The past few days have got me thinking about how best to handle race relations, and deliver for members of the black community for the good of Scotland. There are those on the extreme who either want to ignore the issue or blame the West for all of the world’s ills. Both positions are not credible. The issue is not linear and requires intellectual exhumation of complex historical and current facts. So, I want to make a simple request to all conservatives. Do not avoid this topic especially during black history month, otherwise it will end up being dominated by ideas lacking balance.
Conservatives are known for dealing with underlying issues as opposed to manifestations or symptoms. This is exactly what all minority groups need but the current narrative around race, is sadly dominated by reactive ideas that do not address root causes. I for example argued against the pulling down of statues, and changing of street names as these are not the real issues. The truth is I am not alone in thinking this way, in fact many within the black community think this way. The primary focus, which will increase representation in all sectors of society, has to be on improving educational attainment, mentoring and addressing any skills gap within minority communities. There is of course, unconscious bias in society, which needs to be challenged with a combination of a zero tolerance policy on racism and education. Up until now, conservatives have not been vocal on race and in my view, this has had real ramifications.
Let us all get talking and come up with conservative solutions that are long lasting, rather than the reactive quick fixes which currently prevail. Here in Scotland, it has been refreshing to see Douglas Ross MP focus on educational attainment. This will deliver real outcomes for disadvantaged communities unlike suggestions from political parties or people who talk about equality but never come up with policies that ensure real equality happens. So, this month, conservative ideas are needed much more than ever because in the end, we drive change while others only talk about it. After all, we are the party of aspiration.