Gosh, you wait years for a piece like this, and two come along in two days
And this one is like yesterday's, but with added PR and virtue
Presumably the two pieces aren't unconnected. But not sure if there's any link between the two offices. And can't be bothered looking it up. Consett to Carlisle is 57 miles, so no obvious link in terms of being in neighbouring towns, or whatever, but not a zillion miles apart either.
Radio Carlisle Taxis rejects driver requests based on racehttps://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/2665 ... ased-race/A CARLISLE taxi firm has said it will not accept passenger requests for drivers based on their race, religion or background.Radio Carlisle Taxis said passengers had asked for certain drivers not to be sent because they were foreign, Muslim or from a different background.
In a statement shared online, the company said these were “real situations” its teams experienced and needed to be addressed.
The company said: “At Radio Carlisle Taxis, we value our drivers for the work they do, the professionalism they demonstrate and the service they provide.”
It added: “Not their nationality. Not their religion. Not their skin colour.”
The company said drivers supported their families and helped keep Carlisle moving. It said they should be able to work without discrimination.
Passengers were told that genuine concerns about a driver’s behaviour, driving or professionalism would be taken seriously.
Radio Carlisle Taxis said: “But refusing someone purely because of their background is not a reasonable service request.”
It added: “It’s discrimination, and we will not accommodate it.”
The firm also said booking staff should be treated respectfully and should not face racial or religious abuse while doing their jobs.
Radio Carlisle Taxis said: “We are proud of our diverse team.”
It also said: “And we are committed to making sure every member of it feels supported, respected and valued.”
The group Anti Racist Cumbria has backed the company’s position and called on other businesses and organisations across the county to take similar action.
The group said: “We fully support Radio Carlisle Taxis in taking a clear and unapologetic stand against racism.”
It said the firm’s message, 'Racism is not a passenger preference', should not need to be made in 2026, but added that its use showed racism remained present in communities.
Anti Racist Cumbria said: “Let’s be absolutely clear: refusing to be driven by someone because of the colour of their skin is racism.”
It added: “It is not a preference, a misunderstanding or a difference of opinion.”
The group said it had highlighted racism across Cumbria for six years.
It referred to Cumbria Police figures showing that about 61 per cent of more than 4,000 hate crimes reported over five years were related to race.
Anti Racist Cumbria said it had heard from black people who shared experiences of racism. It claimed the reality was worse than official figures suggested.
Image: NewsquestThe group said businesses did not have to accept racist demands to keep customers happy.
Anti Racist Cumbria said: “They can refuse it, name it and make it clear that racist behaviour has consequences.”
It also questioned why people still felt entitled to make such demands in 2026.
The group said: “Racism is not a customer preference. It is not something to be accommodated, excused or negotiated with.”
Anti Racist Cumbria said responsibility for challenging racism should not fall only on those experiencing it.
The group said: “We commend Radio Carlisle Taxis for taking action and urge other businesses and organisations across Cumbria to do the same.”
It concluded: “Anti-racism is action, not just words.”
Radio Carlisle Taxis thanked passengers who treated drivers and staff with kindness, saying their respect made a difference.
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