A letter to the Press - 20 September 2005

"Enforced mixing will not work", says QED's Mohammed Ali OBE

Trevor Phillips, chair of the Commission for Racial Equality, has highlighted a fact that many of us know all too well - that communities tend to live amongst people they feel comfortable with.

Initially new arrivals to this country cluster together where they find mutual support. As these groups become more confident and prosperous, they move farther away but still live in close proximity to people from their own backgrounds. I have observed this of Hindu, Sikh and Muslim communities during my 36 years of living in Bradford. Similarly, I have often seen residents of differing ethnic origins move out of an area once a certain number of people perceived as outsiders move in.

We should remember that any group displays these characteristics abroad: look at the British in Spain, for example. There is nothing wrong with this. It becomes an issue only when the socioeconomic position of communities is allowed to deteriorate.

We must focus on providing good quality housing, better schools for all, an excellent health service and, most importantly, employment in diverse occupations and at all levels of management for people who live in segregated areas. Enforced mixing will not work.

Dr Mohammed Ali OBE
Chief Executive
QED-UK