Reclaim the flag from far-right, says Blunkett

Britain must continue "reclaiming the flag" after the Queen's Golden Jubilee and World Cup if the racism of far–right extremists like the BNP is to be stopped, the Home Secretary David Blunkett was arguing today.

Mr Blunkett outlined a "new agenda" for tackling racism in Britain, in which "everyone" in the UK shares the responsibility and must work together.

In a speech to the Social Market Foundation in London, Mr Blunkett announced a new Race Equality Advisory Panel had been set up to advise ministers on policy.

But he stressed that responsibility for dealing with racism "where ever it raises its ugly head" lies not just with politicians but with "wider society".

Mr Blunkett said class inequality and prejudice in the work–place were holding back many people from ethnic minority backgrounds.

"This is also a challenge for wider society. Employers in particular have responsibilities – for recognising and rewarding the best talent on offer to them, and rooting out discrimination in the work–place," he said.

"The 'reclaiming of the flag' for the Golden Jubilee and the World Cup must be sustained if we are to see off the BNP and the National Front in their efforts to foster fear, mistrust, and exploit concerns which emerge at a time of change."

Mr Blunkett said he would continue to argue for changes to the asylum and immigration systems, adding that economic migrants had brought huge benefits to the British economy.

But warned that he wanted to see "tangible improvements" in the problems of racism – in the criminal justice system in particular.

"I am responsible for ensuring that everything possible is done to eliminate discrimination in the criminal justice system, the immigration and prison services, and in the policing of our towns and cities.

"I want to see tangible progress in the services for which I am accountable while I am Home Secretary," he said.