The Parliamentary Black Caucus condemns in the strongest terms the recent rise in racism, abuse and anti-migrant hatred that we have witnessed in many parts of our beloved country.
Whilst all people have the right to peaceful protest, we are clear that racism, intimidation and violence have no place in our society and must be met with a clear and robust response from the police authorities.
From people being assaulted and abused in public because of their ethnicity, religion or dress, to racist graffiti sprayed on buildings, to intimidatory and violent protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers, this is an alarming time for many people, especially those from minoritised communities.
We stand in solidarity with all those who are fearful, targeted or at risk.
The Government must show leadership. It must take urgent steps to reduce tensions, call out and challenge racist rhetoric and behaviour wherever it occurs, and take far more seriously the threat posed by the far right — which police have identified as the UK’s fastest-growing threat.
We also call on the public to reject the divisive agenda of the far right, who are seeking to exploit recent tensions to spread anti-migrant hatred as well as mis and disinformation. This country is stronger when we stand together.
We absolutely should have space in our country for informed discussions around migration, immigration and integration. This should be based on facts, compassion and most importantly, humanity.
The Parliamentary Black Caucus believes in a patriotism that is inclusive, welcoming and proudly anti-racist — because only unity and solidarity will defeat the far right.
— Joint Statement by the Parliamentary Black Caucus
Today, on Windrush Day, the Parliamentary Black Caucus joins together to celebrate the Windrush generation and their immense contribution to this country in all walks of life.
The Empire Windrush ship brought people from Jamaica, Trinidad, Saint Lucia, Grenada, Barbados and much more. Many served in the British armed forces in World War Two. They also helped to rebuild Britain after the war, and their efforts cannot be forgotten.
We acknowledge that the horrific Windrush scandal remains unresolved. They suffered so much – whether it was the loss of employment, the loss of access to benefits, the loss of access to housing and homelessness, or the loss of access to healthcare and education. Some were even wrongly deported. This injustice is still felt today.
We say clearly: justice delayed is justice denied.
Access to the Windrush Compensation Scheme must be improved. We welcome the recent investment to support survivors to access the compensation they deserve. Progress must be sped up and delivered with compassion. Over 50,000 people have been affected by this. Some will die, and some have died, before they see justice.
We welcome Reverend Clive Foster MBE as the first ever Windrush Commissioner, as the Government commits to deliver that justice. We are hopeful that, with his significant experience and community leadership, improvements will be made.
We put on record our support for Wendy Williams’ Lessons Learned Review and urge the Government to fully implement all 30 of its recommendations as soon as possible.
We want this to be treated like other similar schemes, for example those for the infected blood scandal or the Post Office scandal, that includes an independent compensation scheme away from the Home Office.
The strength and the resilience of the Windrush generation is often overlooked. So, we welcome the Government’s funding of the National Windrush Museum to tell that story. We also urge the Government to consider establishing an Emancipation Educational Trust; a building where we can talk not only about the Windrush injustice, but also the injustice of people being enslaved. It would also highlight the positive stories hidden from history.
Dr Martin Luther King Jr. said that whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. That is the interrelated structure of reality. We are all intertwined in life’s journey, and as racism is increasing in some parts of the country and people are trying to divide us, we must heed those words.
We must all play our part in stopping this division. Let’s start by coming together today to celebrate the Windrush generation, and their descendants, who continue to make an invaluable and rich contribution to society, culturally, socially and economically.
This occasion serves as an important reminder, that Black history is British history.
Whether it is climate change, the rise of the far-right, the future of artificial intelligence, or the persistent challenge of race and gender pay gaps; in 2025, I believe we stand at a pivotal moment in the history of British politics. Our voice is more important than ever.
I am proud to announce the launch of the Parliamentary Black Caucus, a bold new initiative that brings together Black and minoritised Members of Parliament and Lords with a shared mission: to tackle racial inequality, advocate for equality, equity and justice for all, and ensure that Parliament reflects the rich diversity of the country it seeks to represent.
The cross-party Black Caucus will work together to promote a fairer, more equal society, where Black communities are heard, respected and fairly represented – so that all our diverse communities can have a better understanding of fairness in society.
Founding members include myself, Diane Abbott MP, Lord Bailey of Paddington, Lord Woolley of Woodford and Josh Babarinde MP.
As part of my vision for the Caucus, I want to have an arm that will allow Councillors from across the country to join, and then another arm for other members to join.
This Caucus is cross-party because I wanted to ensure fairness for all in society and throughout our political system. This means having difficult conversations, so there is a common understanding.
Doing so will ensure that race is not a just a political football between parties – we want to avoid culture wars. This is serious business; it’s about moving society forward together. Because we can not deny or ignore the fact that some people are trying to drag us backwards.
I launched this initiative as, for far too long, issues affecting Black and minoritised communities have been underrepresented in policy and overlooked in decision-making.
While progress has been made, the persistence of institutional racism, socioeconomic disparities, and systemic inequalities reminds us our work is far from finished.
This initiative is important now because we can see the rights of Black and minoritised groups, as well as women, being rolled back across the world. We must learn this lesson and tackle this divisive, destructive, racist and misogynistic rhetoric and policies.
As the first ever elected Black female government minister in the UK, I am determined to do my part to help underrepresented communities. I want to build an escalator of success, and lay the foundations for a lift, so that we make the journey of those coming behind us faster.
With the Parliamentary Black Caucus, we want to advance meaningful change, both within Parliament and across the country.
Our mission is clear: to provide a united voice on the issues that disproportionately impact Black and minoritised ethnic communities in all areas of life. We will advocate for policies that remove barriers for all.
We will address modern challenges – like climate change, the risks of artificial intelligence, disparities within the justice system and persistent gender and race pay gaps. But we must recognise those who came before us, because we stand on the shoulders of giants.
Bernie Grant, one of the UK’s first Black British MPs, set up the first Black Caucus. Together, they shattered glass ceilings. We draw strength and inspiration from the struggles of Black campaigners for equality over the centuries.
Bernie Grant campaigned tirelessly for the elimination of racism and is one of those individuals to whom we owe so much. This is why I was proud to create the very successful Bernie Grant Leadership Programme within the Labour Party.
Representation matters. When communities see themselves reflected in Parliament, it fosters trust, inspires the next generation, and validates lived experiences.
Black communities make the UK the successful, vibrant, and diverse place that it is today. Over centuries we have made significant contributions to British society. We are politicians, doctors, nurses, bus drivers, artists, refuse collectors, entrepreneurs, journalists, judges, shop assistants, teachers, lawyers; the list goes on. We must tell that positive story.
Despite this, we are still subject to structural racism. It is unfair and a crazy situation that needs to change. In an increasingly disparate world, where forces on the far-right are coming together to roll back hard-won civil rights and freedoms, we are uniting to push for a fair and just society for all.
Beyond the UK, we aim to unite with Black caucuses around the world. Including the pioneering US Congressional Black Caucus, which has achieved huge progress in America over the years.
We believe that by addressing institutionalised racism and working to create a just society for Black communities, everyone will prosper. ‘Without your rights I cannot have mine’.
We do not just need to address what is broken; we need to build something better. By working together across party lines, we can bring our diverse perspectives and lay the groundwork for future generations of Black and minoritised leaders. Unity is powerful.
This is a movement rooted in the belief that diversity strengthens our democracy, and that we shouldn’t just tolerate differences, we should accept them. I am filled with positivity as we embark on this journey.
We must work together in a way that cannot be undermined easily. After all, let’s remember that Black and working-class White people have more in common with each other than they do with the top 1%. That is why we must band together.
I’m inviting more of my parliament colleagues to join us this journey. And to the communities we serve, the Parliamentary Black Caucus is here to listen and to advocate on your behalf.
Together, we can build a future where equality isn’t an aspiration but a reality. The Parliamentary Black Caucus is how we can drive that change in Parliament.
Today marks a significant milestone in the UK Parliament with the establishment of the new Parliamentary Black Caucus, a cross-party gathering of Black and minoritised Members of Parliament and Lords dedicated to advancing racial equality, equity, justice and representation for all.
The newly-formed Caucus, similar to the well-known US Congressional Black Caucus, comprises UK parliamentarians from across party lines. This launch coincides with the final day of the American Black History Month.
The Parliamentary Black Caucus aims to build a society where Black and minoritised people, and therefore all people, are free from harm and empowered.
It will advocate for policies addressing the challenges disproportionately faced by Black and minoritised communities, from combating institutional racism to tackling disparities in the police service, immigration, education, healthcare, employment, housing, the criminal justice system and much more.
Dawn Butler, MP for Brent East and Founding Chair of the new Caucus, said:
“I’m honoured to launch the Parliamentary Black Caucus – this is a historic step toward dismantling entrenched racial inequalities and ensuring Parliament reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.
I put on record our appreciation and admiration for those who came before us, the first Black Caucus – we stand on the shoulders of giants. Now, we must continue progress towards equality and equity.
Black communities make the UK the successful, vibrant and diverse place that it is today. We are politicians, doctors, nurses, bus drivers, artists, refuse collectors, entrepreneurs, journalists, judges, shop assistants, teachers, lawyers and the list goes on. For years, we have worked to hold up important services that everyone relies on.
Despite this, we are still subject to structural racism. This needs to change, to ensure that the country is fair, no matter where you live, the colour of your skin or what class you are. So, I’m excited to be working with colleagues to deliver equality, equity and justice for all – and I look forward to more colleagues joining the Caucus soon.”
Key Objectives of the Parliamentary Black Caucus:
Promoting inclusive and effective representation within Parliament.
Championing policies that address racial inequality and social justice.
Providing a united platform for Parliamentarians to collaborate across political lines.
Honouring the legacy of the trailblazers who have fought tirelessly for equality and diversity.
The Caucus will operate transparently, engaging with stakeholders, community leaders, and parliamentary groups to drive meaningful change.
It seeks to empower and support Black councillors, mayors, politicians & our active accomplices to pursue fairer policies & build fairer societies for us all.
Membership is open to all Black and minoritised MPs and Members of the House of Lords, with a shared commitment to building a fairer and more inclusive society.
Founding members include: Dawn Butler MP, Diane Abbott MP, Lord Bailey of Paddington, Lord Woolley of Woodford, Josh Babarinde MP.
Other members include: Marsha De Cordova MP, Clive Lewis MP, Kim Johnson MP, Paulette Hamilton MP, Kate Osamor MP, Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP. More to follow.
UK Parliamentary Black Caucus 