CRE COMPACT-RACE RELATIONS FOR POLITICAL CAMPAIGNERS

Early day motion 423, tabled 12 March 2001 by Stephen Twigg (Labour). Signed by 106 members.

That this House believes that the right to freedom of speech and public debate is essential and that it is important that issues like education, health, policing, employment, housing, the economy, asylum and immigration, and Europe are discussed fully in our democracy; recognises that it is important that the right to free political expression, especially in elections, is not abused in the competition for popular votes; believes that those seeking elected office should not cause or exploit prejudice and discrimination on grounds of race or nationality; opposes those engaged in the democratic process who seek to incite or encourage, blatantly or covertly, racial hatred, prejudice and discrimination between others; and calls upon those seeking elected office in any forthcoming election to this House to observe the Commission for Racial Equality's Compact, a document that lays down good practice and conduct for all those involved in political campaigns.

Signatures by party: Labour 76, Liberal Democrat 14, Conservative 6, Labour/Co-operative 6, Plaid Cymru 2, Independent 1, Unknown 1.