OBV supports Mayor’s call for representative fire service

Of the seven new nominations put to him all were white and of them six were men.

OBV Director Simon Woolley stated: ‘In the 21st century public bodies in this great city should begin to reflect the people they serve. ( 1 in 3 Londoners are from BME communities.) When they do they work better, and they are afforded greater confidence from the wider public. The fact that not one BME nomination was put forward is unacceptable. Whilst Livingstone’s actions will be attacked by some, fair minded Londoners will see his call as an act of Leadership that is demanded from high office.

Ashok Viswanathan, OBV Deputy Director: How many times do we hear politicians from all sides of the house lament the lack of BME representation in democratic and other decision making bodies. And yet when they get the opportunity they miserably fail to deliver. We should applaud Livingstone as we should any politician for demanding that they get the representative balance right on our public bodies.

BLF Director Eroll Walters said: Ken Livingstone is entirely right to insist that London Councils reconsider their nomination of an all white group of councillors to the London Fire and Emergency and Planning Authority ( LFEPA). As black communities living London we should be represented on all of London strategic boards including LFEPA. Ken Livingstome is to be applauded for taking a stand. He has and continues to lead the way on pushing eqaulities to the top of the agenda in London.