Press Release - 29 January 2007

Letter to Commission on Integration and Cohesion

The Secretariat
Commission on Integration and Cohesion
7th Floor
Eland House
Bressenden Place
London
SW1E 5DU

Dear Secretariat

RE: Commission on Integration and Cohesion Consultation - Questions for National Bodies

I apologise for our late response due to unforeseen circumstances, however I hope that nonetheless you are able to consider our responses to the key questions posed in the consultation document. As a leading ethnic minority led organisation seeking to improve strategically the economic and social position of Britain's ethnic minorities, and at operational level through delivery of education and employability training services to ethnic minorities including new arrivals from Central and Eastern Europe as well as to the indigenous population who are in our case mainly of British Pakistani and Bangladeshi origin. You may wish to note that we have been recently commissioned by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation to explore the tensions which have arisen between these groups and come forward with some models of good practice for integration and cohesion.

1. Meaning of Integration

QED-UK believes that the European definition stands: that we should have equal opportunities across all aspects of society, full participation by all and interaction between all sections of society. This latter point is particularly important if we are to avoid different people living in parallel societies which reinforces fear and suspicion and prevents people from understanding 'the same but different' message.

2. Main cause of tensions between different groups

As referred to in our introductory paragraph, QED - UK has been appointed by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation to explore the causes of tension between particular groups. However we know from our many years of working with ethnic minorities that tensions are caused through a lack of understanding and empathy between people who are perceived as 'different', the general economic and social position of the overall population, and the perception that new arrivals are receiving benefits or advantages which local people cannot access. Where pressures on public services exist, such as the present position within the health services, care of the elderly and housing, this leads to further tensions with the perception that new arrivals are placing unbearable strain on the nation which is perceived as 'theirs'. There is a general fear of certain aspects of different cultures including those of Roma origin, women who wear the veil or indeed anyone who looks or behaves differently. Understanding racial and cultural differences needs to form a key part of all government policy and practices. Funding for this type of training is extremely limited, as is the work needed to be done by community groups to develop ways of bringing diverse groups together through non - contentious areas of activity. Through this approach we can begin to understand each other better.

The increased tensions caused by 7/7, Iraq and the Palestinian question and the growth of Islamaphobia and anti-semitic activity, including increased levels of race hate crimes demonstrates the heightened tensions felt by different communities. The role of the press is important and there is often biased and inaccurate reporting which leads to heightened tensions and fuels further discontent. We would implore newspaper editors to exercise fairness and objectivity, although we do not support any form of censorship, unless it is against the law of course.

Footholds gained by the British National Party, within mainly white working class deprived communities, show the level of disaffection which must be tackled. The number of young people within the Not In Education, Employment and Training is worrying and a waste of human capital and this must be tackled.

3. Fostering a sense of belonging

Britain has a long history of welcoming foreigners and helping people to find a 'sense of belonging'. Some people have arrived in Britain after tragic personal losses including home and family and others are economic migrants. All will need to have the basic knowledge and skills to know what Britain is, its values, laws and institutions; to find economic sustenance and ultimately create a new life for themselves and their families.

4. English language

There are many barriers for people to overcome and the first is language. Language helps us to not only communicate but provides an insight into culture and heritage; all are requirements for good citizenship and fostering a sense of belonging. There are extensive reported shortages of ESOL provision. The Learning and Skills funded provision is focused on the achievement of Level 2 qualifications and is insufficiently flexible to meet the immediate needs of many members of our community. They are struggling with so many barriers that they cannot engage in 'long courses'. This is an important policy issue which is not being addressed. Without English language then a sense of belonging cannot be fostered easily. Other contributory factors include the general behaviour of the overall population towards them. Most people are helpful but there are those whose general behaviour is both appalling and racist and this can be attributed to a wide range of factors including class, education and economic position.

5. Shared values

Shared values was the theme in the Prime Minister's recent speech and we subscribe to his view about having overarching frameworks which govern British society including our democratic processes and legal system. We believe however that there should be a stronger sense of the rules which govern global human rights, that everyone should be free from abuse of any sort and deserving of respect for difference as a human being. These should be strengthened within our educational curriculum and also form part of government policy. Some may argue that this is the case at policy level but we would suggest that equal opportunities in practice are not and this includes the degree to which our institutions practically implement equality legislation across the full range of public services.

6. Parallel or separate lives

A sense of security is achieved by people who have similar values and origins living together and this has happened since people came into existence. However history has shown us time and time again that this can also lead to separation and a lack of understanding of each other and this in turn heightens suspicion and makes racism in all its forms easier to carry out. The Cantle Report describes this in great detail. QED-UK therefore believes that separation of different communities does not contribute to community cohesion and that interaction between diverse community members is essential. There are many ways in which we could seek to strengthen integration, through people having equality in employment, education, health and housing, through developing a better understanding of different cultures and faiths, by educating employers to tackle the demand side of the labour market, through the arts, sport and music and across all aspects of British life. Community groups can play a leading role in this if sustainable investment was forthcoming.

7. Role of various organisations

The organisations listed all have a role to play including colleges which were not listed and are key providers of English language training. Also QED - UK would highlight the important role of employers in this. QED - UK has recently undertaken an Ethnic Minority Diversity project with over 260 employers covering 34,000 employees and funded by the Jobcentre Plus.

This project supported businesses to undertake cultural awareness training and work towards the CRE Code of Practice. However this funding was short term and despite the excellent results reported by employers, there is no further funding to continue. We would strongly recommend that this is a strategy which works in contributing to stronger community cohesion through fair employment practices.

8. Help for new arrivals

This is a long and complex question linked to the Government's immigration policy. However QED - UK believes through its long experience of working with new arrivals that more needs to be done with less complex funding formula which enables new arrivals to integrate better, recognises the importance of citizenship training and funds below Entry Level 3 ESOL. Community and voluntary sector organisations with proven experience should be adequately funded to deliver these services.

9. Counter acting negative perceptions

There is a strong link between social class, educational level and economic prosperity or the lack of it and negative values which are well researched and need not be rehearsed within this response. Leaders across all parts of government, from different faith groups, from community organisations and private sector organisations must show their leadership publicly and not tolerate racism in any form. Information on the facts of migration, including how many people are leaving, must be made transparent. The media should behave responsibly and there should be more programming which highlights injustice and the causes of it. There should also be more case studies used of how diverse people have contributed to British achievements. QED - UK holds an annual event to highlight positive role models and I have enclosed a copy of our annual review report to share with you.

I hope you find our comments useful and please do not hesitate to contact me personally if I may assist in any way.

Yours sincerely

Dr. Mohammed Ali OBE
Chief Executive


m.ali@qed-uk.org

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