Youth work organisations credited in race report step away from findings

The report by the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities was widely condemned over its conclusions that while racism and racial injustice still exist, geography, family influence, socio-economic background, culture and religion all have a greater impact on life chances.

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The report, which was published at the end of March, lists numerous organisations and individuals as stakeholders and cites them as submitting evidence to the commission to aid its findings.

However, following publication dozens of those listed have criticised the report and have distanced themselves from its findings.

Among those to do so is the British Youth Council (BYC) which said: “Many charities have rightly condemned some of the assertions made in the report by the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities. 

“We cannot address racism without acknowledging the deep-rooted systemic issues represented throughout society.”

BYC has also shared criticism of the report on Twitter including links to a joint letter from charities to the Prime Minister as part of the #RejectTheReport campaign.

Race Council Cymru and the National BAME Youth Forum Wales were also among those to step away from the report.

In a statement on Twitter Race Council Cymru said: “We are appalled to see our charity and National BAME Youth Forum Wales referenced in the Sewell report as stakeholders and we strongly condemn the Sewell Report and completely dissociate from this report.”

The Youth Futures Foundation, which is also listed as a stakeholder, published an extensive statement distancing itself from the report which states: “We will use the debates sparked by the commission’s report to ignite meaningful and lasting changes to the youth employment system.”

MPs are also among those listed as stakeholders who have moved to criticise the report.

Labour MP for Tottenham David Lammy accused the Prime Minister of “standing in the way” of young people who want to end racial inequality.

A spokesperson for the commission said: “The commission has examined the evidence and data to come up with solutions that are based on the facts. The commission engaged both directly and indirectly with thousands of researchers, analysts, stakeholders and members of the public to inform this comprehensive report. We have thanked them as a courtesy.”