BLACKBURN MP Jack Straw has described the Stephen Lawrence police inquiry as his proudest achievement in government.

Mr Straw was presented with an anti-slavery medallion by the Archbishop of York as a token of thanks for the inquiry, set up into the racist killing of Stephen Lawrence in 1993.

The Macpherson inquiry severely criticised the police for their handling of the murder investigation, and led to a string of initiatives to improve race relations.

The Most Reverend and Right Honorable Dr John Sentamu thanked Mr Straw who, as Home Secretary, implemented the 73 recommendations following the inquiry which "changed the culture and method of policing for the better of the whole country".

At the official opening of Blackburn College's St Paul's Centre, the Archbishop, a veteran champion of human rights, said: "I'm giving you this medallion to remind you that your job now is to campaign for liberation and justice for all - nobody should be left out."

Mr Straw said: "If I am proud of one thing in 10 years of ministerial service, it is the implementation of the inquiry.

"But I am indebted to the Archbishop for his determination that the inquiry be carried out, and highlight that there was such a lack of justice for many people who happen to have a different skin colour."