“We are at a terrible point where structural and systemic racism is a point of debate.” David Lammy is sharing his view that the measure of a country is how it treats its minorities.  

In a wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation with Karen Blackett, Country Manager UK WPP at Group M as part of the Creative Equals RISE conference, Lammy underlined three key forces impacting the creative industries and powering a need for action on diversity, inclusion and equity to rise up the business agenda. 

Lammy pointed to the huge generational ‘attitudinal shift’ at play. Noting that Gen Z and Millennials have a huge expectation for change. He explained: “White or Black – they want change, whether climate, race, gender.” Noting that “their expectations are profoundly different to previous generations”, he warned the industry “don’t get caught out”.

Pointing to the work businesses have done with gender equality, he warned against complacency and pointed to the way in which companies such as Deloitte and McKinsey have taken action to support black talent. “Don’t just comfort yourself by just talking about gender,” he added.

The impact of the US

Lammy shared his belief that a trade deal with the US will mean that UK companies need to be more aligned with their US counterparts, which have been on the cutting edge when it comes to prioritising diversity and inclusion. He explained: “This country will get a lot closer to the US. It's got to happen economically that the curve is towards greater diversity not less”

He continued: “The most important trade deal will be with the US. The US is making big steps on diversity and will look to see what its 51st state in the UK is up to. That will create tremendous pressure.”

Pointing to the ‘fracturing’ effect that social media is having on society, Lammy noted that the narrative of the immigrant as the ‘enemy’ isn’t going away in the wake of Brexit. Yet he believes that the notion that the decision to leave the EU will make England less diverse “is a myth”. Adding that any trade deal with India will likely also come with visas attached. 

Blackett talked about the “beautiful fruit salad” of the UK, but pointing to the possibility of a referendum on Scottish independence she warned: “We are becoming more divided than ever.”

Overcoming imposter syndrome

Sharing his own story of growing up in a world devoid of authentic representation, Lammy shared how his role models and friends supported his journey. 

“That journey to becoming was a long journey. Today I am very comfortable in my own skin,” he explained, noting that that comfort didn’t really come into play until his late 30s. He continued: “Black people represent 4% of this country, yet we are still in a place where we are hearing [this is] ‘the first Black person to X, the first Black person to do Y’,. There are still so many glass ceilings to smash.”

When Blackett asked him how he protected his mental health as a Black person in Britain, Lammy pointed to his faith, explaining: “It's not fashionable to say this but I am a Christian, so it's not always about me. There is a greater spiritual force. My ego is not as big as you might think.” 

Finding grace in the age of social media

Sharing the impact of social media on his life as a public figure, Lammy noted that it simply isn't possible to do his job without a thick skin. He noted how often people will say horrendous things on social media, only to have their wife or family member get in touch to apologise. He continued: “It’s stories of loneliness, alcohol, depression.”

“We are living in this age where people are not making much distinction between the online and offline world,” he added. Sharing his response to a conversation broadcast on LBC with 80-year-old Jean; one which subsequently went viral, he noted his response would be different if he was having that conversation with someone like Jacob Rees-Mogg. Noting that “not everyone has been to Oxbridge”, he urged the audience to be kinder to people on social media and also to “treat people differently depending on their starting point”.

Sentiments he shared in a tweet at the time, writing: “As a nation, we’re good at calling out individuals for expressions of racism. We’re less good at calling out the institutions of racism that lie underneath. Be patient with Jean. Be impatient with those with power resisting structural change.”