TMP Online

Efforts to increase race equality and unlock the potential of people from ethnic minority backgrounds to progress in education and business need to be accelerated, Cohesion Minister Parmjit Dhanda said on Tuesday.

A report published on Tuesday showed that the cross-government focus to break down the barriers that prevent some members of Black and Minority Ethnic communities from equal opportunities, rights and responsibilities is leading to real improvements.

But in his first announcement as Cohesion Minister, Parmjit Dhanda reflected on his own experience of growing up as a second generation Asian in Britain, and said a new focus is now needed to help more people - regardless of their race, faith or ethnic origin - fulfil their potential and play a fuller part in their communities.

His priority will be to tackle the inqualities faced by many Muslim women and young people. The report shows that the employment rate gap between Pakistani and Bangladeshi women and white women has changed very little since 1970. He believes Government needs to do more to enable their voices to be heard and empower them to engage in their communities - bringing economic and social benefits to society.

Speaking at a community project in South London, Parmjit Dhanda said:

“Many members of the Black and Minority Ethnic Communities are already thriving in Britain today. But the picture is not uniform and we need to step-up efforts to make sure nobody is left behind.

“I grew up as a Sikh and a second generation Asian in a predominantly white community. I was fortunate and benefited by having parents who pushed me to do well at school and to go on to university. Now I need to be a pushy Minister to help minority communities to get the best for their children.

“I want to make sure Government is doing all it can to open doors to women and young people regardless of their background to help them realise and achieve their potential. We need to do more to break down the barriers facing many people from ethnic backgrounds and support them to take on leadership roles in civic life and help shape the places they live to promote greater equality.

“We now have some of the most comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation in Europe; targeted interventions in school are raising educational achievement and ethnic employment rates are rising. I welcome these positive changes but we still have a long way to go. Across public services and across Government we need to continue to take the steps that are needed to deliver greater equality and build strong communities.”

The Improving Opportunity, Strengthening Society (IOSS) strategy is the Government’s commitment to create strong, cohesive communities in which every individual, whatever their racial or ethnic origin, is able to enjoy equal opportunities, rights and responsibilities.

For further information log on to the Communities Department website here.