A COALITION of unions and anti-racism groups called on political leaders yesterday to ensure that racism has no role in their general election campaigns.

Sensationalist reporting of immigration and asylum issues is a regular feature in some of Britain’s gutter tabloids.

But the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) is among eight unions, the TUC and 14 other organisations standing up against the practice.

They want party leaders to guarantee that their campaigns and those of their candidates do not take actions or use words likely to generate prejudice or hostility between groups.

“Racism, racial hatred, prejudice and misunderstanding are serious dangers in Britain today,” the coalition said.

“We call on all who have a role to play in ensuring that our elections are fair and truly free, to join us in supporting this call for an election campaign rid of the exploitation of prejudice.

The appeal, dubbed Electing without Prejudice, is backed by peers from the main political parties and others, including Baroness Doreen Lawrence, the mother of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence.

“There should be vigorous debate around the issues facing Britain today in an atmosphere that is secure and open so that all electors feel able to take part in discussing issues, challenging candidates and gaining an understanding of

their different approaches,” said the coalition.

The statement builds on the work of the former Commission for Racial Equality which, in previous general and other election campaigns, brought political party leaders together to make similar commitments.