Woolas: under fire

A Labour MP who claimed that the authorities were ignoring attacks by blacks and Asians on white people was last night branded as "irresponsible".

Shahid Malik, the sole black member of the NEC, said Phil Woolas's remarks would be misused by extremist groups.

The attack came after the Sunday Times revealed that the Oldham MP had written to Trevor Phillips, the incoming chairman of the Commission for Racial Equality, to express his concern at the situation.

Malik told the Press Association: "These comments are very disturbing. They are irresponsible remarks and absolute nonsense. The comments feed far-right organisations like the BNP who hijack the remarks.

"All right-minded people condemn racism, be it black on white, Asian on black or white on Asian. Mr Woolas has no basis for his view and is clearly out of line with Labour Party thinking."

In his letter, Woolas is reported to have said: "Politicians across the party divide have failed to be seen to condemn racist violent attacks against white people as strongly or forcibly as such attacks against Asian and black people.

"My view, and I believe that of my constituents of all ethnic backgrounds, is that this fact has diminished confidence in the communities and damaged race relations."

He went on to urge Phillips to treat the issue as seriously as racist attacks against blacks and Asians.

Oldham was the scene of a series of racially-motivated attacks which sparked riots in the summer of 2001.