HOME Office minister Angela Eagle last night spoke of the vital role black and ethnic minority communities had to play in the regeneration of the North-East.
The minister responsible for the Government's active community policy was add-ressing the Banks of the Wear conference, in Newcastle.
She said: "If the Government is to succeed in making Britain a better place to live, it must look outwards to the diverse range of talents and experience that make up Britain today.
"The talents and experience of the black and minority ethnic sector have a vital role to play.
"We recognise the vital contribution that the black and minority ethnic voluntary and community sector makes to our society," she said.
"It reaches out to some of the most socially excluded groups in Britain, combats racial discrimination and disadvantage and provides vital services to communities."
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