Lenny Henry Says ‘Nothing Will Change’ For Diversity In UK Media Unless Laws Are Introduced

Sir Lenny Henry has called on the government to implement laws on diversity in media, insisting this is the only way to make sure everyone is represented fairly.

The British comedian spoke at the House Of Lords on Tuesday, highlighting many issues within the UK media, including the fact he felt there weren’t enough safe spaces for black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people to voice their concerns without “fearing the noose”.

Likening the media’s current approach to diversity to “putting lipstick on a pig”, he elaborated: “The feeling was that there was not safe space to say stuff that we were unhappy with, without getting oppressed or fired.

“There needs to be safe spaces for people to vent their feelings without fearing the noose.”