Race Equality in Tower Hamlets - London MEP stresses need to combat virus of race prejudice

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 4th May 2004

London Liberal Democrat MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford spoke on April 30th at the AGM of 'Race Equality in Tower Hamlets' about the Liberal Democrats' commitment to a cohesive society in which diversity is valued and people of all different races and religion are respected equally. Sarah, who also took part in Brick Lane in the May 2nd Day of Action against the BNP, said:

"It is vital that we combat the virus of race prejudice, Islamophobia and anti-Semitism. The BNP is attempting to sound respectable, but they are a deeply racist and despicable group. I am delighted that the Liberal Democrats' most recent success against the BNP is in the London Borough of Hillingdon where, in winning a seat previously held by the Tories, we beat off a BNP challenge. "

Sarah Ludford also explained the major European contribution to fighting racism in which she played a full role, with tough anti-discrimination laws having been passed by the European Parliament in the last few years. Sarah was the Parliament's lead MEP on anti-racism and represented it at the World Conference against racism in South Africa.

"Liberal Democrats want to combat terrorism and illegal immigration, but we oppose illiberal moves such as internment without charge and ID cards being pushed through by this Labour government. We fear black and minority ethnic residents, especially Muslims, suffering discrimination such as through stop-and-search powers."

Sarah, who led the European Parliament's condemnation of Guantanamo Bay, emphasised the importance of Europe and Britain conducting foreign policy in the Middle East, Kashmir and Iraq in a way that promoted both peace abroad and a sense of justice among Britain's diverse communities at home..

"The Liberal Democrats' opposition to the war in Iraq had been vindicated. The shocking pictures of American and British troops torturing Iraqi civilians mark a new and shameful low point. The sooner control is handed over to Iraqi sovereignty, the better."