Lib Dems back leader on civil rights stance
Charles Kennedy should be applauded for holding firm to liberal values in the face of the terrorist threat to Britain, a Lib Dem MEP said today.
Sajjad Karim, who represents the north west region, indicated that whatever the party’s views were about Mr Kennedy’s electability, he has won respect for defending the rights of ethnic minorities in the wake of the London terror attacks.
Speaking on a motion praising multiculturalism at the Lib Dem conference in Blackpool, Mr Karim said the party must have a “strong but liberal” approach to tackling terrorism.
“On this point I am proud of the British people’s response and the record of our party – our leader has remained principled and steadfast throughout,” he said, to loud applause.
“I applaud Charles for having the courage and leadership to defend our liberal values and he will continue to have our support because our record proves that he actually deserved it.”
Head of the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) Trevor Phillips this week suggested that multiculturalism in Britain was failing, with people of different communities living in isolated ghettos.
But Mohammed Shafiq of Rochdale rejected this evaluation of the UK, even going so far as to suggest Mr Phillips should resign.
“Multiculturalism is a success in this country, and we should be proud of it. We should not have [as head of the CRE] somebody who inflames race relations, but who calms race relations,” he continued.
Whatever the differences in people’s religion and ethnicity, “our values are the same – if you believe in fairness, you believe in fairness; if you believe in human rights, you believe in human rights “.
This was echoed by Baroness Falkner, who insisted that the debate about multiculturalism should not just look about rights and responsibilities and the nature of identity and citizenship.
“It’s about being part of a political community where democracy, freedom of speech, equality with others are non-negotiable,” said the Lords spokeswoman on communities.
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