Operation Black Vote's Simon Woolley: "System works against us"

The survey also found that many people from ethnic minorities feel "alienated" from the UK's political system.

The most negative response showed that 80% of 18- to 34-year-olds believe race relations have actually worsened, while more than 75% of the entire poll felt that little progress has been made.

The survey was commissioned by Operation Black Vote, an organisation that wants to increase black and Asian participation in UK elections.

Author of the survey, Professor Muhammad Anwar of the University of Warwick's Centre for Research in Ethnic Elections, said that ethnic minority participation in elections is vital.

His research found that high concentrations of ethnic minorities in inner cities were not making their political contribution felt, because more than 25% of blacks and Asians in those areas are not registered to vote.

Paul Boateng: One of only nine ethnic minority MPs

Professor Anwar said: "Without full participation of Britain's ethnic minorities in the political process, the chances of achieving good race relations are greatly diminished."

A majority of the ethnic vote - 54% of blacks and 68% of Asians - said that they would be more willing to use their vote under a proportional representation electoral system.

A smaller majority of whites - 51% - would prefer to vote under PR.

Greater awareness

OBV said the survey shows that political parties are failing to integrate the UK's 3.5 million strong ethnic vote, with only nine black and Asian MPs in parliament.

OBV co-ordinator Simon Woolley called for more ethnic minority political candidates and greater awareness of ethnic issues in political parties.

Stephen Lawrence case "confirmed worst fears"

"Issues like the murder of Stephen Lawrence have confirmed some people's worst fears about the police and the political system.

"The number of people who don't even register to vote is shocking, but these people feel that nobody is listening to them," he said.

The government defended its race record but said there was "no room for complancency".

The Home Office Minister, Mike O'Brien, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the government has already passed legislation to stamp out race-related incidents.