Forties People

Making the announcement Patricia Hewitt (Secretary of State at the DTI and Minister for Women) said, “We are committed to providing opportunity for all and equality matters to everyone – it is not a minority concern. A successful society must make full use of the talents of all its members. But tackling discrimination in the 21st Century requires a joined-up approach that puts equality in the mainstream of concerns. As individuals, our identities are diverse, complex and multi-layered. People don’t just see themselves solely as a woman, or black, or gay and neither should our equality organisations. By bringing these bodies into one organisation we will make life much easier for individuals to get help and advice, especially when they are discriminated against at more than one level.”

A task force containing members reflecting different equality interests is being set up to advise on the governance and structure of the CEHR. The Government is promising a White Paper next Spring although it appears unlikely that the necessary legislation will go through in this Parliament.