RECOGNITION FOR MARY SEACOLE

Early day motion 744, tabled 2 March 2004 by Roy Beggs (UUP). Signed by 178 members.

That this House recognises the results of the recent 100 Great Black Britons poll organised through the Every Generation website; notes that the poll plays a vital role in celebrating the United Kingdom's black culture and heritage; further notes that the campaign is an excellent medium through which citizens of the United Kingdom can learn about the contributions made by black people to the country; pays tribute to the poll winner, the late Mary Seacole; recognises the valuable work undertaken by the West Indian-born nurse tending to wounded soldiers during the Crimean War; further recognises that her dedication to providing assistance to the wounded is exemplified in the effort she made to overcome discrimination and prejudice which led her to travel to the Crimea at her own expense; notes that other than being awarded a Crimean medal for her work, Mary Seacole has been largely unrecognised for over a century; supports the recent calls by the Royal College of Nursing for a statue to be erected in London in her honour; and calls on the Government to provide funding for such a statue.

Signatures by party: Labour 103, Liberal Democrat 25, Conservative 24, Labour/Co-operative 12, UUP 5, Scottish National Party 4, Plaid Cymru 3, DUP 1, Independent Conservative 1.