A city’s journey into the future

THE 10th anniversary of the Bradford riots provides a timely opportunity to assess the city’s recovery from this dreadful occurrence, and the steps that still need to be taken to build a better future for its proud people.

That the past decade has not seen a repeat of such wanton law and disorder is a credit to those who have worked tirelessly to forge closer community ties in such an ethnically diverse conurbation. It was a measure of the civic progress that has been made that the English Defence League rally in Bradford was contained, although it did still necessitate a large police operation.

It is also important that spending cuts do not impinge upon the invaluable work that is taking place to foster a new spirit of integration. That would be counter-productive, as Lord Ouseley, the former chairman of the Commission for Racial Equality, implied today with his warning that it will only take one flashpoint for a decade of progress to be undermined.

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However youth work is only one part, albeit an important aspect, of Bradford’s journey into the future. Bradford continues to be held back by the negativity surrounding its image and failed regeneration schemes. It is, therefore, vital that city leaders demonstrate, clearly, that the area does have a prosperous future. A test of their resolve is their success, or otherwise, in replacing the vast wasteland in the heart of the city centre with the long-awaited Westfield shopping complex – a scheme that would create jobs and be a catalyst for change.

But, while education and regeneration remain pivotal, there must still be an onus on community leaders to do far more to champion integration rather than encouraging the isolationism that has resulted in so many citizens being unable, or unwilling, to speak English.

People living in such areas cannot expect to continue to be beneficiaries of generous state funding when they are not prepared to recognise British values and the English language.

As such, every person – irrespective of their background or faith – needs to redouble their efforts to ensure that Bradford unites as a city. Today’s anniversary is a suitable starting point to begin this necessary process.