A heated exchange unfolded on GB News’s People’s Channel during a discussion concerning allegations of bias within West Yorkshire Police.
The controversy centers around claims that the police force is prioritizing diversity by allegedly restricting applications from white British men while offering preferential treatment to individuals from “under-represented” backgrounds. The debate, which involved guest Matthew Stadlen and GB News presenter Nana Akua, escalated when a comment made by Stadlen was perceived as patronizing.
Stadlen argued that increased diversity within the police force could lead to greater effectiveness, stating, “Having a more diverse police force makes it more ‘effective’ and could ‘enable it to do better.’”
Akua responded forcefully. “I don’t believe in discrimination on either side and I don’t think creating the same problem the other way around,”
she asserted, adding that her primary concern when contacting law enforcement was not their ethnicity.
She continued, “All I know is, if I’m in a spot of bother and I call the police, I couldn’t give two hoots about skin colour.”
Akua also emphasized her desire to be recognized for her abilities rather than her race, stating, “I don’t white people to comment that I’m black, I want people to say I’m brilliant.”
Stadlen acknowledged Akua’s talents but countered by suggesting that the opportunities she enjoyed were not universally accessible to young Black individuals in Britain. He stated, “You’re brilliant in many ways Nana, but the opportunities you’ve had are by no means universally available to young, black people in this country.”
Akua then accused Stadlen of a patronizing tone and shifted the conversation to her family’s history. She shared that her parents immigrated legally, arriving with visas and establishing themselves through hard work.
“My parents came to the country with diddly squat,” she said. “They arrived with an old-fashioned thing called a visa, not some dodgy boat. My dad was able to work really hard and provide me with a good education. There was no DEI (Diversity, Equality and Inclusion).
Here’s a summary of the key points raised:
- Allegations of Bias: Claims that West Yorkshire Police is implementing policies that disadvantage white British men in favor of diversity initiatives.
- Diversity & Effectiveness: The argument that a more diverse police force can lead to improved effectiveness and better outcomes.
- Personal Experiences: Nana Akua shared her family’s immigration story, emphasizing their legal arrival and the value of hard work and education without explicit DEI programs.
- Discrimination Concerns: The discussion highlighted concerns about discrimination based on ethnicity and whether attempting to rectify historical imbalances can inadvertently create new issues.
