Blair vows to fight crime and racism

THE crime and racial discrimination that make the lives of so many members of the ethnic minorities intolerable would be tackled by the Labour government, Tony Blair said last night.

Speaking at a London dinner for about 350 successful Asian business people, the Prime Minister said: "I want to see your success extended to others. And that can be helped by a government willing to tackle those things that make life intolerable for too many people: in particular crime and discrimination. I am proud that Britain is a multicultural society that works. The modern Britain I want to create is worth nothing if it is built on intolerance towards those of a different colour, religion or beliefs.

"Cultural diversity enriches Britain. The contribution of the Asian community makes Britain a better place to live. You are central to Britain's strength in the future. That is why we will continue to promote opportunities for all across all parts of government and society. Because any society that discriminates against people because of their background is not just a society lacking morality, but a waste of real talent."

At the start of Prime Minister's questions in the Commons yesterday, Mr Blair told MPs that he would be attending the "Asian 200" dinner, and there was a roar of approval when he said he was going "both to celebrate the enterprise of the Asian community and reiterate our total opposition to racism in all its forms."

Last night, in his Cafe Royal speech, he said: "We will tackle under- representation across key areas of society ... And we are tackling crime, especially among young people. Crime levels are far too high. Especially in the inner-city areas where many Asian businesses are located and where many Asians live. And be in no doubt that we will not tolerate racial harassment."

Following The Independent's call for a political stand to be taken against racism, Alex Salmond, leader of the Scottish National Party, said yesterday that once the Scottish Parliament had been set up, his party would be introducing strong anti-racism laws, going beyond existing British legislation. "Scotland's reputation as a place of tolerance and ethnic diversity is precious to the SNP and to all who live here," he said.

The Commission for Racial Equality also announced that it had lifted the threat of issuing the Ministry of Defence with a formal Non-Discrimination Notice, but under a partnership agreement signed by Sir Charles Guthrie, Chief of the Defence Staff, the CRE is to remain closely involved in developing racial equality practices in the services until at least 2003.