Phillips blamed as Massie quits EHRC

By Ian Macrae

Sir Bert Massie, who resigned as a Commissioner on the Equality and Human Rights commission (EHRC) last weekend has put the blame for his decision squarely on the Commission’s chair, Trevor Phillips.

In his letter of resignation to equality minister Harriet Harman, a copy of which has been seen by Disability Now, Massie says: “As I cannot agree with the way in which the commission is led, I must, with regret and sadness, offer my resignation with immediate effect”.

He goes on to refer to “the divisive way in which the board and commission is chaired.”

The letter also goes on to describe how Phillips has damaged the EHRC externally.

“The Chairman’s conduct in various ways has damaged the commission’s external reputation and standing in the media and among stakeholders.  He has now become the constant bad news story over many months.”

Massie, who points out that he has campaigned for equality all his adult life goes on to say that the decision to re-appoint Phillips while other commissioners were expected to re-apply for their jobs is misguided.  He draws a parallel with a famous military disaster.

“It is rather as though, at Balaclava, Lord Cardigan had been re-appointed and the remnants of the Light Brigade invited to re-apply for their posts.”

The EHRC’s other leading light on disability, Baroness Campbell of Surbiton has also resigned.  Like Sir Bert Massey, she is seen as a seasoned and credible campaigner for equality for disabled people.