Britain stands accused of being a racist society - by its own schoolchildren.

A survey of over 4,000 pupils aged 11-16 found that nearly 50% considered the nation guilty of racism - and that perception deepened as the children got older.

At the same time the Stephen Lawrence murder inquiry in London has brought simmering allegations of racism in the police force bubbling to the surface.

The inquiry has heard a catalogue of evidence on how the Metropolitan Police failed to make rapid arrests, despite numerous leads after black teenager Stephen had been murdered in a race attack at a bus stop.

And the inquiry has also watched video footage of the five named "suspects" in the case, including sickening claims about violence against ethnic minorities.

Yet in many parts of the world Britain is viewed as a country where the multi-cultural society is working well.

Fifty years have passed since SS Empire Windrush arrived in London from Jamaica, bringing the first sizeable group of immigrants from the Caribbean.

The UK has established communities from many other parts of the globe, and Prime Minister Tony Blair said recently: "Britain is a society in which people are valued irrespective of ethnic background", and adding: "It is the type of country I wish to bring my children up in."

So who is right? Mr Blair or the nation's schoolchildren?

Is Britain a fair, caring society for people of any background, well respected around the world - or is there an undercurrent of racism waiting to erupt in the next Millennium?

What do you think?

Is Britain a racist society?

Don't listen to the children and don't be so hard on yourselves! I may be white, but I have visited Britain many times and have seen a wonderful multi-cultural society in action...
F Miller, USA

Your reaction in full

Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage | ©