London MEP Sarah Ludford comments:

The principle of non-discrimination has always been at the very core of Liberal Democrat values, so we have to work harder to get Liberal Democrat ethnic minority MPs (as well as more MEPs and councillors) elected. The alienation of some of our British black and Asian citizens is deeply worrying, and political representation is a crucial contribution to ensuring the better participation of minorities in every aspect of society. All three leadership candidates have signed up to this campaign, so we have reason to believe that there will be marked improvement in ethnic as well as gender diversity of our successful candidates. I urge all party members to help in changing “Reflecting Britain” from a slogan into an accurate description of the Liberal Democrats in the 21st century.