Ernesto Leal's Release

06 Jun 2006

Invitations have gone out to prominent, as well as aspiring, black business women across the UK who have met since 1993 to share experiences and create networks for the advancement of black women in enterprise.

The evening’s speakers will include Arun Batra, Director of Equality & Diversity, at the London Development Agency (LDA), Melbourne Barratt, Director of Business and Diane Abbott MP and President of BWMB. They will all talk about how black and minority ethnic businesses can take advantage of the great opportunities offered by the London Olympics. Top representatives from the LDA will talk about how the LDA will make sure BME businesses make the most of the Olympics and how the LDA can help in this process.

Founded in 1993 Black Women Mean Business is a non-profit making organisation chaired by Diane Abbott MP. Its mission is to help support and celebrate black businesswomen.

BWMB is a unique programme of activity for black business women and potential entrepreneurs. It is the first initiative of its kind in the UK.

Diane added: “I have already requested a meeting with the new Minister for Immigration, Liam Byrne, to get the opportunity to discuss Ernesto’s case with him in detail. I want to make sure he understands fully the circumstances of this case. I also hope to get the opportunity to meet Ernesto personally to discuss how best to proceed. I will continue to do everything I can to ensure that this case is resolved as quickly as possible and that Ernesto gets to remain here in Britain with his family and friends.”

Diane said: “It seems to me that Ernesto was caught up in the Home Office’s frantic round-up of foreign criminals, and that he was made an example of. However, I want to make sure that his case is carefully considered on its own merits and that no generalised or rash decisions are made.”

Notes to Editors:

1.     Mr Leal, a first time offender, was convicted of GBH with intent in 2003. He served an 18-month sentence and was released early on a judge’s recommendation. Ernesto, a Chilean refugee, has lived in the UK for all of his adult life – nearly 30 years – speaks English as a first language and has friends and family here. He now stands to be deported as a foreign criminal.

For more up-to-date information please visit http://www.friendsofernesto.org.uk

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