Storm as Tory MP sends email saying most criminals are black

Email: Bob Spink MP
13 April 2012

The Tories faced another race row today after an MP suggested the majority of criminals are black.

Essex MP Bob Spink was said to have made the claims in an exchange of emails with a constituent.

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His comments will embarrass David Cameron who has been trying to move the party on and give ammunition to Labour MPs who claim that despite the Tory leader's progressive image the party's grassroots have not changed.

In an email from a constituent, Mr Spink was asked: "Are you saying that a lot more criminals are black than white - or that there are more black people-in jail than white because they are stopped more often?" The MP replied: "The former and that's what people don't seem to like. But I didn't enter a beauty contest when I became an MP!!!!"

He claimed the problem was ignored because of "political correctness". Mr Spink later refused to confirm or deny the contents of the emails but said he "deplored" racism. "Ministers have told the Commons that pro rata more young black people are known to the criminal justice system than white people.

"The main parties have to address where the crime is coming from and stop that crime. I completely deplore racism of any kind but we need to identify the sources of crime."

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