CORNISH FESTIVAL OF DARKIE DAY

Early day motion 1317, tabled 9 January 2006 by Diane Abbott (Labour). Signed by 24 members.

That this House notes with great relief the decision finally to abolish the century-old Cornish festival of Darkie Day where locals traditionally black-up with charcoal, wear Afro-wigs and perform minstrel songs; is not satisfied however that the decision of some locals to go ahead with the event merely replacing the word `nigger' with `mummer' in the traditional songs is sufficient for curbing incitement of racial hatred; further notes with concern that the event is still being advertised as a tourist attraction by the website Cornish Light; and calls on the Government to discourage any repeat of this event.

Signatures by party: Labour 22, Liberal Democrat 1, Scottish National Party 1.