Jason Arday’s death demonstrates yet again racism has not disappeared from British society. It has changed its language and sometimes its clothes.
Category: Equality & Inclusion
Freedom, Inclusion, and Solidarity – a statement of my political beliefs
I have spent much time this year thinking about politics and have dedicated a number of my blog posts to examining current affairs in the United Kingdom and globally. As well as providing commentary on issues that are in the news and about which I care deeply, I have also dedicated some time to reflect… Continue reading Freedom, Inclusion, and Solidarity – a statement of my political beliefs
Women’s Sport is rising. Now the rest of us must raise our game
It is time to recognise that the threats to women’s sport are invisibility, underinvestment, inequality, abuse, and exclusion from power (and not trans people’s participation). As the City of London’s Lead Member for Sport I spent 24-hours this week at the Global Summit on Women & Sport in Birmingham, which the City was proud to… Continue reading Women’s Sport is rising. Now the rest of us must raise our game
Pride matters more than ever
Every year, around this time, somebody asks whether Pride is still necessary. It is a question that usually comes from one of two places. Sometimes it is asked in good faith by people who look around them and see same-sex marriage, openly LGBTQ+ public figures, rainbow lanyards in workplaces, and Pride flags flying above civic… Continue reading Pride matters more than ever
Kemi Badenoch is wrong about the Public Sector Equality Duty
There are many legitimate debates to be had about how government works. How much regulation is too much? How should public services balance competing demands? When does process become bureaucracy? These are all fair questions. What is not a serious contribution to that debate is Kemi Badenoch’s latest attack on the Public Sector Equality Duty… Continue reading Kemi Badenoch is wrong about the Public Sector Equality Duty
Fear, Fracture, and the Future of Britain
There are moments in politics when an election result is more than an electoral event. It becomes a warning light. This week’s local election results across England, alongside contests in Scotland and Wales, feel like one of those moments. Not because voters should somehow be criticised for expressing frustration. Democracy means precisely that citizens are… Continue reading Fear, Fracture, and the Future of Britain
Protecting women’s sport: a line drawn too bluntly – my message to the IOC President
Sport must safeguard participants and ensure equity and fairness, but this must be done based on science and fact and not as a kneejerk reaction to political or cultural pressure. Today I have written to Kirsty Coventry, President of the International Olympic Committee, whom I deeply admire and whose election I celebrated just over a… Continue reading Protecting women’s sport: a line drawn too bluntly – my message to the IOC President
British basketball’s future requires reform and major investment in the women’s game
Last night I was courtside to see the Great Britain women’s basketball team victorious over Austria in a Women’s EuroBasket 2027 qualifying match. The GB players were full of talent and enthusiasm and the atmosphere in the arena was fantastic. Hundreds of fans, including large numbers of young girls, many of whom were clearly basketball… Continue reading British basketball’s future requires reform and major investment in the women’s game
Beyond medals: why the Paralympics change the world
Standing in Cortina d’Ampezzo at the start of the Winter Paralympic Games this week, surrounded by athletes, officials and supporters from across the world, I was reminded once again why the Paralympic movement matters so profoundly. There are sporting events that entertain us.There are sporting events that inspire us.And then there are the Paralympic Games,… Continue reading Beyond medals: why the Paralympics change the world
A Church living without love: the CofE’s failure to include LGBTQ+ Christians
Yesterday I sat in the public gallery at Church House and watched the Church of England step back from the modest, careful and prayerful work of Living in Love and Faith, which was meant to move towards providing a loving Christian welcome for LGBTQ+ people in England’s established Anglican faith. I left feeling numb. Not… Continue reading A Church living without love: the CofE’s failure to include LGBTQ+ Christians
C. E. Lord OBE 