Major urges European action to fight racism

CONCERTED international and national action against racism was endorsed by John Major in a speech to the Board of Deputies of British Jews last night, writes Anthony Bevins.

The Prime Minister said: 'At a time when different parts of Europe are in turbulence and transition, in some cases in distress, we must not - dare not - allow demagogues to reignite the flames of racial hatred.'

December's European Community summit, in Edinburgh, had condemned all racism and racist attacks, Mr Major said. But he added: 'These must not be empty words. They must be matched by action.'

He said that the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe should seek to change attitudes 'at the popular level'; the Council of Europe would need to take practical measures, 'for example, on police training'; and on the domestic front, while Britain had a good record, there was no room for complacency.

'Xenophobia amd racism are repugnant,' he said. 'There can be no room for them in Europe. Not now. Not ever again.'

Mr Major also said that while the Israeli Defence Forces had been subjected to 'provocation', and while 'nobody is suggesting that they pursue a deliberate policy of violence', he would be at fault if he did not express deep concern about IDF actions in the Occupied Territories.