The European Elections: Outcomes and Prospects for the Future

No. 359

SEPTEMBER Bulletin 2009 Runnymede’s Quarterly

Georgina Siklossy of the European Network Against Racism (ENAR) analyses the results of the June 2009 European In this issue: Elections, and identifies some worrying trends. • Georgina Siklossy of the European The European elections took largest group in the European Network Against Racism (ENAR) place from 4 to 7 June 2009 Parliament, despite the decision analyses the results of the June 2009 across the European Union. by the 29 British Conservatives EU citizens were called to vote to leave the group to form European Elections, and identifies some for the 736 members who will a separate anti-EU political worrying trends 1 represent them in the European group, the so-called European Parliament until 2014. The results Conservatives and Reformists • Welcome to Brussels? Four MEPs - ended in a clear victory for the Group, together with the Polish Baroness Sarah Ludford, Sajjad Karim, centre-right with the Socialists Justice and Law party and Jean Lambert and Claude Moraes - losing ground. The centre-right others. The centre-right was comment on the recent election of European People’s Party (EPP) particularly successful in the two British National Party MEPs to the won 264 seats, against 184 largest EU countries: Germany, European Parliament 5 seats for the Party of European United Kingdom, France, Italy, Socialists (PES), renamed the Spain and Poland. Progressive Alliance of Socialists On the other hand, the • Rob Berkeley and Rosie Ellis ask and Democrats in Europe (S&D) Socialists lost ground both what difference BME parliamentarians and incorporating 21 Italian where they are in government make 8 members from the Democratic (except Slovakia) and where Party. In the outgoing European they are in the opposition • Robbie McVeigh reports on the Parliament the EPP had 288 (except Greece). They also disturbing recent events in Belfast, MEPs whilst the Socialists had lost in the countries where where violence forces Roma out. 217. The Alliance of Liberals and they form a coalition with Belfast is back across world headlines Democrats for Europe obtained the Christian Democrats, i.e. for all the wrong reasons 10 84 seats, down from 103 in the in Germany, Austria and the previous Parliament, whilst the Netherlands - while their European Greens won 55 seats, coalition partners did much • Jessica Mai Sims, who wrote the up from 42 last time around. better. The reasons for this Runnymede Community Study Soldiers, defeat vary from country to Migrants and Citizens - The Nepalese Centre right majority country and include internal In Britain, provides an update to the vs. Socialist defeat and a political divisions, the lack of Gurkha Justice Campaign 13 fragmented Parliament an identifiable policy response Results suggest that the centre- to the current economic crisis, Full contents on p. 28 right European People’s Party the erosion of traditional will retain its position as the constituencies and the absence

ISSN: 1476-363X Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin SEPTEMBER 2009 1 of leading figures.1 Italy, the Netherlands, Slovakia, none in the previous Parliament. This means that the EPP will Romania and the UK. Nevertheless there have continue to play a pivotal role In the Netherlands, the been declines in some member in the European Parliament, as anti-immigration and anti-Islam states, such as Belgium, France no coalition would be possible Freedom Party of Geert Wilders and Poland. In France, the without it in order to achieve (PVV) became the second National Front lost four seats EUROPEAN consensus on legislation and political force and won four seats and is now down to three MEPs ELECTIONS other decisions. for the European Parliament, and and in Belgium the separatist In addition, the new European in Austria, the Freedom Party Vlaams Belang lost one seat and Parliament will be much more (FPÖ) also made important gains, now only has two seats in the 1 European Policy Centre, Post- fragmented than previously, with scoring 12.7%, winning 2 seats, European Parliament. In Poland, election analysis: an important amount of smaller with the other far-right party, the League of Polish Families, Between apathy parties making the threshold, BZÖ, scoring 4.5%. which had a significant number of and anger - but no including populist, anti-EU and Hungary’s far-right Jobbik MEPs in the previous Parliament, earthquake, 9 June 2009, available at anti-immigration parties. Even party, elected on an anti-Roma, has not won one single seat. www.epc.eu/en/pb though it is clear that the anti-EU nationalist platform which has The progress made by the far- .asp?TYP=TEWN& camp is stronger, it still remains founded a paramilitary-style right is an extremely concerning LV=187&see=y&t to be seen what impact it will organization, the Hungarian indicator of the current state of =32&PG=TEWN/ EN/detailpub&l have on the functioning of the Guard, won three seats (14.7% racism in Europe, exacerbated =12&AI=982. Parliament. In any event this of the vote). by the current economic crisis result is a worrying signal for Italy’s anti-immigration and the increasing insecurity that 2 See ENAR’s European democracy and the Northern League has more than people feel about their future. press release: ‘ENAR concerned process of EU integration more doubled its representation, from ENAR’s 2007 shadow report on about rise of the generally. four to nine MEPs. The situation racism in Europe showed a rise far right in the in Italy is distinct in that two in extremism and racist violence EP’, 8 June 2009, Rise of the far-right other hard-right parties, the and an increase in political parties available at www. enar-eu.org/ Another, much more disquieting, Alleanza Nationale of Gianfranco expressing racist sentiments, not Page_Generale. result of the European elections Fini and the Social Alternative only on the margins of politics asp?DocID=1529 is the substantial support won of Alessandra Mussolini, have but increasingly within the 6&langue=EN. by the far-right in many member now been incorporated into mainstream. These findings have states, and about which the Berlusconi’s People of Freedom been confirmed by the results of European Network Against Party, which is a member of the the European elections. Racism (ENAR) has expressed EPP group. Indeed, a new hard-right strong concerns.2 Far-right parties The British National Party also Eurosceptic group, the Europe have gained seats in Austria, made a significant breakthrough, of Freedom and Democracy Denmark, Greece, Hungary, winning two seats, compared to (EFD) group, has been formed

An economic recession has impact beyond the purely economic. There appears to be some correlation between economic hard times and the electoral success and public prominence of far right parties. The street brawls that have accompanied the efforts to agitate by the English Defence League are reminiscent of the 1930s and 1970s – periods in race relations to which we hope to never return. In this Bulletin we report on the electoral success of far right parties across Europe and hear from MEPs across the mainstream political spectrum about their response to the arrival of Nick Griffin in Brussels/Strasbourg. Robbie McVeigh reports from Belfast about the Roma who were effectively expelled from the city by racist thugs. Part of the BNP’s success was due to the exposure of the failings of our mainstream politicians. Nonetheless, parliament remains a crucial institution for leadership of social change. We look at the ethnic representation gap and try to assess what difference it makes to have greater Black and Asian participation at the highest political levels. In this Bulletin, we also consider the routes to migrant integration by reflecting on the community studies series and returning to update readers on the campaign for Gurkha citizenship rights. Our work on financial inclusion continues with the publication of an online report and the announcement of a major conference which will be the focus of the next Bulletin. Helen Mills reports on research which considers the range of voluntary sector approaches to working with young black people. Recent funding and advances in publication and communication technology have allowed us to make some significant improvements to the Bulletin. From the start of 2010, the Bulletin will be supported by Runnymede Online – enabling us to reach wider audiences while maintaining the Bulletin as a resource that builds on its 40 years of charting race relations in the UK and beyond. This will mean some changes to the format and to subscriptions. We aim to make the Bulletin an even more insightful read and more effective platform for ideas and analysis on race equality. We hope you’ll like the changes. Rob Berkeley Director, Runnymede Trust

2 Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin SEPTEMBER 2009 between the far-right ‘classic’ Figure 1. Results of the European elections by political group (in and the far-right ‘lite’, as British %) MEP Glyn Ford puts it, they may not be willing to club together on a common programme. In addition, personal rivalries and competing nationalist narratives add to the complications.4 A EUROPEAN far-right group had already ELECTIONS been established in the previous European Parliament, in 2007, when far-right and 3 Under EP nationalist parties managed to rules, there need to be at least establish their own political 25 MEPs from group. This group - named seven different Identity, Tradition, Sovereignty member states for (ITS) - was anti-immigration, a political group to be formed. anti-EU Constitution and anti- See: www. Turkish membership of the EU. elections2009- Source: TNS opinion in cooperation with the European Parliament [www.elections2009-results.eu/] results.eu/en/new_ Key: EPP: Group of the European People’s Party (Christian Democrats); S&D: Group of the Progressive Alliance of Members of IST included Front Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament; ALDE: Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for National (France), Vlaams Belang parliament_en.html. Europe; GREENS/EFA: Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance; ECR: European Conservatives and Reformists Group; GUE/NGL: Confederal Group of the European United Left - Nordic Green Left; EFD: Europe of Freedom and (Belgium), the Greater Romania 4 EUObserver, Democracy Group; NA: Non-attached. Party and the Freedom Party of ‘Far right having Austria. However, after only ten difficulty clubbing in the European parliament Non-Racist Society, which was months the group dissolved due together in EU Parliament’, on 1 July, stemming from the signed by the majority of EU to nationalist bickering between 11 June 2009, Independence/Democracy group political groups in 2001. The its Italian, Romanian and Austrian available at http:// which was founded after the Charter explicitly states that the members. euobserver. 2004 European elections. The signatories commit to ‘refuse to com/883/28284 new group consists of national endorse in any way views and Low turnout parties strongly opposed to positions which stir up or invite The turnout in the European EU integration and immigration hostility or division between elections was particularly low policies, and who favour people of different ethnic or at 43.08% of voters, marking returning power to sovereign national origins or religious a record as the lowest since nations, including the United beliefs’ and to ‘refrain from direct elections were introduced Kingdom Independence Party any form of political alliance or in 1979. Nevertheless, the (UKIP), the Italian Lega Nord cooperation at all levels with difference was not significant (Northern League), the Danish any political party which incites compared to the last European People’s Party, the True Finns or attempts to stir up racial elections in 2004, which had party and the Mouvement pour or ethnic prejudices and racial a turnout of 45.47% of voters. la France. A number of the hatred’. It also enables these The lowest figures were in the parties in the EFD have been hard-right parties to use EP Eastern European member described as far-right, anti- resources such as funding and states, the lowest being in immigration, xenophobic and committee chairmanships to push Slovakia at 19.64%. This shows in some cases, racist, by both their agenda through (as ‘non- the continuing disconnection national and European media. attached’ members, i.e. not part between the European Union It seems that the party is still in of any political group, they are and its citizens, despite the negotiations with several other not entitled to these benefits). increasing powers of the parties around Europe as to their It seems that for now the European Parliament over potential joining of the political ‘classic’ far-right parties do not the years, raising issues of the group. have sufficient MEPs from the credibility of the European Although the members of the minimum of seven countries to Parliament. group are not ‘classic’ far-right form their own group.3 However, parties, some of these parties’ it remains to be seen whether Looking towards the future: programmes are very concerning they will in the future be able what prospects? from an anti-racism perspective. to bring in MEPs from the new The domination of the centre- The creation of the EFD in the EFD group or whether some of right and the creation of the new Parliament could be seen the far-right MEPs will try to join anti-EU integration ‘European as being in contravention of this new group. On the other Conservatives and Reformists’ the philosophy of the Charter hand, because these different group (ECR), becoming the fifth of European Parties for a far-right parties are divided largest group in the European

Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin SEPTEMBER 2009 3 Figure 2. Number of MEPs by political group the case towards policies that are very restrictive, favouring more border controls and more security. This will be all the more relevant if the Lisbon Treaty is ratified by all member states and EUROPEAN comes into effect, as it will give ELECTIONS the Parliament many more powers in the field of Justice and Home Affairs. The Parliament is currently only consulted on most issues relating to justice and home affairs, including migration (although it does already have ‘co-decision’ powers on asylum and irregular migration dossiers), but the Lisbon Treaty foresees that it will be on Source: TNS opinion in cooperation with the European Parliament [www.elections2009-results.eu/] an equal footing with the Member States in the decision-making Parliament after the Socialists, racism and discrimination in process on such crucial issues and the Liberals and the Greens, will Europe but this shift may change many others. It is also possible mean that the Parliament will be the balance. The EPP has generally that the Parliament will be more much more conservative than in been quite reluctant to introduce divided on fundamental rights- the previous legislature. It will also new anti-discrimination legislation, related issues, where tensions be more difficult for the other arguing that it would put too might emerge between the right- main groups, the Socialists, the much burden on companies and wing populist parties, and the PES, Liberals and the Greens, to take increase red tape. If it can count ALDE, and the Greens, with the the initiative on key issues and to on the support of the far-right EPP somewhere in the middle. reach an opposing majority with and populist parties, now ever For anti-racist civil society the possibility of the EPP and the more present in the Parliament, across Europe, it will therefore be ECR forming a bloc. this does not augur well for all the more important to remain In terms of issues relating to further legislative or non-legislative vigilant and ensure that MEPs anti-racism, the reinforcement of initiatives in the field of anti- do not convey messages fuelling the right might have a negative discrimination. xenophobic and racist attitudes, impact. The European Parliament In addition, in the field of in particular in times of economic has consistently been quite active immigration, there may be an downturn and that such messages in furthering the fight against even sharper shift than is currently are not allowed to become a legitimate political voice. Instead of falling into the easy ‘trap’ of Figure 3. Turnout at the European elections (1979-2009) xenophobia, politicians should convey the message that equal access to jobs, accommodation, schooling are crucial to build a prosperous, dynamic and cohesive society that can use its resources to their full potential to find innovative ways to step out of the current crisis. Despite these potentially negative prospects, it is to be hoped that the European Parliament will continue to play an important role in the fight against racism and discrimination in Europe and to show its commitment to anti-racism and anti-discrimination. For the full results of the

Source: TNS opinion in cooperation with the European Parliament [www.elections2009-results.eu/] European elections, visit www. elections2009-results.eu/. o

4 Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin SEPTEMBER 2009 Welcome to Brussels? As part of a focus on the challenges posed by far right parties, we asked four MEPs for a short comment on the recent election of two British National Party MEPs to the European Parliament, and how each - and other British MEPs in the other parties - are going to deal with their arrival in Brussels. We asked Baroness Sarah Ludford, Sajjad Karim, Jean RISE OF THE Lambert and Claude Moraes how they have responded/interacted with/shunned Far Right FAR RIGHT MEPs from other parties in the past. Given these MEPs’ interest in issues of equality and diversity, their insight will be instructive to those working in local government in the UK who are also facing similar challenges.

Baroness Sarah Ludford I do not personally buy the argument that blames apathy for extremist voting: people who are apathetic MEP (Liberal Democrats) don’t bother to vote at all. Lib Dem canvassers (and I’m sure those of other parties) have a column for I completely share ‘non-voters’ and a column for ‘Antis’, those who in the dismay at are hostile to us but will not profess to be voting the election of Labour, Tory or Green. It is among these Antis that two BNP MEPs BNP voters are to be found: people who are angry, from the UK. They alienated and looking to blame someone. are widely seen The Liberal Democrats have always championed as ‘fascist thugs’ the benefits of immigration, multiculturalism and with an ignorant integration. But we understand that a society at ease and dangerous with diversity cannot happen without education, agenda. It is clear discussion and understanding, and without addressing that they and their the struggles that people of all kinds face on a daily ilk will struggle basis. It certainly can’t happen through the promotion to have any of cheap slogans such as Gordon Brown’s dishonest influence on the ‘British jobs for British workers’. legislative agenda We have a society now in which extremes of in the European wealth and poverty are greater than for half a century Parliament because they are peripheral in both their at least. Disaffection must be addressed through the number and odious views. construction of a fairer, more equal-opportunity and The BNP’s success must not be over-hyped: more cohesive society in which people can focus they did not benefit from any absolute increase in more on what they can get out of their own lives and their vote and in fact there was a slight reduction less on finding a scapegoat for their discontents. The compared to 2004. Their election resulted from the best route for mainstream parties to fight the BNP is fact that their votes represented a greater proportion through competing vigorously with each other, with of total votes cast in 2009 than last time, as Labour’s different political programmes, so there are no ‘safe support in particular fell away. seats’ or ‘rotten boroughs’ in which only the BNP But it would be irresponsible to ignore the fact offers a repository for an alienated vote, and where that this is the first time that BNP candidates have anger can be expressed positively for effective and been elected as parliamentarians. Their election, whilst constructive change without hate. extremely disheartening, was not wholly surprising and their presence is a wake-up call. We must listen even harder to our constituents to find out why Sajjad Karim MEP these extremists were elected, and work harder to (Conservative Party) represent legitimate grievances. For some people, voting BNP is motivated by straightforward racism and hatred, let’s not obscure The BNP at the European that fact. For others, the impulse seems to be more of Parliament an anti-establishment protest, born either out of the In the European elections of 4 June immediate MPs’ expenses scandal or out of a more 2009, Nick Griffin and Andrew Brons, diffuse sense of ‘the system’ letting them down. Liberal both candidates from the British Democrats share a lot of that feeling: we are the party National Party, were elected as which stands for cleaning up and reforming politics, Members of the European Parliament including EU politics, not least so that for Westminster for the North-West and North-East every person’s vote has equal weight in a fair system. regions respectively.

Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin SEPTEMBER 2009 5 There have been many descriptions given to the BNP The Future over the years. It has been described as racist, extremist, I hope and believe that, come the next election, the fascist or as a legitimate political party representing British public will choose other candidates to represent the views of a minority of British people. Whichever them. However, it is up to the Conservatives and the description is the most fitting, and however the party other mainstream political parties to earn the trust has evolved, it is clear that the BNP is the most extreme and support of voters and thereby reverse the low RISE OF THE of all UK political parties. Its policies include a complete voting trend in European elections. There needs to FAR RIGHT withdrawal from the European Union and, according to be more emphasis on explaining how the European its website, ‘an immediate halt to all further immigration’. Union functions and specifically what Members of the Its ideology also appears confused on how nationality European Parliament do. The British public deserves 1 Andrew Marr can be defined. It has created worrying distinctions, such to have candidates with sensible and balanced views Show, Sunday 12th July, BBC1. as Nick Griffin’s assertion that someone from an ethnic representing them. minority may be ‘civicly British’ but not, for example, English.1 Ironically, in contrast to the belief that the BNP is a far-right party, many of its policies are actually very left Jean Lambert MEP wing and protectionist. (The Green Party) The Conservative Party will not share a platform with the BNP unless an issue arises on which all parties from across the political spectrum agree. We abhor the values It was devastating and views of the BNP. The BNP thrives on hatred and to watch the results division in our communities and presents entirely the unfold on election wrong proposals for Britain today. Many of the BNP’s night and learn extremist policies have similarities with those of fascist that the BNP had parties and this country has a proud anti-fascist tradition. won two seats No country has done more to defeat extremism in the in the European past than Britain. We do not want extremist parties to Parliament, become prominent in British politics. especially since Nick Griffin’s victory in How the European Parliament Works the North West In contrast to Westminster, the European Parliament was secured by only operates on a system of compromise and agreement 5000 more votes conducted through the many committees and working than our eminent groups whose job it is to scrutinize new laws and Green candidate. initiatives proposed by the European Commission. Sadly, low turnout was the main factor for their wins, Politicians debate and exercise their voting rights in with a drop of around 9 per cent in the two regions a semi-circular plenary hall, known as the ‘hemicycle’, where a BNP MEP was returned. In fact the number of reinforcing the contrast with Westminster (where the people voting BNP went down compared to 2004: in main political parties face each other). Politicians from Yorkshire and Humber from 126,538 to 120,139 and in different parties and political groupings often work the North West from 134,959 to 132,094. together. However, this is only possible where elected The expenses scandal certainly depressed support members can identify with the aims and policies of their for Labour and the other mainstream parties, and colleagues and find common ground. Members must despite concerted campaigning by groups like Hope not also have a genuine interest in the work pursued by Hate to encourage people to vote, those who stayed the European Parliament. This was not the case for the at home essentially ensured the BNP’s victory. I’m United Kingdom Independence Party in the previous quite sure this wasn’t their intended outcome, but the term and their MEPs therefore exercised little influence. lesson is clear: if a majority of people don’t vote then It will be interesting to see whether, after the extremists can win. initial publicity opportunities have faded, the BNP The BNP are also very good at cloaking who they representatives attend parliamentary sessions, despite really are. They have made every effort to appear their party’s opposition to Britain’s membership of the reasonable and balanced, but merely scratching the European Union. In my view, though the new BNP MEPs surface of their policies and political mindset reveals a have stated that they will be present, it will be difficult to party mired in fear, cynicism, distrust, bigotry and lies. retain this stance. Their core voting group may accuse This is the party that does not allow black members, them of ‘going native’. Besides the extremist parties of that wants to outlaw mixed-race relationships, that EU politics, it is unlikely that political groupings in the believes that ‘racism’ is part of human nature. They Parliament would want to co-operate with such a party. I want to stop immigration to the UK and introduce believe that the BNP will be ineffective in the Parliament voluntary repatriation by paying legal immigrants to but the real problems will be back in the UK where party leave. If they could they would remove every non- activists will use the BNP’s new elected status to try and white person from the UK and haul up an imaginary gain respectability to cloak their true beliefs. drawbridge.

6 Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin SEPTEMBER 2009 There are clearly considerable socio-economic were not elected on a wave of popular support; in problems that contributed towards the result too: fact Nick Griffin was elected on fewer votes than he a lack of social housing, rising levels of inequality, secured in the 2004 European election. The BNP employment insecurity, financial impacts of the secured two MEPs on the back of the unpopularity of recession and perceived high levels of immigration. national government and the expenses scandal - not Many people and communities do feel forgotten by the on a surge in support for their racist and homophobic main parties. agenda. This electoral success for the BNP was also RISE OF THE But the far-right is not gaining ground everywhere: part of a wider European story of wins for the far- FAR RIGHT while the election of Geert Wilders Freedom Party right in many member states. However, now that (PVV) in the Netherlands was widely reported, losses the new parliament has convened, and both BNP by the Front National in France and Vlaams Belang in members have now taken their seats, the question Belgium didn’t get the same coverage - obviously good should be ‘How do we deal with this new situation?’ news does not make a good story. However, not all The key issue around dealing with the BNP for the racists are in the parties of the extreme right. Lega other politicians from the UK is to understand that Nord of Italy is sitting with UKIP, for example. the BNP are different from all other political parties Regrettably, it is nothing new to have extreme far- in Britain. Only the BNP have a racialized view of right MEPs in the European Parliament. how Britain should be governed. This means that In my experience these members are rarely seen they prohibit membership of their party to non- and they steer clear of the nitty-gritty of legislative white UK citizens (this was recently conveyed in development. Indeed they have been far more active a BBC interview) and have in the past advocated in their own countries and I predict that this may also voluntary repatriation of non-white UK citizens. be the approach of the BNP members. The fact that These policies are fundamentally undemocratic yet they have failed to find enough allies to form a political the BNP have been elected democratically. Herein grouping is significant since this will mean they will have lies the confusion amongst many as to how we fewer resources in terms of staff and financial support should deal with them. My clear view is that we for parliamentary work. should monitor their extremism and take on their Civil society groups can play a crucial role in arguments. For example, recently on the BBC Nick monitoring their activities in the UK, and in the Griffin spoke about ‘sinking several’ boats containing Parliament the challenge will be to strengthen our migrants to serve as a warning to others. policies on equality and anti-racism given its more right- This will be part of a process, as up till now many wing composition. Islamophobia is one particular area on the centre-right, centre and left have advocated of concern for the Greens and it will be a focal point a ‘no platform sharing’ policy. There has also been for some of our work on prejudice and discrimination. a view that we should not ‘talk them up’. I was The European Parliament proclaims that it is United recently speaking in the European Parliament about in Diversity and I believe that all political groups must Justice and Home Affairs issues including the right now stand up to the challenge presented by the far- to family reunification for some legal migrants and right. We must positively and unequivocally make the asylum seekers. Andrew Brons, the BNP MEP and case for equality laws that respect universal human Krisztina Morvai of the Hungarian Jobbik Party were rights and deliver the best outcomes for all those living both in attendance. I feel it is important to make in Europe. That is our job, no matter who else appears arguments in front of these types of people as well on the political platform. as adopting other measures to expose and take on their extremism. In the European Parliament, the new Europe Minister, Baroness Glenys Kinnock, Claude Moraes MEP recently adopted a policy of not inviting any extreme (The Labour Party) right or new-Nazi party to certain official functions. This does not stop the BNP carrying out their electoral mandate, but it does send an important The European signal that the BNP are not like any other UK elections saw political party. an increase in The BNP presence in the parliament has certainly support for the been noticeable and they have attracted a high far-right in many degree of media interest. It has come as a shock countries across to British members and their staff to suddenly Europe. In the UK, find themselves sharing a lift with Nick Griffin and we also saw the Andrew Brons. But, unfortunately, this is something election of fascists we are going to have to get used to. Therefore, for the first time it becomes critical that mainstream politicians, in a national poll. the media and civil society at large highlight their However, the two repugnant views and make sure that the BNP only BNP members have one successful European election. o

Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin SEPTEMBER 2009 7 Under-represented in Parliament – What Difference Does it Make? Rob Berkeley and Rosie Ellis consider what difference more Black and Asian people at RACE & Westminster might make to the quality of discussion about race equality. ELECTIONS Parliament has been discredited into, and increase the prominence in quality of debate. over recent months. Duck houses, public debate about, issues impacting In order to obtain search results 1 http://www. moats, flipping homes and the in particular on minority ethnic for the relevant area we entered the publications. like have entered into the political communities. Here, we investigate word ‘ethnic’ (including ethnicity) parliament. uk/cgi-bin/ lexicon, and have been the source how far this aspiration might be true into the database. We excluded semaphoreserver of much mirth and the focus by assessing the quality of debate in those issues associated with for public disappointment with relation to the number of BME MPs international politics and focused 2 See www.obv. Westminster politics. One unsung and peers. upon those relating to race relations org.uk & http:// www.parliament. casualty of the parliamentary We analysed the extent to in the UK. We identified a two uk/commons/lib/ expenses scandal has been the which BME issues are currently month period when parliament was research/briefings/ debate on representation. The new being addressed in both houses of continually in session in each of three snsg-01156.pdf speaker no longer wears breeches, parliament and by whom. To do selected years in the past decade but the drive for improved so we assessed the frequency and which were not election years. For representation of minorities appears quality of debate on BME issues continuity we used the same two to have stalled. There is a clear within the House of Lords and the month period in each year (October argument for greater representation House of Commons over the past and November). This provided us of people from Black and minority decade, and identified the members with a manageable sample to look ethnic (BME) backgrounds in raising these issues to see if they at in more depth. The periods we parliament based on social justice belonged primarily to BME groups selected were: – all people of talent should have themselves. an equal chance of serving in We used the Hansard October and November 2002 parliament. But what difference parliamentary records on the UK October and November 2004 would a greater representation of parliament website1 as the source for October and November 2007 BME people in parliament have on our analysis. This database allowed the level and quality of debate on us to select a topic and search for After identifying a list of relevant issues of race equality in parliament? the number of times it is addressed entries from the debates and It is widely understood that Black in debates and written answers in written answers within both houses and Asian MPs and peers are not the House of Lords and the House during these periods, we then expected to only focus on issues of Commons, but did not provide looked at each entry in detail in of race equality, but claims about a detailed overview of the breadth order to assess the extent and their presence in parliament often and depth of discussion, which is quality of engagement with BME suggest that they will bring insights necessary in order to assess the issues and recorded the names of

Table 1. Debate and written answers including ‘ethnic’ in three periods

House of Lords House of Commons TOTAL Number of entries (of highest quality) Number of entries (of highest quality)

Debates 12 (1) 7 (1) 19 Oct- Nov 2007 Written answers 5 (4) 26 (15) 31 Total 17 (5) 33 (16) 50 (21)

Debates 15 (6) 12 (5) 27 Oct- Nov 2004 Written answers 8 (5) 35 (28) 43 Total 23 (11) 47 (33) 70 (44)

Debates 15 (3) 21 (5) 36 Oct- Nov 2002 Written answers 5 (4) 26 (21) 31 Total 20 (7) 47 (17) 67 (24)

8 Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin SEPTEMBER 2009 Table 2. Contributors and ethnic background to high quality parliamentary debates in selected periods

Total number of Of which BME BME contributors contributors to high quality as % of high quality debates & questions* contributors

House of Lords 33 15 45% RACE & House of Commons 76 10 13% ELECTIONS

*disparity with number of entries due to more than one person contributing to some debates 3 http://www. those contributing. We deemed disparities, for example, in the study it is clear that race equality is parliament.uk/ the highest quality debates and dearth of BME fire fighters or the already being discussed more than about/how/ business/written_ questions as those which had BME over-representation of BME groups has been appreciated. However, answers.cfm issues as the main discussion point in prisons. there does not appear to have been or central focus of the question, and Many non-BME members any significant increase in coverage the lowest as those where BME brought up BME issues as the over the past decade. If anything, issues were raised as a small part central point of their debate or engagement with BME issues in of a larger debate or question on a question. Therefore it is clear that it both Houses may have fallen slightly different issue. is not only BME members who raise since 2002. There is some variation within these issues and instigate high quality The results from the Lords and the periods chosen; notably in the debate into them. However, BME Commons, which show a lesser final period reviewed, October and members were represented more coverage of BME issues in the November 2007, there appears frequently amongst the Lords and Lords despite the relative higher to be comparatively less debate MPs instigating the highest quality numbers of BME Peers, suggest on BME issues in the House of of debate or asking the most direct that increasing the number of BME Commons in particular. However, questions pertaining to BME issues. members does not necessarily lead each period does show that there This was particularly true in the to more coverage of BME issues. is considerably more consideration House of Lords where BME Peers However, the results do show that of BME issues in the House of accounted for almost half of high BME individuals, and Peers especially, Commons than in the House of quality contributors. were more likely to instigate a Lords, whereas the past decade There are clearly limitations better quality of debate, or ask has seen a consistently higher to this method of analysis. For questions with a central focus upon proportion of BME members in the example, the comparatively few BME issues, than their non-BME Lords than the Commons (currently written answers in response to counterparts. 4.1% and 2.3% respectively).2 questions by Peers on BME issues These results suggest that, It is important to look more may be a reflection of the fact although increasing the numbers closely at the quality in order to that written answers are directed of BME parliamentarians may not make an accurate comparison. at government ministers, fewer of necessarily lead to more discussion Although the figures appear similar which sit in the House of Lords.3 of BME issues, it would almost in 2002 and 2004, if you weight When looking just at the number certainly increase the quality and the highest quality entries more of debates, the Lords more or depth of debate on race equality in heavily, it shows that in 2004 there less match the Commons in the parliament. was significantly more engagement number and quality of debate As we consider the prospect with BME issues than in 2002. It is on BME issues. Further, debates of an election in 2010, with notable that in the periods selected offer the opportunity for more psephologists predicting a significant there was not a single question on in-depth coverage of the subject change in the membership of BME issues directed at the Prime matter, whereas written answers parliament, there is a possibility Minister. This perhaps indicates a are a response to a direct question, of considerable change in who lack of priority for BME issues. and offer little opportunity for an represents us at Westminster. Such However, it is clear that many exchange of ideas, making them change, however, should lead to members of the Lords and difficult to compare. A more parliament not just looking more Commons, regardless of their accurate picture may have been like the British citizenry, but also to ethnicity, do take BME issues into gained through looking at a larger the concerns of all (and in particular consideration in connection with number of periods over the past the marginalized) being given more a wide variety of topics, both in decade, considering debates before regular and detailed consideration at debates and in written questions. 1997, or through looking at longer the highest levels. This study suggests This was particularly noticeable in periods throughout the year. that work to make parliament more requests for statistical information. Even taking into account the ethnically diverse can make this Such questions highlighted limitations connected with this short more likely to happen. o

Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin SEPTEMBER 2009 9 First They Came for the ‘Gypsies’…

Robbie McVeigh1 reports on the disturbing recent events in Belfast, where, following a week of sustained racist violence, the Roma were removed from their houses in the community in South Belfast, first to a leisure centre then to an undisclosed location from which they were RACIST removed to Romania. Belfast was back across world headlines for all the wrong reasons. ATTACKS As fascists and neo-fascists minutes away.5 Moreover, made significant political gains Belfast has a long history 1 Dr Robbie McVeigh is a Derry-based across Europe earlier this year, of ‘ethnic cleansing’ – human rights activist anti-Roma pogroms in Belfast despite the peace process and researcher on racism and offered an example of practice and the Good Friday sectarianism, equality to accompany the theory of the Agreement, Irish Catholics and human rights. He Far Right. The broad narrative have never been able to is Joint Chairperson of the Taskforce on of events in Belfast is fairly move into those areas from 2 Traveller Education. uncontested. Following a week which migrant workers He is currently of sustained racist violence, the have been ‘cleansed’. In working as the Senior Expert on Roma were removed from their other words, there is a an international houses in the community in South longstanding tolerance and research project on Belfast, first to a leisure centre institutionalization of ‘ethnic Roma and Freedom of Movement for then to an undisclosed location cleansing’ which prepared the European Roma from which they were removed the way for what happened Rights Centre. to Romania.3. They returned to to the Roma in Belfast. 2 BBC News, ‘Racist a situation of racism, poverty and This history is inextricably part of the UK to have a mass attacks timeline’, 17 exclusion in Romania so extreme linked to the affinity between mobilization in support of the June 2009. that, despite what happened British nationalism in Northern war against Iraq, replete again

3 The Guardian, to them, they are considering a Ireland – ‘unionism’ and ‘loyalism’ with union flags in a sad echo ‘Belfast Romanians return to the north of Ireland.4 – and organized racism and of the jingoism anticipating the return home after The level of concern represented fascism in the UK. There are Great War. In other words, racist attacks: The 65 Roma say they a worry about the damage that two key elements to this. First, Northern Ireland is a part of the face an uncertain was being done to ‘Northern Northern Ireland unionists have UK in which British nationalism future in a country Ireland PLC’ as it did genuine never particularly worried about has long assumed mass and toxic where discrimination against them is solidarity with the victims of racist their connections to the Far proportions. It is hardly surprising commonplace’, 26 violence. Racism had once again Right. Notoriously Enoch Powell when this spills over into June 2009. http:// www.guardian.co.uk/ spoiled the mood music of post- found a political home within straightforward racism. uk/2009/jun/26/ Good Friday Northern Ireland. unionism after his racism moved Second, British fascists have northern-ireland- Belfast was back across world him beyond the pale of British long identified a specific political romanians-racism- belfast)) headlines for all the wrong conservatism. When John Taylor opportunity in Northern Ireland reasons. For all the expressed was a Unionist MEP he sat with – the National Front used to 4 See the Guardian surprise, however, this was not the Front National and the MSI argue, ‘the British revolution ‘Unhappy return: fear and loathing await completely unprecedented or in the Group of the European starts in Ulster’. Links between fugitives from Belfast unexpected. Northern Ireland Right, almost without notice. In loyalist paramilitary organizations racism’, 26 June 2009. has seen a rising tide of racist other words, while much has and British racists and fascists http://www.guardian. co.uk/world/2009/ violence over the last ten years been made of the election of are well-established. Moreover, jun/26/race-attacks- – Northern Ireland has been the BNP, the UK generated an loyalist paramilitary organizations on-belfast-roma and identified as the ‘race hate capital MEP comfortable with a political have been specifically associated BBC News ‘Northern Ireland - Hard times of Europe’ and Belfast as the association with European with and responsible for racist for Roma who fled ‘most racist city in the world’. fascism through Northern Ireland violence in Northern Ireland over Belfast’, 9 July 2009. This was not all journalistic unionism decades ago. This recent years. So the attacks on 5 Read more: http:// hyperbole; there have been overlap with fascism combines Roma in Belfast connect to a long www.belfasttelegraph. period, systematic attacks on with a more general appeal to history of affinity between British co.uk/sunday-life/ migrant worker communities British nationalism. For example, Fascism and Ulster Unionism and bnprsquos-secret- belfast-liar-14338489. across the north, particularly unionist election ephemera – Loyalism. This connection has also html#ixzz0Qgn02TjG in loyalist working class areas. with it preponderance of union fed a more specific anti-gypsyism.

6 The mural shown The BNP’s national call centre jacks and defence of national Of course attacks on ‘Gypsies’ in the photograph is tucked away in an industrial identity - looks like a product of and Travellers are also far from shows a mural from estate in Dundonald — right the extreme right in the context being a new thing in Belfast. But the Loyalist Fountain 6 Estate in Derry which under the nose of First Minister of multicultural UK. Northern at times this assumed the crudest celebrates these links. Peter Robinson, who lives just Ireland must have been the only and most offensive forms of all.

10 Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin SEPTEMBER 2009 For example, a loyalist deputy of a ‘failed UK immigration a general ‘cleansing’ of Eastern Lord Mayor of Belfast called policy’.7 This begins to hint at Europeans from Loyalist areas for ‘Gypsies’ to be sent to the the limitations of all this hand- after this match9 There was city incinerator – referencing wringing. Everyone was keen to also a wider dynamic with this established genocidal practice condemn the events but nobody non-identification of the Roma. towards Roma. His mainstream was able to prevent the pogroms. While treatment of the Roma unionist coalition partners may The irony was that while these often provides a classic case of RACIST not have shared his views but Roma may not have received pathologized presence/normalized ATTACKS none of them criticized him let much of a welcome, they absence, there is also arguably alone forced him to resign. received a tremendous public a related phenomenon of Despite this history, however, send off. Belfast proffered a new, ‘pathologized absence/normalized there was an exemplary formal caring face to ethnic cleansing. presence’ going on in this response from mainstream While all the sympathy and context.10 Most of the coverage political parties in Northern solidarity was laudable enough, of the pogroms was sympathetic Ireland – both unionist and when the dust had settled it was to the Roma victims. Yet most nationalist – to the attacks on still a pogrom and the Roma had of it never mentioned the ethnic the Roma. All the parties in the still been forced out of this part identity of the Roma involved Executive – DUP, UUP, SDLP of the UK. There is no mistaking – in this context they were and Sinn Féin – condemned the that it was a victory for racism in ‘Romanians’. This normalized attacks. Deputy First Minister just as real a way as the electoral absence/pathologized presence is Martin McGuinness of Sinn victories of the Far Right in the very specific to the case of Roma. Féin joined the DUP’s Equality European Parliament elections. As soon as there is any perceived Minister Jeffrey Donaldson to While it is difficult to unpack problem with the Roma presence, repudiate the attacks as criminal the reasoning behind this kind ethnicity immediately kicks in and call for prosecutions and of racist violence, Roma in – both formally and informally convictions. Donaldson was this instance were probably ‘Gypsies’ or Roma identity serves 7 See Nick Griffin keen to repudiate the ‘Northern attacked less because they to define the situation and the MEP 2009. ‘BNP Leader condemns Ireland is the race hate capital of were Roma than because they negativity of the presence. Yet Belfast anti-Gypsy Europe’. Leaders from outside were ‘Eastern European’. The when their treatment is so violence and the immigration Northern Ireland were just as ‘Village’ area of South Belfast appalling as to make sympathy policy that allows outraged. Irish President Mary has had a long and specific unavoidable, their Roma-ness is it to happen’ McAleese made an international association with racist violence8 immediately ignored. http://nickgriffin. eu/2009/06/17/ intervention on the issue. Gordon Tensions in the area were The BNP response to the bnp-leader- Brown added his voice to the recently heightened following pogroms did, however, clearly condemns-belfast- anti-gypsy-violence- general condemnation. Even the clashes between Loyalists and make these connections situating and-immigration- BNP condemned the violence, Polish fans at a Poland/Northern its ‘sympathy’ for the victims policy-which-allows-it- albeit in the context of its analysis Ireland soccer match; there was in a host of traditional anti- to-happen/ 8 See Bill Rolston, 2004, ‘Legacy of intolerance: racism and Unionism in South Belfast: What lies behind the recent spate of racist attacks on Africans and Asians in the Village, a Unionist stronghold in south Belfast?’, IRR News. 10 February 2004, 3:00 p.m. http:// www.irr.org.uk/2004/ february/ak000008. html)).

9 BBC News, ‘40 flee’ after World Cup riots, 9 April 2009.

10 See Phoenix, A., 1987, ‘Theories of Gender and Black Families’, in Weiner, G. and Arnot, M. (eds) Gender and the Politics of Schooling. London: Hutchinson for a discussion of this notion of normalized absence/pathologized presence.

Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin SEPTEMBER 2009 11 gypsy stereotypes. Institutional Ireland’s only minority ethnic MLA may be in the ascendant, its antigypsyism also kicked in as – who led opposition to the anti- violent paramilitary descant has soon as the violence occurred Roma violence - was being death- not gone away. This has important – because at this point the non- threatened by loyalists and UDA’s lessons for all of us. Events in response of the PSNI (Police youth wing was sending signed Belfast were a particular warning Service of Northern Ireland) bomb threats to minority ethnic in terms of they ways in which RACIST appears to have been informed organisations across Belfast: ‘The these forces can be mobilized ATTACKS very directly by their attitude threat against the Islamic Centre, in an Irish and British context. towards the Roma community. which was signed Ulster Young Resurgent European racism and This is the key issue to emerge Militants [the youth wing of the fascism is rooted in contemporary 11 See S. Jamison, from this whole episode. The UDA] and Combat-18, stated: anti-gypsyism: to paraphrase 2009, ‘Islamic centre gets bomb threat of racist violence is hardly ‘Get out of our country before Pastor Niemoller, ‘First they come threat’, South specific to Belfast - sadly there Bonfire Night. If you don’t, your for the Gypsies’. People across Belfast News, 2 are racist and fascist youths all building will be blown up. Keep the UK in particular ignore the July 2009. http:// across Europe happy to attack Northern Ireland for white British lessons of the Belfast anti-Roma www.belfastmedia. 11 com/home_article. Roma families alongside other people. For God and Ulster’. pogroms at their peril. php?ID=1748 minority ethnic groups. But what It is tempting to ask what Many of the Roma have now was unusual in the Belfast context more a Loyalist paramilitary returned to Northern Ireland.12 12 BBC News was the total refusal of the organization has to do to prove The Northern Ireland Human 2009. ‘Romas return after city police to take any responsibility that it is involved in racist violence. Rights Commission recently attacks’ 6.08.2009 for defending people from It is equally tempting to ask provided an overview of how the 6 Aug 2009 news. racist violence. The PSNI only what further evidence would be attacks impacted in the specific bbc.co.uk/1/ became proactive in helping the needed before the state begins area of welfare support: ‘Northern hi/northern_ ireland/8186496. families move out and return to acknowledge a problematic Ireland became the focus of global stm ‘home’ – in other words their key relationship between loyalist media attention as a result of the interventions was to facilitate the paramilitarism and British fascism. racist attacks against members of 13 Devlin, Roisin removal of the Roma. There has Yet neither fact attracted the the Roma community. However, and Sorcha McKenna (2009) been organized racist violence UK or international headlines following the racist attacks, No Home against people of colour and that were associated with the although homeless, the legislation from Home: Eastern Europeans in Belfast for Roma pogroms. The reality in meant that the victims were not Homelessness for over six years and yet the PSNI Northern Ireland therefore bears entitled to welfare benefits or People with No or Limited Access to have failed to come up with any emphasis – minority ethnic, anti- homelessness assistance…. [T] Public Funds Belfast: strategy for protecting these racist elected politicians are being his episode served as a stark Northern Ireland communities. Moreover, the death-threatened by loyalist and illustration of the urgent need Human Rights PSNI response seemed much fascist organizations; minority for legislative change and clear Commission, p. 3, available at: http:// more concerned about how the ethnic organizations are being guidance on the responsibilities www.nihrc.org/ violence was to be read than with bomb-threatened by loyalist and of statutory bodies for non-UK dms/data/NIHRC/ the victims of that violence. Here fascist organisations; and they are nationals facing homelessness.13 attachments/ there are important resonances getting away with it. Moreover, These remarks were particularly dd/files/108/ No_Home_ across the UK and beyond - any these organizations – at least on prescient – by the end of August from_Home_ police service that insists it does the loyalist side – have a track some of these families had been (September_2009). not know who is involved in racist record of effective use of violence made homeless again – this time pdf violence but it absolutely knows including mass murder, these by eviction rather than racist 14 14 BBC News that they are not ‘organized’ cannot be dismissed as ‘empty violence. Once again the PSNI 2009. ‘Romas suggests a profound problem threats’. Yet we hear no sense were in attendance ‘because of made to leave with both its credibility and of moral or political urgency to concerns for the families safety’. house in city 26 competence. mirror that which accompanied The outcome was the same as August 2009 http://news. But the collusion with denying the election of the BNP in the UK. that which followed the racist bbc.co.uk/1/ loyalist involvement was much We can insist that this should violence – Roma men, women, hi/northern_ more widespread than with the be the most important lesson of children and babies – homeless ireland/8222757. PSNI. This has been definitive all from Belfast – of course these on the streets of Belfast. Yet stm of the state response to racist pogroms must be condemned; of this time there were very few violence in Northern Ireland course there should be sympathy voices of sympathy or solidarity. over recent years. So long with the Roma victims – but This is perhaps unsurprising – in as it continues, the possibility they must be analysed and this this regard Belfast was no longer of further violence remains violence must be taken seriously. atypical. It was behaving like the immediate. There should be no In this sense, what happened rest of Europe with its studied underestimating the scale of this in Belfast was emblematic of a unconcern for the situation threat. As the pogrom against resurgent racist violence across of the EU’s poorest and most the Roma proceeded, Northern Europe. While political racism marginalized ethnic group. o

12 Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin SEPTEMBER 2009 Gurkhas Win Equal Rights to Settlement Jessica Mai Sims, who wrote the Runnymede Community Study Soldiers, Migrants and Citizens - The Nepalese In Britain, provides an update to the Gurkha Justice Campaign.1 COMMUNITY STUDIES

1 Website page reproduced by kind permission of the Gurkha Justice Campaign (http:// www.gurkhajustice. org.uk) and Prater Raines Ltd (http:// www.praterraines. co.uk)

In May 2009, Gurkhas who retired Indian Army, prior to Indian and record of bravery (receiving before 1997 won the right to independence, and prior to that in 13 Victoria Crosses between live in the UK with their family. the East India Company. Entry into them) historically they have not Until then, only Gurkhas who the Brigade of Gurkhas has always received the same benefits and retired after July 1997 – the year been a high honour, as indicated entitlements as service personnel that their headquarters left Hong through the high competition of from Commonwealth countries. Kong - were allowed to become entry. In 2008, out of over 17,000 It was not until 2004 that resident in the UK. Those who applicants, only 230 were enlisted. Gurkhas with more than four retired before this date were The inclusion of the Brigade is years of service, and who retired only given this right under special unique within the British Armed after 1997, were able to settle circumstances. Forces, as the Royal Irish Regiment permanently in the UK. In 2007 The Brigade of Gurkhas is the only other foreign national they won the right to equal comprises the units of the British specific unit. As of 2006, nearly terms and conditions of service Army that are composed of 10% of the Army was made up of within the Army which increased Nepalese servicemen. The Brigade foreign personnel, with the largest their pension six-fold – although evolved from Gurkha units that group being from Nepal. Despite payments were not retrospective. originally served in the British their large numbers, long history In September 2008, a high

Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin SEPTEMBER 2009 13 court judgement ruled that Gurkhas pre-1997 to settle in the (plus their families) are eligible to the government’s treatment of UK, and that some could as long apply for settlement. Nepalese Gurkhas who retired before as they met certain conditions. community organizations have 1997 was unlawful and needed Brown, Woolas and Kevan Jones estimated that currently there to be revised. Despite the ruling, (veterans’ minister), maintained are as many as 50,000 Nepalese it was not until May 2009 that that the cost of changing those people in the UK. COMMUNITY the government changed the rules would be £1.4 billion for Overall, the vote and policy STUDIES residency rules. a range of social benefits for an turnaround is a victory for the The Gurkha Justice Campaign, alleged 100,000 retired Gurkhas Gurkha justice campaign. However, a campaign taken on by the and their dependents – figures as the veterans’ minister pointed Liberal Democrat Party and that had been criticized as out, inequality persists in relation various Gurkha grassroots exaggeration. If these rules were to pensions for those who organizations, fought hard to changed, they argued that those retired before 1997. The MoD extend the residency policy. But Gurkhas would then demand stated that the current pension, even demonstrations of veterans equal treatment on pensions £173 a month, would be a good and the return of Victoria Crosses costing a further £1.5 billion. professional salary in Nepal. In to the government had been An amendment was introduced the UK it would just meet the ineffective. However, between calling the rules ‘restrictive, morally minimum standard of living for September 2008 and May 2009 wrong and offensive’. Five days a pensioner (if other credits and the campaign was able to mobilize after the release of the rules, an benefits are included). widespread media attention and Opposition Day debate on the The ruling may have support. Newspapers that were subject was called. The debate consequences for the future of the traditionally unsupportive of was carried by 267 votes to 246, Brigade of Gurkhas. Government immigrant rights began to speak in with 27 Labour rebels voting may decide that supporting favour of Gurkha rights. So what with the Liberal Democrats and more retired Gurkhas through changed? Conservatives, with up to 75 other immigration arrangements and A large part of the victory Labour MPs abstaining. The press access to equal pensions and was due to British actress Joanna were quick to highlight Brown’s first benefits in the UK may not be Lumley’s support of the campaign. significant defeat in the Commons. cost effective. Additionally, much Lumley was able to attract and At the time of the policy of foreign currency earnings in keep media attention on the issue, change, there were approximately Nepal come from remittances. It and publicly challenge government. 1300 outstanding applications for is suspected that if more retired She was a perfect spokesperson settlement. It has been estimated Gurkhas leave for the UK there will for the campaign; she was a well- that as many as 10,000 men be an economic impact in Nepal. o known celebrity, her father had served with the Gurkhas in Burma, and she had spoken previously on human rights causes. Lumley’s Soldiers, Migrants and Citizens involvement was in many ways instrumental to the success of the - The Nepalese In Britain cause – with her fame she was Jessica Mai Sims able to arrange interviews and press conferences with ease as well In this Community Studies report, Jessica Mai Sims explores as private meetings with both the the experiences of the UK Nepalese population. Beginning with Immigration Minister Phil Woolas an overview on the population, and the Prime Minister, Gordon settlement patterns and grassroots Brown. In one press conference based initiatives; the report with Woolas, it seemed at times describes some of the migration as if she was dictating policy to the routes and experiences of UK Border Agency. Nepalese in the UK. The report While Lumley’s messages then focuses on retired Gurkhas appealed to emotions, ethics and their families, because of and civil rights, government’s the recent change in settlement argument relied on cost-benefit restrictions, and their experiences analysis which most of the time in accessing local services. As many just appeared to be crude and families live and work in mainly unfair. The guidance that had white areas, their settlement adds been released in April 2009 a unique perspective to multi- stated that there would be ethnic Britain. no automatic right for retired

14 Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin SEPTEMBER 2009 Reconnecting Race Equality and Immigration Policies Runnymede’s Community Studies programme is coming to a close. Here, Kjartan Páll COMMUNITY Sveinsson discusses the implications of the series for immigration policy. STUDIES As an increasing number of in order to contextualize the is waking up to the reality of migrants arrive in the British Isles lived experiences of the many super-diversity, many of the from all corners of the world, different groups who live in policy responses the Home the nature of multi-ethnic Britain Britain, we also conducted Office is forging are alarming. is changing. Whereas previous three place-based community Through our Community Studies waves of migration came studies, exploring how diversity programme, Runnymede has primarily from former British is lived within the framework of argued that public policy has colonies and commonwealth a specific locality – a university been slow to get to grips with countries – most notably from student community, a multi- super-diversity. What we have the Caribbean and South ethnic council estate, and a found is that the lived reality of Asia – people are now coming street market. many of the new migrant groups 1 Berkeley, Rob to Britain in great numbers The diversification that include experiences of severe (2005) ‘From Black and White from countries which have we are exploring is part and discrimination, exploitation and to Glorious little or no previous history or parcel of what Steven Vertovec violation of rights. In the last Technicolor’, administrative links with the UK. has called ‘super-diversity’. In report of the series, we discuss Runnymede’s In addition to former Eastern defining this, he notes how the policy implications of the Quarterly Bulletin 344 (December): Bloc countries, many migrants diversification is not only evidence we have collected. 16. come from previous French, confined to ethnic diversity. It The development of a super- Spanish or Belgian colonies, and is true that one of the most diverse Britain once again calls 2 All reports are would in the past have tended noteworthy features of the new into question the relationship free to download at http://www. to migrate to these countries. migrants is the great variety between immigration policies runnymedetrust. The established routes of of immigrants’ countries of and race equality. This org/projects/ migration from the Global South origin.3 But while this ethnic relationship has always been communityStudies. to the Global North, previously diversity is one of the hallmarks contentious; the extent to which html. determined largely by colonial of super-diversity, it is not institutional and official racism 3 Vertovec, Steven links, are being disrupted and the only one. Channels and has shaped immigration policies (2007) New re-channelled. As a result, it is means of migration, and legal is not entirely clear. What is Complexities of no longer appropriate to speak immigration status, are also unmistakable, however, is that Cohesion in Britain: Super-Diversity, of ethnic groups in Britain in important markers, and shape a the immigration policies of the Transnationalism terms of the monolithic blocks range of factors such as group latter half of the 20th century and Civil- of black, Asian, white and and identity formation, life have played a pivotal role in Integration. London: ‘other’.1 chances, differential participation shaping today’s multi-ethnic Commission on Integration and The Runnymede Trust’s in the labour market, family Britain. Even if British politicians Cohesion. programme of Community reunification, discrimination have historically been more Studies seeks to shed light ‘and to what extent people can liberal than the British public, as 4 Ibid.: 4 on these developments. The make use of public services and Randall Hansen suggests,5 and 5 Hansen, Randall programme has taken the resources (including schools, did not construct immigration (2000) Citizenship shape of eleven small-scale health, training and benefits)’.4 policies based on overt racism, and Immigration in studies,2 collecting in-depth As a result, ethnicity is not the there was a clear racial bias Post-WarBritain: interviews, narratives and only, nor in many cases the in 20th century immigration The Institutional Origins of a accounts from nearly 300 primary, identity marker. This policies with unambiguous Multicultural individuals throughout the UK. has been apparent in all our consequences for ethnic Nation. Oxford: Eight of these studies have community studies. How these inequalities today.6 In spite of Oxford University explored some of Britain’s different markers – sometimes these historical lessons, there Press. smaller, more hidden, and overlapping, sometimes is a growing consensus – on 6 Spencer, Ian often voiceless communities contradictory – shape individual the left as well as right of the (1997) British and ethnic groups – Bolivians, and groups trajectories, as well political spectrum – that debates Immigration Policy Vietnamese, Francophone as the shape and dynamics of about immigration and race since 1939: The Making of Multi- Cameroonians, Romanians, multi-ethnic Britain, is not fully equality need to be separated. Racial Britain. Thais, South Africans, Nepalese understood. Although there are Politicians and pundits of all London: Routledge. and Moroccans. In addition, signs that the British government persuasions complain that talk

Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin SEPTEMBER 2009 15 of immigration automatically means to defend themselves that multiculturalism therefore engender charges of racism, from discrimination. This places necessarily leads to ethnic thereby stifling any chances of an some groups at a disadvantage segregation. These policy honest and open debate. In this in the labour market, belittles developments clearly have an attack on a politically correct their contribution to society, and impact on race equality in the straw man, the argument has prevents them from engaging short term, where the focus COMMUNITY been turned into its opposite with major British social is shifting away from tackling STUDIES – that immigration issues and institutions and taking full part in ethnic inequalities towards policies are never racist – society. eradicating cultural difference, thereby creating a logical fallacy. These two recent immigration but the long-term effects are no At a time when the ‘biggest policy developments are in many less significant. The systematic 7 CLG (2008) shake-up of the UK’s border respects an attempt to respond rounding up of migrants from Managing the security and immigration system to Britain’s super-diversity. As a poorer countries into low skilled Impacts of 7 Migration: A for 45 years’ has in fact been number of commentators have and low waged employment is Cross-Government characterized by a messy and noted, the official response to ‘generating a new transnational Approach. London: chaotic development of policy increased diversity has been to labor force, stratified not only Communities and and ‘non-stop, unplanned demand sameness on the basis by skill and ethnicity but also by Local Government 8 9 10 Publications. reform’, it is imperative not to that difference is dangerous. In immigration status’. The effects allow the immigration debate this sense, we are witnessing a of this can already be clearly 8 Somerville, Will to proceed without a clear return of the 1960s posture that seen in the London labour (2007) Immigration understanding of the implications good ‘race relations’ depend market, where 90 per cent of under New Labour. Bristol: for race equality. The final on strict migration control. people working in low paid The Policy Press. report in the Runnymede’s ‘Community Cohesion’ has ‘elementary jobs’ are migrant Community Studies series draws become the guiding light and the workers from Sub-Saharan 9 Grillo, Ralph on eleven qualitiative studies ultimate purpose of migration Africa, Latin America and (2005) Backlash 11 Against Diversity? – and the accounts of nearly policies; yet its obsessive Eastern Europe. Identity and 300 individuals – to argue that focus on ethnic identity, and Unfortunately, the call for Cultural Politics In the migration policies that have its discounting of rights and separation of immigration from European Cities. been implemented in recent principles of equality, is based on race equality debates is no Working Paper No. 14. Oxford: years have a clear racial bias, a fundamental misunderstanding longer confined to the right wing Compas; Back, Les, and are therefore likely to have of the trajectories and of politics. In the last ten years, Michael Keith, Azra a negative impact on the future aspirations of migrants. Our it has slowly moved leftwards Khan, Kalbir Shukra of multi-ethnic Britain. The two Community Studies clearly to develop a broad political and John Solomos (2002) ‘New flagship policy developments of confirm that migrants do not consensus that restrictive Labour’s White this shake-up – the Points Based need to be forced to integrate; immigration policies need Heart: Politics, System (PBS) and the Borders, it is in their own interest to not verify their race equality Multiculturalism Immigration and Citizenship Act do so. Their greatest barrier credentials. The strapline ‘it’s not and the Return to Assimilation’, 2009 – both introduce significant to full participation in society racist to talk about immigration’, Political Quarterly unequal treatment which will – and thereby integration – is and the logical fallacy it gives 73(4): 445-454. have severe repercussions on racism, discrimination and rise to, has been allowed to win ethnic inequality for years to disempowerment. Migrants want the argument. The association 10 Castles, Stephen (2004) come. In spite of claims to the to participate in society, but between anti-racist and migrants’ ‘The Factors that contrary, these policies have society does not always allow rights movements appears to Make and Unmake clear discriminatory and racist them to participate as equals. follow this pattern. Too often, Immigration consequences. A system which It is disheartening that the it seems as though migrants, Policies’, International discriminates and distinguishes government’s policy responses refugees and asylum seekers are Immigration between different types of to Britain’s super-diversity tend excluded from the equalities Review, 38(3): workers, with a hierarchy to ignore the actual experiences agenda. When the Equality Bill 852-884. of rights pertaining to the of different groups and was introduced, for example, 11 Evans, Yara, structural position of migrants, individuals, how they interact it contained no mention of Joanna Herbert, will reproduce within Britain amongst themselves and with migrants, refugees or asylum Kavita Datta, the global inequalities that drive others, and how they see their seekers, and the government Jon May, Cathy migration in the first place. place in Britain. Instead, the was not vigorously confronted McIlwaine and Jane Wills (2005) The PBS corrals migrants from value of equality and diversity – on this by equality groups. It Making the City the global South into dirty, and subsequently rights, social is important that race equality Work: Low Paid dangerous and demeaning justice and respect as well – is organizations take the damage Employment in work and leaves them open to being eroded in policy by a to migrants’ rights seriously; the London. London: Queen Mary, exploitation, while the Borders, view from above that minority future of multi-ethnic Britain, University of Immigration and Citizenship Act ethnic groups and migrants and the shape of ethnic and London. further restricts their rights and naturally self-segregate and racial inequalities, starts here. o

16 Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin SEPTEMBER 2009 Financial Inclusion and affordable products to disadvantaged people, or people within a certain risk category, and how far we can Equality Conference or should accept other institutions, perhaps including government, to Last year Runnymede published the results of a study, cover some of these costs. At the Financial Inclusion and Ethnicity: An Agenda for Research and same time, the race and equality FINANCIAL Policy Action, into how Black and minority ethnic people sectors haven’t fully addressed these INCLUSION experience financial exclusion (available on the Runnymede difficult questions. We must accept that there will be cases where some Website: www.runnymedetrust.org). In order to share the people may be more risky or costly findings of the report Runnymede is holding a one day for a financial institution; we must conference on 20 October 2009. then make a decision on how to distribute those social costs. By having The aim of the conference is to preferences or behaviour that leads an honest and open discussion with bring innovative thinkers and policy them to value certain investments or financial institutions, policy makers, makers together to advance financial products as more or less risky. the financial regulator, academics and inclusion and to address some of the Research has found that statistical the equality sector we can hopefully following questions: risk scoring results in more risky expand and take forward the profiles for Black and minority financial inclusion agenda. We might How can reforms in financial ethnic people. Financial institutions, also reflect on how principles such products and services respond however, do not allow ethnicity as individual well-being and social to those most at risk of to be factored in as a variable for inclusion can guide the scope and financial exclusion? risk-scoring or for costing financial nature of financial regulation so that products. Similar decisions have Britain’s financial sector serves all of Are some people too costly been made with respect to sexual its residents. or risky for mainstream orientation and life insurance – Our conference will seek to financial institutions to provide where gay and lesbian people were address these areas and discuss the services to? If so, how should once required to pay more based practical solutions that can be found they be provided with on the assumption that they were to reduce the injustice of financial important financial products more likely to practice unsafe sex. exclusion. The cost of attending and services? In other cases, however, such as the conference will be £150. There older people paying more for travel will be a small number of bursaries Runnymede has provided evidence insurance, or younger men paying available. of BME financial exclusion, but we more for car insurance, or various have also tried to explain the various kinds of postcode ‘lotteries’, certain Confirmed speakers include: reasons why people are financially groups are required to pay more for Brian Pomeroy, Chair of the Financial Inclusion Task Force excluded. Social disadvantage and a product because they belong to a Kate Humpris, Head of Department, Consumer Affairs, discrimination are not the only more ‘risky’ category. Strategy and Evaluation, The Financial Services Authority reasons that BME may be financially We need a genuine discussion John McFall, MP, Chair of the Treasury Select Committee excluded. Like other people in about how existing financial Lord Freud, Shadow Minister, Department of Work and society, they may have different institutions can do better to offer Pensions

Black People Pay More to Get Their Own Money Out of the Bank Black and minority ethnic people are more likely to live in areas where they have to pay fees for withdrawing cash from cash machines, according to new research by the Runnymede Trust. The research was conducted by Omar Khan and Ludi Simpson and is based on quantitative analysis of all of the 64,000 bank machines across the UK, whether they are located in high street banks, petrol stations, grocery shops or pubs. With the closure of many high street banks and post offices, there is increasing concern about whether people living in rural and disadvantaged areas will be able to access cash easily. Runnymede’s new research suggests that Black and minority ethnic people are more likely to live in areas with fee-charging cash machines. This can add additional banking costs of £120 a year if customers use their nearest bank machine. Areas with large BME populations have fewer cash machines, meaning that people in these areas have to travel further to access cash. The number of people using cash machines to access cash is increasing every year. Because people in poorer areas are less able to access non-fee paying machines, a parliamentary working group chaired by John McFall MP has recently ensured that over 600 machines will be placed in disadvantaged areas. Runnymede’s research argues that government needs to ensure that Black and minority ethnic people are also well served by this scheme in particular and by financial institutions more generally.

Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin SEPTEMBER 2009 17 strategic understanding of the Peer Learning for possibilities for peer education.2 The key strength is essentially the simplicity of the concept; a Young People by weakness can be the complexity and cost of systems of delivery. EDUCATION Opportunity can be drawn Young People from the high range of activities possible, whilst threats can arise from expecting too much or Angela Nartey examines the system of learning whereby too little from the programme. peers consciously assist others to learn and in so doing, With such potential strength learn themselves. and opportunity, it is interesting to note that peer learning has The concept of peer education that whilst measuring qualitative not typically been embraced is a simple one; we learn from outcomes such as enjoyment or formalized in the secondary each other continuously and and well-being can be difficult, sector, thus highlighting the a benefit of this is that the these outcomes should be threats and weaknesses interaction is timely. It has the noted in addition to educational outlined. The transition from advantage of taking place in achievement. Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 4 the context of equal status - Peer learning is of value as involves pupils developing skills in the absence of the power the act of participation alone such as learning how to learn, of position that teachers, for enables both parties to develop and time management. What example, may hold. There is independent learning skills. advice, however, would an also a high level of empathy as Pupils are supported in learning older young person choose peers have a shared experience, how to learn. The more to give to someone at this culture and language, informal style adopted amongst crossroad and how would which facilitates the flow of peers is more interactive and they choose to present that information. less didactic and encourages information? What would The earliest written critical and reflective thinking. such a programme look and example of the peer education The skills developed by both feel like? An interesting study approach can be traced back parties include critical enquiry, would be an assessment of the to Dr Andrew Bell in Madras teamwork, and communication, merits of such a programme, in India in the early 1800s. Bell all skills which although not and an exploration of the developed a monitorial system formally taught, become potential for peer education to whereby older boys were increasingly important as young raise achievement and increase 1 Sebba J, Crick trained to teach younger boys. people move through the educational motivation. RD, Yu, G, Lawson Even earlier examples have education system and into the Peer learning has tended H, Harlen W, Durant K (2008), been traced back to Aristotle in workplace. to take place along informal ‘Systematic review Ancient Greece. A key limitation of the lines, and so a benefit of of research Early examples of peer research in this field is that formalizing the process is that evidence of the education tended to be the literature base has it could offer all students the impact on students in secondary implemented for cost-efficiency focused on peer learning opportunity to participate and schools of self and reasons, but there were in higher education or for not just those with the social peer assessment. advantages beyond just saving health education. There is capital to do so. Although Technical report’, money. The Evidence for a further gap in the research peer learning has traditionally in Research Evidence in Policy and Practice Information in that whilst there are a been delivered face-to-face, Education Library. and Co-ordinating Centre number of guides published the high popularity of internet- London: EPPI- (EPPI-Centre) at the Institute on how to implement peer based technology amongst Centre, Social of Education conducted a education and how to train young people offers interesting Science Research Unit, Institute review of 26 published studies students to become peer opportunities for offering new of Education, and found positive outcomes mentors, there is seldom formats of peer learning. The University of in pupil attainment across a reference to programmes and shy learner who may not fully London. range of subject areas for nine activities designed by young engage with traditional peer 1 2 Goodlad, Sinclair out of 15 studies. Increased people for young people. learning formats could benefit. (Ed.) (1995), pupil self esteem was noted in Sinclair Goodlad’s strengths, This opens up a wide arena for Students as Tutors seven of the nine studies and weaknesses, opportunities the development of new and and Mentors, Kogan increased engagement with and threat (SWOT) analysis existing peer learning formats, Page in association with British learning was reported in 17 out of student tutoring and and indicates a new area for Petroleum : 8. of 20 studies. The Centre note mentoring gives a useful research. o

18 Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin SEPTEMBER 2009 Policy, Purpose and Pragmatism: Voluntary Sector Dilemmas and

Tragic Bargains CRIMINAL New research conducted by the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies (CCJS) with voluntary JUSTICE and community providers predominantly working with black young people affected by crime highlights the tragic bargains those in the sector are making in a constant struggle for resources.1 Helen Mills, the report’s author, discusses some of the research findings. Over the last year CCJS has ‘community cohesion’ have themselves having explored the experiences created an environment in which to make significant of voluntary and community an ethnicity-specific focus has compromises organizations (VCOs) that become impossible to sustain. regarding how predominantly work with black Organizations that define they presented young people affected by themselves as having something their role. As crime. Based on interviews with to offer black young people in one provider individuals involved in running particular have therefore been explained when 16 VCOs in four English cities, displaced over the past decade discussing funding our report draws attention to by VCOs working with young applications, ‘You key tensions and challenges that people in which ethnicity is not need to know such organizations are facing. overtly discussed. where to put the We suggest that VCOs’ ability word gun crime in’. to provide quality practices with ‘Playing football can stop young people is undermined someone from shooting Future scenario? by contradictory governmental somebody? Taking them on The VCOs in this report have to agendas and a persistent an activity can? No and I’ve contend with an ambiguous and competition for limited resources always said that’ uncertain contemporary policy within a conservative funding environment for their work. environment. The voluntary and community Ambiguous because the role of providers we interviewed clearly the voluntary and community ‘[Ethnicity?] It’s really nothing express their values. They sector (VCS) to address the to talk about to be honest believed in providing holistic, overrepresentation of black with you’ flexible support, and building young people in the criminal relationships with young people justice system is emphasized The organizations interviewed based on trust, engagement without clarification or recourse were approached based on and the life experience they to clear evidence, about what it the perception that they were and others at the organization is being called on to contribute. offering something to black had. However, the institutional Uncertain because statutory young people affected by arrangements for voluntary contracts and commissioning 1 ‘Policy, Purpose crime in particular. However, and community work were constitute a new regime for the and Pragmatism’ with a few notable exceptions, considered to stand at odds VCS with important, and as yet by Helen Mills was funded by the we found providers consider with this preferred approach. unknown consequences. While Barrow Cadbury ethnicity an inappropriate way Providers described funding this unpredictability is not an Trust and published to define their role, approach or exchanges which focused on issue unique to VCOs working by the Centre for practice. There were concerns quantity not quality, and with with black young people affected Crime and Justice Studies, King’s that defining interventions by a questionable ability to fully by crime, the VCOs interviewed College London, ethnicity is stigmatizing for address young people’s needs. were often uncomfortably 2009, ISBN 978 young people and that it would Indeed, despite many claims positioned between hard- 1 90600 317 3. limit the relevance of their of interest, really innovative pressed local communities and To download the report for free organization. The accounts of practice was considered too statutory agencies. Adapting to please see CCJS’s longer-established voluntary expensive, too ‘outside the box’, contracts may fundamentally website: and community practitioners or too long-term a commitment warp the values these http://www. suggest an alternative explanation to be supported. Additionally, organizations pride themselves crimeand justice.org.uk/ for this rejection of ethnicity. in seeking sustainability for on: autonomy and legitimacy policypurpose They consider policies on their work, providers found with young people. o andpragmatism.html

Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin SEPTEMBER 2009 19 Children’s Awareness of Race

‘It’s not just about Black and White, Miss’: Children’s Awareness of Race Sally Elton-Chalcraft Trentham Books, 2009 Pp. 186; £16.99; ISBN 978 185856 050 6 BOOK Reviewed by Debbie Weekes-Bernard REVIEWS This book presents in which broader inequalities are looked at, discussed findings from a and challenged even by the very young, is an important research project issue and one which is raised well here. involving the What the book doesn’t do as well, however, testimonies of is to interrogate some of the policy areas that the children aged author introduces in order to provide context for the 9-10 years across testimonies. This tends to detract from the overall four schools in message of the discussion and indeed at times poses a the Midlands, focusing on a series of conversations, question as to who its targeted audience may consist interviews and classroom/playground observations of. There is some discussion about Britishness and surrounding diversity, religion, identity and Britishness. the outcomes of the Macpherson report for example, It provides an array of very rich data from fairly young but there is an implicit assumption that the reader is children able to articulate their thoughts and beliefs familiar with these areas to an extent that these are about a range of issues about race and, in the process, issues that are simply acknowledged rather than given reveals a great deal both about childhood, and the long- any detailed attention. This is problematic because it lasting and often pernicious effects of the influence of appears that issues to do with the ethnic background of family on the notions of difference that young children teachers or the place of religious education in schools develop. are placed as ‘hooks’ around which the testimonies The book raises sets of both interesting and worrying of the children are framed. The result of this is areas for debate. For example, the continued reluctance that though the voices of these children are, quite of a proportion of schools with low numbers of Black importantly, given a central position within the book, and minority ethnic children to pay more than cursory the policy areas, which can provide important points attention to issues of race equality and cultural diversity; of discussion for both newly qualified and existing the inability of schools more generally to reach beyond teachers, appear rather simplistic. their gates to attract the support, or indeed often to As a tool for teachers, reading about the complex counter the views, of the parents of the children they way that children interpret and absorb the information teach; the simplicity of ‘contact theory’ – the premise they receive about race is essential, as it can be used promoted by some academics within social psychology, to ensure teaching practice provides the opportunity that increased contact between those from different to reflect on what is taught. The testimonies in and backgrounds will reduce and ultimately eradicate racial of themselves are thus fascinating and informative. hostility; and, importantly given the ages of the children However, teachers themselves need to be able to represented within the text, how little attention is develop their own means of critical analysis, and there given to the overriding power relationship between is therefore a responsibility within texts targeted for pupil and teacher, and the barriers to learning about their use, to ensure that they are equipped with good difference this can create for children when a teacher is information about policy development in the area of unsympathetic, or even hostile, to a particular cultural/ diversity. Brief mention of citizenship, Britishness and religious practice or point of view. the Race Relations Amendment Act (2000), as occurs Many of the young children profiled within the within the book, is of great use. This could also have book talk about the essential ‘sameness’ of being a child been assisted, perhaps, within concluding comments, by and of accepting others for themselves, often revealing some acknowledgement of the legal (as of September a capacity for empathy that is both encouraging 2007) duty to promote community cohesion, which and refreshing amidst some of the more confused the featured schools in the book would need to adhere suggestions by others about the ‘Hindu’ background of to, and an assessment of how this would fit within their Osama bin Laden. However in the recommendations general approach to the promotion of cultural diversity of the book, Elton-Chalcraft challenges not only the among the student body. ‘colour blind’ view of this discourse of sameness but Books of this nature remain necessary, especially as also the limitations of ‘being nice’ within the context the voices of the very young can often become lost in of racism, highlighting the worrying effects of paying wider debates about race – however it is also essential scant attention to the issue of diversity within schools. that the way such testimonies are discussed pays heed Looking beyond the micro level of being tough on to the larger impact they have on our understanding of racist bullying towards creating an institutional climate what remains to be done generally within education. o

20 Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin SEPTEMBER 2009 Mixed-Up Kids? Race, Identity and Social Order

Tina G. Patel BOOK Russell House Publishing, Lyme Regis, 2009 REVIEWS Pp. 160; £18.95; ISBN: 978-1-90554-138-6 Reviewed by Jessica Mai Sims

formed and maintained. Patel provides an introduction to transracial adoption, through outlining the relevant theories on race and policy, practice, and arguments for and against transracial placements throughout the years. She also includes the life stories of a sample of transracially or transnationally adopted people, describing their experiences and journey of negotiating identities. In Chapter 1, Patel explores the concept of racial identities in modern society in relation to the possibility of multiple racial identities. Chapter 2 provides assessments of existing legislation and policies, an overview of placement practice and services with brief comparative mention of the approach taken in Transracial adoption and fostering placements have had the United States. Personal life story testimonies are a controversial history. Beginning in the 1960s, the compared in Chapter 3, comprising of a sample of practice initially had little regard for questions on the six adults who were transracially or transnationally suitability of white parents supporting their adopted adopted. Material from those testimonies are then children in developing positive cultural identities and organized to explore the possibility of a ‘multi- combating possible racism. It was only really after this racialized’ identity in chapter four. Chapter 5 provides generation of transracial adoptees grew up and began a consideration of possessing a ‘multi-racialized’ to speak about their experiences that social workers identity which is positive and influenced by life factors began to question the practice. The preference and such as appearance, religion, and family and social practice of same-race placements partly came out of networks. these experiences, which then threw into question the In the final chapter, Patel states that while ‘an morality of children being forced onto waiting lists exact race match is not vital’, matches should be as because of their ethnic backgrounds. Many have dubbed close as possible to cater to the child’s mixed racial this ‘reverse racism’ towards white couples and argue biography through, for example, developing resistance that ultimately race does not matter, and that love can against racism and developing feelings of assurance conquer all. through familial sameness. She then goes on to make As of 2005 there were approximately 65,000 children recommendations for transracial adoption and fostering in care in England and Wales, of which 80 per cent were policy and practice. Mixed-up Kids? argues that white. Because children from ethnic minorities are over- recognizing that identities can be multiple and flexible represented in the care system, and there is a under- can improve adoption and fostering services, and that representation of carers coming from black and ethnic neither politically Black conceptions of identity nor minority backgrounds, transracial adoption will most colour-blindness are appropriate. likely continue to be a salient issue. The book provides a satisfactory primer to deeper In Mixed-Up Kids? Tina Patel focuses on transracial explorations on theories on ‘race’ and identity adoptions where the child in need of placement comes formation and a comprehensive outline of the from either a mixed, immigrant or transnational relevant adoption and fostering legislation, policy background. She argues that services for these and practice. Aside from the briefing on theoretical placements have been inhibited by outdated and and practical aspects of the area, the inclusion of life problematic ideas about essentialized racial identities story testimonies allow for more personal insight. and the perceived need for children to commit fully to This book would be of interest to students and one identity in order to develop positive identities and practitioners who are seeking a basic introduction to combat racism. Further, Patel advocates using Symbolic transracial adoption and fostering placements in the Interactionist theories to understand how identities are UK. o

Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin SEPTEMBER 2009 21 Complementary schools in the UK

Realising Potential: Complementary Schools in the UK Tözün Issa and Claudette Williams Published by Trentham Books, 2009 Pp. 166; £16.99; ISBN: 978 1 85856 379 4 Reviewed by Angela Nartey BOOK REVIEWS Issa and Williams draw and funding, intertwining this with policy information and, together two significant particularly, the Quality Framework programme run by pieces of research into National Resource Centre (NRC) for supplementary schools complementary schools in London. in the United Kingdom. In the first study, the authors categorize the range of The book presents complementary school provision from a sample of mainly detailed information London schools. From these categorizations, the authors go on the methodology on to provide case study information on London Language of these projects and Schools (Chapter 4) and African Caribbean and African provides a wealth of schools (Chapter 5). The second research piece presents the qualitative and anecdotal evidence based on interviews with findings of the National Centre for Languages (CILT) report headteachers, teachers, parents and pupils at complementary Teachers in Supplementary Schools and their Aspirations to Teach schools. As such the book is particularly useful to those Community Languages. Here the research project was designed who are not familiar with complementary education. From to explore the qualifications held by complementary school the outset, complementary schools are defined as voluntary teachers and determine if and to what extent these teachers institutions serving a specific linguistic, religious or cultural wished to gain qualified teacher status. community (p. viii). The authors explain that these It is interesting to note that the book is written with a very institutions fall into two broad categories, those established by personal input from the authors. From William’s personal African-Caribbean communities to compensate for the racism account of her own migration story, to the inclusion of in the education system which has led to underachievement Turkish transcript with English translation in the case studies, amongst African Caribbean pupils and those set up to maintain the authors do not claim neutrality but, rather, acknowledge the languages and culture of linguistic minority groups (p. their own subjectivity and contribute their own stories. vii). The introduction contains a brief historical overview The final chapters work well to draw together the referencing the first of these to London in the mid-1800s. wealth of research presented. The conclusions and The first chapter provides a backcloth. In giving an recommendations highlight the significant work that is overview of the history of migration and immigration in the being done in complementary schools to enhance the UK, the authors highlight the social and political factors which linguistic, cultural and national curriculum learning of were the driving force for the formation of complementary children from BME backgrounds whilst advocating the need schools. Issa and Williams go on to outline current provision for greater and funding and more training for teachers in of complementary schooling including structure, management complementary schools. o Nomads under the Westway

Nomads under the Westway: Irish Travellers, Gypsies and other Traders in West London Christopher Griffin University of Hertfordshire Press, 2008 Pp. 256; £14.99; ISBN: 978-1-90280-654-9 Reviewed by Kjartan Páll Sveinsson

Nomads under the Westway is a vivid and present. His writing style is also personal and relaxed, account of an anthropologist’s residence and the book is a joy to read. It is the ethnography that with a community of Travellers living under matters, and Griffin doesn’t become too bogged down by the Westway in west London. Fieldwork theory. As a result, the book is accessible to all readers, but amongst Travellers is notoriously difficult, still retains a strong value for scholars. but Christopher Griffin’s in-depth fieldwork However, the real strength of the book is the way it makes him uniquely placed to write a comprehensive vividly shows how a community of Travellers sits in the account of the lives of the people with whom he lived and middle of west London, how it defines itself in relation to worked as a site warden for a number of years. the wider community, and how the two worlds overlap in Apart from being one of only a handful of Travellers some ways while having very clear boundaries in others. As ethnographies based on robust fieldwork, the book he notes, the Westway Site is not a ‘closed’ community by is interesting for a number of reasons and innovative any means, but a part of the community of communities approaches. For example, the book is historical as well both in west London as well as Britain as a whole. Griffin’s as contemporary in scope; Griffin firmly grounds his book will prove to be a valuable resource for whoever ethnographic findings in historical texts and oral history, and wishes to learn about Travellers and their relationship with weaves these nicely together to present a rich account of past each other and wider society. o

22 Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin SEPTEMBER 2009 The Politics of Immigration

The Politics of Immigration in France, Britain and the United States: A Comparative Study Martin Schain Palgrave Macmillan, 2009 Pp. 352; £13.99, pbk; ISBN 978 1 40396 216 4 BOOK Reviewed by Kim Vanderaa REVIEWS devoted to a historic overview of the waves of immigration into the country and its institutional 1 Martin A. framework. These chapters are followed by one Schain, 2008, on the reasons for migration, border control, the The Politics of Immigration in impact of immigration on the host country as well as France, Britain and questions around integration.2 In Britain questions the United States: about integration have been framed in a discourse of A Comparative ‘race relations’, which has had a large impact on the Study. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, development of legislation and anti-discrimination. The 275. United States is a similar story with federal legislation on immigration and citizenship becoming linked to 2 Schain, The the civil rights movement. France on the other hand Politics of Immigration in uses an assimilationist model for its integration policies. France, Britain and Apart from some theoretical discussion, the Politics the United States, of Immigration in France, Britain and the United States, 207. contains some very interesting evidence regarding 3 Ibid, 88 The Politics of Immigration in France, Britain and the United integration. Using indicators including people’s States by Martin A.. Schain gives a comprehensive perceived identity, education and inter-marriage rates, overview of not only the history of immigration in the author has tried to estimate the extent of integration the three countries, but also of the development of in each country. Despite mildly criticizing the French policy in immigration and integration. After a general approach, for example, he does show that the inter- introduction, the three countries are discussed in turn. marriage rates in France are higher than anywhere else Throughout the book it becomes apparent that and that French Muslims consider themselves firstly there are certain similarities but also great differences French before they feel themselves to be Muslim or between the three countries. The European examples coming from another country.3 tend to be similar to each other, but different from the The case studies close with a chapter on the United States. All the same, on some occasions the US political context, public opinion and the regulation of adopt a similar approach to either France or Britain or immigration in each of the three countries discussed. Nomads under the Westway even both. For France, the rise of the Front National is pictured as The general attitude towards immigration tends to an important development for immigration legislation be rather different in Europe than the US. Although and the path other parties have taken in response. initially being open to immigrants, particularly from Britain’s story is rather different with various wings Europe, France has increasingly closed its borders within the two main parties. The United States once and even adopted a ‘zero immigration’ policy as more represent a rather different case than the European the years progressed. Britain never aimed for ‘zero examples, not least due to the fact that the US is a immigration’ but has tried to reduce the number of federation and that the individual states have a large immigrants from certain countries, particularly from the autonomy where immigration policy is concerned. New Commonwealth and the Caribbean. Where the These last chapters also address the case of irregular European countries have increasingly adopted policies immigration which is very interesting as Europe aimed at reducing the number of immigrants, the US seems to be very concerned with limiting this type of adopted policies which imposed criteria on immigrants.1 immigration. The United States however, approach Interestingly, in all three examples, there seems to have irregular immigration very differently not least in that been a preference for immigrants from some countries children of irregular immigrants are legal US citizens if over others. As Britain tried to reduce the number of they are born in the US. immigrants from the New Commonwealth, France Overall, the three case studies provide a good attempted to have the lowest number of Algerians understanding of the directions the countries treated enter the country as possible. The US predominantly have taken in developing their immigration policies. used quotas to limit the number of immigrants from The Politics of Immigration in France, Britain and the certain countries, which has predominantly been used to United States provides a clear and comprehensive exclude Asians. study in which facts and statistics are put into a wider The various case-studies each start with a chapter theoretical framework and political context. o

Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin SEPTEMBER 2009 23 Faith in the Public Realm Faith in the Public Realm: Controversies, Policies and Practices Adam Dinham, Robert Furbey and Vivien Lowndes (eds) Policy Press, 2009 Pp. 244; £19.99, pbk; ISBN: 978-1-84742-029-9 Reviewed by Phil Mawhinney BOOK REVIEWS At a time when debates secularism’ and the less extreme, more pragmatic ‘moderate around religion and its secularism’, which multiculturalism requires. role in contemporary In a discussion of Muslim identity and segregation, British civil society are the ‘Muslim community’ in Britain is shown to be less often sensational and coherent than often assumed. Social circles within the polarized, this calm Muslim community are often based around language and unpacking of issues ethnicity, with social interactions beyond these boundaries relating to faith and being very limited, both with Muslims and non-Muslims. the public realm is to Indeed, different Muslim communities follow different be welcomed. The increasing involvement of faith bodies dates in religious festivals, taking their lead from different in various forms of public life since the mid-1990s and in countries. Simplistic notions of segregation are challenged particular since New Labour came into power, coupled with by illustrating this lack of cohesion within the Muslim the wider ‘political revitalization of religion at the heart of community and showing where social interactions with western society’, as phrased by Habermas1 and quoted by the wider community do occur, such as in the catering Dinham and Lowndes on p.1, have produced tensions and industry. However, continuing Muslim disadvantage in difficult negotiations, which this book explores. terms of employment, housing and income, as well as deep- The book’s twelve chapters include contributions from seated negative attitudes towards Muslims across Europe, writers from various perspectives, from sociologists to indicate continuing segregation at different levels. The government advisers to urban theologians. The collection focus on Islam adopted by various far-right groups would aims to clarify and ‘positively problematize’ some of the key be widely considered unacceptable if it were based on race. issues around faith in the public realm, particularly in the Islamophobia can therefore be understood as a variant or key policy areas of community cohesion, local democracy development of racism, with such groups feeling confident and public service provision. about expressing Islamophobic sentiments where they are A useful preliminary discussion of the nature of the public unable to express nakedly racist sentiments. Other forms of realm points out that religion cannot belong solely to the Islamophobia include negative associations with Islam in private sphere, due to the longstanding role of various faith the media and the ambivalence in British society about the groups in social welfare. The British religious landscape is compatibility of being a Muslim and a British citizen. mapped, providing important context. Though many see A policy conversation around the key issue of whether religion in the public sphere as an historical anachronism with the rise in faith identities poses a challenge to multiculturalism a primarily ceremonial or decorative function, self-reported highlights several key milestones: the multiculturalist religious affiliation remains high, with 72 per cent affiliated to settlement arising from questions of racial equality in the Christianity, 5% to non-Christian denominations (of which 1960s; the increasing importance of faith through the 1990s half are Muslim) and 15% reporting no religion. These are and 2000s, indicated by a rising Christian and Muslim political figures from the 2001 UK Census. It is important to note, consciousness; the community cohesion agenda, which however, that other surveys often frame questions on religion grew out of the 2001 disturbances in Northern England; and in terms of church attendance or specific beliefs, suggesting the increased mainstreaming of faith groups, indicated by that Christianity may be much less significant than suggested stronger inter-faith networks and funding. Dilwar Hussain by the 2001 Census. Indeed, the Christian Research English also points out that since 9/11 Muslims have overshot their Church Census suggests that only 6% of people in England sense of political assertiveness, resulting in a current period of attended Sunday services regularly in 2005. entrenchment and introspection. Although the collection highlights many of the positive This collection is successful in analysing controversies relating aspects of involving faith in the public sphere, the editors to faith in the public realm, including faith schools and urban add that it is not ‘an apologia for faith’. Rather, it accepts governance. The policy areas of community cohesion, local 1 Unpublished the existing context in which ‘faith has re-emerged as a democracy and public service provision, as well as the potential lecture which significant social and political category’. In the absence of any implications of the rise of faith identities for multiculturalism, is still available ‘wholly dissenting chapters’, Furbey outlines and critically are explored throughout the book. The collection is focused online. http:// engages with key secularist arguments in Chapter 2. As on group difference. An exploration of how issues of faith and www.sandiego. edu/pdf/ well as addressing the argument that religion is inherently individual conscience play out in the public realm, for example pdf_library/ irrational and therefore should be excluded from public in the Catholic adoption agencies and civil partnership rows, habermaslec deliberations, he challenges the concept of the ‘neutral public could be a useful addition. Issues are ‘positively problematized’ ture031105_ sphere’. Highlighting the potential for oppression of cultural, through a combination of statistics, historical and international c939cceb2ab 087bdfc6df2 linguistic and religious minorities in a secular liberal public context, in-depth research and critical engagement with 91ec0fc3fa.pdf realm, he discusses the distinction between ‘ideological arguments from a diversity of perspectives. o

24 Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin SEPTEMBER 2009 At Deaths Door

Death’s Door: Ignorance Likes Company A graphic novel written and illustrated by Jag Lall Discovered Authors, 2009 Pp. 42; £11.99 + p & p; ISBN 978 1 90510 878 7 Reviewed by Robin Richardson BOOK REVIEWS ‘I only hope,’ bring people together with love, not hate’. concludes Jag The book is graphic novel, telling a story Lall, reflecting through pictures about violence on the streets back on the story of a Canadian city. The violence involves a Sikh he has told in man being mistaken for a dangerous terrorist and Death’s Door, being shot dead. The young people for whom it is ‘that our children intended will probably find it quite engaging, even have enough courage to see that we are all human gripping. They will not, however, be enlightened beings and that makes us all one’. The sentiment about the causes of enmity and violence or about is illustrated by an image of swings in a children’s how in practice to tackle them. Yet a skilful teacher playground. Other concluding remarks intended to may be able to use the book as a springboard for summarize the book’s message include: ‘This world is encouraging young people to engage in sustained a beautiful canvas for us to paint our lives upon. Why study, analysis and research, and to understand not paint together, with a glorious burst of colour that idealistic utterances will always be in danger and life?’ And: ‘The difference in the tone of skin, faith of sounding hollow and unhelpful if they are not or religious beliefs should not be a reason to spill accompanied by rigorous debate, and by practical, blood. Instead, it should be a reason to celebrate and political, collective action. o Belonging

Belonging: A Culture of Place bell hooks Published by Taylor & Francis Pp. 240; £14.99, pbk; ISBN 978 0 41596 816 4 Reviewed by Anne Gumuschian

In a special and her relationship to the land where she grew up as 2008 review of inherent to each other. She proclaims it is the relationship to Appalachian Heritage that homeland and the intimacy its settlers shared with it that on African Americans embodies the connectedness of all human life in its bonds in Appalachia bell to the land, nature and the environment, giving humanity a hooks wrote : sense of history and reverence for life. ‘Living by those The author addresses past and present issues of race and values, living with integrity, I am able to return to my native class while reflecting on the history of the agrarian South place, to an Appalachia that is no longer silent about its before industrial capitalism changed the nature of black diversity or about the broad sweep of its influence. While farmers’ lives and altered communal practices that were at its I do not claim an identity as Appalachian, I do claim a centre. solidarity, a sense of belonging, that makes me one with the In the context of the legacy of slavery, bel hooks focuses Appalachian past of my ancestors, black, Native American, on issues of land, land ownership and the reclaiming of white, all “people of one blood” who made homeplace in black history in relationship to farming in Kentucky before isolated landscapes where they could invent themselves, considering present expressions of racism and segregation in where they could savor a taste of freedom.’ housing and the economic realm in the nation as a whole. Her latest collection of essays, Belonging, a culture of It is difficult to draw out policy conclusions from this place addresses issues of place and belonging as she takes us complicated work, but most of us can relate to the very around the various places which shaped her sense of identity, personal accounts, experiences and feelings that bell hooks before she returns to her old Kentucky home where her uses to explore places of memory and remembering, journey in search of place ends. and that she places as necessary resources to a personal With memories of her family and her childhood, she construction of belonging and a collective sense of illustrates her sense of community and loyalty to her people community. o

Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin SEPTEMBER 2009 25 Belonging Launch

Marion Vargaftig interprets some of the concepts of belonging and identity displayed in films made by young people in London, Paris and Lisbon which were screened BELONGING recently at Channel 4. communities: accumulation of Their answers do not seem to different shared experiences, leave the teenagers reassured. what he calls ‘the good and Mohammed Umer Iqbal’s the bad’, leading to a sense video, ‘My street’, talks about On 21 May 2009, Manifesta and of cohesion which overcomes pressures from peers and society Runnymede launched Belonging, differences. Starting with a to either rebel or conform. His a Cross-curriculum Experience poetic text, powerful images of solution is to be happy to be ‘in for Key Stage 3 at Channel 4. Newham’s diverse community the middle’ – not to give way A taste of Asia The publication, which compiles are a poignant accompaniment to either side. Using the street activities as well as lesson plans to his words. as a shared space, he expresses for Citizenship, English, History Displaced from the the current fear that he/young and Geography, is now available neighbourhood where she used people have when walking online on the Runnymede Trust to live in the suburb of Lisbon, around. website [www.runnymedetrust. Brenda Semedo presents, in ‘O Each of these films

I’m here to stay org]. The launch included meu bairro’, the journey back encapsulates a different approach a screening of short videos home, to her old neighbourhood, and angle to ‘belonging’. produced in the different project where she was born and where Although each local context in locations – London, Paris and her heart still is. With the sound the three locations influenced Lisbon. of her violin, Brenda shows the project and the subsequent The selection of 10 us the path to re-finding her video work produced, what we Belonging films (out of 43) community origins. have learnt during the course of Veins in a body presented different approaches In ‘Un jour de plus’, Yacine ‘Belonging’ is that the way young and interpretations of what Mamouni sets out with humour people feel is determined by determines young people’s an ordinary day in a life in a different factors, ranging from sense of belonging and identity, Paris suburb, where two young intergenerational issues, male/ here and now, in specific urban people chat, phone, wait for female relationships, fear and locations. their friends… and kill time with danger in the streets, to the role O meu bairro In ‘A taste of Asia’ Rehana humour. of the police (especially in Paris) Siddique shows us where she In ‘Circling around’ , Veronia as well as many other facets of lives, in Green Street in East Anandaraja uses her personal life. Having nothing to do and London. For her, Green Street experience of migration and being bored is a recurrent theme represents a symbolic meeting religious affiliations to define appearing in all three locations; point of India and Pakistan – her own sense of belonging -- so too are issues relating to peer Un jour de plus which coincides with her own that, ultimately, we are all part pressure, and being influenced or origins. She demonstrates her of a whole, regardless of the manipulated by others. attachment to community life, language we speak, our religion To characterize succinctly where people from various or our ethnic group. With three each location’s take or approach backgrounds share a space which different religions – Buddhist, on belonging, we can say that they have made into a place of Hindu and Catholic – and young people in Newham took Circling around their own. through her multiple migrations, the notion of belonging literally, As for Ngoné Hajjar, her Veronia symbolizes the capacity and talked about identity and sense of belonging is threatened to develop a sense of belonging, diversity; in Lisbon/Casal da Boba, by racism and hostility expressed regardless of where she lives. they talk about where they live by some white French people In ‘Black on White’, Ruben (and how it differs from before); daily in the Paris metro. She Furtado chose to challenge the in Paris, the young people chose Black on White makes, however, a strong police, in a simple interview on to tackle how they live (and the statement as to her presence in the street, led by two teenagers difficulty of their lives). Paris: ‘I’m here to stay’ – the film’s from Casal da Boba, near Lisbon. Marion Vargaftig is Belonging title. The questions asked reflect the project Director, and Director of In ‘Veins in a body’, Imran teenagers’ worries about safety Manifesta. For more information Jabber attempts to describe in the neighbourhood and a on Belonging, please contact her the process which makes new constant threat of police abuse. – [email protected] o My street

26 Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin SEPTEMBER 2009 Publications Received Appearance in this list does not preclude a review in a later edition. Building Racial and Cultural Competence in the Classroom edited by Karen Manheim Teel and Jennifer E. Obidah, 2008, Teachers College Press, ISBN 978 0 80774 861 9. End of Multiculturalism? Terrorism, Integration and Human Rights by Derek McGhee, Open University BELONGING Press/McGraw-Hill Education, 2008, ISBN 978 0 33522 392 3. EU Labour Migration since Enlargement: Trends, Impacts and Policies edited by Béla Galgóczi, Janine Leschke and Andrew Watt, Ashgate, 2009, ISBN 978 0 75467 684 3. Generating Genius: Black Boys in Search of Love, Ritual and Schooling by Tony Sewell, 2009, Trentham, ISBN 978 185856 368 8, National Accounts of Well-being: Bringing Real Wealth onto the Balance Sheet by Juliet Michaelson, Saamah Abdallah, Nicola Steur, Sam Thompson and Nic Marks, new economics foundation, 2009, ISBN 978 1 90488 250 3. On the Move? Labour Migration in Times of Recession: What Can We Learn from the Past? by Janet Dobson, Alan Latham and John Salt, Policy Network, 2009, free to download from www.policy- network.net Our Stories, Our Lives: Inspiring Muslim Women’s Voices edited by Wahida Shaffi, Policy Press, 2009, ISBN 978 1 84742 410 5. Oxford Companion of Black British History edited by David Dabydeen, John Gilmore and Cecily Jones, Oxford University Press, 2007, ISBN 978 0 19923 894 1. Race and Education: Policy and Politics in Britain by Sally Tomlinson, Open University Press/McGraw-Hill Education, 2008, ISBN 978 033522 307 7. Racial and Ethnic Discrimination (Issues Volume 172), edited by Lisa Firth, Independence Educational Publishers, 2009, ISBN 978 1 86168 486 8. Realising Potential: Complementary Schools in the UK by Tözün Issa and Claudette Williams, Trentham, 2009, ISBN 978 1 85856 379 4. Researching Race: Theory, Methods and Analysis by Hasmita Ramji, Open University Press/McGraw-Hill Education, 2009, ISBN 978 0 33522 301 5.

Real Histories Directory – Website of the Month: Journey Folki

Our Website of the Month for communities to do the same.’ students, there are fascinating September is Journey Folki (www. Teachers, students and parents articles in the History & Language journeyfolki.org.uk), set up ‘to will find a lot of fascinating sections including an A-Z of the promote and perpetuate Gypsy material here since a central part Romani language and a feature and Traveller communities within of the website’s mission is to on the root of the language and Britain’ and to provide a space encourage families to participate the influences. Did you know, for stories to be shared. The in the ‘learning is play and play for instance that ‘kushti’, the aim is ‘to continue and further is fun’ scheme for children. ‘The Romani word for ‘all right’, has our respective communities scheme includes storytelling its roots in the Punjabi and Hindi with interesting, educational and and book learning and furthers word ‘kushi’, meaning ‘happy’? inspiring articles on heritage, the imagination, learning and The section on The Holocaust history, culture, customs, crafts education of both parent and and the treatment of Europe’s and language. We hope to child’. To this end, there are arts Romani population by the Nazis keep the Gypsy and Traveller and crafts ideas, reviews of books in an attempt to create a ‘Gypsy- ways of life alive and to inspire and educational resources for free’ Europe is an illuminating – if the younger members of our children aged 0-11. For older painful – read giving testimony

Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin SEPTEMBER 2009 27 CONTENTS to an often ignored aspect of the site that it’s possible to spend Holocaust. a great deal of time extracting On a lighter note, there are nuggets like Barrie Law’s The European Elections: Outcomes and Prospects for the Future 1 many traditional recipes, including snapshots giving insights into Georgina Siklossy Nettle Soup, Campfire Bread and the lives of Yorkshire’s Gypsies. Stuffed Baked Shooshi (Rabbit) And did you know about the Welcome to Brussels? 5 as well as herbal remedies, soaps, Gypsy heritage of famous people Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP 5 RUNNYMEDE beauty products and household like Yul Brynner, Elvis Presley, Sajjad Karim MEP 5 TEAM Jean Lambert MEP 6 solutions. You can also enjoy Charlie Chaplin and Mother Claude Moraes MEP 7 one of the tales in the ‘Stories Teresa? Robert around the Yog (fire)’ section. The Journey Folki website Under-represented in Parliament – what Berkeley (http://journeyfolki.org.uk/Library/ is a treasure trove of historical Director Difference Does it Make? 8 CurrentArticles/tabid/689/ information and contemporary Rob Berkeley and Rosie Ellis Sarah Isal articleType/CategoryView/ insights for members of the Gypsy Senior Research First They Came for the ‘Gypsies’… 10 and Policy Analyst categoryId/165/Stories-Round-the- and Traveller communities and Robbie McVeigh Yog.aspx) non members alike. According Debbie Weekes- The site is packed with to the founders of the site, ‘We Gurkhas Win Equal Rights to Settlement 13 information about many aspects are devoted to the understanding Jessica Mai Sims Bernard Senior Research of Gypsy and Traveller life and and communication between Reconnecting Race Equality and and Policy Analyst culture - there’s, music, poetry ourselves within the Gypsy and Immigration Policies 15 Omar Khan and art. There are discussion Traveller communities and other Kjartan Páll Sveinsson Research and forums (including one for communities within Britain and Policy Analyst young Romanis) and an events welcome all to participate in a Financial Inclusion and Jessica Mai Sims Equality Conference 17 calendar. In fact, there is so spirit of harmony and mutual Research and Omar Khan much fascinating material on the appreciation’. o Policy Analyst Black People Pay More to Get their Kjartan Páll Own Money Out of the Bank 17 Sveinsson Omar Khan Research and Policy Analyst Peer Learning for Young People Angela Nartey by Young People 18 Project Assistant Angela Nartey Phil Mawhinney Policy, Purpose and Pragmatism: Voluntary Project Assistant Sector Dilemmas and Tragic Bargains 19 Kim Vanderaa Helen Mills Project Assistant

Book Reviews 20 Vastiana Belfon Real Histories Belonging Launch 26 Directory Marion Vargaftig Robin Frampton Publications and Real Histories Directory Website Editor Website of the Month: Journey Folki 27 Rebecca Waller Vastiana Belfon Administrator

Bulletin No. 359, September 2009 ISSN 1476-363X The photographs on page 5 are © Baroness Sarah In 2009, The Bulletin, Runnymede’s Ludford MEP and Quarterly newsletter, will be © Sajjad Karim MEP, on page 6 published in the months © Jean Lambert of March, June, September MEP, and on page 7 © Claude and December by: Moraes MEP. The photographs on The Runnymede Trust page 10-11 are © 7 Plough Yard, Shoreditch Robbie McVeigh London EC2A 3LP 2009. The website Tel: +44 (0) 20 7377 9222 on page 13 is © Praeter Raines Ltd Fax: +44 (0) 20 7377 6622 2009. The websites Email: [email protected] on page 28 are © Url: www.runnymedetrust.org Journey Folki 2009.

Annual subscription in 2009 is £37.00 This issue was edited by Robin Frampton Typeset and printed by: St Richards Press Ltd. Leigh Road, Chichester, West Runnymede’s Quarterly Bulletin SEPTEMBER 2009 Sussex PO19 2TU. Tel: 01243 782988 28 Copyright © 2009 Runnymede Trust and individual authors. The opinions expressed by individual authors do not necessarily represent the views of the Runnymede Trust.