Lib Dems launch ethnic minority manifesto

10.15.46pm GMT Sat 19th Feb 2005

The Liberal Democrats yesterday launched their manifesto for Black and Minority Ethnic communities and set out their support for diversity in Britain.

The Manifesto included 5 key policies for ethnic minority communities, these are:

• Strengthen the fight against discrimination with a single equality act. This would replace the existing tangled mess of anti-discrimination laws

• Prioritise international law, democracy and respect for human rights.

• Safeguard a human rights based asylum policy. No quotas or targets on asylum seekers instead a quick, fair and principled assessment of each case.

• Create confidence in the immigration system. While promoting the positive contribution made by immigrants throughout our history.

• Use New Deal money on a better employment scheme that recognises that some ethnic minority groups face particular problems entering the jobs market.

Speaking at the launch of the Manifesto Charles Kennedy MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, said:

"The reality of Britain today is that it is a multi-ethnic, multi-faith and

therefore diverse society. It is a richer society as a result - culturally,

socially and economically. The Liberal Democrats embrace that Britain and we

celebrate it. We would ensure that our laws reflect that diversity,

protecting minorities from discrimination, from victimisation and

harassment.

"The Liberal Democrats have been the real opposition in this parliament on

crucial issues such as the war in Iraq, tuition fees and the introduction of

ID cards. Many people in the ethnic minority communities in this country are

looking for a political home - I want The Liberal Democrats to be that

home."

Councillor Paul Elgood, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Hove, added:

"For the Liberal Democrats immigration offers us opportunities to enhance

our economy and fill much needed skills gaps. Others talk about immigration

as if it is an unregulated, unstoppable tide. And when it comes to asylum,

it's true that we should find better ways of regulating the system, but that

is a matter of process. Debate about these two quite separate issues should

never be used to stoke up fear or racism."