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Black History Month 2025-10-23
23 October 2025
Lead MP
The Minister for Equalities
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
No tags
Other Contributors: 25
At a Glance
The Minister for Equalities raised concerns about black history month 2025-10-23 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Government Statement
I am honoured to open this debate on Black History Month, which is a chance to honour those who came before us and celebrate the huge contribution that our black communities make in Britain today. The lives of black Britons are building blocks of our nation from Roman times to the Windrush generation. Generation after generation, black Britons have been present on the frontline of efforts to break down barriers despite persistent opposition. Black History Month reminds us of the legacy of those whose talent and fortitude took them and this great country forward in deeply challenging circumstances. We celebrate drivers of change such as Ignatius Sancho, Ottobah Cugoano, Olaudah Equiano, Claudia Jones, Trevor Carter, Olive Morris, Idris Elba, Naomi Campbell, Doreen Lawrence (Baroness Lawrence), Diane Abbott and others who are icons, visionaries and change-makers. The fight for justice has not been without pain and sacrifice; we must defend our values of decency, tolerance and respect against the rise in racism from right-wing populism in Europe and the US. People of colour have expressed fear for themselves, their families and future, and it's important that we come together as a nation to unite rather than divide. Progressives must make choices today to build Britain tomorrow by remembering and continuing to tell the stories of those who came before us.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
I commend the Minister for bringing this debate. People from Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Egypt, Pakistan and India contribute to Strangford's work-life and economy as well as its culture, religion and history.
Minister reply
Thank you for your comments. The hon. Gentleman describes powerfully the contribution to his community and our country of those from all backgrounds and nations.
Peter Prinsley
Lab
Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket
Question
Does the Minister agree with Katie Lam's plan for a 'culturally coherent' society and returning many UK residents to their 'home'? This rhetoric fans racism and division.
Minister reply
Thank you, my hon. Friend. Such sentiments shock us all. The intervention from Jim Shannon better reflects the contribution made by immigrants to this country. People must recognise that this is our home and our country.
Julie Minns
Lab
Carlisle
Question
In 1835, John Kent became the first black police officer in any UK police force. Does the Minister agree that his plaque should be one of many commemorating and celebrating the contribution of black Britons?
Minister reply
That is a powerful point. It is vital to recognise the contribution made by those from minority ethnic communities to our history, public services, economy and society.
Birmingham Erdington
Question
What steps is she taking to ensure that equality and opportunity are at the heart of this Government’s five missions?
Minister reply
Tackling barriers to opportunity is a key priority for this Government. Everyone, regardless of race or background, should be able to achieve their ambitions.
Kirsty Blackman
SNP
Aberdeen North
Question
When will the draft equality (race and disability) Bill be published, before or after Christmas?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady's desire for clarity is noted. There are still stages to go through, such as considering responses to the consultation and working with the Leader of the House on bringing forward the draft legislation. The minister will endeavour to keep the House updated on progress.
Peter Lamb
Lab
Crawley
Question
Does the right hon. Lady share my concern that the debate on race has shifted from explicit conversation to coded references, targeting migrants with black or brown skin?
Minister reply
While I agree that we need to be careful about talking about progress when racial terms are used in code, it is important to address issues such as immigration policies and their impact on communities. We must ensure that our approach is fair and just for all.
Marie Goldman
Lib Dem
Chelmsford
Question
Following the Mother of the House's speech, Marie Goldman acknowledges the importance of standing firm against racism and calls for meaningful action to address past injustices such as ending the hostile environment policy and implementing the Windrush lessons learned review. She also highlights critical issues like high maternal mortality rates for black women and the need for systemic improvements in maternity care.
Dawn Butler
Lab
Brent East
Question
Acknowledging the Government's decision to hold today’s debate on Black History Month, Dawn Butler praises Brent council’s event and expresses gratitude towards the shadow Minister for her speech. She also mentions the founding of the Parliamentary Black Caucus aimed at affirming racial pride and combating ongoing racial injustices.
Dawn Butler
Lab
Brent East
Question
Reads out racist messages sent to her and discusses the need for a change in narrative around Britishness.
Question
Mentioned an incident involving racism towards one of her staff members years ago, highlighting how it affects people emotionally.
Kirsty Blackman
SNP
Aberdeen North
Question
Discusses the diversity in Aberdeen and highlights several individuals who have contributed positively to society despite facing challenges due to their backgrounds.
Calvin Bailey
Lab
Leyton and Wanstead
Question
The hon. Member for Aberdeen North may not be aware of his visits to Aberdeen as an RAF pilot advocating for young black people in STEM industries, including those by the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers conference next week. Will she join him in recognising their work?
Minister reply
Kirsty Blackman agreed with the hon. Member's points about diversity in engineering and expressed her support for breaking through the glass ceiling experienced by black and minority ethnic individuals, as well as acknowledging the intersectionality faced by black female engineers.
Question
Does the hon. Lady agree that Reform has emboldened racists to speak out more publicly? Also, do she and her colleagues agree that none of the parties in this House should be chasing after Reform’s policies?
Minister reply
Kirsty Blackman agreed with Ms Abbott about the emboldening effect of Reform MPs on racist narratives. She reiterated that no one in Parliament should be endorsing mass deportation or similar regressive policies.
Ben Coleman
Lab
Chelsea and Fulham
Question
The hon. Member discussed health disparities faced by people of colour in the NHS, particularly focusing on maternal health where black women are disproportionately affected. He mentioned that a black woman is 2.3 times more likely than a white woman to die during pregnancy or childbirth due to systemic racism.
Question
The hon. Member speaks very powerfully and knowledgeably about maternity services. Does the hon. Member agree that many of the changes he is suggesting could be implemented right now without waiting for the outcome of current reviews?
Minister reply
Absolutely. The hon. Member and I are advocating lifting and shifting good practices seen in initiatives such as the Greater Manchester example to ensure better data collection, mandatory anti-racism training, addressing workforce issues, and improving accountability.
Ben Coleman
Labour Party
Question
The hon. Member for Aberdeen North highlighted good practice on the NHS UK website and with the Greater Manchester example. Does he think it is possible to lift and shift these practices across the board?
Minister reply
Absolutely, lifting and shifting good practices across the NHS can help address racial health inequalities by focusing on better data collection, mandatory training in cultural competency, workforce issues, and ensuring accountability.
Question
The hon. Friend talked about patient attitudes towards black doctors and nurses. How can we address the issue of patients being reluctant to see black staff in healthcare settings?
Minister reply
Addressing patient reluctance involves tackling structural racism within healthcare systems, improving data collection on discrimination faced by NHS staff from both patients and colleagues, and ensuring leadership accountability for addressing these disparities.
Tom Hayes
Lab
Bournemouth East
Question
It is an honour to speak in the debate. The MP discusses his pride in representing Bournemouth and highlights historical figures such as Thomas Lewis Johnson, who was born into slavery but eventually became a British citizen and wrote about faith, resilience, and humanity. He also mentions Lilian Bader, the first black woman to serve in the Royal Air Force. The MP calls for better inclusion of black history in education curriculums rather than cramming it into one month.
Warinder Juss
Lab
Wolverhampton West
Question
My hon. Friend discusses racial attacks he has experienced and the need for allies to participate in Black History Month, including people who are not black themselves. He emphasises that anyone in public service will feel vulnerable and needs support from others.
Matt Turmaine
Lab
Watford
Question
In his speech, Matt Turmaine paid tribute to various community organisations and leaders in Watford who have made significant contributions towards supporting the black community, highlighting the importance of celebrating Black History Month.
Minister reply
Mims Davies responded positively to Matt Turmaine's recognition of the community efforts. She acknowledged the significance of local initiatives and their impact on building a more inclusive society.
Calvin Bailey
Lab
Leyton and Wanstead
Question
Calvin Bailey, through his attire and presence in the Chamber, highlighted the importance of pride in being black and British. He also addressed prostate cancer rates for black men.
Minister reply
Davies commended Mr Bailey's remarks on pride and acknowledged the need for interventions beyond just addressing waiting lists to tackle health disparities such as those related to prostate cancer.
Dawn Butler
Lab
Brent East
Question
Does the Minister agree that not only do we need to be not racist but also anti-racist in order to tackle racism?
Minister reply
Absolutely, proactive measures are necessary against any form of racism observed.
Kirsty Blackman
SNP
Aberdeen North
Question
The Minister mentioned the importance of storytelling and shared a story about her grandmother.
Minister reply
Storytelling helps us understand our past, give meaning to our present, and inspire a better future.
Mims Davies
Con
East Worthing Bapesley
Question
The Minister's youth is noted, implying she looks younger than her age.
Minister reply
Acknowledgment of the compliment about looking youthful while serving as a mother and MP.
Question
No specific questions from MPs are provided in the text.
Minister reply
No answers provided as no questions were asked.
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