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Equality Bill [HL]

My Lords, I align myself with the comments of the noble Lords, Lord Ouseley and Lord Adebowale, on the central role of London. I agree completely that London is a home of diversity. I am not a born-and-bred Londoner but I have spent more of my life here than anywhere else. I accept completely what noble Lords have said about the importance and value of London’s role in achieving the 2012 Olympics, and as a mirror to the world. None of that is disputed. The only question is: who is responsible for determining what committees the new commission should have? We have said throughout, in response partly to noble Lords’ points, that it is critical that the commission is as independent as it should be and has sufficiently flexible powers to do what it thinks is right. The CRE currently has a committee in London, and the commission may choose to have one there; however, echoing the sentiments of the noble Baroness, Lady Miller, and the noble Lord, Lord Lester, I do not believe that it is right for Parliament to dictate to the commission that it must. I am sure that the commissioners, in looking at our debates as the commission is set up, will be very mindful of what has been said, and that they will discuss the issues with noble Lords who have such amazing experience as the noble Lords, Lord Ouseley and Lord Adebowale. Solely on the basis that it is for the commission to decide, I ask the House to reject the amendments and that the noble Lord withdraw Amendment No. 15.