Discrimination Law Review

02 Jul 2007

Diane Abbott has joined with other MPs, lawyers and representatives of anti-discrimination groups amid fears the changes to anti-discrimination laws will weaken protection measures.

The Discrimination Law Review Green Paper has set out a number of changes to the way that discrimination is dealt with in the UK. The government has already taken steps to change its approach to equality by creating a Commission for Equality and Human Rights which will encompass all three “strands” of equality commissions currently operating. However these moves have been criticised for watering down protection given against discrimination. In particular, the Green Paper fails to give clear rules on discrimination and equality in the private sector and the guidelines for the public sector have been criticised for being too weak and impossible to enforce.

Drawing on comments made during a private meeting on the Green Paper, Diane said:

“The Discrimination Law Review is a wonderful chance to strengthen the laws we already have. These laws are working, but they need better monitoring faculties and they should be in place across the board. Instead what we’ve got in this Green Paper seems to be a weakening of existing measures and a complete lack of examination of the private sector. The Government needs to put a much stronger emphasis on the importance of anti-discrimination practice within organisations, otherwise we will never see a level playing field.”

Ends

Editor’s notes:

  1. The deadline for responding to the Green Paper is 4 September 2007. Anyone can make a submission. Copies of the Green Paper and response information can be obtained from www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1511211.


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