Miscellaneous -
Racism
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Office statistics reveal that black people are
five times more likely to be arrested compared to
those from other ethnic groups and more likely to
end up in prison. Blacks make up 13% of the male
prison population and 21% of the female
population, even though they represent just 1.8%
of the overall population. A total of 97,800
black people were arrested in England and Wales
last year - up 12% on the previous 12 months. In
comparison, the number of white people arrested
fell by 1% to 1,091,000. Among Asians, arrests
were up 7% while other ethnic groups saw arrests
rise by 25%. The figures also show that the
number of black murder victims has increased by a
quarter over the past three years. The number of
Asian murder victims has increased at a similar
rate, while the rise among whites has been 5%.
Almost one in three black murder victims were
shot. This compares to 12% of Asians and 7% of
whites.
Home Office Minister Lord Falconer said,
"The statistics show that people from the
black and minority communities have a different
experience of the criminal justice system both as
defendants and victims. Whilst we have the data
it does not tell us why this is the case. The
extent to which experience is caused by prejudice
or because black and minority ethnic communities
suffer from other factors which increase crime is
unclear." The report also includes figures,
originally published last year, showing that
blacks were eight times more likely to be stopped
and searched by police compared to whites. Asians
are three times more likely to be stopped and
searched compared to whites. Lord Falconer said
revised guidance to police on the use of stop and
search powers would be come into force in April.
"Our aim is to ensure that the police have
the confidence to use the powers effectively,
whilst promoting confidence in the use of the
powers amongst all sections of the
community," he said.
Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Simon
Hughes urged ministers to "put more effort
into equality". He added, "Labour must
put more effort into equality. Unless rigorous
action is taken to address inequality and
prejudice, Labour's crack down on crime is in
danger of being seen as a crack down on ethnic
minorities." Commission for Racial Equality
chairman Trevor Phillips said, "My message
to police chiefs around the country is that the
trend must change. We know that all chief police
officers agree with our aims, but we must now
achieve results. If we continue still heading in
the wrong direction, the CRE will be compelled to
consider using its enforcement powers under the
Race Relations Act to make police forces deliver
on the commitments they have already made to
address these disparities."
A
council has banned the flag of St George at its
town hall, in case it is seen as racist. Rugby
Borough Council members vetoed a move to fly the
flag every day amid fears it could be linked with
the British National Party. Councillors were
happy to fly the Union Jack on significant dates
and the English standard, a red cross on a white
background, on St George’s Day. But some
felt flying the flag all the time could send out
“wrong messages”. Alan Webb, leader of
the Warwickshire council’s Labour group,
said the authority was following Government
protocol. He added, “It’s inappropriate
to fly flags apart from on flag days, otherwise
you devalue them.”
Sir Robin Williams of the Campaign for an
Independent Britain called it “political
correctness gone mad.” He said,
“Immigrants should be proud to be
here.” The Campaign for Racial Equality
advised against the banning of any flag. A Royal
British Legion spokesman added, “It will
certainly upset a good many members of the
community.” Angry Tory councillor David
Wright was disgusted that the proposal had been
rejected by 27 votes to 16. He vowed to lodge
another motion urging the council to reconsider.
He said he had yet to meet a single member of the
public of any race who opposed the defeated
plans.
Attacks
by Asian gangs gave rise to claims that streets
in Oldham had become no go zones for whites after
police revealed that of 572 racist crimes
recorded there in 2002, 60% of the alleged
victims were white. A 16-year-old white teenager
was punched and stamped on by a gang of 12 Asian
youths, who left him with a broken cheekbone and
severe cuts. The attack only stopped when a
passing taxi driver went to his rescue. One Asian
youth said, "There are signs all around
saying whites enter at your risk." Another
youth smoking a carrot-sized joint outside a
takeaway said, "The police are the main
cause of it really. When they come to make an
arrest here, they will come in force. There is no
need for 10 or more of them to turn up in a van
at the first sign of trouble."
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