← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
Macpherson Report: Twenty-two Years On
07 July 2022
Lead MP
Diana R. Johnson
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Lab
Responding Minister
Not recorded
Tags
Employment
Word Count: 9932
Other Contributors: 2
At a Glance
Diana R. Johnson raised concerns about macpherson report: twenty-two years on in Westminster Hall. Response awaited from government.
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
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.
Anne McLaughlin
SNP
Galloway and West Dumfries
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
Lab
Croydon West
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.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.