Few places left for BME Mayoral debate 25th July

One of the most important political events in Labour London’s political calendar is set to take place in the heart of one of London’s most diverse communities Lambeth, this weekend.

Operation Black Vote in partnership with the youth leadership project Patchwork is set to host Labour Mayoral candidates in the capital's first Black and ethnic minority hustings.

All the candidates are confirmed for this important event and are hoping to run as Labour's official candidate in the 2016 London Mayoral elections.

This event will be one of the few opportunities for London’s BME communities, to hear from each of the candidates on how they intend to address the growing levels of race inequality in the capital.

With Black youth and adult unemployment reaching unprecedented levels, alongside increasing levels of homelessness, the candidates will need to respond to these and other acute economic challenges.

One of the key concerns will be the likely impact of welfare and tax credit cuts on deprived communities, who traditionally work in low paid jobs and suffer large scale unemployment. Rates of child poverty have risen and pose a serious challenge to community cohesion and social mobility.

Policing, stop and search and youth violence will also undoubtedly feature as part of what promises to be a dynamic and lively debate. Accusations of racial profiling and the demands of the Home Secretary Theresa May MP in seeking a reduction in the extent to which black people are unfairly targeted by the Metropolitan Police will also be hot topics under discussion.

Tackling extremism, given the Prime Minsters recent speech on this issue will also feature. The Governments Prevent agenda has alienated London’s Muslim communities; many will want to hear how Mayoral hopefuls will tackle these tensions.

Transport and air quality will also feature as air quality in London’s poorest inner city areas suffer poor air quality leading to increase rates of respiratory diseases , asthma and premature deaths that are have a disproportionate effect on BME communities.

The event will take place on Saturday 25th July at Lambeth Town Hall, Brixton Hill. London, SW2 1RW. Doors open 11.45am Debate starts at 12 noon - 2.30pm.

Secure your ticket through: info@obv.org.uk