All talk and no action!

If one includes the new regional democratic institutions in England, Scotland and Wales the number of Black politicians, far from increasing has decreased since the last election.

Operation Black Vote believe that this cannot be effectively addressed without both the willingness from party bosses, together with a comprehensive programme to recruit, retain and promote Black talent within party structures.

Five politicians from all the main stream parties have thrown down the gauntlet to their peers to sign an early day motion that would ensure political parties effectively address the Black democratic deficit.

Simon Woolley from Operation Black Vote stated that: 'In the run up to the election the signing and the implementation of this motion will be a clear test on whether politicians and their bosses are serious about addressing this problem'.

Lee Jasper, Chair of OBV stated: 'There is a political imperative for MP's to deal with this issue. Our research has shown that over 80 seats will be decided by Black voters, voters who we are organising, mobilising and registered to vote.'

Hughie Rose of Peckham encapsulates the frustration of many young black people: 'They come around here at election time promising this and that, and saying they're for race equality. But when all you see in Parliament is a sea of white faces, how they going to represent me. My vote means nothing if I can't see more black faces in high places.'

Notes to the editor

OBV will be targeting more than 80 marginal seats in the Election where the black community can make a significant impact on the outcome. The EDM is No: 165. The cross party of MPs leading the EDM are Peter Bottomley MP(Con), Shaun Woodward MP (Lab), Jenny Tongue MP (Lib Dem), Elfyn Llywd MP (PC), Margaret Ewing MP (SNP).