By Joseph Hayat
With recent videos surfacing online of extreme racism to vulnerable people on public transport, statistics released showing record rates of anti-Semitism and Islamaphobia and of course the horrific act of terror against Sikh brother Dr Sarandev Bhambra – it has become an undeniable truth that discrimination is prevalent.
The tipping point for me to feature this topic was when UCAS recently announced their intention to enforce ‘name blind’ applications to tackle racial bias – it is a sad reality of the times we are in.
I absolutely believe that we as journalists have a huge responsibility and duty to write and broadcast in a non-discriminatory manor, to avoid adding ‘fuel to the fire’ on any debatable topic. But ultimately the sub context of any contribution in the media is surely defined or inspired by policy and language used by politicians? I believe in the power of grass roots politics and have witnessed colleagues like Cllr Rosie Corrigan whom I admire for impressively becoming the Mayor of Selby at just 21. But even I query just how realistically an aspiring BME British citizen can become an MP with family connection to politics or having worked for an MP? Ironically one MP told me off the record that they didn’t think it was easy, but I’m determined to have an MP produce the answer to this question on record in my next edition.
I myself was in Parliament for meetings a few times last month, but one visit particularly stood out. I was invited by a BMTV colleague to attend a meeting with Khalid Mahmood, Member of Parliament for Birmingham Perry Barr. It took place in the iconic atrium of Portcullis House which I’ve always found fascinating to visit due it’s distinct atmosphere.
It’s the crossroads of corridors and tunnels to the Chambers’, MP’s offices and even Number 10. If you’re lucky you may just witness what might be a historic meeting or even the sight of the Prime Minister dashing to a committee room etc. When I visited ironically BME MP’s Naz Shah, Sadiq Khan and Shabana Mahmood were also transiting or meeting in such area.
Many consider the Terrace or Sports & Social Bar to be iconic, but Portcullis Atrium is the perfect hub to network and networking is exactly my point – the power of it is never to be underestimated and may just be the answer to my query? Find out next month, but for now why not join the debate via Twitter #STP
