Ouseley Report

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The Ouseley Report, dated July 2001, by the former chairman of the Commission for Racial Equality, Herman, Lord Ousely, gave a long-awaited response to race relations in Bradford of West Yorkshire, in Northern England. The report painted a picture of racial segregation and a deep-rooted concern about crime. [1] Its publication coincided with the Bradford 2001 riots, but was in fact carried out months before 7 July when the rioting broke out. [2]

The Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) was a non-departmental public body in the United Kingdom which aimed to address racial discrimination and promote racial equality. The commission was established in 1976, and disbanded in 2007 when its functions were taken over by the newly created Equality and Human Rights Commission.

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Herman George Ouseley, Baron Ouseley is a British parliamentarian, who has run public authorities, including local councils and is an adviser and reviewer of public services organisations. Lord Ouseley has expertise in equality and diversity issues and is the Chairperson of several charitable organisations as well as being a Patron for dozens of organisations. He has been at the forefront of challenging institutional racism in organisations and is an advocate on behalf of individuals from disadvantaged and deprived backgrounds.

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The report noted that Bradford had strong divisions along racial, ethnic and religious lines, [2] reinforced by segregated schooling. This had resulted in communities deeply ignorant of each other, often leading to mutual resentment: "Different cultural communities believe they get nothing while others get all the benefits". [1] Lord Ouseley said this needed to be tackled with strong civic leadership, more effective communication, and a strengthening of partnerships between community groups. The report also noted a widespread fear of crime and violence which West Yorkshire Police had insufficiently tackled for fear of being branded racist. [1] This had resulted in several Asian gangs who were generally considered "untouchable". [2]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 "Blueprint for 'divided' Bradford". BBC News. 12 July 2001. Retrieved 27 October 2013.
  2. 1 2 3 "Report criticises racial divisions in Bradford". The Guardian. 12 July 2001. Retrieved 27 October 2013.

See also

Ray Honeyford was a British head teacher.