11 January 2010
A spokesperson for the Commission said:
'Making parliament more diverse is essential, for our government should be truly representative of the people of Britain. We welcome the proposals for breaking down the barriers that stop people from getting into politics, and are pleased that some of our recommendations have been included in this report.'
'Discrimination has no place in parliament or in Britain. Putting in place a code of conduct for politicians is welcome, however, we’d like it to go further so that MPs also have a duty to foster good relations between different groups.'
'As MPs represent the public, we also want existing equality laws to be extended so that political parties are included along with other public bodies.'
For more press information contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission media office on 020 3117 0255, out of hours 07767 272 818.
For general enquiries please contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s national helpline: England 0845 604 6610 / Scotland 0845 604 5510 / Wales 0845 604 8810
The Commission is a statutory body established under the Equality Act 2006, which took over the responsibilities of Commission for Racial Equality, Disability Rights Commission and Equal Opportunities Commission. It is the independent advocate for equality and human rights in Britain. It aims to reduce inequality, eliminate discrimination, strengthen good relations between people, and promote and protect human rights. The Commission enforces equality legislation on age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender status, and encourages compliance with the Human Rights Act. It also gives advice and guidance to businesses, the voluntary and public sectors, and to individuals.