DAWN BUTLER, LABOUR MP for Brent Central and shadow minister for diverse communities, has officially launched the Parliamentary Black Caucus, a new cross-party group which will include Members of the House of Commons and House of Lords.
Ms Butler has established the caucus hot off the heels of attending the London Conversations last week, a high-profile discussion and networking event at- tended by prominent individuals from the United States and across the globe.
It also comes after Ms Butler, addressed the Executive Leader- ship Council conference as a panellist at a separate event in London last week, which is a membership organisation committed to the development of global black leaders and increasing the number of black executives.
The purpose of the Parliamentary Black Caucus is to have global communication and leadership with the black caucus in America, with a full agenda and an exchange programme to be established by the end of the year.
Speaking about the launch of the Black Caucus, Ms Butler said: “I am absolutely delighted to establish the Parliamentary Black Caucus. This group will play a hugely impor- tant role in raising awareness for issues facing our diverse communities, and will bring parliamentarians and global leaders together in pursuit of the advancement of people of colour."
"I feel that now, more than ever, there is a real appetite for good cross-Atlantic communication and believe there is no better time with our Parliament now being the most di- verse it has ever been.
I look forward to establishing a close working relationship with the Congressional Black Caucus, who do such great work in the United States, and others from around the world.
By working closely with each other, together we can form a positive, progres- sive and global partnership, which will also provide a strong and much needed voice for those who often feel ignored or unrepresented.”
Following the results of the recent election, the House of Commons now has 51 sitting MPs from black and Asian background, with 18 from African and Caribbean origins. This makes it the most diverse in 30 years since the first black MPs were elected to the House in 1987.
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