Daniel Zeichner MP: We must not allow horrific crimes to be exploited to drive hatred and prejudice
Cambridge’s Labour MP, Daniel Zeichner, Minister of State in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, writes for the Cambridge Independent
I’m the son of an immigrant - as might be guessed from the surname. Born in Beckenham in Kent. My partner is the daughter of an immigrant, born in North London. We are both English, British and European, and proud of each identity.
In a country where almost everyone is of immigrant stock, it shouldn’t be necessary to make the case that we all belong here - but the thugs who have desecrated too many public spaces across our country over the last few weeks need a reminder of our history.
Cambridge, with its globally important university, science and research community, naturally boasts a very diverse population. It is no surprise that our great city is home to more people born outside the UK than many other places.
The 2021 Census reveals as many as 26 different non-UK countries in which 250 or more Cambridge people were born. More than 2,000 were born in each of India, China, USA, Poland, Italy, Germany and Spain.
It should go without saying that what they bring to the life of Cambridge in a whole range of different ways makes a hugely positive contribution for all of us who call this place home.
Earlier this month I was privileged to attend an event at the Cambridge Central Mosque in aid of the Give Us A Lift charity, which is working to support the proposed cancer hospital at Addenbrooke’s. It was a powerful reminder of the many ways in which our varied communities contribute to the wider public good.
British people are proud of our history of welcoming refugees and working people who did so much to rebuild Britain after the war, including decades of NHS doctors, nurses and carers from around the world. More recently, strong support remains for welcoming Ukrainians and most people who have hosted refugees are positive about their experience and would happily do so again.
Of course, people want to see a safe and orderly process for people arriving from other countries. To put it mildly, the previous government too often failed to properly identify and deal with the practical challenges of welcoming and integrating people. The experience of the Windrush generation and many others has sadly shown how easy it can be for distrust, isolation, injustice and inequality to take hold.
And inequality has soared since 2010. Black, Asian and ethnic minority families were disproportionately hit by the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, as well being on the sharp end of the Conservatives’ mismanagement of our NHS, schools and criminal justice system.
Unlike the Conservatives, Labour knows that equality and growth are two sides of the same coin. Labour’s long-term plan will deliver sustained economic growth, repair our public services and break down barriers to opportunity. To get Britain’s future back, that plan must deliver for black, Asian and ethnic minority people.
That’s why Labour will introduce a landmark Race Equality Act to root out racial inequality and deliver economic growth that unlocks the ambition, opportunity and potential of everyone in our country.
We should also value the diversity of faith traditions across Cambridge. Out of deep belief and devotion often grows a strong and passionate commitment to social justice and social action.
Our faith groups and foundations have been picking up the pieces of 14 years of Tory chaos. They supported millions in the pandemic and through the cost of living crisis, providing a constant and proactive power for good across our communities.
We must not allow horrific but rare crimes, or events unfolding internationally to be exploited to drive increased hatred and prejudice here in our communities.
Since 7 October, antisemitism has risen to a record high, Islamophobia has trebled and counter terror police chiefs have warned about growing online radicalisation with increased risks from both Islamist and far right extremists.
So Labour will reverse the Conservatives’ decision to downgrade the monitoring of antisemitic and Islamophobic hate.
The good news is that our discussions with faith leaders show that our missions align strongly with the values they hold and teach. We will welcome partnership and people of faith will play a key part in Labour’s mission to restore Britain.
Labour in government will celebrate and support their work, building a Britain where all faith communities are safe and flourish. We will not allow the forces of hate to use immigration status or faith to justify the intimidation of people.