In support of anti-racist writers and freedom of speech without misrepresentation
We are deeply concerned by the recent attack made by the Minister of Equalities against the work of anti-racism writers including our member, the bestselling author Reni Eddo-Lodge.
In an interview (published in The Spectator magazine on 24 October 2020) the minister implied that the work of Ms Eddo-Lodge and some of our other members and peers advocates for racial segregation.
The minister’s words:
‘Many of these books — and, in fact, some of the authors… — actually want a segregated society.’
The allegation here is not only clearly false but dangerous. It risks endangering the personal safety of anti-racist writers.
In recent years progressive writers, politicians and activists across Europe and the United Kingdom have been physically attacked and killed by far-right extremists.
It is in this climate that we ask the Government to ensure Ministers are responsible with their language, avoid spreading misinformation and apply better judgement in order to protect the lives and freedom of minorities.
Such profoundly incorrect and inflammatory statements by a Government minister are also alarming as they are arguably in breach of the ministerial code.
We ask the Government to ensure that Ministers adhere to the highest standards of public life, uphold democratic values such as freedom of speech and act with a duty of care.
Sincerely
the Black writers’ guild
Kwame Kwei-Armah
Cherish Shirley
Dr Nathaniel Adam Tobias Coleman
Inua Ellams
Sara Collins
Sharmaine Lovegrove
Afua Hirsch
Nels Abbey
Jendella Benson
Sile Edwards
Cheryl Ndione
Jessica Morgan
Jacob Ross
Kat Francois
Hugh Muir
Stephen Thompson
Sofia Akel
Avril E. Russell
Chine McDonald
Riaz Phillips
Marcus Ryder MBE
Yassmin Abdel-Magied
Louise Hare
SMS Brown
Maame Blue
Colin Grant
Esua Jane Goldsmith
Malorie Blackman
Amel Mukhtar
Alex Holmes
Adam Lowe
Nii Ayikwei Parkes
Oluwaseun Matiluko
Candace Allen
Deanna Rodger
Stella Oni
Dorothy Koomson
Candice Carty-Williams
Jeffrey Boakye
Musa Okwonga
Lola Okolosie
Rachel Edwards
Paul Mendez
Dr Aisha Phoenix
Lisa Bent
Tolu Agbelusi
Marcia Hutchinson
Shola von Reinhold
Judith Bryan
Omega Douglas
Dr Season Butler
Diana Evans
Zita Holbourne
Marverine Cole
Jessica Lauren Elizabeth Taylor
Nimo Omer
Ade Solanke
Yvvette Edwards
Khadijah Ibrahiim
Leila Aboulela
Dianne Greyson
Nadifa Mohamed
Clementine E Burnley
Okechukwu Nzelu
Carol Russell
Sandra A. Agard
Sharna Jackson
Rebecca Blackwood
Elijah Lawal
Frances Mensah Williams
Merrie Joy Williams
Niellah Arboine
Leone Ross
Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi
Desiree Reynolds
Lynda Rosenior-Patten
Dr H. Patten
Reverend Azariah France-Williams
Theresa Ikoko
Cleo Lake
Benjamin Zephaniah
Michael Donkor
Professor Bernardine Evaristo
Dr. Gabriella Beckles-Raymond
Rommi Smith
Keith Jarrett
JJ Bola
Irenosen Okojie
Derek Bardowell
Yvonne Battle Felton
Kit de Waal
Juliana Mensah
Daniel Taylor
Chioma Okereke
Malika Booker
Kadija Sesay
Roger Robinson
Dianna Hunt
Liv Little
Elizabeth Pears
Jonny Pitts
Dr Nicola Rollock
Atinuke
Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu
Nick Makoha
Charlie Brinkhurt-Cuff
Grace Quansah