The Liberal Democrats have launched a Parliamentary internship scheme to encourage young people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds to get involved in politics.

Organised in collaboration with Operation Black Vote and Ethnic Minority Liberal Democrats, participants in the scheme will assist MPs or Party staff in Westminster, learning about the work of a political party, the procedures of Parliament and the role of an MP.

The intern scheme is part of a campaign by the Liberal Democrats to improve the representation of minority ethnic communities in the Parliamentary Party and in other areas of elected government in the UK. As well as working to ensure more people from BME communities are elected to public office today, the intern scheme also aims to invest in the next generation of politicians.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Leader Menzies Campbell said:

“I am committed to making the Liberal Democrats more representative of modern Britain.
 
“Our new intern scheme will encourage young people from under-represented backgrounds to work in Westminster.

“Many people from ethnic communities still feel isolated from the political mainstream. A healthy democracy relies on everyone taking part and having his or her voice heard.”

Commenting on the Liberal Democrat intern scheme, National Co-ordinator of Operation Black Vote, Simon Wooley said:

“All the major political parties are having to face up to the challenge of representing and involving everyone in 21st century multi-cultural Britain.

“The ivory towers of Westminster are too often perceived as out of reach for young people from black and minority ethnic communities. The Liberal Democrats’ intern scheme is one way of creating opportunities for the next generation of black politicians.”

Commenting further, Chair of Ethnic Minority Liberal Democrats, Meral Ece said:

“I am pleased that our leader, Menzies Campbell, is taking positive steps to make the Liberal Democrats more representative of modern day Britain.

“This intern scheme is one of many steps the Liberal Democrats are taking to encourage people from ethnic minority communities to get more involved in politics.

“As a mainsteam political party, we have a responsibility to ensure we reflect the people we seek to represent.”