By Iris Lightfoote, Chief Executive, Leicester Racial
Equality Council
The Leicester Multi Cultural Advisory Group was formed in 2001, and since then we have had a number of meetings aimed at positively impacting on various issues around race relations in the City.
In 2003 this Group localised a compact created by the Commission for Racial Equality and sought to get it endorsed by the three main political party leaders prior to the local elections.
We felt it appropriate to undertake a similar exercise for the Leicester South By Election and, for this to be more appropriate, we felt it necessary to invite all eleven candidates to sign up to the principles of encouraging good race relations in their campaign.
The wards which make up Leicester South are indicative of the rich and diverse attributes which contribute to a positive Leicester. It is a microcosm of Leicester, consisting both ends of the economic spectrum, most of the world's religions, and by extension a mix of cultures, background and races.
It is without doubt a requirement of LMAG, LREC and all individuals living within this City that the run up to this By Election is neither soiled nor tainted by negative campaigning.
In signing this document, all involved are demonstrating their commitment to ongoing good race relations in this City.
Call it an 'anti racist' compact, a race equality compact
or by what ever name - it is a signing up to one issue. That being,
those involved in campaigning in this By Election will themselves and those
working on their behalf, ensure that in any dealings with the public, including
door-to-door and telephone canvassing, no words or actions are used which
may
- encourage, instruct or put pressure on others
to discriminate;
- stir up racial or religious hatred; or,
- encourage actions which will lead to differential treatment
on the grounds of race, nationality or religion.
As stated in the letter accompanying the invitation to this event, LMAG encourages all to engage in dialogue, but it is necessary that that dialogue is limited to