Press Release - Wednesday 12 September 2007

The Commission for Racial Equality is being sued for
racial discrimination against the English
High Court 24th September 2007

The Ethnic English Trust has issued a High Court Judicial Review leave application against the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE). The Trust alleges that CRE has over the last 6 years sought to conceal the recognition of the English as a racial group under the Race Relations Act (RRAct) and has sought to promote an all-inclusive meaning to the word English so as to undermine the effect of such legal recognition. The application is due to be heard on 24th September 2007.

In law the historical English community is recognised as a ‘racial group’ (BBC Scotland v Souster (2001)). The Trust asserts that CRE via its publications is misrepresenting the decision of the Court and is intent on redefining the meaning given to the word ‘English’ under the RRAct. Such redefinition is beyond the statutory powers of CRE. The Trust is also concerned that such reinterpretation is part of a policy of racial discrimination by CRE against members of the historical English community (i.e. members of the English racial group) and thereby deprives them of the rights, protection and benefits granted to them by the RRAct.

In a multi-racial state like the UK it is important that all racial groups enjoy equality of recognition and that the members of each racial group are free to enjoy their lawful rights, protection, and privileges unhindered or obstructed. This is especially so when the current government stresses the need to promote social and communal cohesion. To conceal the legal recognition granted to a racial group, and thereby neglect its needs and interests, cannot be said to be conducive to the promotion of good race relations, reducing racial tension, eliminating unlawful discrimination, promoting equal opportunities. Neither does it promote social and communal cohesion.

The Ethnic English Trust accepts that there are many meanings of ‘English’ and many views on the matter. The Judicial Review is only concerned with the legal definition of ‘English’ under the RRAct and the enjoyment of rights privileges and benefit granted to the historical English community individually and as a group under the RR Act.

Details of claim
The Trust alleges that the Commission has in relation to the historical English community:
(a) Issued guidance in its codes for all UK employers and all UK public bodies which is wrong in law so as to conceal the legal recognition awarded to the English racial group;
(b) Acted outside its legal powers by seeking to redefine the English racial group, and
(c) Maintained, contrary to the Race Relations Act 1976, a policy, practice or rule of unlawful racial discrimination against the English racial group.

A High Court judge will decide whether to grant the Trust permission to proceed at the hearing on 24th September. Upon the grant of such permission the Trust will issue a statement.

© All rights reserved. There should be no reproduction of this press release without written permission of the Ethnic English Trust. Permission is given to those receiving this press release direct from the Trust and to established press and broadcasting organisations. Not to be reproduced by political parties, or on any on web forums, internet chat sites or similar.
Permission is given to pass on this press release (in whole - including these copyright restrictions) by email forwarding.

The Ethnic English Trust is a company limited by guarantee. It is a not-for-profit organisation.
Application for charitable status is pending.