Birmingham, Lord Taylor, CHOGM, Christian, churches, Commonwealth, Commonwealth Games, Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, CPA UK, diaspora engagement, England, Equality, faith, gender, Henry Ford, Human Rights, leadership, migration, poverty, Second World War, terrorism,

The Commonwealth Summit in London 2018

It was Henry Ford who said: “Don’t just find fault, find a remedy”. We have all attended conferences and summits which have been ‘more talk than walk and more activity than action’. That is why it is vital that there be real outcomes from the next Commonwealth summit, encompassing the findings of the people’s forum and the parliamentary forum. It …

Taylor Tabled

Questions Asked 1 February 2024 Department for Business and Trade  EU Trade with EU: Costs HL2155 To ask His Majesty’s Government, following reports that businesses have faced increasing difficulties and costs trading with the EU since Brexit, what steps they are taking to (1) identify areas of improvement, and (2) provide support. Treasury Mortgages: Interest Rates HL2154 To ask His Majesty’s Government …

International Woman's Day, Lord Taylor of Warwick

Reconciliation: Role of British Foreign, Defense and International Development Policy

My Lords, I, too, thank the most reverend Primate for securing this timely debate. There was much need for reconciliation after the First World War and Second World War. My Jamaican father fought for Britain in the Eighth Army, against the Germans, yet when he came to England in September 1945 he was saddened to see signs warning, “No blacks. No Irish. No dogs”—I guess …

Lord Taylor of Warwick, International Woman's Day

Brexit: Preparations and Negotiations

My Lords, the famous British group, The Beatles, had worldwide success with the song “Don’t Let Me Down”. I am confident that the Government will not let Britain down as we leave the European Union. “We Can Work It Out” was another huge hit for The Beatles; I believe that working it out is what will happen. Although that song …

Lord John Taylor of Warwick

Exports: Africa and the Commonwealth

In 1974 a choir of schoolchildren sang a song called “Join Together” at the Commonwealth Games. The song became popular all over the world for its powerful lyrics. Noble Lords may be relieved to hear that I will not attempt to sing the song—I can sing it if you wish. No, perhaps not, but the chorus went: And people, black …

Balfour Declaration Centenary

In June last year, I was privileged to be invited as a guest speaker at the Israeli embassy in London. I spoke about the special role that Israel has in the world, a true democracy in the Middle East. My wife, Lady Taylor, and I have had the pleasure of meeting the brilliant Mr. Mark Regev, the Israeli ambassador to …

Lord John Taylor of Warwick

Getting to Know Lord John Taylor of Warwick

Lord John Taylor of Warwick’s passion lies in creating positive change and peacemaking. The son of Jamaican immigrants, Lord John Taylor struggled against racism as a child growing up in Birmingham. After a visit to Westminster Abbey at a young age, however, Lord Taylor knew that he was meant to one day impact the lives of the people of Britain …

UKIP, Lord John Taylor of Warwick, Endeavour Magazine

Is UKIP Half Baked?

“Fruitcakes and loons”. That is how David Cameron described the United Kingdom Independence Party, when he became Prime Minster in 2010. That could prove to be a dreadful strategic mistake, as he prepares for the next General election, in 2015. Unfortunately for Mr Cameron, the fruitcakes are on the rise. By labelling UKIP also as “closet racists” Mr Cameron is in danger of insulting millions of small “c” Conservatives who …

Lord John Taylor of Warwick, Endeavour Magazine, Britain

The Empire Strikes Back

“No Blacks, No Irish, No Dogs”. That was the sign in many windows in Birmingham 1950, when my father was looking for accommodation. Rooms that were advertised for rent had somehow “just been taken, ” shortly before he knocked on the front door of that particular address. When he was growing up in Jamaica, he had thought of Britain as the motherland. …

Skills Pays The Bills, Lord John Taylor of Warwick, Business, Education

Skills Pay the Bills

“Black people don’t become Barristers. Don’t you think you should set your sights a little lower?” That was the less than inspiring Careers Advice I was given at 16 years of age, when I told one of my teachers I wished to become a lawyer. Fortunately, I did not listen to him and achieved my goals. But decades later we are still failing …