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January 09 Racial Justice Update
A selective digest of news, events and other relevant information from Scotland.
From this month’s update:
Geoff Palmer and Mukami McCrum add their voice to criticise the Scottish Government’s handling of Home Coming
Churches asked to be vigilant as recession could lead to racial tensions
Was Burns really “a racist, sexist and misogynist drunk”?
The Scottish Churches Racial Justice Office Bears Report
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We welcome contributions to this update. Please contact the editor at the address below.
1. Racist incidents in Scotland:
'Anti-English' punch hurts woman
A young woman was left with serious facial injuries after an allegedly anti-English attack in Aberdeen. Lucy Newman, 22, of Gourdon, near Inverbervie, was attacked close to the Trinity Centre on Union Street in the early hours of Saturday. She told BBC Scotland a man made racial remarks relating to her English accent before punching her in the face. BBC
The English are the first among unequal minorities
…. It surprises me as someone who has chosen to live, marry and work in Scotland for more than three decades how often I'm asked about anti-Englishness. In fact, a camera crew is shortly due at my house to quiz me on this very issue for the BBC. What to say? That, yes, after all these years, I still sometimes feel like an outsider; that a chap I've worked with since 1978 still occasionally remarks to me: "A' see ye havnae' lost yer accent yet", as if it were mine to lose; and that on the whole I prefer things as they are because otherwise rugby internationals (in which I've supported Scotland all my life, thanks to my dad) would lose their edge. … Herald
Token Asian face angers Homecoming critics
What a party it promised to be. In June, when the Scottish government revealed plans for Homecoming Scotland, its big tourism initiative for 2009, it gleefully presented in its publicity material an image of hundreds of happy white-faced “heroes” marching off to celebrate their Scottishness. When, six months later, the SNP administration unveiled its latest vision for next year's festivities, a late arrival had appeared among the group of party-goers. Pictured in the front ranks was a single, solitary Asian man. Apparently oblivious to the rumpus around him, he can be seen thoughtfully reading The Life of Robert Burns. Times
Teenager racially abused shop employee
A 17-year-old girl who racially abused and punched a man in an Aberdeen shop spent Christmas in custody. Kelly Robertson had drunk a large amount of alcohol and taken valium before she went into the Spice Shop in George Street on Christmas Eve, Aberdeen Sheriff Court heard. Robertson, who appeared from custody on Saturday, admitted acting in a racially aggravated manner which alarmed and upset Sri Lankan Yaseen Sundaramoorthy and punching him on the face. Press and Journal
Hands up who hates the Jews
Pupils at a posh £9,000-a-year school were left disgusted when they stumbled into an assembly — and found a vote on who hates Jews. Muslim kids were asked for a show of hands during a discussion about religious tolerance — and several said ‘yes’. Scottish Sun
Race row at top Scots private school after Muslim kids are asked about Jews
A top private school is at the centre of a race row between its Jewish and Muslim pupils. In the wake of fighting in Gaza which has left nearly 1000 Palestinians dead, Muslim children at Glasgow's Hutchesons' Grammar School were asked if they hated Jews. Daily Record
Our system of monarchy is racist
If you support the inauguration of the US's first black president, you must call for an end to the British custom of heredity. … The system of monarchy is, by default, racist. Although it was not devised with racist intent, racism is its effect nonetheless. Drawing on the analysis and conclusions of the MacPherson report, you could say that the current system of appointing our head of state is institutionally racist. Guardian
Prince's racist term sparks anger
Prince Harry's racist remark about a Pakistani member of his army platoon has prompted widespread criticism. BBC
Prince Harry in row over racist jibe
Prince Harry was last night forced to apologise after calling a fellow soldier a "Paki" and telling another he looked like a "raghead". Scotsman
2. Developments, Reports and Investigations
Hope for temporary sites for gypsy travellers
Councillors in Fife hope that a newly-formed group which aims to provide temporary sites for gypsy travellers will stop any friction between travellers and communities. Members of the housing and communities committee have agreed to set up a new gypsy travellers working group to oversee council policy and bring together the partners involved in their welfare. The council provides permanent sites for 50 gypsy traveller families at Thorntonwood in Kelty, Heatherywood in Kirkcaldy, and Tarvit Mill in Cupar, but the lack of stopover sites in the region has led to some concern in recent years. Dundee Courier
Churches urged to be vigilant about racism as recession bites
A Christian academic has warned churches that they will need to be extra vigilant against racism in Europe related to the recession and economic downturn across Europe. At a time of crisis “[i]t is important that Christians are willing to denounce racism and to encourage their leaders to work against racism,” says London School of Economics lecturer Dr Sujit Sivasundaram in the latest edition of the Jubilee Centre’s Cambridge Papers. In his article, Dr Sivasundaram writes that the affirmation of ethnic diversity can give individuals and local communities a sense of cohesion and belonging. Ekklesia
Britain has 'new attitude to race'
Attitudes towards different races have changed "dramatically" since the findings of the landmark inquiry into the murder of Stephen Lawrence and it is now time to move on to new challenges, a leading equality campaigner said. Edinburgh News
Church of England may ban clergy from joining BNP
General Synod to debate motion on adopting similar policy to that of the police
Report on General Synod agenda, that ‘the Church of England is to be asked to ban clergy from joining the British National Party amid fears that the far-right grouping is promoting its image as Christian’. Guardian
Black Anglican leader says church must grasp chance for change
A senior black Anglican has said that the Church of England and the Anglican Communion should grasp the climate of change signalled by Barack Obama's ascendancy, using it to transform their own culture. The comments came from the Rev Rose Hudson Wilkin, chair of the Church of England's Committee for Minority Ethnic Anglican Concerns, and a member of the General Synod, in a message yesterday concerning the impact of the inauguration of the new American president. Ekklesia
Thousands join more Holocaust Memorial Day events
Tens of thousands of people across Britain will join more events to mark Holocaust Memorial Day tomorrow (27 January 2007). The annual day commemorates victims of Nazi persecution and those murdered in subsequent genocide such as Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. Holocaust Memorial Day has taken place in the UK since 2001 and falls on the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp in World War 2. Ekklesia
Robert Burns: A racist, sexist drunk?
Robert Burns was a "racist, misogynist drunk" who is unfit to promote Scotland's 2009 Homecoming celebrations, a leading historian said yesterday. The fitness of Scotland's bard to be a role model for modern Scots was called into question by Michael Fry, who said more heroic figures, such as William Wallace, Robert the Bruce or Bonnie Prince Charlie would be better able to promote Scotland's image abroad. Scotsman
Here is Fry's article in the Times:
Drunk, racist Burns is hardly a role model
The great love poet was also a misogynistic philanderer. n the 250th anniversary year of Robert Burns’s birth there are several ways we in Scotland might take a lead from him. We could repeatedly get drunk. In this condition the males among us could lay one woman after another, following discussion of their respective merits in dirty talk with our drouthie cronies. The Times
Racism still persists in police
The commission headed by the former broadcaster Trevor Phillips said a canteen culture persists in the Metropolitan police. The Times
Daisy's whitewash: BBC race row over Night Garden doll's pale face
On the face of it, a small furry doll from a magical secret world seems an unlikely subject for a row about racism. Yet the BBC has found itself under fire about the colour of Upsy Daisy, central character in the children's programme In The Night Garden. Parents have complained that while she has dark skin on screen, an Upsy Daisy doll on sale in toy shops at upwards of £28.95 is much whiter. Daily Mail
Religion divides us more than race, say Britons
Religion, not race, is the most divisive issue in Britain today, an authoritative poll has found. This is the view of six in ten of us, according to the Government’s Equalities and Human Rights Commission. Its research suggests a dramatic shift in society since 1999, when policymakers saw improving race relations and outlawing racism as their priority. Daily Mail
One in 10 children in Britain now live in mixed race family, says report
The study, commissioned by the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said some ethnic groups may get swallowed up by the intermingling of race. It found that the number of people who defined themselves as purely Caribbean was most likely to decline with nearly half of all black Caribbean men in mixed race relationships. The report, entitled Ethnicity and Family: Relationships Within and Between Ethnic Groups, was written by Lucinda Platt, from the University of Essex. Telegraph
Archbishop articulates ‘big vision’ of inclusive Britain
The Archbishop of York has called for a new vision of Britain which does not see immigrants as ‘guests in a hotel’, but as full participants in society with the same rights and responsibilities as everyone else. The call came in a lecture delivered to the Smith Institute in which Dr John Sentamu called for Britain to reassess its priorities as a country and to rediscover its vision as a nation, in the face of the recession. Ekklesia
The full text of the lecture on The Archbishop of York’s website
The Scottish Churches Racial Justice Group Office Bearers Annual Report
This is a brief report outlining the main achievements of the Group. To learn more about the work of the group go to this page. To download a PDF copy of the report from ACTS website click on this link.
A useful website http://www.migrationinformation.org/
3. Asylum refugees:
Last-ditch effort launched to overturn family's deportation
Friends of a Bangladeshi family living in Edinburgh were today mounting a last-ditch bid to halt their deportation. Jamal and Tania Islam, along with children Jessica, six, and three-year-old Tanim – who was born in Edinburgh – were taken from their home in West Pilton Green in a dawn raid by Home Office officials on Monday morning. Edinburgh News
'I'd love to work, but I'm not allowed'
Unemployment is back in the headlines as redundancies rise and the level of job vacancies shrinks. But for millions it is nothing new. As part of a series on Britain's jobless, one woman who is seeking asylum in the UK explains how lack of work has touched her life. Until six years ago Chipo was a successful accountant and mother of two, living in her home country of Zimbabwe. BBC
Pitching in to help refugees
It is early evening in Glasgow and children are playing football. Nothing unusual in that - except they are on a mobile artificial pitch under floodlights and the calls for the ball are being made in voices from across the globe. There are 21 nationalities taking part in the games, 22 if you count those who are British. The games are part of a project to help refugees and asylum seekers settle in Scotstoun and are playing a key role in fostering friendships and understanding between the youngsters from every corner of the world. Evening Times
Tadese's humanity survives Scottish gales
He may have been beaten into third place, but former world champion Zersenay Tadese remains a champion in the eyes of his boisterous patriotic support. He left Scotland with his reputation enhanced beyond all measure after the BUPA Great Edinburgh International Cross-country. Tadese was feted by the Eritrean community near Glasgow's Red Road flats after Saturday's race, despite the surprise of having been blown away in 50mph winds by Ethiopian Abebe Dinkesa in the 8.9 kilometre race at Holyrood. Herald
'Largest' detention site plan
BBC South Today has learned that the UK's largest immigration detention centre is to be opened at Gatwick Airport in Sussex in March. BBC video
4. Immigration
A useful website:
Migrant InfoSource
For the latest migration news and developments in legislation, policy, practice and research from Scotland, the UK and Europe. http://www.migrantinfosource.org.uk and http://newmigrant.wordpress.com/
Scotland's Poles split over plan to set up their own schools
Polish parents are planning to set up their own schools in Scotland because they fear their children are losing their native language, disadvantaging them when they go home. Piotr Leszczynski, the Polish vice-consul in Scotland, told The Scotsman discussions are under way with the Ministry of Education in Poland to fund the schools. The schools, based in premises which are currently empty, would be run by Polish teachers, living in Scotland but mostly working in other jobs. However, the move has divided the Polish community, many of whom have been in Scotland since the Second World War, who say they favour integration with Scots pupils. Scotsman
Scotland ‘will be retirement home without new migrants’
Scotland will become a "retirement home sitting on the edge of Europe" unless radical measures are implemented to welcome new migrants, according to the head of Scotland's Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). In her first full interview since taking office, Morag Alexander, Scotland's EHRC commissioner, called for a national debate on what needs to be done to encourage people to settle in Scotland. Herald
Court translator costs quadruple
The cost to taxpayers of providing translators in Scottish courts has quadrupled in the past six years, it was revealed yesterday. In the last financial year £826,728 was spent providing translators for defendants, compared with £198,896 in 2003/04. The figures were provided by the Scottish Courts Service. Herald
Migrant rules may hit economic recovery
The economic downturn could be longer and deeper if Government plans to restrict immigration are implemented, a think tank said today. The left-leaning Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) said the number of people coming to Britain for work would reduce "naturally" as the economy slowed. Placing restrictions on migrants who plug skills gaps or take jobs which Britons will not do will damage the economy, researchers said. Evening Times
Crackdown on skilled migrants 'to help UK jobless'
Ministers are to tighten immigration rules in an attempt to force firms to hire unemployed British people rather than relying on overseas skilled workers. Telegraph
Poles no longer feeling welcome
How times change. It seems not long ago that the whole of Scotland was singing the praises of the Polish communities which have sprung up in and around the major cities. The thousands of exiles who flocked to Britain were prepared to do long hours for paltry wages and had a work ethic which put many indigenous Scots to shame. Their homes were spotless, they showed a willingness to integrate, and were helping to address the recruitment problem which was threatening to restrict the growth of the Scottish economy. Fast forward to the onset of recession, and we learn the Polish community has become the target for increasing physical and verbal attacks from people who blame them for the growing unemployment problem. Press and Journal
UK border staff were members of BNP
AN investigation was launched after two immigration staff were revealed to be members of the British National Party (BNP), the UK Border Agency confirmed last night. The two worked in an immigration removal centre until a list of BNP members appeared on the internet in November, according to a UK Border Agency spokesman. After the list was made public, one resigned and another was suspended, he said. "There is no place for racism in the immigration system. We ask anyone carrying out duties on our behalf to sign a declaration stating they are not a member of the BNP, the National Front or Combat 18." Scotsman
UK Border Agency response to BNP links among a private contractor's staff
Migrants coming to Britain will have to pay 'immigration tax'
Migrants coming to Britain will have to pay an "immigration tax" to help communities cope, but it could be as little as £20 each, as part of plans to make newcomers earn their stay. Telegraph
Citizenship test plans published
Immigrants who want to become British will need to pass more tests to prove their worth under citizenship plans. BBC
5. Publications and Resources:
Scottish Churches and Contemporary Migration, Conference Report
A conference organised by ACTS and Scottish Churches Racial Justice Group on 8th October 2008. Go to the resource page for the report or you can download a PDG copy of the conference report from here.
Migrant Rights News
Read or download their January edition
Ethnicity and family
Ethnicity and family - Relationships within and between ethnic groups: An analysis using the Labour Force Survey. This paper outlines the ethnic composition of families in Britain today using the Labour Force Survey household data. An Equality and Human Rights Commission Report
The white working class; Britain’s forgotten race victims?
For a good decade, ‘class' was something of a swear word in British politics, almost taboo. The government seldom talked about class, preferring terms such as ‘hardworking families' and ‘social exclusion'. Some commentators argued that this was part of a broader strategy to woo middle-class voters and occupy the political centre, which has come at the cost of alienating core working-class voters.
A Runnymede Trust Report
Download a PDF version of the report
All Together Now? A portrait of race in Britain
To mark ten years since the publication Macpherson report, The Equality and Human Rights commission have produced a special feature with the Observer magazine. 'All Together Now', is a portrait of race in Britain. In the feature, 10 Britons, all born in 1974 – the same year as the south London student – describe their experiences of race relations in this country. An Equality and Human Rights commission report
Go here to download a PDF copy of the report
Police and racism: What has been achieved 10 years after the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry report?
Exactly 10 years on from the publication of the Lawrence Inquiry report, the Equality and Human Rights Commission wanted to consider what progress the police service has made in terms of race equality.
An Equality and Human Rights Commission Report
Speech by Trevor Phillips, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission to mark the tenth anniversary of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry
Equality group inequalities in education, employment and earnings: research review and analysis of trends over time
This report provides the first-ever analysis in a single study of patterns and trends in the educational and work-life experiences of several equality groups. An Equality and Human Rights Commission report
Early years, life chances and equality: a literature review
This report draws together existing knowledge on groups within the population who experience disadvantage in life chances. An Equality and Human Rights Commission report.
'Tell me What I Need to Know' now available online
The Runnymede Trust is pleased to announce that, Tell Me What I Need To Know, an online resource aimed at helping Black and Minority Ethnic, Refugee, Asylum-Seeking and Traveller parents to support their children in education, is now available on the Real Histories website. Runnymede Trust
The address of the new website resource http://tmwintk.realhistories.org.uk/
Events:
Scottish Migrants Network Conference:
Supporting Migrant Workers in Scotland
Feb 18th 2009 1 – 5 pm, STUC, Woodlands Road, Glasgow
For more information and registration please contact:
New Migrants Action Project
Email: seonad@paih.org
Phone: 0141 353 2220
Fax: 0141 353 3882
Equality and Human Rights Commission Road shows
11 February 2009 in Melrose
25 February 2009 in Inverness
18 March 2009 in Aberdeen
Opportunities for advice-giving and frontline representatives of voluntary, community, and educational organisations to meet the EHRC Legal Team and find out more about the Commission and how to work with it, and to let the EHRC know what issues are most significant to you and your service users. For information contact James Andrew 0141 228 5917 / David Reilly 0141 228 5967 / roadshow@equalityhumanrights.com
Make a difference in your community
13 February 2009 in Glasgow (10.00 – 1.00). Government Equalities Office event to encourage more women, especially those from ethnic minority backgrounds to consider standing as a local councillor. More information on Gov Equality website
Equality and Diversity
23 April 2009 in Aberdeen (9.30 – 4.30)
SCVO seminar exploring the myths and facts surrounding the six equality strands - race, gender, disability, religion and belief, sexual orientation and age. For information contact Jane Baillie jane.baillie@scvo.org.uk / 0131 474 8019.
Consultations:
Equality and Human Rights Commission: Strategic plan, Equality Scheme and Grants Programme Consultation guides
Forced Marriage: A Civil Remedy? (28 March 2009)
Editor
Nelu Balaj