Congrats: Baronesses Sheehan and McGregor-Smith

Whilst we might be rightly disappointed about the low number of new Black and minority ethnic Peers selected to counter balance the House of Commons, we must congratulate both newly ennobled Baronesses Ruby McGregor-Smith and Shas Sheehan.

The Conservatives chose McGregor-Smith whilst the Lib Dems elevated Shas Sheehan.

Long time activist and writer Lester Holloway has written exclusively about the broader implications in regards the lack of diversity within the new crop of Peers but for this piece we want to both salute our new legislators and remind them of their huge responsibility to democracy but also to BME communities, in particular, to give us a stronger voice within the nation's seat of power.

Good luck to you both.

Simon Woolley