Debates between James McMurdock and Siobhain McDonagh during the 2024 Parliament

Facial Recognition: Police Use

Debate between James McMurdock and Siobhain McDonagh
Wednesday 13th November 2024

(1 week, 4 days ago)

Westminster Hall
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James McMurdock Portrait James McMurdock
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I want us to be careful that we are not making assumptions that may not be right. I am not taking a firm position, but there have been a number of comments, from several parts of the Chamber, about racial disparity. It would be remiss of me to let those things be said without making the point that I am not 100% sure that they are all accurate. For example—

Siobhain McDonagh Portrait Dame Siobhain McDonagh (in the Chair)
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Order. I apologise, but could the hon. Member please explain briefly what his intervention is?

James McMurdock Portrait James McMurdock
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Of course. The topic of racial disparity is one we should all treat extremely seriously—possibly one of the most serious things we can do to benefit our society is to discuss this and get it right—but can we please not make any leading assumptions? We live in a fair and good society. If someone listened to this debate in isolation, they might get an impression that I do not believe would be strictly fair.