understandably anxious and vigilant minorities should stand in solidarity with each other and indeed
with others across society (especially in the Labour Movement) who put human rights and equality at
the forefront of their values and practice.
Secondly, the breadth of my remit in terms of practical recommendations would make it nonsensical
to restrict its substantive reach to only one form of racism. One would not dream for example, of
improving codes of conduct or complaints or disciplinary procedures for one strand of behaviour and
not others.
Finally, inquiries of this nature cannot happen every week. So it would seem wrong to exclude any
ethnic group within the Party or society which it serves, from the opportunity to express its concerns
and points of view about these issues. In my view, the most important line in my terms of reference
comes right at the end: "to ensure Labour is a welcoming environment for members of all
communities."
It has been pointed out to me on numerous occasions how tall an order this Inquiry might be,
particularly in only two months. However, in a world sceptical of politics and inquiries, it is important
that such projects are not perennially seen as a method of dispatching difficult issues to the "long
grass". This can be incredibly counterproductive. Inquiries are inevitably commissioned at a moment
of considerable legitimate concern. It is important to replace heat with light and to do so as quickly as
is reasonably possible. This is especially true if a single person is feeling anxious in their political home.
A more united Labour Party is not just essential for its members and voters, but even more
importantly for our country and the wider world. Future generations must never read of refugees
drowning in the Mediterranean and Britons queuing at food banks whilst the movement that existed
to offer them hope turned in on itself. My aim with this report is not to close down debate on delicate
issues around all kinds of personal and political differences within the Party. Instead these debates
should be able to continue in a more trusting and constructive environment.
The Process
This was not a judicial, public or otherwise very formal or legalistic inquiry. Further, it was not a
disciplinary tribunal and so had and has no jurisdiction over disciplinary cases yet to be decided by the
Labour Party structures as currently organised. Nonetheless, I hope that many of my observations will
be seen to be based in common sense. It is a tribute to the communities involved that people
submitted in so many helpful ways, individually, institutionally and in informal groups. Written
submissions of various types were sent primarily via the Inquiry email address and webpage. In
addition, my team and I had various meetings with different groups within the Labour Party and
minority communities to encourage more written submissions, better to understand people's
experiences via dialogue and to hear about constructive ideas for the future. The reception we
received was both frank and generous from Party and minority community members from across the
country (some travelling many miles at short notice to engage even during and around religious
festivals such as Ramadhan and Shavuot). I hope to do justice to their experiences, efforts and trust.
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