UK think tank wants more Asian MPs

LONDON: A four-fold increase in the number of Asian and Black MPs in Britain in the next general election has been recommended by an expert ...

LONDON: A four-fold increase in the number of Asian and Black MPs in Britain in the next general election has been recommended by an expert group.

The Institute for Public Policy Research, a leading Blairite think-tank, in its report calls for ‘‘rigorous goals’’ to ensure current level of 12 Asian and Black MPs goes up to 47.

The report says that 20 of London’s 74 MPs should be from the minorities and it demands a series of radical changes so more Asians and Blacks can enter Parliament.

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The race report prepared by The Institute for Public Policy Research and backed by all three main parties, demands new laws to end what it calls the ‘‘under representation of ethnic minorities in the British political system.’’

The proposals include allowing Asian and Black shortlists of parliamentary candidates — and changing the Race Relations Act to ban Whites from suing for being left off.

Labour Chairman Charles Clarke said that the proposals were ‘‘an important contribution’’ to securing more Asian and Black MPs.