House of Commons · Westminster Hall
07 July 2022 · 2 other contributors · 9,932 words
Opened by Diana R. Johnson Lab Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Responding minister: Not recorded
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Diana R. Johnson raised concerns about macpherson report: twenty-two years on in Westminster Hall. Response awaited from government.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The lead MP asks the government to outline how it is monitoring trust and confidence among black and minority ethnic communities locally, what work it plans to improve BME recruitment when the uplift programme ends in 2023, progress on addressing racial disproportionality in police misconduct and discipline, and whether all forces have implemented recommendations made by HMICFRS on disproportionate use of stop and search powers.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The Home Affairs Committee's report found significant racial disparities in policing, including a decline in confidence among BME communities, lack of progress on BME recruitment, problems with misconduct proceedings, and unjustified racial disparities in stop and search. These issues persist despite improvements made since the Macpherson report was published.
Summarises the Macpherson report's findings on institutional racism, noting the progress made but highlighting continuing issues in policing. She highlighted the enduring issues of racism in policing since the Macpherson report, citing the case of Sheku Bayoh and calling for robust mechanisms to address police misconduct. Emphasizing Scotland's community-based approach to policing, she noted improvements but also ongoing challenges such as public confidence in police and the need for continuous improvement. Does the hon. Lady agree that allowing suspicionless stop and search under the Public Order Bill will increase disproportionality rates between different ethnicities, as officers will not need an excuse to stop and search someone near a protest?
Sarah Jones highlighted the persistent racial disparities in policing and the lack of confidence among black communities. She mentioned that progress has been made but there is still a significant need for improvement, especially regarding stop and search practices and police representation. The Home Affairs Committee report showed that stop and search had become more disproportionate over the years and that recruitment targets were set to take 20 years to achieve parity in police forces.