Thank you, Madam Chair,
The United Kingdom is proud of our diversity and of the successful multi-national, multi-ethnic, and multi-faith country that we have become.
While we are making great progress towards establishing a fairer and more inclusive society, we understand the importance of continuing to work to address negative ethnic and racial disparities that affect certain groups, particularly for those of African and Caribbean descent.
We published our landmark Inclusive Britain action plan in March 2022 which aims to tackle long-standing ethnic disparities in health, education, employment, and the justice system. We have made significant progress implementing the 74 actions in the plan, including:
- developing a new, national framework for how the use of police powers can be scrutinised more effectively by local communities;
- publishing new guidance for employers on how to use positive action in the workplace and how to measure and address ethnicity pay gaps;
- and taking steps to address health disparities.
As we track our own unwavering dedication to eradicating all forms of racism, racial discrimination, and xenophobia, for example, through our continued progress in the World Values Survey, we also reflect on our complex national path. From an era of empire and colonialism to one of pride in a multicultural, modern, and diverse society. Recognising that the appalling atrocity of slavery marks our history, we express our sincere regret that it could have occurred.
We believe that the most effective way for the UK to respond to the wrongs of the past is to ensure that current and future generations learn from it. For that reason, we are dedicated to establishing a fairer world today.
Thank you.
