As members of the Black Asian Jewish Forum, we hope that politicians have taken on board your report (Immigration is not fuel for BNP support – study, 19 April) on the findings of the Institute for Public Policy Research that immigration does not fuel BNP support, as the perpetuation of myths and misconceptions about immigration and race issues can be toxic. But they should do more.
In past election campaigns, attempts have been made to reach agreement among the competing parties to avoid racist language. The need is even greater this time. Racist organisations seek to exploit people's insecurities at a time of financial crisis and global recession. Some sections of the media are unrestrained in their anti-immigrant and anti-asylum-seeker rhetoric and are drifting towards the normalisation of racist discourse. Islamophobia and antisemitism have also intensified. These are developments which should have no place in our society.
Inciting racial hatred was made a criminal offence in 1965, but the law is a blunt means of curbing the insidious demonisation of our ethnic and religious minorities. Those who would like to promote racist policies towards asylum seekers, for example, have learned to disguise their views in emollient and euphemistic words. Their growing influence has driven increasing numbers of people into the arms of extremist organisations.
This election will be hard fought and the temptation will be great to make concessions to placate supposed racist voters. The three main political parties all oppose racism, but that is not enough. Before it is too late they should declare publicly that racism has no place in our politics in any shape or form, the demonisation of black and minority ethnic communities, immigrants and asylum seekers will not be tolerated, and tackling racial inequality is a key priority for any government.
Yasmin Alibhai-Brown
Rob Berkeley Director, Runnymede Trust
Sir Geoffrey Bindman
Lincoln Crawford
Dr Edie Friedman Director, Jewish Council for Racial Equality
Dr. Mohamed Hamdi
June Jacobs
Professor Francesca Klug
Rashid Laher
Patrice Lawrence
Antony Lerman
Tanuka Loha
Momotaz Rahim Housing & communities advisory officer
Dr. Imam Sajid Brighton Islamic Mission
Dr. Richard Stone
Simon Woolley Director, Operation Black Vote
• The IPPR highlights political and economic exclusion, including low skill levels, poor cohesion and low voter turnout as key risk factors in leading to the rise of the far right. Newham is the most diverse local authority in Europe and has long been an area of high migration. Despite this, 86% of our residents say that people from different backgrounds get along well. The key is building cohesion by delivering fair services. For example, housing allocation in Newham is strictly on a "first come, first served" basis. Responding to communities' concerns and managing the impacts of migration is critical – but we must not become fixated on immigration as an issue. We must focus on strengthening our communities, building their resilience and combating exclusion.
Joe Duckworth
Chief executive, Newham council
The Guardian
