Lib Dems accused of breaking race relations pledge

Date published: 19 March 2008

Rochdale’s Labour Group leader has accused the Liberal Democrat Group of breaking a cross party election pledge aimed at ensuring good race relations in the lead up to the local elections, just two days after both parties had signed up to it.

In signing the pledge, party leaders, Councillors Taylor, Brett and Dearnley agreed that their members should be conscious not to use language or actions which might stir up racial or religious tensions, or lead to prejudice.

Yet following widespread national coverage this week that Rochdale’s Falinge estate is allegedly the benefits capital of Britain, Councillor Allen Brett said he was very disappointed to see the town’s MP, Paul Rowen, blame Polish immigrants for the high percentage of people receiving out-of-work benefits.

Quoted in the Daily Express newspaper, Paul Rowen said: “The Polish people in Falinge are taking skilled jobs as plumbers, plasterers and builders which ends up to the detriment of the local people who could be trained up to do those jobs.”

Accusing the Liberal Democrat MP of “trying to find an easy scapegoat to cover up his own failings”, Councillor Brett said such comments were bound to stir up resentment towards the Polish community.

“Would Paul Rowen make the same accusation about Rochdale’s Asian community?” he asked. “A few days earlier, Paul Rowen was attending a flag raising ceremony and talking about why Rochdale must celebrate its cultural diversity. Now, when his record for failing to bring in job opportunities and address deprivation in Rochdale is exposed, he decides to blame Rochdale’s diversity for its social problems.

“I’m afraid he can’t have it both ways. Glib comments like this mask real problems that he is avoiding.”