Stephen Morgan MP has marked the beginning of Black History Month by celebrating the contribution of Black communities in Portsmouth and across Britain, while highlighting action being taken by the Labour government to tackle racial inequality and break down barriers to opportunity.
Black History Month is an opportunity to recognise the contribution Black communities have made to Britain’s economy, public services, communities, culture and national life, while acknowledging that inequalities and barriers to opportunity still remain.
Mr Morgan highlighted action being taken by the Labour government, including:
- Reforming equal pay law, including proposals to strengthen equal pay protections for ethnic minority people
- Introducing mandatory ethnicity and disability pay gap reporting for employers with 250 or more employees
- Tackling persistent race inequalities in maternity and neonatal care, including through a national action plan and the UK’s first Maternity and Neonatal Commissioner
- Working to address the barriers to finance faced by ethnic minority entrepreneurs and improve access to government business support
- Continuing work to provide recognition and redress to members of the Windrush generation affected by the Windrush scandal
Commenting, Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South, said:
“Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the contribution Black communities have made here in Portsmouth and across our country.
“From our NHS and public services to businesses, culture, sport and community life, Black Britons have helped shape the Britain we know today. Black British history is British history.
“But this month must also be about recognising the inequalities that remain. I am proud that this Labour government is taking practical action to tackle racial inequality and break down the barriers that still hold too many people back.
“I encourage everyone across Portsmouth to get involved in events this Black History Month, celebrate the contribution of our Black communities and learn more about the people and stories that form such an important part of our shared history.”
