Community Cohesion

Debate between Lord Soley and Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth

Monday 18th July 2016 Lords Chamber

[Lord Soley (Lab)]

Does the Minister agree that senior politicians, and members of the Government in particular, have a responsibility not to use language that encourages this? During the referendum debate, some adverts and one or two statements—one from a current member of Government, I am afraid—gave people permission to bring out their feelings about ethnic minorities. Frankly, if such feelings are not encouraged, they tend to stay hidden.

[Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth]

My Lords, the noble Lord is right that across the board we all—politicians in all parties, as in the other House—have a role to play and a responsibility to use appropriate language and come together to ensure that we move forward in tackling hate crime together.