Last week, BME National hosted its annual conference, centering this year on the potential of a new Labour government and the housing sector’s role in addressing extremism, sparked by the Far Right and Islamophobic riots earlier in the summer. The event brought together influential voices, expert panels, and thought-provoking discussions over two half-days.
Day 1: New Opportunities
The conference opened with a compelling keynote by Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, on the potential of Labour’s housing policies, including the Renters’ Reform Bill and the drive to build more social housing. Councillor Shah underscored how these reforms could improve the lives of minoritised communities, who disproportionately face poorer housing conditions.
Dr. Danny Sriskandarajah, Chief Executive of the New Economics Foundation, delivered the second keynote, painting a stark picture of housing inequity. While £4 billion has been pledged for new homes, Danny highlighted the glaring omission of funds to combat homelessness among minority ethnic communities. He urged a systemic overhaul to address entrenched inequalities, emphasizing how an economy that privileges wealth perpetuates inequality.
The day concluded with a dynamic panel discussion on housing and employment. Experts shared insights on initiatives like the Get Britain Working Proposal and Job Plus Scheme, which integrate employment opportunities into housing support frameworks, helping tenants achieve financial independence.
Day 2: Confronting Extremism
The second day began with a sobering keynote by Dr. Shabna Begum, CEO of the Runnymede Trust, on the summer’s riots. Shabna linked the violence to divisive political rhetoric, critiquing the lack of accountability for inflammatory language in parliament and the media.
A panel discussion on sectoral responses to far-right extremism followed. Ulfat Hussain, CEO of Arawak Walton, called for a more vocal stance against racist policies like "British Homes for British People," whilst a speaker from Hope Not Hate traced the roots of far-right mobilisation to economic instability and social disconnection. Jeremy Crook, CEO of Action for Racial Equality, urged housing leaders to challenge mainstream institutions that perpetuate racial inequality.
The final session focused on combating the stigma around social housing. Fiona Brown and Dr. Mercy Denedo from the Stop Social Housing Stigma campaign highlighted the damaging stereotypes surrounding tenants and unveiled a new membership initiative to foster awareness and change.
Thanks to Lee Bloomfield and Charmaine Simei for expertly chairing the conference and to all members who contributed to its success.
This year’s conference was a call to action: to seize the opportunities of a new political era, confront the rise of extremism, and dismantle the barriers faced by minoritised communities in housing and beyond. The conversations sparked over these two days must now translate into meaningful action for a more equitable future.
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