In the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday 15th July 2015, the black and minority ethnic Members of Parliament and Members of the House of Lords were photographed with the Speaker and Lord Speaker, in a demonstration of the progress of minority representation in the Houses of Parliament.
This photograph will be the front cover for the ‘Rainbow Book’, which documents every minority-ethnic MP, MEP or Peer ever elected or appointed to Parliament. The Rainbow Book is edited by Keith Vaz.
Rt Keith Vaz MP said: “The progress in improving the level of minority representation in the Houses of Parliament has been remarkable during the 28 years in which I have been an MP.
When myself, Bernie Grant, Diane Abbott and Paul Boateng were elected in 1987, we alone represented the minority representation in the House of Commons. Today, we have a record 41 Members of Parliament from minority backgrounds.
We can be so proud of this achievement. Of course, there is still more work to be done, but this photograph will immortalise the victory of progression over the past, and the modern face of British politics.”
