News & Press
Runnymede Director gives evidence to Common's Equality Bill committee
As the Equality Bill goes through its parliamentary committee stages, Runnymede has given oral evidence to the committee alongside colleagues from many equality organisations.
Runnymede Trust view of Equality Bill 2009
Runnymede welcomes the Equality Bill and believes that it could contribute to improving the lives of many who are unfairly disadvantaged on the basis of their identities. We welcome clarification on positive action and the inclusion of public procurement as a tool to promote equality.
Unfortunately the Bill remains extremely complicated, gives differential levels of protection, and may lead to confusion regarding EC law. Given the fundamental importance of equality, we are concerned about the number of important areas left subject to ministerial order or secondary regulation, and the slow pace at which legislation will come into force. It will be particularly important how the public sector duties are interpreted to ensure non-regression from the hard fought for Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000.
We would like to see the number of exemptions minimised, including for race in immigration functions (and at minimum the reinstatement of an independent race monitor). We would like key terms from European law to be retained wherever possible. We are keen to see provision for multiple discrimination included. We welcome the power for tribunals to make recommendations but would also like to see greater publicity given to their findings.
You can view the evidence session here
You can read the evidence session here
Equality Bill 2009
