The first national 'Respect' conference, organised by Mayor Ken Livingstone at City Hall, brought together public authorities from across the UK to share best practice about celebrating diversity, and combating racism. One aim will be to work alongside community organisations, trade unions and the private and voluntary sectors.

The Mayor says: 'The UK's towns and cities have highly diverse populations. They are centres of international trade and business with a critical role to play in the UK's future economic success. They are also centres of cultural and creative activity, which draw visitors from across the globe. These strengths are a direct result of their diverse populations and why racism should have no role in our towns and cities.

'At a time when good community relations and social cohesion are being challenged by racism and intolerance in many parts of Europe, I believe it is vital that we pool our experience and best practice so that we maximise our effectiveness in this field. I know that London will greatly benefit from this exchange and believe that other UK towns and cities will benefit too.'

Brendan Barber, TUC General Secretary and one of the conference speakers, said: 'Our towns and cities are home to the overwhelming majority of black people who live in the UK. In these urban centres, black workers are much more likely to be unemployed than their white neighbours, and much of the housing in these areas is sub-standard and the transport links poor. We cannot continue to allow the talents and skills that exist in our ethnic communities to go to waste. That's why it's crucial for national and local government, business and unions to come together and find ways of ensuring that black communities can fully contribute to and benefit from urban prosperity and renewal. Today's conference is the perfect opportunity to begin to do just that.'

Cllr Mohammed Azam, Vice Chair of NAAR and also speaking at the event, said: 'This unprecedented initiative by the Mayor of London is one of the most positive steps towards turning around the rising tide of racism. It sets a positive agenda against division, hatred and bigotry and has the potential of helping transform the climate of this country to one that celebrates multiculturalism and diversity in all its aspects. We are proud to be associated with respect.'

Trevor Phillips, Chair, Commission for Racial Equality, sent a message of support: 'The challenge of promoting good relations between our communities in our towns and cities has never been more important. The respect conference is a timely and valuable opportunity to celebrate Modern Britain - where differences are respected and where there is a sense of belonging for all.'

To coincide with the conference, the Mayor also published reports analysing the range and diversity of the different communities in the largest UK towns and cities and analysing the statutory powers and responsibilities of public authorities in promoting good community relations, combating discrimination and promoting equalities.

ABOUT THE 2003 RESPECT FESTIVAL

The 2003 respect festival was the third organised by Mayor Ken Livingstone, in conjunction with the National Assembly Against Racism and TUC South East Region. Performers included Public Enemy, Panjabi MC, Rhythm Dohl + Bass, Gregory Isaacs, JJC & the 419 Squad and Est'elle. More information from www.respectfestival.org.uk.

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