A tribunal rules that using the word “coloured” to describe a person is not racist in itself, even if it offends some people. According to the report, the tribunal acknowledges that the term is generally considered old-fashioned and potentially offensive. However, it concludes that the word is not automatically racist when it is used simply to describe someone, rather than to express hostility or discrimination. The decision is presented as focusing on context and intent, distinguishing descriptive language from racist conduct. The article also notes that the term can still upset or offend people of colour, but that offensiveness alone does not determine whether it amounts to racism under the tribunal’s assessment. The ruling therefore turns on how the term is used in a particular situation, rather than treating the term as inherently racist in all circumstances.