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The Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) “unequivocally rejected” proposals to merge with other anti-discrimination bodies believing the move would “significantly dilute its work”, writes Shirley Kumar.

The 13 commissioners voted 11-2 to reject government plans to create a single body for anyone facing discrimination by merging the CRE with the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Disability Rights Commission to create the new Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR).

CRE spokesperson said the merger, proposed in the White Paper Fairness for All lacks any proposal for a single equality act, would fail to protect religious groups and comes at a time “demands on the CRE are at an all time high due to Islamophobia, asylum and immigration at the top of the political agenda.”

Their decision was prompted by “negativity and little support” from black and ethnic minority communities during regional consultation meetings.

A more detailed response to the government will be published on August 9.