Mansfield MP backs race report and brands critics 'Woke Warriors'

The report, ‘Commission On Race And Ethnic Disparities’, was drawn up in response to Black Lives Matters protests last year and released last week.

Its claim that there was no institutional racism in the UK sparked uproar, with critics claiming the report ‘gaslighted’ anti-racism activists at a time when BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) groups were more likely to die in the Covid-19 pandemic and also twice as likely to be unemployed

However, Conservative MP Mr Bradley supported its findings and claimed it validated many of his views on racism. He also branded critics as ‘Woke Warriors’ on Twitter.

He said: "I have consistently argued that we need to change our approach to equality.

"The findings of this report show how important it is for us to focus on geographical and socio-economic factors, rather than race.

"The Commission found that race and racism are less important in explaining social disparities, compared to social class and family structure.

"It’s refreshing to see that the points I have been making for years are backed by evidence and in-depth research.

"I have raised my concerns about the false narrative of ‘white privilege’ and the misuse of the Equality Act, and this was backed up by the Commission, which found that many groups from the white majority are ‘stuck’.

"I know that many of the arguments I’ve been making are unpopular with the metropolitan bubble, largely made up of ‘Woke Warriors’ on Twitter.

"But if I didn’t speak up, then entire communities would get left behind.

"We are making massive steps forward in our approach to equality, and I hope this report leads to more progression for areas like Mansfield.”

Mr Bradley also supported the Commission’s call to ditch the collective term, BAME. He said: “This term is unhelpful because it divides white and non-white people, and assumes that people in each of these categories do not have individual differences.

"BAME leads to division, and people should not be defined by labels.”

The Commission was led by Dr Tony Sewell and claimed it had taken evidence from a wide range of more than 2,300 stakeholders.

Mr Bradley praised the way it had “worked incredibly hard to get as much data as possible” and said the report “will have a real impact on future policy”.

The MP added: “While the report showed that racism does exist and that people do face barriers due to their race, it found no evidence to back up the idea that this is an institutional problem.

"One of the main conclusions of the report is that the system is not racist and that the UK should serve as an example to the world because of the progress that has been made over decades.”

Mr Bradley was particularly pleased that the report emphasised the academic achievements of children from minority ethnic backgrounds, in comparison to white students.

He said he has “consistently stood up for white working-class children, who are statistically more likely to fall behind in school”.

Last year, he held a debate on the ‘Education And Attainment Of White Working-Class Boys’ and, after a sustained campaign, the Education Select Committee announced a formal inquiry.