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Equality Bill [HL]

My Lords, I support the amendment moved by my noble friend Lord Ouseley. I note with interest the comments made by the noble Lord, Lord Lester of Herne Hill, but the Bill ignores one simple fact: London is the window to this country’s multi-racial society. There are 300 languages spoken in London; there is no other place in Britain where that is the case. There are London boroughs where the majority of the population—Newham and Brent are examples, and Tower Hamlets is fast approaching—where more than 50 per cent of the population are from a black or minority ethnic group. I find it astonishing that we could have a debate about equality without focusing on the needs of London. I do not see how the ““Balkanisation”” remark could be borne out in fact. London leads on many debates on race and equality, and we are seeking to acknowledge that and build that place for London into the Bill. I thank the noble Baroness, Lady Ashton of Upholland, for her meetings with me prior to Report and for her attempts to square the circle, as it were. However, as she can see and as the noble and learned Lord the Lord Chancellor can see, many in the community are still dissatisfied with the Government’s attempts to square the circle. It is an opportunity to underline the Government’s commitment to equality and to acknowledge the special place that London has in this country’s multi-racial life. I invite the Government to make that acknowledgement by, at least, accepting the need for a London committee.