour of the introduction of all ethnic minority shortlists where appropriate, whereas Harriet Harman who represents one of the most diverse constituencies in the country (with the highest number of Black people as a percentage of the population (40%)), and Hilary Benn came out against. Further details of the hustings will appear on this website shortly.
I think only BME shortlists is a good idea as this is the only true way to increase representation of BME in House of Parliament. I 100% in favour of this idea. I am also support woman shortlists only as that increase more women in Parliament. We also introduce some seats BME women only.