Making parliament more diverse

We live in a multiracial society.

But you wouldn't think it if you looked in on the House of Commons.

Labour's deputy leadership candidates debated all ethnic minority shortlists at a hustings event in Leicester

Just two per cent of Members of Parliament are from minority ethnic groups, a much smaller proportion than for the population as a whole.

David Cameron has been trying to increase the number of non white candidates selected by local Conservative associations - the Liberal Democrats, too, say they are trying to up the numbers in their party.

But it's within the Labour Party that the most radical action is being considered.

It would almost certainly require a change in the law because what's being argued over is none other than ethnic minority only shortlists.

Mandy Baker has been looking at why there appears to be growing support within the Labour Party for such a controversial measure.