Trooping the Colour has long reflected some of the best military traditions. It is, therefore, all the more unfortunate that it also reflects one of the worst. At a time when alienated black youngsters are constantly reassured that they have an equal place in British society, even the acutest observer would have been hard pressed to spot a black face on Horse Guards Parade yesterday.
Last week, the Observer published a detailed dossier on racism in the army, of which the unofficial colour bar in the guards is only the most visible and public aspect.
Black and Asian servicemen told us how they are frequently subject to painful racial abuse. By coincidence, the Commission for Racial Equality also produced their annual report last week, in which they attack the lack of will and commitment in this country to end racial discrimination: “Too few employers have yet acted decisively,” they said.
Instead of being the spearhead of the attack against racism, the army continues to beat the retreat.
Key quote
“Sporting a white shirt, braces, wide velvet culottes, scarlet stockings and maroon high-heeled shoes, she abuses herself further with blond corkscrew curls and the hard, brick-red makeup of the traditional pantomime dame.”
Michael Ratcliffe on Vanessa Redgrave in The Taming of the Shrew at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket
Talking point
Two views have emerged of what will happen if Britain continues to hold out against sanctions on South Africa. One possibility is that Zambia and other African countries may leave the Commonwealth. Another view is that Britain should be expelled from the Commonwealth since it is out of step with the other member states.
Shyam Bhatia on the Commonwealth’s attitude to Britain resisting South Africa sanctions
