Bank of England Faces Criticism for Black-Only Internship Scheme Amid Diversity Debate

The Bank of England is facing significant criticism for its Black Future Leaders Sponsorship Programme, which restricts eligibility to students of "black or mixed black heritage," excluding white and other ethnic groups. The scheme offers £5,000 towards living costs and an eight-week paid internship, but Tory politicians and public figures like Elon Musk have condemned it as discriminatory and racist, arguing that recruitment should be merit-based and not race-based. Senior Conservative MPs, including Robert Jenrick and Andrew Griffith, have called for the program's cancellation, asserting that any form of racial discrimination is unacceptable. Rupert Lowe, an independent MP, has also criticized the Bank, labeling the scheme as divisive and anti-white racism. The Bank of England has defended the program as part of its commitment to ensuring its workforce reflects society. However, the controversy highlights tensions over diversity initiatives in public institutions and debates about fairness and inclusion in recruitment.