David Ward – an MP for Bradford, one of Britain’s most ethnically and religiously diverse cities and the centre of race riots in July 2001 – has highlighted the continuing need to bridge the city’s social divide by becoming a Distinguished Supporter of the Accord Coalition, which champions schools that are committed to inclusivity.
Mr Ward told the Accord Coalition “In places such as Bradford, segregation in the school system can serve to undermine social cohesion. Schools should be at the centre of their community and draw its pupils from across the community they serve; where parents mix at the gates and children mix and learn together. To help achieve this state funded schools should be made open and suitable for all children, regardless of their of their family’s beliefs, and on this basis I fully support the aims of Accord”.
Chair of the Accord Coalition, Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain MBE said “We are delighted to welcome David as a Distinguished Supporter. His support further strengthens Accord’s voice and helps demonstrate the widespread support for schools to play an inspiring role in improving mutual understanding and preparing children for life in our increasingly diverse society, rather than helping entrench division.”
Before being elected to parliament for the Bradford East constituency in May 2010, Mr Ward served as a Bradford City Councillor for twenty six years and sits as a Liberal Democrat.
Mr Ward join Accord’s growing list of Distinguished Supporters, who come from a wide variety of different political and religion and belief backgrounds. It includes:
- Baroness Tessa Blackstone, Labour Peeress, Minister for Education (1997-2001) and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Greenwich
- Rt Rev Richard Holloway, former Bishop of Edinburgh
- Naomi Long MP, the Alliance Party of Northern Ireland’s first MP elected to the House of Commons; Northern Ireland’s largest non-sectarian party
- Dr Caroline Lucas MP, leader of the Green Party of England and Wales
- Lord Glentoran, Conservative Peer and Olympic gold medallist
- Philip Pullman, author
- The Rev Professor Christopher Rowland, theologian at the University of Oxford
- Polly Toynbee, journalist and President of the British Humanist Association
