Chloe SmithMP for Norwich North
Chloe SmithChloe Smith, MP for Norwich North, this week welcomed Norwich based Graciano Masauso, Director of BME Youth, to address the All Party Parliamentary Group on Youth Affairs at the House of Commons.
Founded in 2013, BME Youth bring together children and young people from minority ethnic communities across the UK. The group covers all regions, counties, districts, cities and towns, with key campaigning priorities including child poverty, education and skills, sexual exploitation and FGM, domestic violence, fostering, adoption and health and social care.
Commenting on the meeting Chloe said:
“I was delighted to welcome Graciano to Parliament, having previously spoken myself at the BME Youth Conference here in Norwich.
“Tackling racism and religious discrimination was chosen as the main topic of the UK Youth Parliament, with around 95,000 young people voting for it. I believe it’s right we do all we can to place the issue firmly in the minds of MPs in the House of Commons.”
The meeting explored a number of topics including how negative images in the media fuel discrimination, what can be done by young people to tackle the issue among peers, and how to boost understanding of different races, religions, communities and cultures.
Discussion ranged from employment to justice and democratic participation, with other speakers including award winning author and campaigner Kenny Imafidon, Simon Wooley, Director of Operation Black Vote, Frank Soodeen, Head of Public Affairs at Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Sean Turnbull from Three Faiths Forum and Catriona Robertson from the London Boroughs Faiths Networks and Christian Muslim Forum.