YORK Central MP Rachael Maskell has welcomed the Rowntree research as a 'painful but positive first step' in better understanding the 'gross errors of the past' - and also the continuing extent of racism and discrimination in Britain today.

The MP said: "It is very honest that they (the Rowntree Society) have produced this piece of work. That is to be welcomed.

"We have to have a learning culture and as part of that we have to recognise the gross errors that have been made in the past."

The Rowntree research was particularly compelling because of who Rowntree was, Ms Maskell said.

But she stressed that, with a 'real hierarchy of discrimination' still existing in many parts of British Society, the Rowntree research was just a 'painful but positive first step'.

She called on other orgaisations and public bodies to go through a similar process of examining not only their past, but also their present.

"There has to be a root and branch approach," she said. "There is a real hierarchy of discrimination still, with black and ethnic minority people in lower paid jobs."

There are also serious questions for York itself to answer about why 'we do not recognise the diversity of our city in all sorts of ways', she added.

York Civic Trust chief executive Andrew Morrison also welcomed the Rowntree research today.

"The Rowntree Society’s preliminary research and statement is an important and welcome addition, based on historical fact, to furthering our understanding of York’s past and its role in global practices," he said.

"The Rowntrees as a family, an employer and as an identifiable brand are one of the most significant stakeholders in the 19th and 20th century development of York.

"The Civic Trust believes it is vitally important that we gather, share and discuss historical facts and use this information to help shape how we as a city and as a society operate today and in the future."