Monitor: The Lawrence Report - The conscience of a nation

Verdicts on the publication of Sir William Macpherson's report into the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence

Daily Mail

THE DANGER is that Sir William, in his determination to root out racism, may be making the politically correct mistakes which the Americans are now trying to undo. He seems to have forgotten that Britain remains a fundamentally decent country. Welcome though much of the report may be, it would do no service to Stephen's memory if Britain fell into the grip of racial McCarthyism. That would be the ultimate triumph for the smirking savages who, let it never be forgotten, murdered this decent young man and are still walking free in the streets of London.

The Daily Telegraph

BY SAYING that all white-dominated public institutions are likely to be racist, Straw has played into the hands of those who wish to undermine our respect for our own society. It encourages ethnic minorities to cultivate a greater sense of grievance and breeds in the white majority a resentment that it is considered guilty unless proved innocent.

Reports such as these are supposed to heal wounds. This one is likely to open new ones. How far we have come from the right source of outrage in this - the fact that an innocent young man was murdered and his killers never caught.

The Mirror

THE REPORT is not just about the police, though. It is a challenge to us all. To get rid of racism in our workplaces, communities and homes. Until there is no prejudice in the minds of decent people, we will not stop the sickness that led to the butchery of Stephen Lawrence.

The Times

THE POLICE'S failings are not best understood when viewed solely through the prism of race. Society as a whole has been ill-served by the police service's failure to reform its practices. Recruitment from ethnic minorities has been woeful, but it is also worth noting that recruitment of talented graduates from every background has been remarkably poor. The police have failed to reflect a changing society. It should never be forgotten that this inquiry was made necessary by the police's failure to apprehend murderous criminals. Reform must concentrate on enhancing the operational effectiveness of the police rather than seeking to conciliate every interest group with a grievance.

The Guardian

SIR PAUL has a long and public record of fighting racism within his force, and also his courage in tackling police corruption - often in the face of considerable hostility from his own officers. His resignation would have had a certain symbolic cleanness about it. But if he is to stay, he must surely realise that yesterday's report was a beginning, not an end. In the 10 months he has left, he has much to prove. All Macpherson's work will have been wasted unless it inspires efforts by the police to win the confidence of the black community which it patently lacks at the moment. That fight should start today and, yes, the buck really does stop with Sir Paul.

The Express

ONLY ONCE we all accept responsibility will change be achieved. This is not to excuse the police. Overtly corrupt and racist officers must be sacked. Their forces know who they are. Unwitting racism needs rooting out and undermining, through education and penalties, too, if necessary. And then the police must use existing race laws - and they are tough - to fulfil their duty to protect ethnic minorities as well as white people.

The West Midlands Express & Star

SOCIETY AS a whole is not to blame for the Lawrence tragedy. The transformation of Britain into a multicultural society has been one of the unsung successes of our century.

Sadly there are a few race-hate gangs and a few racist or incompetent police officers. It was Stephen Lawrence's tragedy to fall among both.

The best memorial to Stephen Lawrence would be a freer and more tolerant society, not a sweeping away of ancient liberties. We have enough problems with bent police without recruiting Thought Police.

Financial Times

OVERALL, THE Macpherson report has created an opportunity for a major overhaul of an institution where a combination of poor management and complacency has allowed racism and corruption to persist. The duty of a government that declares itself "modernising" is to move beyond the damning specifics of this report and radically reshape the way the nation's police services are run.