Diversity & inclusion - why does it matter?

Following the appalling racism on social media aimed at three England players that missed penalties in the Euros 2020 final, came a huge outpouring of unity and fight back against the abuse. This important topic has understandably dominated much of the media and as always, it's been a busy week in the wider diversity & inclusion sphere. We bring you the important stories that hit the headlines this week...

New Cross fire tragedy should be taught in schools, says Steve McQueen

The Director has made a three-part BBC documentary, Uprising, on story of fire and subsequent Brixton Riots.

Read more here

Politicians and media told to stop fabricating culture wars

Much of the focus on so-called “culture war” issues in the UK is based on confected controversies, a thinktank analysis has suggested, with the debate artificially inflamed by politicians and commentators and then amplified by social media.

What do you think? Read more here

England’s Tyrone Mings criticises Priti Patel over racism remarks

The England footballer Tyrone Mings has criticised the home secretary, Priti Patel, in her condemnation of the racist abuse faced by his teammates, after she called players taking the knee “gesture politics”.

Read more here

‘There’s a big community spirit’: how Brent is tackling health inequalities during Covid

One year ago when the Guardian visited Brent for an in-depth report on how the injustices of the pandemic had been laid bare in London’s most diverse borough, it was a scene of grief. At least 36 people had died in Church End, a small, long-neglected neighbourhood.

The mood there has now changed...read more here

‘Never apologise for being you’: celebrities’ letters to their teenage selves

Don’t buy the pink wheelchair – but do eat your greens (and some pizza too). Comedians, musicians, athletes, writers and mathematicians with disabilities or lifelong health conditions on what they wish they’d known growing up.

Read the letters from celebrities such as Rosie Jones and Victoria Ekanoye here

Tory MP says party must change attitude towards taking the knee

Conservatives urgently need to change their attitudes towards people taking the knee, an influential Tory MP has said amid an angry backlash against the government over the racist abuse of England footballers.

Read more here

Women unlikely to catch up with men on FTSE 350 boards before 2036

A shocking new report tells that the number of women in senior roles at FTSE 350 companies will lag behind men until 2036, after the Covid pandemic pushed the prospect of gender parity in the boardroom back by four years.

Read more about the gender parity prospects for top roles here

Online racists face football ban of up to 10 years, vows Boris Johnson

The government has promised to ban people who abuse footballers online from stadiums for up to 10 years, in the same way as "violent thugs".

Read more on this here

Channel 4 Diversity In Advertising Award returns to tackle ageism with its annual prize fund increased to over £1m

Channel 4 announced that its industry leading annual Diversity in Advertising Award will return this year to challenge the advertising industry to address ageism – in particular, the inauthentic and sometimes clichéd portrayals of different age groups within UK advertising.

Read their press release here

Major brands sign open letter demanding action against racism on social media

Brands including Mars, KFC and GSK have signed an open letter condemning the “lack of adequate action” taken by Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat following the racist abuse suffered by several members of the England squad.

Read more here