Everyone in Keighley has a shared responsibility to combat racism, it is claimed.

Zafar Ali, director of Keighley Racial Equality Council (REC), says the whole community has to work closely together to tackle problems. He was speaking at an event in Victoria Hall, Keighley, to mark the end of the European Year Against Racism.

He told the audience: "Keighley REC has been working vigorously against all forms of racism. It is the responsibility of all people from all walks of life to condemn racism and racial violence. I take this opportunity to say racism must be opposed at all levels by standing firm, protecting human dignity and promoting mutual respect and understanding. We can only achieve this by uniting and working in partnership."

Bradford council leader Cllr John Ryan said it would be wrong to pretend that problems didn't exist, and he echoed calls for different sectors of the community to work in partnership against racism. He said: "This is one of the most important issues for the council and for the district as a whole. We would be wrong to ignore the fact there are still old habits and attitudes. Racism is the biggest single barrier to creating harmonious and prosperous communities in this district."

The chairman of Bradford REC, Bilbir Singh, said racism was still prevalent all over Europe and action was needed from the top.

The Rev Michael Hardy, rector of Keighley, said there was a lot of good work being done in the town to promote harmony and he was optimistic for the future. He said: "It isn't all bad. Schools in Keighley are doing a marvellous job in teaching children we are one family and one community, and stressing the need to respect other people's cultures. Racism hurts like hell, but we have a chance here to build together."

Last Friday's event - organised by Keighley REC, with support from the Area Panel - was attended by people from all sectors of the community. Other guest speakers included Muslim priest Bir Abdul Ghaffar, Keighley MP Ann Cryer and Bradford's deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Tony Miller.

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