Viewpoints The Foot and Mouth Controversy: Letter of Protest | The Foot and Mouth Controversy: Letter of Protest |
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On 29 Mar 01, a delegation of thirty members of the Chinese marched from Chinatown to Downing Street and handed in a letter protesting at the announcement of the investigation and the media coverage. The contents of the letter are reprinted below. 29th March 2001 The Rt. Hon. Tony Blair MP The Prime Minister Dear Prime Minister, The current outbreak of foot and mouth disease is a major concern for members of the Chinese community in Britain. However, recent press reports alleged leftovers from a Chinese restaurant, as the prime cause for the outbreak is unfounded. The Chinese community in Britain is outraged at this attack on the integrity of the whole community. The waste food in question was collected from a variety of sources in the Northumberland area. Why was it only a Chinese restaurant in the area was singled out as the culprit? We hope it is not because caterers and restaurateurs from black and minority ethnic communities is an easy target for taking the blame. On behalf of the Chinese catering business and the community as a whole, we would like to state that there is no evidence to indicate that Chinese restaurants and takeaways engage in any illegal smuggling of meat into Britain. The Chinese catering business has over the years contributed to the success and economic well being of this country. We have a long tradition of providing value for money service to our customers. Many of our community who is involved in the catering and restaurant business forms part of the tourist industry. We are actively supporting the efforts the government and the farming community is taking in eliminating the foot and mouth disease. As a community, we look to you, Prime Minister, for justice and fairness. As a minority ethnic community living in this country, these sort of irresponsible reports can only lead to racial tension. As it stands now, the Chinese community feels it is under siege. We urge you to take any appropriate actions within your power to ensure the source of this allegation is being investigated. We also urge the relevant departments to prosecute those responsible and face the consequences of their scare mongering under the provisions of the Race Relations Act 1976 as well as the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000. We would urge you to join us to condemn the irresponsible press reporting on this matter. As the communitys livelihood, security and confidence to live in a truly multiracial Britain are being threatened, we need your support in raising our concerns and addressing our grievances. Many thanks for your support. Participating organisations and individuals: The Chinese Takeaway Association (UK) cc Rt. Hon. William Hague MP (Leader of the Opposition) |
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