WOKE police chiefs have been accused of “state-sponsored racism”; over claims that they stopped hiring white recruits.
They are said to have put a temporary block on applications from white British candidates in the hope of boosting diversity.
But the force’s attempt to drum up more officers from what it calls “under-represented groups”; has wound up Tory MPs.
Shadow Policing Minister Matt Vickers said: “This is outrageous. No employer, least of all a force funded by taxpayers, should discriminate against applicants based on their race.”;
Fellow Conservative MP Nick Timothy branded the move “state-sponsored racism”;, while ex-PM called it “anti-white discrimination”;.
West Yorkshire Police is one of the UK’s biggest forces and employs 19 diversity and inclusion staff at a cost of £1million a year.
A staff member who raised concerns over the diversity drive alleged they were told by bosses not to interfere.
Home Secretary insisted the force was complying with fair recruitment standards.
She told LBC radio: “Lots of organisations encourage more applications from under-represented groups, but they have to make sure the recruitment process is fair.”;
West Yorkshire Police said action was needed as just nine per cent of officers were from ethnic minorities, who make up 23 per cent of the community.
