Equality and Diversity (Reform) Bill Debate

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Department: Home Office
Friday 21st October 2011

(13 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Damian Green Portrait The Minister for Immigration (Damian Green)
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There is a genuinely serious and interesting debate here. For instance, 30 years ago, racist jokes were a staple for stand-up comics, and it was the early stages of political correctness that made that unacceptable. Would my hon. Friend like to see the return of the racist joke?

John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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If the Minister would turn round and address the Chamber, we would be grateful.

Damian Green Portrait Damian Green
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Does my hon. Friend not agree that the return of the racist joke as a comedy staple would be unacceptable? He says that all forms of political correctness are unacceptable, but does he not think that that is pushing it a bit too far?