Building a truly multicultural Britain
To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the forming of the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe, peers including a former Chair and members of the Commission for Racial Equality and the Chair of Kick It Out will debate the contribution made by minority ethnic and religious communities to the UK's cultural life and economy on Thursday 24 May.
Lord Bilimoria (Crossbench), who tabled the debate and will speak first, said:
“As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe, I think it's important to reflect on how, throughout history, minority ethnic groups and religious communities have made considerable contributions to the United Kingdom.
“Through examining issues such as the immigration cap and its impact on the future of the UK, and looking at how people integrate in Britain, I hope that this debate will cover the many varied and valuable contributions made by these diverse groups of people that make up the truly multicultural society of the United Kingdom.”
Other Members scheduled to speak include:
- Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative), Vice-chair of the Faith and Society All-Party Parliamentary Group;
- Baroness Afshar (Crossbench), founder member and Chair of the Muslim Women's Network;
- Lord Alderdice (Liberal Democrat), former member of the Commonwealth Commission on Respect and Understanding and Joint chairman, International Dialogue Initiative;
- Baroness Coussins (Crossbench), former member of the Commission for Racial Equality;
- Lord Dholakia (Liberal Democrat), former member of the Commission for Racial Equality, Member of the Home Secretary's Race Forum and Chair of the Race Issues Advisory Committee;
- Lord Janner of Braunstone (Labour), Co-President of the Coexistence Trust;
- Lord Ouseley (Crossbench), former Chair and Chief Executive of the Commission for Racial Equality, council member of the Institute of Race Relations and Chair of Kick It Out;
- Baroness Prashar (Crossbench), President of the Royal Commonwealth Society;
- Baroness Royall of Blaisdon (Labour), former Government Spokesperson for Equality.
Lord Wei (Conservative), Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town (Labour), Lord Bew (Crossbench), Lord Aberdare (Crossbench), Lord Loomba (Liberal Democrat), Lord Paul (Non-Affiliated), Lord Singh of Wimbledon (Crossbench), Lord Hussain (Liberal Democrat), Lord Griffiths of Burry Port (Labour) and Baroness Benjamin (Liberal Democrat) are also expected to take part in the debate.
Baroness Warsi (Conservative) will respond on behalf of the government.
The debate is open to media and the public. Please allow time for security screening.
The debate will also be broadcast live on Parliament TV.
