On Monday 9th October 2017, MEP Claude Moraes (Chair of LIBE Committee, S&D, UK), ARDI (European Parliament Anti-Racism and Diversity Intergroup co-hosted the conference “End of a fruitful dialogue – Impact of Brexit on Equality and Anti-Discrimination in the EU & UK”.
The UK and the EU efforts to establish efficient non-discrimination law that allows all individuals an equal and fair prospect to access opportunities in our societies are deeply intertwined. The recent decision of the UK to leave the EU will challenge the fruitful dialogue between the UK, the EU, national courts, the CJEU and governments of Member States.
The UK has traditionally played a forerunner role in shaping anti-discrimination policies in Europe. The absence of the UK in the EU institutions will impact the development of new anti-discrimination laws and efficient implementation of current legislation.
On the other hand, the Brexit referendum campaign was marked by racist hate speech and xenophobic political discourse. And Brexit is likely to mean that the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the jurisdictions of the CJEU will no longer apply to the UK.
Time to highlight challenges, raise awareness, discuss ways forward and identify partnerships among civil society and institutions!
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