As we step into 2025, our Chief Executive, Jeremy Crook OBE, reflects on the challenges and opportunities of the past year and outlines ARE’s commitment to building a more inclusive society and end racial inequalities.
“I want to wish the individuals and organisations we work with (civil society, public and private sector) a happy New Year!
I especially want to mention young people that are thinking about the year ahead and the goals they want to achieve – completing their studies, applying for promotion or a new job, wanting to start travelling, and to have friends they can enjoy life with. Conversely, we think about the young people caught up in negative and harmful situations that want to make a change, and we hope they find the support from trusted individuals and organisations so they make that change.
2024 was a difficult year for many people – due to poverty, the cost of living, and poor state of our public services. The summer racist riots shocked us and were devastating for many of our diverse communities. However, it was good to see communities come together to reject racism and defend their communities. Politically, the country voted for a new Labour Government and now want to see them deliver on their commitments.
Regrettably, we have started the year with a return to the racist and Islamophobic statements from some Members of Parliament. There are many individuals and organisations working hard to make this country a better place for everyone. The UK certainly has its challenges socially and economically but it is a remarkable country and its ethnic diversity is a key strength.
ARE wants to see this strength maximised so higher unemployment rates for ethnic minority communities no longer persist, and every child completes school at 16 with GCSEs in English and Maths. We do not want to see any ethnic groups denied a basic education and denied good employment opportunities.
Politicians making reference to ‘alien cultures’ and arguing Britain is a failed state in respect of integration is a return to racism of Enoch Powell in the 60s and 70s. It is deeply concerning when these words come from the official opposition. This is a time when we should be providing hope and inspiration to young people from all ethnic backgrounds. They are the current and future wealth creators. We need leaders with a vision for Britain’s future, where we invest in the education and skills to make us competitive now and create opportunities for all our communities.
It is time to stop using divisive and dangerous racist language and focus on the solutions to tackle poverty, child abuse, racism, sexism, and all forms of discrimination. Last summer’s racist riots showed how important it is to respect the rule of law and have a justice system that works. Every perpetrator of child sexual abuse must face the full force of the law. This important and systemic issue is not confined to one ethnic group.
I urge all politicians to be responsible and focus on finding solutions to the problems we face at home and abroad. Young people of all ethnicities, religions, and beliefs want to be encouraged, supported, and inspired to be the best that they can be. Racism and Islamophobia only cause harm and undermine Britain’s communities and future.
ARE will continue to work and collaborate with schools, youth, community organisations, government, public bodies, businesses, and communities to create positive change and eliminate racism.”
Jeremy Crook OBE, Chief Executive for ARE
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