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Equality Bill [Lords]

That is a very well made point. I will not dwell on it but we have had representations from the DRC that expresses concern that its staff in London should be properly protected. On the gender argument, we know that, in the capital, many women’s issues can ““disappear”” when it comes to addressing their needs. Such specific issues for women would be better addressed if there were a London committee. Let me refer again to the representations from the Mayor and the CRE. The Mayor says:"““Locating the CEHR in Manchester risks a downgrading and isolation of the institution, which all efforts must be taken to safeguard against.””" The CRE says:"““We feel that downgrading equality in this way will cause considerable detriment to those from ethnic minority and other disadvantaged groups." The concerns expressed could not be clearer, and a London committee could mitigate against the effects of what is being proposed.