4,300 millionaires likely to move outof India in 2024
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India in celebrating International Yoga Day
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Sonakshi Sinha, Zaheer Iqbal get married in a private ceremony
In total, there are 4,379 candidates standing in the 2024 general elections, making an increase of 981 candidates, compared to 2019 Among these, an estimated 250 candidates are of Asian-origin Despite this record number, the current election campaign unfolds amid widespread distrust in politics their concerns are being overlooked and unattended to, even a week before Britain goes to poll
Anusha Singh Elections are about much more than
result After 4 July, the new Prime Minister will inherit a complex set of practical policy challenges These specific problems compound broader issues such as stagnant productivity, slow growth, huge NHS waiting
“I'm focused on winning this election”
Union for many businesses and voters
The next resident of 10 Downing Street will have much to ponder in addressing these and other issues
reshape the country, as public policy directly impacts all of us
PM Rishi Sunak being gifted a Lord Hanumanji murti by Swamijis, Temple leaders and committee members
“I'm focused on winning this election”
Despite different contradicting surveys, it is still believed, he remains the favourite to win there, but he may have a tougher fight on his hands
As Britain’s first Prime Minister of Indian heritage, Rishi Sunak integrates his Hindu faith into his daily life, with a shrine in No 10 for family worship and a Lord Ganesha statue on his desk –and now a statue of Lord Hanuman may join that collection His commitment to his faith guides his role as the Prime Minister, which he views as his ‘dharma’, a Hindu concept that emphasises fulfilling one ’ s duty without focusing on the outcomes, which he explained in a recent interview to The Times and Sunday Times This principle, he admits, is challenging but provides him with the strength to face difficulties and find fulfilment in doing what he believes is right And despite potential frustration over the public’s lack of recognition for his efforts to stabilise the government following Liz Truss’ brief tenure, PM Sunak reiterated his commitment to his ‘dharma’
In recent weeks, his party has faced significant challenges, culminating in accusations that he insulted war veterans by leaving the D-Day commemoration early
Among betting scandals, mounting pressure to address and dismiss people, and overall, a low morale among the party members, the Prime Minister has still been seen to keep his chin up and look ahead with resoluteness and positivity
On Saturday 22 June, the Prime Minister paid a visit to Shree Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple in Harrow area, accompanied by local MP Bob Blackman
During his visit to the temple, he spoke about importance of family, values, hard work, higher education and service, as he addressed the gathering of around 400 people
In a quick interview with Asian Voice at the Temple premises, the Prime Minister EXCLUSIVELY spoke about his faith, regrets, determination and future plans
Q:You have been an examplean inspiration for many in the Asian community You as Britain’s first ever Asian Prime Minister have possibly opened the doors for many political aspirants in the diaspora We also know as a Hindu, you believe in karma and dharma, and generally keep a positive attitude, despite all the criticism and backlash. But, has there been any regrets in the last 18 months as the Prime Minister?
I wish we'd made more progress on tackling NHS waiting lists I come from an NHS family I'm very committed to making sure the NHS is there for everyone when they need, and it has been a challenge recovering from Covid We re putting more money in We're hiring more doctors and nurses, and the waiting lists are finally starting to come down If we stick with the plan, I'm confident that we can continue to make good progress
Q: You have been repeatedly attacked for being rich,
especially at the Leaders’ debates. As an immigrant, your family including yourself have worked so hard to reach where you have. And your success story is like many from the community, who may not be in the limelight That does not make you any less compassionate as a human being trying to help all equally in the country, especially the underprivileged Why have you never presented your case like a winner?
People can judge me about my actions, and you saw that in the pandemic I wanted to make sure we helped and protect the people through it I do believe in a country where if you work hard and want to provide a better life for your children, that's not something to apologise for My parents worked hard to provide a better life for their children, and I'm enormously grateful to them for that And so many people are like them They're hardworking, aspirational, and I actually think that's what our country is like And I want to have a government which supports people's aspirations to build a better life for themselves, whether that s buying their house, setting up a business, or sending their kids to a particular school These are all things that if people are working hard to do, they should be applauded for, and government should be on their side, not saying that they're doing something wrong
Q:None of the political parties have been particularly interacting with the British Asian communities to understand their needs and sentiments As various think tanks have told us, it appears that these voters are still undecided as to who to vote for and looking for a compelling case How will you urge this almost 5 6 million voters to vote for the Conservatives?
There's a really clear choice for everyone at this election And I d urge everyone you know, don't sleepwalk to 4 July Think very hard about what a Labour government would mean for you and your family's security Most people I meet are working incredibly hard to build a better life It's been a tough few years, and I want them to know that if I'm re-elected, I'm going to keep cutting their taxes, making their hard work much more rewarded, making it easier for them to set up their business, become selfemployed and easier to buy their first home, as we abolish stamp duty to support them; when they have kids by expanding child benefit and making sure that pensioners are protected, as well with a tax cut - that's what I'm about
I m about a society where people who are working hard, who are doing the right thing,
get their taxes cut If Labour is in office, everyone's taxes are going up across the board, council tax, your house, your car, your pension, you name it Keir Starmer and the Labour Party are going to tax it more when you're working so hard to build a better life for you and your family The Labour government taking that away and taxing it, is not going to make your life easier, and people really need to think about that choice
Can they really afford to pay thousands of pounds in higher taxes when they are working hard to provide a better life for their family? Because Labour doesn't understand that type of aspiration
Q:
Do you think the Conservative Party’s internal divisions and problems have adversely affected your impression as the leader of the party, your tenure at No 10 as the PM and your own political career?
It s been difficult few years and I appreciate that I can see that people are frustrated, but what I would say is, this is not a by-election So even if you're frustrated, you really must think about the choice If Labour is in power, your taxes are going up I've been there for 18 months I can't change the history before then, but I can tell you what I've done in 18 months, and we've got inflation back from 11% to 2%, the economy is growing, wages are rising, bills are falling Interest rates are on the verge of now being cut Mortgage rates to come down We can build on that progress and keep cutting taxes and making sure that everyone's financial future is secure Don t throw all of that away because you re frustrated about things that have happened in the past I've been here for 18 months I said I would restore economic stability We've done that I said I would cut your taxes We're doing that, and we'll do more of it, if I'm re-elected
Q:
If the Conservative Party does not win a majority but secures close to a majority, will you consider forming a coalition government with any other party, example Reform? Yes/no and why?
I m focused on winning this election I'm fighting hard for every single vote, and that's what I'm going to do till the last day And a vote for anyone who is not a Conservative candidate is just a vote to put Keir Starmer in Number 10 And if you do that, you're not going to get your taxes cut, your pension is going to be raided- it's not going to be protected We're not going to get a proper control of our borders We're not going to invest more in our security And he's not someone who understands aspiration and people who are working hard to build a better life for their families And your taxes are going to go up, and I don't want that to happen So just vote Conservative
Prime Minister joins devotees at Shree Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple in Harrow
It w as a crispy and w arm sum mer morning w ith intermittent drizzles The devotees attend ing early morning satsang and prayers on Saturday 22 June at the S hree Ku t ch S at sa ng S w am in ar aya n Tem ple w ere asked to stay back for a surprise VIP v isit
The Mandir was filled with 400 devotees, some singing bhajan or volunteering in the kitchen cooking ‘Maha Prashad’ or others preparing rooms for the important visit later in the day Volunteers stood outside the temple, gently guiding the visitors through the entrance or giving specific directions to their questions
As Prime Minister Rishi Sunak with folded hands walked into the temple, along with Bob Blackman MP on his side, he touched the feet of SGVP President Swami Shri Madhavpriyadasji, while almost 200 devotees clapped and rejoiced
The Prime Minister waved at the devotees and then offered prayer and aarti to Ghanshyam Maharaj, escorted by Temple leaders Sureshbhai Rabadiya, Rickinbhai, committee members and volunteers He was then garlanded, blessed and presented with many gifts and mementos, as Swami Shri Madhavpriyadasji welcomed him to the temple describing it as a ‘home for its devotees built by the devotees’
The PM was also gifted with a Lord Hanumanji murti (idol) by Dr Sant Swami of Sarangpur Temple, which the Prime Minister promised to keep on his desk for strength and courage, especially when he chants Hanuman Chalisa
Addressing the congregation, the Prime Minister praised Bob Blackman MP and his continued devotion towards his constituents who are largely British Hindus Addressing the audience, PM Sunak talked about the importance of family values and how one should ‘ never apologise for championing families ’
He explained, “Values matter more than policies and everything else that you might hear My values and your values are the values of our party, and it starts with a family
“It's about all the other wonderful things you do to make this environment where a community is enriched That's what's special about what you have today ” He also talked about ‘other’ values such as higher education, service and hard work, and how it resonates with the Conservative government’s policies “All of us know you don't get anywhere in
life without working hard,” he said “What you need is a government that understands that hard work should be rewarded, and supported and celebrated, because that's how you build a better country, a better society We understand the power of higher education That's how my life was transformed That's how many of your lives, our children's lives, are transformed So, making sure that our schools provide the best possible opportunity for our young children to build their lives themselves is fundamental to who we are as people, as a country, as a society, and again, we're a party that understands your aspiration We'll focus on high standards in our schools, making sure that people go to the best possible schools, because that's the best way to find opportunity and reduce inequality So those are our values- family, hard work, service, the power of education and those are our party's values too
“I love this country for what it has done Like many of you, your ancestors, my grandparents, emigrated into this incredible country, and just two generations later, I sit here as the Prime Minister I don't think my story would be possible in any other place in the world ”
He referred to Narendra Modi’s visit in 2015, then Prime Minister David Cameron’s speech at the Wembley Stadium addressing 40,000 people from the diaspora and promising a British Asian Prime Minister in the future, while he sat as a backbench MP The Prime Minister then moved on to the upcoming general elections and concluded by thanking everyone for their support He said, “I will work every day as hard as I can to make all your lives better, to make everyone in our country's lives better, so we can ensure that our children grow up and know that they have a bright future ahead We will build an extraordinary future for them It is an extraordinary country built on the values that we all here hold dear ” The event was also attended by local councillors such as Cllr Kantibhai Rabadiya, Nitesh Hirani, Anjana Patel among others
Rishi Sunak, Bob Blackman, Dr Sant Swami and Swami Shri Madhavpriyadasji offering prayer to Ghanshyam Maharaj
Swami Shri Madhavpriyadasji tying a sacred thread on PM’s wrist PM and Bob Blackman MP taking a selfie with the devotees
The next resident of 10 Downing Street will have much to ponder in addressing these and other issues
Subsequent policy choices can reshape the country, as public policy directly impacts all of us
Understanding the full implications of an election requires more than just knowing who votes for whom and why
Labour is approaching this election under the banner of a oneword slogan: "Change" and while the polls suggest a change of party and personnel, there is little indication of a massive shift in policy
Neither Labour nor Conservatives are being straightforward with the electorate about some of the tradeoffs we will have to confront
Whether the aim is to spend 2 5% of GDP on defence by 2030 (Conservatives) or when economic circumstances allow (Labour), something will have to give, but it remains unclear what that something will be
Promises need to be scrutinised, and claims subjected to rigorous analysis Political engagement and informed voting are crucial, as every vote will count and influence the country's future direction This is especially important for minorities, as they often face the brunt of the problems confronting the country
Understanding what is offered and demanding what is needed is crucial for ensuring that their voices are heard and their concerns addressed
Empowering minority women
Women constitute a minority community, and ethnic minority women form an even smaller niche of minority within the minorities
The lived experiences of these women are not always represented and reflected in government policies, with one of the grimmest aspects being Honour Based Abuse (HBA) HBA is a silent epidemic, often overlooked in governmental strategies and remains underrepresented in official initiatives to combat violence against women and girls In response, charities and organisations supporting the victims of such circumstances have united to demand change from the incoming government through the ‘HBA’ General Election manifesto
This manifesto calls for a comprehensive approach to tackle HBA, focusing on three key areas: establishing a statutory definition and guidance, securing ring-fenced funding for HBA specialist services, and ensuring stronger governmental accountability It is imperative that the next government addresses these issues with urgency and commitment Failure to act swiftly not only perpetuates harm but also actively contributes to it
The Sharan Project is one of the organisations that have contributed to this manifesto Polly H ar rar , Chi ef Exec uti ve at the organisation, in a statement to Asian Voice said, “Honour-based abused is an issue that affects countless South Asian women and there needs to be greater awareness to report this abuse and to seek support from organisations such as the Sharan Project
“We have released an honourbased abuse manifesto, calling for a statutory definition and guidance, ring fenced long term funding for charities like ours who are working
CHANGE…OR NOT?
tirelessly on the front line and to establish a cross governmental honour-based abuse task force to ensure accountability of the government's commitment to tackle this abuse
“For far too long victims and survivors have been failed by a system that does not recognise or understand honour-based abuse and 'by and for' services are being starved of funding, resulting in many specialist services closing down We have already seen a number of high-profile cases where South Asian women are killed due to notions of honour, a statutory definition would go some way to ensure victims and survivors get the help they need before it is too late
“We believe the voices of racially marginalised victims and survivors deserve to be heard and 'by and for' charities should be sustainably funded as we are better placed to understand cultural needs and the complex support required The time for lip service and empty promises needs to end and the incoming Government needs to start listening and to take positive action before it is too late ”
Push for inclusive growth
The working class across the country is grappling with significant challenges due to the cost-ofliving crisis and inflation, which are impacting their quality of life
Despite working tirelessly to support their families, their efforts often fail to meet their needs as expenses outpace income This disparity affects minorities disproportionately, particularly communities such as Bangladeshi and Pakistani
Mohamm ed Al i OBE is the Founder and Chief Executive of the QED Foundation, an organisation dedicated to supporting ethnic minorities in finding jobs and advancing their careers According to Mr Ali, while the discussions around "levelling up" in the run-up to this election focus almost exclusively on geographical inequality, this approach could benefit Pakistanis to some extent, as they are three times more likely to live in the 10% most deprived neighbourhoods compared to white British people
However, he highlights that the community faces many other significant challenges He states, “These communities also face multiple entrenched disadvantages based on their ethnicity, nationality, and faith Members are more likely to be out of work or in insecure, low-paid employment, and levels of child poverty are way above average ”
Mr Ali hopes that the incoming government will commit to a broader definition of levelling up that includes removing barriers holding back all disadvantaged ethnic minority groups He emphasises the need for private, public, and third-sector organisa-
tions to change their staff recruitment and retention policies to ensure Pakistanis are represented across various sectors and at all levels
He adds, “It involves examining why our young people, despite closing the gap in educational attainment relative to other ethnic groups, still struggle to translate their achievements into career success and fostering trust and dialogue with public services like the police ”
Mr Ali also underscores the essential need to address the stark health inequalities faced by Pakistanis He advocates for a holistic approach to healthcare that acknowledges the subtle interplay between an individual’s socioeconomic circumstances and cultural background, significantly affecting wellbeing
Ishwer Tailor MBE has been the President of the Gujarat Hindu Society and has served as a local magistrate on the Preston bench for 29 years, He feels that whoever comes into power must address the concerns of ethnic minorities, as the goalposts for racial equality have shifted repeatedly
Sharing his opinion on what is the result of the current political race can be, he said, “I don't think it's easy this time around to simply decide to vote for Labour or Conservative From my perspective, it looks like we might end up with a hung parliament Neither Labour nor the Conservatives are likely to get a majority There's talk that Labour will achieve a majority, but we ll only know for sure on election day It's a concerning situation for Britain, especially as it’s supposed to be a world leader in many aspects ”
He further added, “For retirees like me, and for the younger generation managing mortgages and university expenses for their children, adjustments are necessary during tough times The Asian community has always been entrepreneurial, focusing on selfemployment and business ventures to ensure survival This community has significantly contributed to the economy, being among the highest taxpayers
“Whichever party comes to power will face significant challenges, primarily due to economic concerns If the economy doesn’t thrive, nothing else will If Labour comes into power, the unions will likely push harder, causing more disruptions The union stranglehold, with strikes by junior doctors and teachers, will also intensify ”
While Mr Tailor feels that the needs of the ethnic minorities need to be highlighted, R am G upt a, a b usine ssma n from Blackburn, feels that once you're integrated into society, even if you belong to a minority, issues affecting everyone impact you equally By identifying solely as a minority community, you're emphasising
differences between various ethnic backgrounds of people who come to this country
Addressing the fact that just slightly over 50 per cent voters exercise their rights, he shares, “The widespread disenchantment with British politics has led to a dismally low voter turnout This has resulted in certain communities with high voter turnout significantly influencing election outcomes, even if they constitute a minority
“Many people in the UK are disheartened with politics because they feel politicians no longer deserve their votes due to a perceived lack of representation ”
He also feels that while the efforts of political leaders towards ethnic minorities have been genuine, the treatment of the first Indian origin Prime Minister of the country does not reflect kindly “Rishi Sunak became the Prime Minister when no other candidates were suitable His ethnicity has brought more visibility to his leadership, which also means he faces more scrutiny
“When Sunak fails, it often reinforces biases because he came into office by default rather than popular choice His own party has treated him poorly For instance, when he announced the election in pouring rain, or was poorly advised from his party which led to public embarrassment during the Veterans’ Day event, highlight underlying resistance
“People notice Sunak s skin colour first and are less forgiving compared to a white leader As a community, we should improve in celebrating diversity The Indian community has enriched the UK's cultural scene and yet, accepting
the success of an Asian origin Prime Minister remains a challenge for some This reluctance is reflected in shifting voting patterns, with some supporting alternative parties like Reform UK for the wrong reasons Despite cultural strides, there's still difficulty accepting Asian leaders' success in politics ”
Taking the matter into our hands
While discontent brews within the community, whether regarding the resolution of issues or the acceptance of diverse leadership, political parties and leaders we have engaged with have avoided addressing why the needs of the ethnic minorities remain neglected and engagement with them minimum Even the Prime Minister sidestepped the question (see p13)
Except token visits to places of worship, community centres, politicians are not seen engaging with the community, though it remains one sided through speeches, with no scopes of questions answered from the community
Recognising the crucial need to amplify the concerns of the diaspora and demand clear responses from involved parties, Asian Voice, in collaboration with the City Hindus Network and the City Sikhs, is organising the UK’s inaugural national political hustings for the Asian community during the 2024 general elections on Friday 28 June, 6:30pm onwards at Taj This remains a huge opportunity for the community to interact with main party representatives to answer their questions and doubt cleared If you wish to attend, RSVP to shrijit rajan@abplgroup com
The need to prioritise NHS and health care workers
Whoever assumes govern men t after the upcoming general electi on , on e of th eir bi gg est chall en g es remai n UK ’ s broken healthcare system
According to Rohit
S ago o, F oun d er and Director of British Sikh N urses , NHS faces major challenges, including workforce shortages, funding constraints, and ageing infrastructure The longterm commitments by the Conservative and Labour parties, such as the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan and the 40 New Hospital Programme, limit flexibility in future budgets The Liberal Democrats' pledge to increase the public health grant by £1 billion aims to prioritise prevention despite their slim chances of forming a majority government
es, Rohit pointed out the impact of immigration policies on the sector “Exacerbated by restrictive immigration policies, the shortage of nurses is severely impacting British Asian nurses
Many, especially from India and the Philippines, who comprise most overseas-trained nurses, are crucial to the NHS The new immigration policies hinder the recruitment and retention of these essential workers
“While the manifestos offer practical solutions like investing in out-of-hospital services and revising the NHS budget impact test, they are less ambitious in overall spending compared to previous years, reflecting a cautious approach to NHS reform”, Sagoo said
With the shortage of nurses in the country, the NHS staff is stretched thin Describing the effect of this on British Asian nurs-
“The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan aims to increase UK-trained nurses and reduce dependency on international recruits However, the focus on inflows overlooks the significant outflow of nurses Retaining international nurses is critical to alleviate the strain on the workforce and ensure the delivery of essential healthcare services However, we need to expand and raise awareness of the nursing and midwifery profession for British-born South Asians to encourage them to join the profession ” He feels that while not entirely ignored, the needs of minority communities may not be receiving the focused attention they require in the election campaigns
Ishwer Tailor
Rohit Sagoo
Mohammed Ali OBE Ram Gupta
Bob Blackman discusses his work for Harrow East and the Indian Community
Bo b Blackm an CBE has been th e C onserv ative
Member of P arliament for Harrow East since 201 0
He can be best described as an Indian at heart He is the Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for UK-India Relations, UK-India Trade, and the All-Party Group for British Hindus In Parliament, he is at the forefront of advocating for the Indian community
He is also one of the MPs who has endorsed both the Hindu Manifesto and the Jain Manifesto because I believe they are the right initiatives and is well-known in Parliament as the most pro-Indian MP He has been awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman by the President of India, acknowledging his contributions made to the Indian community both locally and internationally
Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore, the largest employer in the constituency This hospital is now undergoing comprehensive redevelopment
In an interview with Asian Voice, he discusses his priorities for his constituency, Harrow East and Conservative party plans
Whatare the main priorities of your campaign for Harrow East in this election?
I have been the Member of Parliament for Harrow East for the past 14 years, focusing on securing government investment for our constituency Over this time, I have successfully obtained funding for the expansion of all our primary schools to their maximum capacity
Recently, I also secured funding for a new special educational needs school for secondary-aged children, which is critically needed in our area
Ensuring the construction and operation of this school will be a major priority
I am proud to have supported the establishment of the first state-sponsored Hindu primary and secondary schools in the borough and in the entire UK, both of which are located in my constituency This development enhances educational choice for Hindu families
Additionally, we have provided support for a Muslim primary school, offering families faithbased educational options for their children
Another significant achievement is securing funding for the rebuilding of the Royal National
“I have been privileged to represent a diverse constituency in Harrow”
Furthermore, I obtained funding for a new intensive care unit at Northrop Park Hospital, which will provide 32 highacuity beds adjacent to the accident and emergency wing
Looking ahead, I am committed to continuing this level of investment I persuaded the government to invest £7 1 million to regenerate our high streets, benefiting local businesses and traders My goals include increasing investment in the National Health Service to reduce waiting lists, improving school facilities, and ensuring educational choice Additionally, I aim to reduce wasteful expenditure to lower taxes
Working collaboratively with our Conservative councillors, who make up the majority in the constituency, we have been able to achieve significant local improvements These include upgrading roads, pavements, and local services while managing costs effectively Our united efforts ensure that we can continue to make positive changes for the benefit of our community
Howhave you been engaging with the residents of Harrow East during your campaign? Can you share any specific feedback or concerns that residents have raised?
We are actively engaging with the community, going doorto-door and talking to people on their doorsteps
We're listening to their concerns and gaining their support Many issues people raise are local, such
as the condition of roads, rubbish collection, flytipping, and antisocial behaviour One of my key aims is to secure the necessary funding for our police force to effectively combat petty crime, burglaries, and other thefts that affect our community
Itseems that no major parties are truly engaging with the South Asian diaspora during their campaigns
As you interact with the community, do you feel the Conservatives have the support of the Hindu community in the UK and have effectively engaged with British Asians?
We have the first Prime Minister and leader of any major party in the UK of Indian origin Rishi Sunak has done an excellent job as Prime Minister Many Indians recognise that he has strengthened our ties with India, and we are still progressing with our Free Trade Agreement with India Although the general elections here and in India have delayed it, we hope to finalise the agreement in the autumn
Regarding our involvement with the South Asian diaspora, where there are significant communities, we engage with them actively However, in areas with smaller South Asian populations, there may be less interaction The Conservative Party has a very strong working relationship with the BJP, India’s centre-right party This partnership was initially forged by David Cameron when he was Prime Minister and continued under subsequent leadership
As people gear up to vote, what is your message for the people in your constituency?
I've been the foremost champion in Parliament for the Indian community and the Hindu community in particular I am their spokesman and advocate I urge them all to support me so I can continue to support them Everyone in Parliament knows that I am the leader in promoting these relationships and the rights of British Hindus and British Indians overall I trust that the people in my constituency will see the benefit of this and will continue to support me so that I can help them further
L
Thomas has b een serving as t he Me mb er of Pa rliament (MP) for Harr ow West since 1997
Currently, he is the Shadow Minister for Trade on the Opposition frontbench Between 2008 and 2010, he held the positions of Minister of State for International Development and Minister of State for Trade, Investment, and Consumer Affairs
In an interview with Asian Voice, Gareth discusses his achievements for Harrow West, his vision for the future of the constituency, and the representation of British Asian communities as he campaigns to be re-elected
What a re your top priorities a nd main ob ject iv es if r ee l e ct e d a s t h e M P for H arrow West ?
I always enjoy election time because of the opportunity to speak to so many people across Harrow about what’s important to them
During this campaign, many people have told me how worried they are about crime Many people want to know why we so rarely see police officers patrolling the streets anymore That’s why I will be stepping up my campaign for a dedicated Police Team for Harrow Town Centre and for the number of police officers serving in our borough to increase back to the levels we saw under the last Labour Government
Another priority is ensuring our schools have the resources they need As a former teacher, and as a parent of young children, education is very important to me Harrow schools have missed out on a staggering £32million under the Conservatives So, I will be working hard to make sure all our young people can have the education they deserve R efl ecting on your pre vious t enure as MP for Ha rrow
W e s t , w ha t a cco mp l i shmen ts a re you most proud of?
I am very proud of securing the funding for a new Special Educational Needs School in Harrow
This would not have been achieved without headteachers, teachers and parents campaigning together Harrow’s case for a new SEND school had been rejected three times by the Government, so I was delighted to lead a successful delegation of our SEND headteachers to meet the Education Secretary at the Department for Education to set out Harrow’s case Harrow desperately needs a
new SEND school and I’m delighted the money and the site have been secured
I’m also really proud of successfully campaigning for the expansion of beds at Northwick Park Hospital; the next stage in the campaign is for a purpose built 36 bed Critical Care Unit to improve patient care If I am re-elected and the country elects a Labour government, that will make a huge difference Under the last Labour government, we delivered the shortest NHS waiting times and best NHS satisfaction rates in history
Now, despite the heroic efforts of staff, our health service is struggling People can’t get an appointment with their GP Patients are waiting hours for ambulances to arrive Across the country, 7 5 million people are waiting for treatment So, if I’m re-elected, I will be working hard to make sure we build an NHS fit for the future with 40,000 more appointments each week, during evenings and weekends
According to y ou, what is t he import ance of Br itish A s ia n co mm un i t i e s in B r i t i sh s oci e t y ? A ddit iona l ly , how do y ou i n t e n d t o co n n e ct wi t h m in o r i t y c om mu n it i e s in H arrow West to gr
I think British Asian communities are hugely important to British Society, contributing to our national story as well as to the economy; establishing successful businesses, creating jobs; and making a positive impact in our local communities I have been privileged to represent a diverse constituency in Harrow Diversity is a fundamental part of why, despite our challenges, our borough remains a great place to live I hope I have been responsive to what’s important to all those who call Harrow home I set up and chair the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the British Gujaratis which has held high level meetings in Parliament with parliamentarians and experts to consider economic, health and welfare issues within the community We have investigated,
for example, what more can be done to support the teaching of the community languages, such as Gujarati, Urdu and Hindi; how we can get more direct London to Gujarat flights and we have worked with Mandirs across the UK on visa concerns We need a parliament and a government that reflects all the communities of our country I am delighted to see so many Labour candidates with a range of faiths and backgrounds If I am fortunate enough to be re-elected, I look forward to continuing to work closely with the British Asian community to rebuild our country H o w d o yo u p la n
ant isemitism ?
Hate crime is a growing problem driven partly by social media and fuelled by global events The disgusting recent rise in both Islamophobia and antisemitism exposes just how real the issue of discrimination is on Britain’s streets I know many people are targeted based on their religion and believe it is hugely important that we all stand together to ensure that there is absolutely no place in our society for prejudice, be it Islamophobia, antisemitism, anti-Sikh sentiment, or Hinduphobia We must fight it together I want an end to our divisive politics I want there to be a sense of partnership and collaboration through which we can address key issues, tackle discrimination and build a more inclusive, equal Britain Why
u think that you are the best choice for the c o ns ti
u e nc y and b ett er than your com petito rs? It has been the honour of my life to represent our Harrow community in Parliament I was brought up and have always lived in Harrow and I am now raising my young family here We use the same public services and face the same challenges as everyone else in Harrow Representing all those who live in my community is therefore deeply personal for me During this campaign, I have really appreciated the endorsements I have received from community champions and that so many people have come to campaign with me and are again putting their faith in me to represent Harrow West in Parliament – it means the world to me Together I know we can change our country for the better
Bob Blackman
Bob Blackman with Rishi Sunak
Anusha Singh
Gareth Thomas
BRITISH ASIAN FACES IN UK ELECTION
As the UK prepares for its upcoming general election, a diverse group of British Asian candidates is emerging as key contenders across various constituencies. These individuals, representing different political parties, bring unique perspectives and experiences, reflecting the rich multicultural fabric of the nation. Here are the lists of British Asian candidates to watch in the upcoming UK general election. This is an update for the list included in the last newsweekly.
David Lammy pushes India trade deal, slams Tories
Referring to the Diwali 2022 FTA deadline set by then PM Boris Johnson, Lammy remarked: “Many Diwalis have come and gone now without a trade deal and too many businesses have been left waiting. My message to Minister (Nirmala) Sitharaman and Minister (Piyush) Goyal is that Labour is ready to go. Let’s finally get our free trade deal done!”
Lammy criticised the current Conservative Government for making lofty promises but failing to deliver, expressing frus-
tration over missed opportunities.
"We urgently need to reset and revitalise our relationship. The Conservatives have consistently promised more than they have delivered when it comes to India. This leaves me frustrated - frustrated at the missed opportunities and the shared prosperity that eludes us both, which we aim to unlock."
Describing India as a superpower and the future
of Asia, Lammy highlighted its significant role in the English language and democracy. He emphasised, "India’s democratic elections, involving nearly a billion voters, stand as the ultimate testament to democratic principles and practices in today’s world."
Congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his re-election, Lammy expressed his anticipation to collaborate with his government if Labour comes to power.
Shazna Muzammil
Iftikhar
Sukhinder
Surjit
Ghazi Khan Arbroath and Broughty Ferry
Basra Mid Ulster Shangara Singh Birmingham Perry Barr
Sikdar Forest of Dean
Faisal Kabir Altrincham and
constituency Muhammad Asim Barking Sabi Patwary Chelsea and Fulham
Kulsum Hussin Croydon South
Yousa Khan Thurrock
Simran Kaur Dhillon Windsor Yas Iqbal Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney
Nisar Ahmed Malik Brentford and Isleworth Aheesha Zahir Bromsgrove
Sameera Ashraf Bury South
Darshan
Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy speaking at inaugural day of IGF London 2024
INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES
Muslim leader concerned over Farage's remarks
C o mm e n ts m a de by
Re f or m U K l e ad e r Nige l Farage about Muslims have r a ise d c on cer n s a m on g c om m un ity l e ad e rs, prompting calls f or other political figures to address societal divisions
Iman Atta from Tell Mama, an organisation that monitors Islamophobia in the UK, criticised Farage for what she described as "attacking and undermining Muslim communities" to garner support ahead of
the July 4 General Election
Last month, Farage commented on national service plans for 18-year-olds, suggesting a growing number of young people in the UK do not align with British values, specifically mentioning Muslims during an interview on Sky News
While Farage's remarks have offended many in the community, a Muslim entrepreneur, Zia Yusuf, has made significant donations to Reform UK, assert-
ing concerns about border control The exact amount of his donation remains undisclosed, but it is noted as the largest contribution to Reform UK s election campaign thus far Yusuf, a 37-year-old entrepreneur who recently sold his luxury concierge app, expressed patriotic sentiments towards Britain and highlighted his belief that high levels of net migration strain integration efforts and burden the NHS
Time to support our local champion, Ameet Jogia to be the next Member of Parliament for Hendon
The General Election on July 4th is incredibly important for the future of our country Your vote really makes a difference You have a chance to support the excellent and locally born candidate, Ameet Jogia
Ameet was born and raised in Northwest London and joined the Conservative Party on his 16th birthday He has been involved with the Party ever since, including serving as the Co-Chairman of the Conservative Friends of India
For over a decade Ameet worked as my Chief of Staff gaining invaluable experience in navigating the intricacies of British politics He supported me in my role as Trade Envoy to Uganda, Rwanda and DRC to further strengthen the trading relationship between the UK and those African countries Using my experience of being involved in politics for over 40 years, I’m proud to be a mentor to Ameet
Ameet worked with me to launch Conservative Friends of India in the UK alongside the Prime Minister, David Cameron in 2014 to an audience of 1200 British Indians The organisation has now grown to over 4000 members including 80 councillors, 15 Members of Parliament which includes our Prime Minister Serving as the co-chair, Ameet galvanised the Indian vote across the UK but especially in Harrow which enabled the Conservative group to take control in May 2022
Ameet's political career took off in 2014 when he was elected as a Councillor for Canons Ward in Harrow, a remarkable achievement that made him the youngest Councillor in the borough His dedication to his constituents was evident as he was re-elected in 2018 with an increased majority As a Councillor, Ameet's focus has always been on improving the local community, advocating for cleaner, safer, and greener surroundings Moreover, he has emerged as a prominent voice for diversity and inclusion, championing the rights and causes of ethnic minorities, women, and young people
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to politics and community cohesion, Ameet Jogia was awarded an MBE in 2022 He dedicated this prestigious honour to his parents, who instilled in him the values of civic duty and public service
Following Rishi Sunak becoming Prime Minister, Ameet joined his team at No 10 as his right-hand man He helped organise many significant events including the first ever Diwali hosted by a British Indian Prime Minister
Ameet Jogia is a rising star in British politics, who has demonstrated his passion, dedication, and leadership skills He is an inspiration to many young people, especially those from ethnic minority backgrounds He is determined to continue working hard for his constituents and his country
Vote for your local champion Vote for Ameet Jogia
Birmingham Candidate apologises for insensitive joke
An independent candidate in Birmingham has issued an apology and committed to combating misogyny following widespread backlash ov er comm ent s he ma de earlier this year on a podcast, including stating that "70% of hell is going to be women " Akhmed Yakoob, who is standing in Birmingham Ladywood after finishing third in the West Midlands mayoral election in May, faced criticism for inappro-
priate comments made during a podcast Akhmed Yakoob, a criminal defence lawyer, responded to a podcast guest's suggestion of giving his wife a "backhander" for TikTok earnings by asking if he meant self-defence in personal space His remarks drew criticism from the Muslim Women’s Network UK, calling them "deeply disturbing" and questioning his judgement and values Yakoob expressed deep
regret upon hearing the recording, acknowledging that while casual banter can be crude, he should have abstained from participating given its tone contradicted his principles He emphasised that voters in Ladywood remain focused on the tragic loss of civilian lives in Gaza Nonetheless, he apologised sincerely and pledged to actively oppose misogyny, assuring the women of Ladywood of his steadfast support
- Lord Dolar Popat
Member of the House of Lords and the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Uganda Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo
Tarek Javed Bedford Ajmal Masroor Bethnal Green and Stepney Abul Azad Bexhill and Battle
Ammar Waraich Birmingham Edgbaston
Shaukat Ali Birmingham Erdington
Shakeel Afsar Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley
Babar Saleem Raja Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley Natasha Shah Blackburn Tiger Patel Blackburn
Gita Gordon Blackpool North and Fleetwood
Faiza Shaheen Chingford and Woodford
Davinder Singh Jamus Tooting
Talat Sajawal Bradford East Aadil Shaikh Brent East
Zebunisa Rao Brentford and Isleworth
Kamla Sangha Chelmsford
Sangeet Kaur Bhail Ealing Southall
Joe Bhangu Ealing Southall
Jaginder Singh Ealing Southall
Sathish Mohan Ramadoss East Ham Anand Kumar Sundar East Ham
Siddika
Senthil
Emperor of India Prince Ankit Love Kensington and Bayswater Nagarjun Agath Leicester East Khandu Patel Leicester East
Hajira Hanif Piranie Harborough, Oadby and Wigston
Apsana Begum Poplar and Limehouse
Gurinder Singh Josan Smethwick
Navendu Mishra Stockport
Uma Kumaran Stratford and Bow
Valerie Vaz Walsall and Bloxwich
Committed to community and equality in Nottingham East
Anita Prabhakar, a highly qualified solicitor with dual master's degrees in constitutional and corporate law, has been a dedicated member of the Liberal Democrats. In an interview with Asian Voice, Anita discussed the pressing issues confronting Nottingham East, her plans to address them, and more about her candidacy Subhasini Naicker
1What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Nottingham East, and how do you plan to address them?
The city council faces severe financial difficulties, marked by a section 114 notice due to an unbalanced budget The collapse of Robin Hood Energy has led to significant service cuts, staff reductions, and decreased funding across various sectors, impacting service quality for residents Rising homelessness and social housing issues are also concerns Additionally, the average income in Nottingham East is slightly below the national average
We will support a stable business environment by investing in skills and infrastructure, expecting businesses to promote skills, equality, good governance, and community support in return The Liberal Democrats will partner with businesses to ensure stability and maximise opportunities for investment, growth, and employment Our industrial strategy will incentivise investment in clean technologies to grow the economy, create jobs, and tackle the climate emergency The Government has failed businesses and workers with unfair tax hikes We would boost high street businesses and empower them to create new local jobs including by overhauling the broken business rates system
To address the skills and recruitment crisis, we will invest in skills development and increase apprenticeships and career advice for young people We believe education is the best investment in our children’s potential and our country’s future 2How do you plan to differentiate yourself and the Liberal Democrats from Labour in Nottingham East, and what strategies will you use to win over voters?
Labour's incremental changes won't deliver the reforms we need, from safeguarding local health services to repairing our relationship with Europe and reducing trade barriers That's why traditional Labour voters are supporting the Liberal Democrats We pledge to create jobs and prosperity in Nottingham East and across the UK Liberal Democrats have a good industrial strategy to incentivise businesses to invest and create good jobs across the UK We will ensure that gigabit broadband is available to every home and business, including in rural and remote communities
Thousands of green jobs
through our plans for warmer homes and focus on the climate emergency No tax increase for hardworking families End the sewage scandal Cut energy bills through emergency insulation programmes and by helping households’ install heat pumps and rooftop solar panels We want to electrify railways and put communities in charge of when and where buses go We back local health services, so people get the care they need close to home
Higher minimum wage for care workers (£2 extra) Boost social care so that people can be released from hospital, freeing up beds needed for people waiting in A7E/ambulances
3What are your views on the current state of the NHS, education, and housing, and what key reforms do you advocate for in these areas, particularly in urban settings like Nottingham?
The NHS faces critical challenges including inadequate funding, staffing shortages from recruitment and retention difficulties, backlog issues, and high demand driven by an ageing population Liberal Democrats propose an additional £1 billion annually in the next parliament to renovate NHS hospitals and enhance patient care Our plan includes ensuring everyone can see a GP or appropriate staff member within seven days, or within 24 hours for urgent cases, by recruiting 8,000 more fulltime equivalent GPs and assigning a named GP to everyone aged 70+ and those with long-term health conditions
Guarantee access to an NHS dentist for everyone needing urgent and emergency care by bringing the dentist back to the NHS from the private sector by fixing the broken NHS dental contact and using flexible commissioning to meet patient needs Introducing an emergency scheme to guarantee access to free NHS dental check-ups for those already eligible: children, new mothers, those who are pregnant and those on low incomes
Enhance access to mental health services by estab-
lishing walk-in hubs for children and young people in every community
Implement regular mental health check-ups during critical life stages when individuals are most vulnerable
Additionally, ensure every school has access to a dedicated mental health professional
State secondary schools nationwide are grappling with severe staffing shortages akin to the NHS, exacerbated by insufficient funding The NFER's Teacher Labour Market in England
Annual Report 2024 highlights ongoing recruitment and retention challenges, compounded by increased teacher workload pressures
Liberal Democrats aim to address the teacher recruitment crisis by implementing a comprehensive strategy: ensuring every secondary school student is taught by a specialist teacher in their subject, properly funding teacher training with paid trainee posts in schools, and providing highquality professional development, including effective parental engagement training
There's a severe housing shortage with missed government targets and a chronic lack of affordable housing, resulting in increased homelessness, including a 27% rise in rough sleeping to 3,898 individuals per night in Autumn 2023
The Liberal Democrats pledge to build 380,000 new homes yearly, including 150,000 social homes, and advocate for garden cities and community-led development
4Is
there anything else you would like to share with the voters of Nottingham East?
Every Vote for the Liberal Democrats is a vote to elect a strong local champion who will fight for a fair deal for you and your community
A fair deal where everyone can afford a decent home somewhere safe and clean with a comfortable retirement when the time comes
A fair deal where every child can go to a good school and have a real opportunity to fulfil their potential
A fair deal where everyone can get the high-quality healthcare they need, when they need it That’s the fair deal I am fighting for, and Liberal Democrats are fighting for
Your vote and support are essential in bringing about the positive change we all wish for Nottingham East Together, we can build a more inclusive and prosperous Nottingham East
Making a difference in Islington North
Vikas Aggarwal, prospective parliamentary candidate for Islington North, was born in Chatham, Kent His parents, originally from India, settled i n G i ll in gham af ter hi s f athe r' s m ove f rom Tanzania and his mother's direct move from Delhi
Vikas embarked on his career in the Ministry of Defence, serving in the civil service for 12 years, with diplomatic assignments culminating in his tenure at the Foreign Office Currently, he focuses on government affairs and international development As a sitting Magistrate, Vikas brings a robust understanding of national challenges, from crime and small business to climate change, at all levels of governance
In an interview with Asian Voice, Vikas discusses pressing issues in Islington North, his candidacy in competition with Jeremy Corbyn, and more What do you consider the mos t pre ss i ng i s sue s i n Islington North today, and how do you plan to address them?
I think the biggest challenge people are facing in Islington North, but actually across the whole of the UK, is the cost of living driven by rocketing house prices and energy prices The Labour run council has missed its housing targets by 25%
Islington is already one of the most expensive boroughs in London for housing, and this failure is making it far worse Even those in council housing are being let down Leaseholds are facing increasing service charges, and council tenants are suffering from poor quality homes
Even the Housing Ombudsman Special Report found “ severe maladministration” in dealing with anti-social behaviour, complaints, leaving a disabled resident without use of their bathroom, and others with unliveable levels of damp and mould The councils need a lot more resources to deal with these issues, but there has been a clear lack of scrutiny by both Islington MPs, and a lack of accountability by the Labour Councillors Our society's most vulnerable are increasingly neglected struggling with access to dental care, mental health services for children, and rising homelessness Anxiety about safety has heightened due to increased incidents of knife crime and phone snatchings, affecting daily life for many Lib Dems propose building 380,000 homes annually, including 150,000 social homes, along with a £750m dental rescue plan for improved access We oppose Labour s two-child benefit cap, criticised as cruel and
inhumane by numerous think tanks and lobby groups
G iv en Jer emy C orby n s l ong- s tan di ng te nure a nd popul ari ty i n I s li n gton North since 1983, how do you plan to compete against him and persuade voters to support you?
Voters want a better choice at the upcoming election It's clear from countless conversations on the door that voters are looking for change, both locally and nationally We’re not even talking about the Conservatives anymore as its clear they are on their way out What residents are concerned about locally is having a progressive candidate that will fight for meaningful change Many voters in Islington North have felt let down by Jeremy during his tenure as leader of the Labour Party, but also don’t feel able to vote for this current Labour Party which is lurching further and further to the right, in many cases echoing Conservative policy Our progressive policies have a strong appeal to voters, including our recent record Gaza, on sewage, on housing, and on increasing support for carers Jeremy has served the constituency for a long time, but there’s a strong desire for change, for someone new and fresh Not only do we have policies that support people’s wellbeing, but ones that match their views on supporting the most vulnerable, at home and overseas; they see as has having the most progressive view on our relationship with Europe and reversing the damage done by Brexit; and they see us as having a strong record on the environment and climate 9 out of the top 10 councils for recycling around England are Lib Dem run councils People value that sort of thing I n the l as t ele c ti on, the Li b era l D em ocr ats pl ac ed second How do you plan to bridge the gap and secure a win in the upcoming election?
We’re going to do what we do best and take our message to the doorstep As a National Party we don’t have anywhere near the same resources as the Conservatives and Labour, and so we are much more heavily dependent on our ground force to get out and
knock on doors And when we speak to people about our policies, we get very positive responses from people across the political spectrum, whether they be Green, Tory, or Labour As I said, people want a strong progressive option to vote for, and they aren’t seeing that in Labour Of course, there is a strong contingent of former labour voters that will have to choose between Jeremy and Labour But in equal measure, people saw what happened with the dysfunctional Labour selection process Their candidate didn’t bother turning up for the housing or climate hustings and faced proper scrutiny, and refused to attend the now cancelled health hustings It’s no wonder though as he’s on record stating he wants to increase healthcare privatisation Its issues like that that residents respond to It’s their vote, but it has to be earned, and not taken for granted And this is why people are responding to our commitment to accountability and action, rejecting Labour's complacency and failures: inadequate housing, crime issues, and support for the twochild benefit cap What personal qualities or experiences do you believe make you well-suited to repr es ent the peopl e of I s li ng ton N orth i n Parliament?
Apart from my experience working with young people, and as a Magistrate, I think it’s probably my compassion and willingness to listen to people from different walks of life, even those that disagree with my politics I’ve been lucky in life, in as much as I’ve got two parents that love me and have supported me But not everyone has that luck Kids don’t pick where they live, who they are born to, or the conditions they grow up in And yet we expect so much of them when they turn 18 This isn’t about handouts or victimhood It’s about creating the conditions for everyone to succeed Ensuring that kids are fed properly and get a good education That people with mental health issues have quick and easy access to support That migrants to the UK, like my parents, are treated well and given an equal opportunity to succeed and contribute to wider society I’m not a professional politician I don’t come from a particularly political background And so I think we need much more change in our politics to engage others like me that want to do good for wider society, and to ensure that elected representatives stay connected with the issues the people they represent face
Anita Prabhakar with Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats (Left)
Vikas Aggarwal
“My goal is to foster a sense of belonging, ensuring every resident feels valued and heard”
Subhasini Naicker
Shivani Raja is a prospective parliamentary candidate for Leicester East, representing the Conservative and Unionist Party With a dedication to public service and a deep-rooted commitment to her community, Shivani brings a fresh perspective to the political arena
Her candidacy underscores a passionate drive to address the diverse needs and aspirations of Leicester East constituents, promising to advocate for their interests with integrity and diligence
In an interview with Asian Voice, she discussed engaging with the South Asian community in Leicester East, competing with prominent figures and much more
1Can you tell us a bit about your background and what motivated you to enter politics, and what personal experiences or beliefs led you to align with the Conservative Party?
I am a first-generation British citizen, born and raised in Rushey Mead, Leicester My parents, who moved to the UK from Kenya and India in the late seventies, worked tirelessly to build a life here while preserving our cultural heritage Growing up, I attended Herrick Primary School and Soar Valley College before completing my studies at De Montfort University My upbringing in Leicester, observing the challenges and potential of our community, fueled my desire to give back and contribute to its development My decision to align with the Conservative Party stems from my belief in personal responsibility, economic freedom, and community cohesion I am committed to bringing these values to the forefront of Leicester East’s political landscape
2What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Leicester East, and what are your plans to address them?
Leicester East faces several pressing issues, including economic stagnation, deteriorating infrastructure, and insufficient opportunities for our youth Over the past few decades, businesses have closed and talent has departed the city in search of better prospects To address these challenges, I plan to attract investment to rejuvenate our local economy, improve our infrastructure, and create high-quality jobs My focus will be on
supporting local businesses, enhancing educational opportunities, and fostering a community where young people can envision a future
Additionally, I will work to enhance public safety and community engagement to create a thriving, secure environment for all residents
3Given the significant South Asian population in Leicester, how do you plan to engage with and address their specific needs?
Leicester East is home to a vibrant and diverse South Asian population My strategy to engage with this community involves actively listening and addressing their unique needs I will prioritise inclusivity by organising cultural events and forums that celebrate our diversity and provide platforms for community members to voice their concerns By working closely with community leaders and groups, I aim to ensure that the specific issues faced by the South Asian community are addressed, from economic opportunities to educational and healthcare access My goal is to foster a sense of belonging and ensure that every resident feels valued and heard
4With many prominent figures competing for the seat and previous MPs like Keith Vaz and Claudia Webbe, how do you plan to differentiate yourself and bring a fresh approach to representing Leicester East?
With prominent figures like Keith Vaz and Claudia Webbe previously representing Leicester East, I understand the importance of bringing a fresh perspective I differentiate myself by being deeply rooted in the local community, not just in words but in actions As a local business owner and life-long resident, I have firsthand experience with the everyday challenges we face My approach is practical and peoplecentred, focusing on tangible improved opportunities in jobs, education, and safety I am committed to transparent, accountable leadership and
will ensure that every decision I make is in the best interest of our residents
5The Labour Party has historically had a stronghold in Leicester East What strategies and policies will you and the Conservative Party implement to break this trend and secure a win in the upcoming election?
Breaking Labour’s stronghold in Leicester East requires a clear, compelling vision and practical solutions My strategy involves demonstrating the Conservative Party’s commitment to addressing local issues head-on We will focus on policies that resonate with the community, such as economic revitalisation, improved public services, and stronger support for families and businesses By emphasising our plans to enhance infrastructure, create jobs, and ensure safety, I aim to show that a Conservative leadership can bring positive change Engaging with residents, understanding their needs, and providing realistic solutions will be key to securing their trust and votes
6What final message do you have for the voters of Leicester East as they consider you as their potential representative?
To the voters of Leicester East, I want to express my deep commitment to our community As someone who has lived and worked here, I understand the challenges and opportunities we face My vision is to unlock Leicester’s full potential by fostering economic growth, improving public services, and creating a safe, inclusive community for all I promise to be a dedicated, approachable representative who listens to your concerns and acts in your best interests
Together, we can build a brighter future for Leicester East, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive I ask for your support and trust to bring about the change we need
Advocating progressive change in Cities of London and Westminster
Rajiv Sinha is a prospective parliamentary candidate for the Cities of London and Westminster from Green Party In an interview with Asian Voice, he discussed his entry into politics with the Green Party, strategies used to challenge dominance, and winning over voters and much more
1) Ca n you te ll us about your
in polit ics with the G ree n Par ty?
As director of a human rights nonprofit, I am a grassroots organiser, activist, and advocate I campaign for peace through political solutions, believing violence doesn't resolve conflicts I work mostly but not entirely on the Indian context: against Hindu supremacy, against Islamophobia, against caste, against misogyny, against homophobia, against bigotry of all kinds Before this I worked in the private sector, focussing on strategy and research at early-stage startups
I was among the first students taught about the climate crisis in school, which I first encountered in geography classes This awareness led me to join the Green Party at 21 during university There, I became aware of broader political and social issues, which I believe are best addressed by the Green Party’s policies
2) Wha t ar e the ke y issue s y ou are focusing on in your campa ign for the Citie s of Lon don an d West minster ? Right homes at t he right price
London is beyond a housing crisis, and not enough has been done to fix it I’ll focus on increasing the supply of homes for social rent and housing more Londoners securely and quickly, whilst taking more action on damp and mould
So many private renters have told me how insecure their situation can feel – I’ll be on their side We will set up a Rent Commission to get a better deal and end Section 21 no-fault evictions We won’t be waiting for powers to be handed down, I’ll make a strong case to the government and do everything within my power, given the urgency of the situation Cut daily livin g cost s Nobody should have to worry about the cost of living or about being priced out of London I’ll make transport affordable for all, working towards one city-wide, low fare for public transport I will campaign to bring in free school meals for secondary school students Greens will also increase universal credit and legacy benefits, scrap the bedroom tax, and introduce a universal basic income, although this would take longer than one parliament
A sa fe r cit y I’ll prioritise police reform Greens will work to eliminate harm caused by the police and make sure people can report crimes to a service they trust I'll protect services for young people and not tolerate hate
towards anyone I know many Londoners have been affected by violence in Israel and Palestine We need to engage different communities, representatives, and institutions to improve our approach to hate crimes and hate speech which have risen since October On the situation in the Middle East, I will call for an immediate bilateral ceasefire and the release of all hostages as I have been doing since October
3 ) Ho w d
en gag e
re prese nt the South Asia n commun it y in y our con st ituen cy ? Wh at specific issue s a re p art icularly import ant to t he South Asian community , an d how d
the m?
My life’s work and career are about India and South Asia I run the British chapter of an organisation that is dedicated to developing a progressive, inclusive, allloving vision of Hinduism I also stand resolutely against the persecution of minority Hindus where that takes place; I condemn all bigotry and persecution
Majoritarian hate politics, the oppression of minorities, and the crushing of dissent cannot be part of a fully functioning liberal democracy I support the secular, democratic basis of modern India that was put forward by our founding figures and that is enshrined in the Indian constitution
My pledge to South Asian communities is that I will work to represent you regardless of your religion, ethnicity, caste, gender, sexuality, or any other source of discrimination You can be confident that I will not bow down to lobbying pressure or threats because that is already the life that I am living I will also address the issues that South Asians face that are not grounded in South Asian political and social dynamics, such as racism, safety, education, cost of living, public services, and housing here in the constituency and in the UK more broadly
4 ) Th e Con se r va t iv e P ar t y has histor ica lly won in t he
C i t i e s o f L o n d o n a n d W est min st e r Wh at st ra t egie s will you e mploy to challe n ge t hi s d om in a nc e a n d win ove r vot ers?
The Conservatives are about to experience crushing results in this general election, and that cannot come soon enough The Conservative Party has failed to take care of our safety, our economy, our reputation, or our welfare Labour is likely to win this constituency for the first time, but Keir Starmer’s Labour Party does not present much of an alternative to the Conservative Party Labour
has backtracked on their climate pledge, renationalising public services, ending tuition fees, and they remain committed to the cruel twochild benefit cap, just like the Conservatives
Both parties have also been in the same place on the devastating assault on Gaza that has taken so many lives in response to the horrific atrocities of October 7th I am proud that the Green Party and I personally have been calling for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and lasting peace since October Ensuring the safety of all communities in London is imperative There is no military solution to this crisis violence doesn't end violence We will seek political solutions and recognition of the State of Palestine as part of the path to peace and security for Israelis, Palestinians, and the broader region 5) W ha t qu a l it i e s d o y o u be lie ve mak e you we ll-suit ed to r epr esen t the people of C i t i e s of L o n d o n a n d We st minste r in Par liam ent ?
I have lived, studied, and worked in the Cities of London and Westminster my entire life Its residents, communities, and businesses are my friends and support systems My knowledge and familiarity with the area make me different from other candidates, shipped in to fulfil their party’s strategy I want nothing more than to represent the people of this constituency, my neighbours
My daily work involves grassroots organising and intercommunal efforts, bringing people together despite deep conflicts I regularly attend events, including a series of workshops led by renowned peacebuilders that were instrumental in rebuilding South African society after apartheid, in order to develop my ability to build peace and design widely beneficial economic policies
My instincts are grounded in consensus-building, not majority-pleasing I don’t want to see a single constituent left behind That is one of the main reasons for my being a member of the Green Party – we are about people and the planet A Green vote means choosing real change and real hope
Shivani Raja
Rajiv Sinha
“I will work tirelessly to serve the people of Leicester East”
Anusha Singh Rajesh Agrawal, formerly Deputy Mayor of London for Business and Chairman of London and Partners, London's trade and business growth agency, resigned from his position in November 2023 to shift his focus to Leicester, where he is now campaigning for election as a Member of Parliament in the upcoming general election
In an interview with Asian Voice, Rajesh discusses his vision for Leicester East, the Labour Party, and outlines why he believes he is the ideal candidate for the constituency
As a leader within the Labour Party, what do you believe are the party's greatest strengths and opportunities in the current political landscape, both nationally and within the Leicester East constituency?
Over past few months, I have had thousands of conversations on the doorsteps with the people of Leicester East It is very clear that like much of the country, Leicester East is ready for change Fourteen years of conservative government has taken this country backwards – poor economic growth means there are no jobs or wellpaying jobs, it’s extremely difficult to get GP or hospital appointments, class sizes have gone up and children can’t get places in schools
Keir Starmer has changed the Labour Party – now he is ready to change the country Our manifesto is an ambitious programme driven by belief in our country and its potential for the future, to get back to economic growth and get back hope and opportunity for the next generation It is the change the country needs
Speaking to Asian Voice, Conservatives’ Shivani Raja has promised a fresh perspective while Keith Vaz is endorsing his “wealth of experience”
What do you bring to the table? Why should the residents of Leicester East vote for you over the other candidates?
I grew up in a humble
family in India and like many residents of Leicester East, I arrived in the UK with very little in 2001 After working in IT support, I founded and built a number of tech businesses In 2016, I was appointed as Deputy Mayor of London for business where I served for nearly 8 years
It is not just my experience as a firstgeneration immigrant, a successful entrepreneur, and as Deputy Mayor of London that I believe makes me the right choice to have the honour of representing Leicester East in Parliament It is my Labour values, that we need to create a fairer, more equal society
As Deputy Mayor of London, I helped create 330,000 jobs, improve working conditions of hundreds of thousands of people, helped tens of thousands of businesses and attracted billions in international investment India is the fastest growing economy in the world, and I did huge amount of work to strengthen the relationship between my Janmbhoomi and my karmabhoomi When I first became the deputy mayor, India was 4th largest investor in London and by the time I left, India was the biggest investor in London
I want to use my experience and networks to for the betterment of Leicester East
There are significant narratives around Islamophobia and antisemitism in the UK, and Labour has been in the spotlight As a representative of the Asian minorities, do you think the party is serious about safeguarding the interests of the minority communities?
I am very proud to be the first Hindu deputy mayor of London, working alongside the
first Muslim mayor of London in one of the most diverse cities on earth
The Labour Party is committed to building a Britain where all faith communities are safe and where diversity is celebrated There is no place in our society for racism including Islamophobia, Antisemitism and Hinduphobia Labour would bring forward a new hate crime strategy, including action to tackle online hate Last spring, the then-Home Secretary (Suella Braverman) downgraded police recording requirements for non-crime hate incidents, meaning the police would no longer have to collect data on perpetrators of hate incidents Labour would reverse those changes in the context of religious hate incidents, to ensure that anyone engaging in religious hate – online or offline – would be properly identified and monitored by the police to prevent escalation
Everyone in this country deserves a government that matches their ambition Labour is committed to increasing diversity at all levels This election has record number of candidates from Asian community standing in winnable seats from the Labour party
Whatmessage would you like to convey to the residents of Leicester East as you embark on your campaign to represent them in Parliament?
I have a proven track record of delivery I will work with the local community, business, local and national government to bring more national and international investment in Leicester I will make the case to improve public services including the NHS I will bring communities together and be the MP for everybody in Leicester East
I will work tirelessly to serve the people of Leicester East I will put Leicester East first, like I just did in my meeting with the Mayor of Leicester, making a case for continuing Leicester's world-famous Leicester Diwali celebrations
From GP to Green Candidate for South West Norfolk
Pallavi Devulapalli, prospecti ve parl ia men tar y c and ida te for South W es t Nor fol k, hai ls f rom H yde rab ad , I nd ia She moved to the UK after completing her medical studies to pursue postgraduate education and explore her passion for travel
Over the years, Pallavi settled in Southwest Norfolk, where she has been a dedicated GP for the past 19 years In 2023, she embarked on her political journey as a councillor for KL&WNBC, driven by her deep-seated environmental advocacy, which led her to align with the Green Party
In an interview with Asian Voice, she discussed plans to enhance healthcare services in South West Norfolk, tackle environmental issues, and more
1) If elected as the MP for South West Norfolk, what would be your i mmediate top priorities, and how do you plan to address them effectively?
As MP for Southwest Norfolk, my priorities include tackling the severe dentist shortage and fighting for fair pay for NHS doctors and nurses These efforts will directly benefit residents by improving access to dental and healthcare services, enhancing quality of life, and boosting economic productivity I will also champion local businesses, advocate for nationalising water companies to solve sewage problems, and support farmers with clearer regulations and sustainable practices Promoting small-scale renewable energy projects and improving public transport are crucial for economic growth and community well-being I believe in collaborative, issue-focused leadership across party lines for the betterment of Southwest Norfolk 2) As a GP, you have firsthand experienc e with the NH S What s pe ci fic measures would you advocate for to improve healthcare s erv i ce s i n South W es t Norfolk?
As a GP with NHS experience, I see it in critical condition Immediate funding is crucial for restoration Ending junior doctors' strikes and increasing pay for nurses and midwives are urgent priorities We have 120,000 vacancies in the NHS currently and the funding squeeze means quite a few of these vacancies are not even being advertised to be filled This has got to change We spend between 20 and 30% less than France and Germany on healthcare so it’s quite obvious to see why the NHS is suffering as much as it is However, pay is not the only thing and the lack of respect shown to doctors and nurses
is hurting them immensely I would ensure that we actually talk to them meaningfully to see what steps we need to take to ensure that they have a satisfying career within the NHS We need a learning culture, not a blaming one, in the NHS to raise quality standards Active and responsive governance is essential NHS dental care is almost non-existent due to an outdated contract forcing dentists into the private sector I'll push for contract reforms to enable dentists to practise under the NHS, benefiting public health, the economy, and long-term NHS savings 3) H ow do y ou p lan to address environmental concerns specific to South West Norfolk, such as agricultural sustainability and flood risk management?
Environmental concerns and flood risk management are top priorities for me
Recent rains, including unseasonal ones, exposed vulnerabilities in our drainage and sewage systems Homes and gardens have been flooded within 24 hours of rainfall, yet affected residents receive little support from authorities passing responsibility back and forth As MP I will commission a report into the environmental risks to Southwest Norfolk resulting from climate change which will bring with it erratic rainfall and unseasonal hot summers and unpredictable winters I feel that our leaders must use the resources in their power to help the population tackle these very real and live issues In addressing agricultural sustainability, simplifying regulations is crucial Farmers need streamlined access to subsidies to effectively enhance their land Rapid soil degradation, leading to loss of organic matter and resulting in lifeless soil resembling sand, underscores the urgent need for organic enrichment and sustainable farming practices
The soil association is a good source of information for this and there is also great interest nowadays in festivals like groundswell I will talk to farmers from the NFU to the Soil Association and come up with a sensible plan to help farmers restore the soil so that we become sustainable and abundant
food growing region again
4) Liz Truss has held the position of MP since 2010 What do you think are the key areas where you differ from her in terms of policy and vision?
Liz Truss has been our MP since 2010, but we've witnessed a decline in almost everything in Southwest Norfolk: from access to dental and healthcare services, to local infrastructure, public transport, and environmental quality She authored a book advocating for NHS privatisation and supports private ownership of public goods like railways and water She has overseen a complete neglect of the environmental agency whose funding dropped dramatically while she was the environment secretary She has been promoting conspiracy theories involving far-right activists in America and the UK My vision is clear: everyone deserves access to healthcare, clean water, clean air, and quality education I advocate for better care for disabled individuals and improved public transport access for all I envision a Southwest Norfolk and a world where collaboration and mutual strengths create a harmonious and thriving community
5) Is there anything else you would like to share with the vo te rs of Sout h W e st Norfolk?
To the people of Southwest Norfolk: Be brave and vote with your hearts I've seen firsthand how my speeches have inspired and motivated people at hustings and on the streets I have been called a brilliant speaker and have been told many times how people changed their mind after hearing me speak , that they would vote for me The main thing that stops people voting Green is fear that it will end up putting Liz Truss back in power My message to them would be that the election outcome is so uncertain it would be best if they voted for the policies that they believed in and for the person that they believe in It will send a strong signal to both Conservatives and Labour that they are not addressing people's concerns and that they need to work harder to gain their votes If enough people do so I believe that I will be elected as the MP I am hard-working and sincere, and I’m not beholden to any financial companies or rich donors I am free to act in the interest of my constituents and as a green MP, I’m not subject to the party whip either It will be a great honour and privilege to be elected MP4 Southwest Norfolk, and I’m genuinely excited at the prospect
Rajesh Agrawal
Pallavi Devulapalli
Approximately 9 5% of the UK population, i e around 5 6 million people, identify as Asian, yet major political parties show little interest in the needs of these communities Notably, the ethnic minorities are the most divided by religion in their views this election When it comes to representation, there are 65 ethnic minority MPs, making up 10% of UK s Parliament Among them, about 35 are of British Asian descent, including 15 are of Indian origin The new Parliament, is predicted to have around 14% of MPs coming from an ethnic minority background, will be closer than ever before to reflecting the diversity of the electorate. The question that still persists, is our voice ‘actually’ being heard? Is our representation enough?
speaks EXCLUSIVELY with Asian Voice
Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Sir Keir Starmer at Neasden Temple
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, wife Akshata Murty and daughters Krishna and Anoushka, lighting diyas for Diwali outside 10 Downing Street
Anusha Singh
An analysis conducted by polling expert Sir John Curtice indicates that faith in the UK's politics and election s ys tem are currently at their lowest point, with 45 percent of res pond ent s ex pre ss i ng tha t they never trust governments to prioritise the country's needs over party in terests and whi le man y expect the Labour party to be the 'government in waiting', there is scepticism about their ability to fulfil their promises of "Change"
As public faith wanes, the Conservatives appear to be depending on the same faith as they brace for a potentially disastrous outcome on 4 July
Recently, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has encountered significant hurdles in the past week, including accusations that he offended war veterans by departing the D-Day commemoration early Amid these controversies, Mr Sunak disclosed that he draws strength from his ‘Hindu’ faith Despite potential frustrations over the public's perceived lack of acknowledgment for his efforts to stabilise the government after Liz Truss' brief tenure, Mr Sunak reaffirmed his commitment to his ‘dharma’ (see page 3)
In an interview with The Times and Sunday Times, he explained that ‘dharma’ entails fulfilling one's duty without being attached to the outcomes, a guiding principle in Hinduism that helps him stay focused on doing what he believes is right
Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron, speaking at a Foreign Press Association (FPA) event last week also said something on the similar lines When asked about Conservatives trailing in polls, he said that the party is doing its best for the people of the UK and have left the rest on the voters, having faith in their decision How will ethnic minorities vote?
At an event hosted by FPA, Rupanjana Dutta, Managing Editor of Asian Voice interacted with the team from ‘U K i n a c hang in g Eur ope ’ D ir ec tor, P rof A nan d M enon ; R es ea rc h As soc i at e, Sophie Stowers and Senior Fellow, Prof Rob Ford
Rupanjana highlighted the perceived lack of engagement from the Labour Party with the British Asian diaspora, while the Conservative Party taking their support for granted and asked how the community might vote in the upcoming election
Answering that and referring to an upcoming report on ethnic minority voters from UK in a changing Europe, Sophie discussed why ethnic minorities vote the way they do and how they have voted historically, stating, “Discussions often generalise ethnic minority populations as a single voting bloc, largely aligning with Labour historically However, our analysis reveals significant intergroup diversity, with British Indians serving as a prime example We observe that this group is increasingly aligning their votes with their economic and social values rather than simply out of allegiance to Labour Specifically, British Indians tend to hold more conservative economic and social views, particularly among British Hindus
“It's important to specify that this shift towards the Conservatives among Indian
ASIAN VOTES MATTER
Hindus has been one of the most rapid changes in voting patterns
This trend became particularly pronounced around 2019, which we consider a tipping point
Assessing the continuity of this trend in the upcoming election remains complex, especially with the current significant swing towards Labour across various demographic groups nationwide ”
She further explained a shift in the voting patterns of minorities and a religion based divide in the voting shift She said, “Based on our evidence, particularly from the report I've been working on, it does suggest a shift among Christians and Hindus towards the Conservatives The critical question is the pace and scale of this shift Is it happening rapidly enough and with sufficient numbers to constitute a swing vote or a significant bloc that could sway outcomes in constituencies?
“Currently, my sense is that voters' intentions may not have changed significantly enough to have a decisive impact Looking at recent local elections, there were indications that British Muslims expressed discontent with Labour's stance on Gaza, influencing local election results However, replicating this impact in a general election is challenging ”
However, even with religious divisions, how are community members meant to choose their local MP, when they are unaware of the candidates' pledges specific to the needs of their community?
The lack of personal engagement therefore demotivates the voters
Nevertheless, it's crucial to emphasise that voting is one ’ s fundamental right and duty of every citizen
We must all make an effort to step out on 4 July and cast our votes What are the main issues affecting ethnic minorities?
In conversation with Asian Voice, Keiran Pedley, a Research Director at Ipsos and an expert on elections, political polling and public opinion research, discussed the main issues that the ethnic minorities want to be addressed, stating, “The top issue for the ethnic minorities is inflation and the rising cost of living, followed by concerns about the NHS and the economy While these issues are generally significant across the public as a whole, the primary concern for ethnic minorities is the cost of living, unlike for white Britons where it ranks joint third or fourth in importance
“Regarding other issues and their differences, ethnic minorities tend to place slightly higher importance on foreign affairs and foreign policy compared to white Britons Additionally, discussions around foreign policy can mean different things to different ethnic minority groups Currently, there's significant focus on Gaza, but other issues like Kashmir or other geopolitical concerns can vary in impor-
tance among different groups ”
Keiren also noted that the ethnic minorities tend to vote less frequently than white Britons and that this has been a consistent pattern over time On being asked about the reason behind this, he said, “I believe there are multiple reasons why individuals choose not to vote It could be influenced by the candidate's background and their alignment with personal values Moreover, it extends to whether communities or individuals feel adequately represented by politics in general As I mentioned earlier, for ethnic minorities in Britain, the cost of living ranks as the top concern Therefore, if people perceive that political parties aren't addressing these issues effectively, they may feel disillusioned and see little reason to participate in elections
“Dissatisfaction with the broader workings of government and our electoral system could also play a role In many constituencies, the first-past-the-post system might lead some to question the impact of their vote Thus, the decision not to vote is multifaceted and influenced by various factors ”
Community members speak out on plans and promises
Vivek Saraogi, Chairperson of the ICAI UK, shared his opinion on the pledges made on taxation and economy in the various manifestos and the representation of South Asias in his constituency About the former he said, “I don't think the proposed measures are very practical At the same time, I believe the UK is lacking strong leadership and no one has presented a clear plan We've talked about cost-cutting measures, which will ultimately affect public services, but no one has discussed where to invest or how to increase revenue Revenue isn't solely based on taxes; it's also derived from GDP growth and other key economic factors that drive the economy ”
Further discussing community representation, he said, “Living near London Bridge, I notice that candidates don't seem to care much about the South Asian community Whether we vote for them or not doesn't seem to matter In this area, they're more concerned about the white and black communities because those groups still have some voting power The South Asian community here is relatively small, and in central areas, there seems to be little engagement with us We don't even receive ballots properly and often have to request them ourselves ”
On being asked if this lack of representation affects voting morale, Vivek was quick to point out that voting is a duty He said, “It depends on the individual Personally, I took the initiative to ensure I received my ballot when I wasn't registered, and now I'm eli-
gible to vote I m also an active trustee and worker at various temples and we encourage people in our community to register and vote, highlighting the importance of making our voices heard This way, our community doesn't get left out and everyone can participate ”
Pranav Vora, the Founder of Aum Care shared his opinion on what needs to happen for elder care, care workers and the NHS as a new government comes in According to him, the NHS needs urgent attention “More funding is required, particularly to allow people to choose their own care We see many people who need care but aren't receiving funding, leaving them without necessary support This issue is critical and needs to be addressed”, he said
In South Asian culture, children tend to live with their parents for much longer and take up caring duties On whether the parties took this cultural aspect in account when drafting their plans for carers, Pranav shared his opinion, highlighting the crucial role unpaid carers play, especially in South Asian families where we often live with or support our loved ones even if they don’t live with us and the importance for there to be a strong system of support for these individuals and families
Shalina Patel is a s ec ondary school teacher and an author, who shared her opinion on what is being offered to teachers and the education system She said, “Anyone who remembers the teachers strikes from early 2023 knows that schools are really struggling with funding, workload and retention and recruitment of teachers
“The Labour manifesto has promised to recruit new teachers and I think many in education will welcome the reforms they’ve have suggested to the inspection system as well as supportive measures like mental health support for students The references to an inclusive curriculum are really positive to see also
“As a secondary school teacher, the Conservative manifesto suggestion of an ‘ advanced British Standard’ to replace A Level is quite alarming as this is a huge change but with little detail on how it will work It feels like some of the pledges they’ve made are not actually for those in the education sector - for example the reality is that people in education will already tell you that school don’t allow students to be on their phones for example and will be aware that school curriculums are already transparent and available for parents to see
“I would definitely like to see both parties making it clearer what they will do to retain the brilliant teachers we already have - so many teachers are leaving the profession
due to poor pay “and conditions and it would be great to see teachers being valued for the amazing work that they do ”
Aneet Kapoor is a Pharmacist who lives in Manchester About having the needs of the community heard, he said, “Having attentive ears in this process is paramount Recently, the Hindu Manifesto was unveiled during the Action For Harmony conference It's only through such collaborative endeavours that political parties can start incorporating these concerns into their agendas It's imperative for all South Asian communities to unite and express their requirements ”
In a positive spin, Aneet observes an increasing number of South Asian MPs in the area, this representation aiding in fostering a better understanding of the community's sentiments and culture
Anirban Mukhopadhyay from Harrow is a resident deeply concerned about the upcoming elections He pointed out that despite the pledges and promises being made by candidates, there's a palpable anxiety within the Indian community, particularly among those who have lived there for many years “We fear that if the Labour Party comes into power, there may be an increase in antiIndia rhetoric”, he said
He also highlighted recent Khalistani events in and around the area have increased He expressed concern that neither the government nor the Labour Party has addressed these issues He worries that if a party perceived as anti-India takes office, combined with incidents like the Khalistani events, the situation could become increasingly unsettling
He believes this issue has not received sufficient attention from political parties and candidates Given that Harrow is predominantly Asian, Anirban stressed on the importance of addressing these concerns promptly and urged political leaders to acknowledge and respond to these anxieties, ensuring they do not escalate further
The political parties seem to be overlooking more than just ethnic minorities as caterers, a vital part of the hospitality industry, also feel ignored Oli Khan MBE, President of Bangladesh Caterers Association (BCA), the UK’s largest organisation representing 12,000 UK curry restaurants and takeaways, spoke out about the apathy from the political parties towards his sector
He said, “Till now I and the rest of BCA have not seen any political party recognise our value It’s worth remembering that pre the pandemic, we were an industry that contributed £4 2 billion per year to the UK’s economy Our industry must make its concerns known to politicians of all parties We will be asking them as they campaign to support this vital industry
“We need to see all political parties recognise our sector's significance and contribution to gross domestic product and employment We need to see the real evidence of measures that can unlock the potential of our industry to do more and put us back to where we were in 2019 ”
He has also put forward a list of four demands for the parties
Shalina Patel Keiran Pedley
Vivek Saraogi
“Conservatives can win this election”
Lord Cameron was popular among the British Hindus, especially for starting the much talked about Diwali celebration at No 10 – that has continued till 2023. He also started Vaisakhi and Eid celebrations at No 10.
Like many among the diaspora, he visited the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Neasden with wife Samantha, often draped in gorgeous sarees. His young children were seen playing in traditional Indian clothes at the Downing Street Diwali, quietly picking up ‘ladoos’ (Indian sweets) from the table and running away.
His prediction in Wembley Stadium in front of 40,000 British Indians, who had gathered to welcome the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, that it would not be long before there was a British Indian Prime Minister in Downing Street, also came true.
Lord Cameron quit politics in 2016 after the UK voted for Brexit, and his return as the Foreign Secretary in 2023 raised many eyebrows.
As we go to poll in two weeks’ time, Lord Cameron speaks EXCLUSIVELY to Asian Voice about why the British Asian voters should support the Conservative party, UK-India special relationship, the strength of his party manifesto, the government’s foreign policy achievements and much more.
AV : A t th e F o reig n P ress Association (FPA) briefing on last T h u rs day, yo u ment io ned t h e UK-India FTA We have had many promises over the last two years regarding this FTA, many Diwali deadl ines h ave p as sed, but it remains in a deadlock even after some 14 rounds Do you think if the Conservative Party wins, this UK-India FTA at all has a future?
Yes, absolutely. This Conservative government launched negotiations with India on a free trade agreement and our manifesto commits to finalising that agreement. We are aiming for a historic deal covering goods and services, which benefits both of our countries. In the negotiations we need to be ambitious on both sides and make the most of this once-in-a-generation opportunity. AV: Regarding India’s relationship wi th R uss ia, m uch h as com e under scrutiny Britain has told the Indian government in its own way to reconsider it and therefore the trade deal between UK and India has also come under severe criticism You, during your times as PM had renewed the UK-India relationship and taken it to a new dimension of closeness with the M odi go v er nment Sh o ul d t h e T o r ies be r e-elec ted, and yo u remain in your current role, do yo u int end to br ing u p t h e Ukrai ne-Ru ssia issu e wit h I ndia/op en th at di alo g ue wit h India?
My first bilateral meeting as Foreign Secretary was with Dr Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister. We have a very close relationship with India, and we are able to talk, as friends, about a wide range of global issues and shared challenges – including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the conflict in Gaza and the importance of the Indo-Pacific region to
global growth and prosperity.
I believe the UK is a great defence partner for India. We already have a valuable defence relationship, exercising together across land, sea and air. We of course collaborate on counterterrorism too.
A V: Th e C onser v at iv es h av e promised to raise defence spending to two and a half percent of G DP by 2030 wit ho ut act uall y telling us how they'll pay for it What is your comment on that?
The Conservative Party has a clear plan for steadily increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by the end of the decade. It is vital that we sustain a clear focus on security, doing what is required to harden our defences in a more dangerous, insecure world.
Labour has failed to match our pledge, which shows they have failed to grasp the scale of the challenge.
AV: What ar e t he key for eig n
p o l icy ac hi evem ents o f t h e
C ons er v at iv e go v er nment th at you believe can help sway voters?
I am proud of our record on defence and diplomacy in an increasingly dangerous and contested world. We have been stand-
I hugely value the thriving relationship between the UK and India
ing up for our values at a time when they are being openly challenged by our adversaries.
We have invested in our defences, strengthened old alliances and forged new ones. We have led the world in support of Ukraine, taken bold action to degrade the capabilities of the Houthis and built a formidable sanctions programme to deter those who wish to harm our democracy and economy.
We’ve stood behind Israel’s right to defend itself in line with international humanitarian war and also done everything possible to get more aid into Gaza by land, sea and air.
Furthermore, we have established the AUKUS security partnership to support a free and open Indo-Pacific.
And to support the most vulnerable people and help build a better world, we spent £15.4 billion on official development assistance last year.
AV: What is your vision for the U K' s r o le in t h e wo r l d if t h e Conservative Party wins the general election?
Conservatives will continue to ensure Britain remains a force for good in the world, with an outward looking and global perspective.
We are clear that we must be prepared to tackle the axis of authoritarian states and hostile actors who are working together to threaten international security. And we will work against the global rollback of people’s rights and freedoms.
As we set out in our manifesto, we will strengthen our relationships with like-minded partners, strengthen the
Commonwealth, continue to support the global fight against disease and maintain our leadership on climate change, among other things.
AV: How would you continue to work to s tren gthen the U K's position on the global stage with other countries especially with India?
I hugely value the thriving relationship between the UK and India. This Conservative government has published a roadmap for enhancing UK-India relations, because we want to deepen our cooperation on health, climate, trade, education, science and technology, and defence.
Under this Conservative government, our trade in goods and services with India (exports plus imports) grew to £39 billion last year, up from £16.6 billion in 2014. And we are negotiating an ambitious new free trade agreement with India to further boost our trading relationship.
AV: What message do you have for the undecided British Asian v ot er s w ho ar e c on si der in g whet her t o s uppo r t t he Co n serv at i v e Par ty in t he upcoming election? Why do you think they should vote for the Tories, besides of course Rishi’s heritage as the PM?
The Conservatives are the only party at this election who have a clear plan and we are the only party willing to take bold action to help build a more secure future. Our manifesto is clear: we will cut taxes for hard working people and the selfemployed, and we will stop the state pension being dragged into income tax. Labour will raise your taxes.
I also believe Rishi Sunak is a strong and capable leader and the right person to take this country forward.
Back in 2015, Prime Minister Modi and I addressed Wembley stadium together. It was a spectacular celebration of BritishIndian relations. We share an enduring, living bridge connecting our people, and the diaspora community here in the UK makes a hugely valuable contribution to our national life.
I predicted that one day there would be a British Indian Prime Minister in Downing Street. Rishi was in the audience at Wembley that day.
AV: Acc o rdi n g to po l ls, t he Conservatives are not going to return to power In 2015, during your own election campaign as the PM, while giving an interview to us, you had predicted al most the exact v ot e div i de between the parti es, and the margin of victory As per your experience, what do you think will happen this time? Is there a way your party can salvage its reputation and make a miraculous comeback?
The only poll that counts is on July 4th. And I believe the Conservatives can win this election. We have a manifesto full of bold action for the future, a strong track record and the right team. Keir Starmer’s Labour Party has no plan or vision – and that is becoming clearer by the day.
(With additional inputs from Anusha Singh)
Calls grow for Hindu representation in Scotland
Scottish Hindu Foundation(SHF) emerged from the necessity to represent Scottish Hindu Mandirs on a nat ion al lev el Followi ng the Le ic es te r vi ol enc e in Oc tob er 2022, there was widespread concern within the UK Hindu community
Amidst this anxiety, conversations and meetings took place which led to the formation of the Scottish Hindu Foundation, which is now the Representative body to the Scottish Government and is actively engaged in promoting and protecting the interests of Scottish Hindus and Mandirs in Scotland.
In a conversation with Asian Voice, Dr Richa Sinha and Mrs Naina Penman, the Chairperson and the Vice Chair of the foundation respectively, share the sentiments of the Hindu diaspora and representation.
Lack of genuine representation hinders progress
The leaders shared their opinion on the current representation and challenges facing Hindus in Scotland. Dr Sinha who is the Hindu Representative to the Scottish Government's Faith and Belief Committee feels that the lack of elected representation within our community is a big challenge in itself. Explaining further, she said, “Before the establishment of the Scottish Hindu Foundation, most representation was selected based on individual friendships or partisan opinions . They may have had minimal connections to a single temple, or no real mandate to speak on behalf of the whole community, yet they were appointed as representatives. This lack of scrutiny over who represents us, what they contribute, whilst in their roles, and who they report to was a critical issue that needed to be addressed.”
Adding to the same, Vice President Nainaji, who sits on the Dundee interfaith Body, said, “Before a national strategy and organisation We didn't realise we had representation in interfaith communities across many cities and towns included within the Scottish Interfaith network. While Hindu communities are spread throughout Scotland, they are sometimes overlooked because they are not in the social consciousness due to successful integration into the fabric of Scotland and their representation within Interfaith groups as mentioned can be individual based and disconnected from temples This lack of cohesion means that important consultations and opportunities are not always shared effectively, unlike our counterparts in other faith groups who are well-established, organised and informed about where to seek support and raise awareness consistently.”
“Now, with the establishment of the Scottish Hindu Foundation,which has united Scottish Hindu temples and organisations, we are starting to see positive changes. While we are not yet where we aim to be, these efforts are just the beginning , and our community is becoming more visible and earning respect through our diplomacy and outreach efforts. .”
Push for recognition and representation
Dr Sinha and Naina also shared the expectations of the
Hindu community from the incoming government. Currently, the primary focus of the foundation is in advocacy efforts to gain recognition for Hinduphobia as a legitimate form of hate.
“Unfortunately, many people, including police officers and civil servants, are unfamiliar with Hinduphobia, and we lack the resources to raise awareness effectively. Even our representatives often lack sufficient knowledge about Hinduphobia or anti hindu hate. We are in discussion with the respective bodies to understand the appointment process and ensure individuals who are appointed have the requisite credentials and mandate to deliver for the Scottish Hindu community.
“We appreciate the dialogue initiated by the Hindu manifesto, it is essential for Hindus in Scotland to voice our specific concerns and take a defined document along as a starting point when meeting their local MP candidate”, explained Dr Sinha on the matter. Naina further added, “It would be beneficial to see these points acknowledged and integrated into the agenda of the incoming government, rather than overlooked or dismissed”, she said.
She also stressed that someone representing Hindus in any discussions should be part of a robust organisation capable of effectively communicating and advocating the interests and needs; and the transition to a new government presents a prime opportunity to assert these needs prominently. Call for action against Ignorance
Both Dr Sinha and Naina also shared their thoughts on the issue of hate crimes and the misunderstanding of Hindu culture in that context stating that the lack of understanding was evident and even the Hate Crime Bill failed to represent the community's lived experiences and perspectives.
“Currently, we're focused on preparing a report on Hinduphobia for the UN. This will probably be the first report submitted to the UN on Hinduphobia. Even though this process should have started earlier, possibly before the Hate Crime Bill became law, we remain committed to ensuring our report to the UN is comprehensive and impactful”, shared Dr Sinha.
Lastly, the leaders expressed that while the Hindu Manifesto UK 2024 is comprehensive and welcome, the foundation is currently deliberating on including a Scottish addendum to it. Dr Sinha said, “One critical point under consideration is addressing the labelling and gaslighting of Hindus with terms that are prejudiced and derogatory for example rituals, practices or political and philosophical expressions.
Dr Richa Sinha and Naina Penman
P A R T Y M A N I F E S T O S 2024
All five major parties contesting the election the Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Reform UK, and the Green Party have now unveiled their manifestos Despite the election's earlier-than-expected timing, each party's key promises to the electorate have been in development for some time. Below, you'll find summaries of their main pledges on critical issues such as the NHS, economy, defence, housing, and education.
Leading health change in Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Subhasini Naicker
Gulvinder Bansal (Gully) is a resident of Codsall, South Staffordshire. With a successful career in digital transformation, he is also a devoted family person and an active member of the Liberal Democrats.
Gully is committed to advocating for an NHS that meets the needs of every citizen. In an interview with Asian Voice, he spoke about the pressing issues facing his constituency, measures to advocate for seamless healthcare and more.
1)What motivated you to become a Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Liberal Democrats in Kingswinford and South Staffordshire?
I am driven to build a better future for my sons, Harveer and Rohan, and all our children. It's incredibly frustrating to see our essential services being neglected and destroyed. This directly impacts their future, and it fuels my commitment to bring about real change.
Witnessing the mismanagement of the cost of living crisis and the severe damage done to the NHS by the Conservative government has been deeply motivating. The rising costs of everyday essentials are making it harder for families to make ends meet, while our healthcare system is struggling under immense pressure. These issues highlight the urgent need for a different approach and stronger advocacy for our community.
I am motivated to become a Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the Liberal Democrats in Kingswinford and South Staffordshire because I believe our community deserves a representative who will fight for fairness, opportunity, and positive change. The Liberal Democrats’ vision, as outlined in "For a Fair Deal," resonates with my values of social justice, equality, and sustainability. I am passionate about ensuring that every individual has the chance to succeed and that our local area thrives economically and socially.
2)What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Kingswinford and South Staffordshire, and how do you plan to address them?
One of Kingswinford and South Staffordshire's most pressing issues is the state of NHS services. Unacceptable long waiting times and inadequate healthcare access need urgent attention. To address this, I support the Liberal Democrats' £9bn plan to improve health and care services. This includes guaranteeing that everyone can see a GP within seven
days and ensuring timely access to NHS dental care, which is crucial for our community’s well-being.
Another significant concern is the pollution in our waterways. The issue of sewage discharge has been ignored for too long, leading to severe environmental and public health risks. The Liberal Democrats plan to overhaul the water industry, implementing strict measures to prevent sewage from contaminating our rivers and streams.
Finally, the poor condition of our roads, particularly the prevalence of potholes, is a major issue impacting daily life and safety in our area. Potholes cause damage to vehicles and pose a danger to cyclists and pedestrians. I will advocate for increased investment in road maintenance and infrastructure, ensuring that our roads are safe and well-maintained.
The Liberal Democrats’ values of fairness, community, and sustainability resonate deeply with the needs of Kingswinford and South Staffordshire. Our policies are designed to address the critical issues that residents face, ensuring a better quality of life for all.
3)As a dedicated supporter of the NHS, what measures will you advocate to make healthcare more seamless for everyone?
As a dedicated supporter of the NHS, I am committed to advocating for measures that will make healthcare more seamless and accessible for everyone. Our £9bn manifesto pledge is central to this vision, ensuring comprehensive improvements to our health and care services.
First, I will push for the implementation of our plan to guarantee everyone the right to see a GP within seven days, or within 24 hours if urgently needed. This will be made possible by recruiting an additional 8,000 GPs, significantly reducing waiting times and ensuring timely access to primary care.
Second, I will advocate for guaranteed access to NHS dental care for everyone needing urgent and emergency treatment. The rise of "dental deserts" and DIY dentistry is unacceptable, and our plan aims to end these practices, ensuring that dental health is not neglected.
Third, boosting cancer survival rates is a top priority. Our manifesto includes a guarantee that 100% of patients will start treatment for cancer within 62 days from an urgent referral. This commitment is crucial for improving outcomes and providing timely, lifesaving treatments.
Our manifesto details plans to integrate health and social care more effectively, investing in mental health services with a professional in every school to provide early support. These measures, supported by our fully costed plan, aim to create an efficient, responsive, and accessible healthcare system for all, ensuring the NHS effectively serves our community.
4)Lastly, what personal qualities or experiences do you believe make you well-suited to represent the people of Kingswinford and South Staffordshire in Parliament?
My real-world experience and professional background make me well-suited to represent the people of Kingswinford and South Staffordshire in Parliament. Unlike career politicians, I have spent years working in the private sector, which has instilled in me a strong drive to achieve high-quality results and a deep understanding of the challenges that businesses and employees face daily.
One of my key strengths is my ability to bring people together and serve as a natural mediator. Throughout my career, I have successfully navigated diverse teams and stakeholders, fostering collaboration and ensuring that different perspectives are heard and valued. This skill is crucial for effective representation, as it allows me to build consensus and drive positive change within our community.
My professional experience has also equipped me with a pragmatic approach to problem-solving and a focus on delivering tangible outcomes. In the private sector, achieving high standards and meeting targets are non-negotiable, and I bring this same commitment to my political work. I am dedicated to implementing policies that address the real concerns of our residents, such as improving the NHS, fixing our roads, and protecting our environment.
In addition, my direct interactions with the people of Kingswinford and South Staffordshire have given me a deep understanding of their frustrations and aspirations. I am not disconnected from the community I aim to serve; I grew up in the local area and know the place and the people really well.
Education Not Taxation responds to Labour party manifesto
Shefali Saxena
Educ ati on N ot Taxa ti on ad voc ate s f or ri gor ous s cr uti ny an d thorough i mpac t a ss es s men t of La bour' s propos ed Educ ati on Ta x poli c y, reg ardle ss of t he el ecti on outc ome Shoul d La bour come into power, the campaign insists that the policy undergo formal public consultation and scrutiny by the O ff ic e for Budg eta ry R es pons i bi li ty , whi ch s hould i n cl ude dy na mi c an al ys i s to c ompl eme nt existing static approaches
They also emphasise the need for discussions at the Education Select Committee to delve into the policy's implications. Specifically, they call for detailed assessments on how the tax could affect children, including its impact on local authorities, special educational needs (SEN), military families, bursaries, partnerships, and the dynamics of competition among state schools in sought-after areas like premium catchment zones and grammar schools. These measures are seen as essential to ensure transparency and to mitigate potential negative consequences of the proposed policy on education and communities.
In response to the Labour Party Manifesto launch on 13th June 2024, Education Not Taxation released a statement saying, “The Education Not Taxation campaign supports all schools, is non-partisan, and does not debate Labour’s spending plans”
“Labour’s Education Tax is inconsistent with their flirting with growth, working people and young people. It claims to raise £1.51bn,
exceeding the most optimistic of published estimates. No account is taken of the harms, risks and uncertainties of the tax. Labour leaders do not even agree on what the harms will be. Nobody from Labour has looked in the eyes of families and teachers whose education and livelihood are threatened, or those whose state education will be harmed, not helped, by this half-baked policy.”
“No other party supports the Education Tax and a strong majority of voters will vote against it. If Labour forms the government, their Education Tax will lack legitimacy, and requires much more detailed scrutiny and a full dynamic impact assessment.”
The Education Not Taxation campaign supports all schools is non-partisan, and does not debate Labour’s spending plans. According to the initiative, if spending money on education is important, a serious economist should recognise the social benefit and taxpayer saving of £812k per child, a total £4-6bn, from independent education, by raising money in some other less harmful way that does not harm children.
The press statement says that Sir Keir Starmer’s first strategic pillar is to secure the “highest sustained growth in the G7”; he does not believe in “raising taxes on working people”; is “pro-business and proworking people” and is “choosing to back young people”.
Despite years of preparation in Opposition, the Education Not Taxation group believes that policy is not ready for Parliament, has enjoyed no industry
engagement, has not been presented to the electorate in any detail, and has not been scrutinised in the leadership debates. To the extent some voters express support for the policy, it comes on the back of years of hard-left rhetoric, including the misleading “tax break” claim, accompanied by no transparency or accountability for the harms it will cause.
“We note that Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Reform parties all robustly reject Labour’s Education Tax. The Green and Scottish National Parties do not support Labour’s Education Tax – the situation in Scotland is particularly challenging. We can expect a strong majority of voters to reject the policy at the ballot box,” the statement read.
Love ena Tan don, Spok es per son , Educ ati on N ot Ta xat ion told Asian Voice, “As parents, we have long warned that adding VAT on independent school fees will force children out of their schools. We are now witnessing the chaos this is causing: independent schools are closing, state schools are facing rising demand, and local authorities are struggling to accommodate these children.
“Despite our concerns, the Labour Party remains determined to implement this policy. Labour leaders have even said they're "fine" with children being forced from their schools, leading to overcrowded state school classrooms.
“We asked multiple times to meet with Labour leaders to discuss our grave concerns. We hope to meet with them soon."
Tory candidate accused of stirring trouble
The Conservative candidate in Dud le y N ort h, Ma rco Longhi, has faced criticism f or se n ding le tt er s to British-Pakistani voters that suggest they should support him over his Labour rival due to her Indian surname
The letter has been accused of employing dogwhistle politics and of attempting to create division among voters, particularly within the British Hindu community. In a letter addressed to "voters of the British Pakistani/Kashmiri community in Dudley," Longhi questioned whether the Labour candidate would advocate for Kashmir in parliament, emphasising Kumar's name in bold, capitalised, and underlined text.
Ra je sh Ag ra wa l, Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate in Leicester East said, "This is a shameful attempt to divide communities and is offensive to both Muslim and Hindu communities. There should
be zero tolerance of the dog-whistle politics Mr Longhi is engaged in. Rishi Sunak should put country before party and immediately remove his Party’s support for Mr Longhi campaign and apologise for attempting to alienate British Indians.”
Navin Sha h CBE, former Labour politician commented on the issue, stating, “The letter is nothing but a crude diversion from a desperate Tory candidate who instead of apologising for the Tory inflicted cost of crisis on our residents is attacking India on an issue which is a matter for the two sovereign states to settle.
Kr upe sh Hira ni A M, London Assembly Member for Brent and Harrow also commented, stating, “It is shocking to see this level of anti-India campaigning from the Conservatives. They have targeted and singled out Labour's Indian origin candidate Sonia Kumar and have capitalised underlined and put in bold her Indian surname to make a point of her being Indian”.
Krish Raval OBE, Chair of Labour Indian said, “Labour Indians condemn Marco Longhi’s deeply divisive tactics to divide and rule communities in Dudley for political gain. It is also deeply disheartening to see an Indian-origin leader of the Conservatives let antiIndian racism run rife through his party, as we saw recently with the comments made by Tory Party donor, Frank Hester.”
“The fact is that the shambolic Conservative government needs to go and any attempt at smearing India cannot deflect the fact that thanks to the Tory government the country is on its knees, lurching from one crisis to another. I am confident that voters in Dudley and across the nation will reject the Tory culture of dividing communities and creating tensions.”
Gulvinder Bansal
"I
live to serve. I love Leicester"
Anusha Singh
Keith Vaz is making a return to politics , having ann ounced hi s candidacy
f or the 2 024 general election to rec laim hi s f ormer Lei cester East seat after more than four years s ince his retirement
The former MP, who represented Leicester East for 32 years, is contesting against Claudia Webbe, his successor and another former Labour member Mr Vaz is running under the banner of the newly formed One Leicester Party, founded in August 2023 by Rita Patel, also a former Leicester Labour councillor
As he campaigns for victory on July 4, Mar Vaz spoke to Asian Voice about his return to active politics, his vision for Leicester East and why he is the best choice for the constituency
1What prompted your decision to come out of retirement and stand as a candidate in the 2024 general election for the Leicester East seat?
I've decided to stand again and come out of retirement because of the state of the country, nationally The state of the city, locally and the general way in which our politics is broken
At the last election, 35,000 of the people of Leicester East voted for me and gave me a majority of 22,000 It was the greatest privilege of my life to serve as the MP Now I am shocked with what I see Despite so many opportunities, Leicester is unrecognisable and on the edge of bankruptcy
Instead of being a city of the future, it has become a city of closed High Street shops, traffic congestion, areas of crime and over 6,000 people on the housing waiting list
The Labour Mayor announced he will close the celebrated Leicester market and end one of the most famous events, the “Diwali light switch-on ceremony ”
It's for those reasons that I felt I couldn't stand aside, but instead, I had to stand in
2Could you elaborate on your vision for Leicester East and how it aligns with the goals of the One Leicester Party? How will you work to rebuild trust and confidence in the political system among constituents who may have become disillusioned?
One Leicester is
committed to rebuilding trust and confidence in the local community where people of all religions can work together and none The best way to do that is to bring communities together Now in time, our communities are divided
We need to fix the broken promises and the broken politics that we have, and I hope that this will change the way how the great City of Leicester operates
3There are significant narratives around Islamophobia and antisemitism in the UK, and Labour has been in the spotlight, especially after incidents involving Faiza Shaheen and Diane Abbott As someone who was affiliated to the party for a long time until recently, do you think the party is serious about safeguarding the interests of the minority communities?
I'm not convinced these days that the Labour Party is the Labour Party I joined when I was a very young person I think ethnic minority people have been marginalised in the way in which the party has operated and to some extent it seems that other parties have done better We need to value exactly what the black and Asian communities have done and make sure that they are praised and rewarded for being part of the political system
4Alternatively, how do you plan to represent and advocate for minorities in your constituency, drawing from your own lived experience?
As the first person of Indian origin to be elected for 50 years in 1987 of course, I want to plan and advocate for minorities in my constituency We are a growing population with many different cultures and it's important that everyone should feel part of the same fabric At the moment, I'm afraid communities are pretty divided
5What makes you the better choice for Leicester East as compared to Conservative’s Shivani Raja, Labours party’s Rajesh Agarwal and your ex-Labour successor, Claudia Webb, along with other candidates in the running?
I have a wealth of experience I have been a Member of Parliament for Thirty-Two and a half years I've taken up,
41,000 cases I have held 1664 surgeries and I've spent 3,326 hours in surgeries
In my last year as an MP, I sent out 10,542 letters and emails
I believe at this moment in time you need someone of confidence, someone with commitment and someone with a great deal of experience It's not going to be easy with a change of government We need to make sure that we change the government and make it work for the people If there is a change in government, we need to make sure it's ready for local people I think that you need someone who is a big hitter and I believe that I can do the job I have already said I only want to do this for five years
6Usually new parties or independent candidates struggle to sustain and help the community without any long-term funding and support How do you plan to continue to keep that consistency?
I am quite sure that the One Leicester party will be able to sustain itself I am also sure that it will succeed in the future It is a voluntary party and people will make contributions I am myself pledged to do 3 very important things for local people
I want to make sure that we open the first ever seven days a week MP's office
When I first came here, I set up the first MP's office and decided I will not take a salary but instead donate my salary to good causes through an independent trust
Finally, I want to protect the General Hospital
It's a very, very important hospital to me and I want to make sure that it is properly and adequately protected We need 3X in hospitals in Leicester and that is an essential part of my campaign
I Live to serve I love Leicester
"I want the next decade to be better for us”
Seem a Malhotra has been the M emb er of Parliam ent (MP) for Feltham a nd Heston, represe nting the Labour Party, si nce 2011 Currently, she holds the position of Shadow Minister for Skills and Further Education from 2023 onwards Previously, she has served on the opposition front bench in various roles, including Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Shadow Minister for Business and Consumers, Shadow Minister for Employment, and a shadow Home Office minister
In conversation with Asian Voice, she discusses Labour’s future plans if the party forms the government, her work as an MP and as a Shadow Minister so far and her plans for her constituency
How will you describe the last 14 years of Conservatives leading the UK and what do you think are the main challenges that the party will inherit? If elected, what immediate actions will be taken?
Britain is a great country, but it has been badly led in recent years
The political and economic instability we have seen has hit our economy and business investment hard Our public services are on their knees, NHS wait lists at a record high and tax rises have squeezed the incomes of the public This is the first Parliament where people are worse off at the end of the Parliament than at the start If the Tories won again, it would all just carry on Labour is ready to rebuild our country Our first steps will be to ensure economic stability, invest in our schools with 6,500 new teachers and more work experience for all young people, cutting NHS waiting lists with 40,000 more weekend and evening appointments in the NHS and investing in new technology, setting up a new Border Security Command to smash criminal gangs and fix our broken asylum system, and set up a new publicly-owned energy
company to cut bills and create new jobs We will harness Britain’s sun, wind and waves to save UK households £93bn
Having worked for the people of Feltham and Heston for the past thirteen years, can you describe the work you’ve done in the constituency and its diverse community so far and what is your vision for the future? Since being elected MP, I have worked tirelessly to support working families, small businesses and women entrepreneurs, and for our NHS In the last five years, I have dealt with over 20,000 cases and queries from constituents, and spoken more than 1000 times in Parliament I’ve worked with the police, faith and community groups to help tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, and successfully campaigned to Feltham Station Ticket Office and Feltham Police Station open I co-founded the London West Innovation Network bringing in new partnerships and funding to support entrepreneurs in West London I’ve worked with foodbanks across the constituency to support families during Covid and the cost of living crisis and championed regeneration plans across the constituency I set up local charity Hounslow’s Promise which has supported young people with mentoring, masterclasses, laptops and quiet study spaces
Every child deserves the best chance in life I founded the Hounslow Christmas Project 4 years ago, buying, wrapping and delivering more than 2,500 presents for children last year I want the next decade to be better for us – to replace decline with renewal This is what I’ve achieved in the face of a Conservative government more focused on infighting than improving lives Just imagine what I could get done working hand-inhand with a Labour government
Reform
UK’s candidate for Feltham and Heston told Asian Voice that Labour focuses more on rhetoric than results and promised to bring a fresh perspective to the constituency What is your response to that and what makes you a better candidate as compared to your contemporaries?
I’m proud to be standing again as the Labour candidate for Feltham and Heston where I grew up, with a track record in supporting local regeneration, campaigning to save local services, supporting community projects to protect our heritage and green spaces, working with all our faith communities, helping local families during the Tory cost of living crisis and growing our local economy Reform are led by Nigel Farage, a man who wants to get rid of the NHS as we know it and who this week has backed Enoch Powell’s rivers of blood speech which condemned the Race Relations Bill and stoked violence against Asians in the 1970s Reform are a symptom of Rishi Sunak’s failure Time and again he has shown he is too weak to put country above party and caves in to his back benchers This is about a collapse of trust in the Tories, even among their own
What message do you want to convey to the voters of Feltham and Heston as they prepare to cast their ballots?
I’m passionate about our area and about the community I grew up in, where my father ran our small family shop and where my mum taught in our local schools I have a track record of standing up for our area, and in supporting local families and businesses We have seen the damage the Tories have done to Feltham and Heston, with GP appointments too hard to get, NHS waiting lists up, police numbers down, our families worse off, and child poverty on the rise More than half of schools in Feltham and Heston have at least one building element in poor or bad condition The Tories cut the Building Schools for the Future programme, stopped work experience being compulsory and narrowed the curriculum It's time for a change, for a Labour government with a plan to stop the chaos, turn the page and rebuild Britain A vote for Labour in this election is a vote for economic stability and more good jobs, our NHS off its knees and fit for the future, clean cheap British power in your home, more opportunities for everyone in our communities and safer streets
Keith Vaz
Seema Malhotra
Parties unveil manifestos as election fever grips the nation
Anusha Singh
P A R T I E S U N V E I L M A N I F E S T O S A S E L E C T I O N F E V E R G R I P S T H E N A T I O N
As the nation gears up for the upcoming national election slated for July 4th, the political sphere is electrified by the release of party manifestos With both the Conservative and Lib
Will the detailed Conservative manifesto win voters over?
Currently, Rishi Sunak’s campaign strategy is focused on seats with significant Tory majorities, indicating a defensive approach by the party
Top cabinet and shadow cabinet members have made around 100 constituency visits, primarily targeting previously secure Tory areas Seats visited by leading Tory ministers were generally won by the party by 20 points in the last election, with an average majority of over 10,600 Only three out of their 49 visits were to nonConservative-held seats Whether this will be sufficient to mobilise their supporters remains to be seen
While a lot remains uncertain, the extensive Conservative manifesto, spanning seventy-six pages and encompassing nearly £20 billion in tax and spending announcements puts the Conservatives’ plan for the country forward and answers some questions It features numerous pledges designed to appeal to a wide range of demographics
Key promises include a 2p cut to national insurance for workers, income tax cuts for pensioners, and child benefit for high earners, along with significant policies like compulsory national service for 18year-olds and the elimination of facade degrees The party is also pledging to introduce a “triple lock plus” for pensioners, ensuring that the state pension remains untaxed This plan includes a provision where the tax-free personal allowance for pensioners would increase by the highest of three metrics: inflation, wages, or 2 5 percent
Responding to the manifesto, BMA council chair Professor Philip Banfield said:
“When it comes to health, this manifesto is full of ideas we have already heard and doctors and healthcare staff will rightly be extremely sceptical about how they will be delivered, given the party’s record over the last 14 years in Government and the state that it has left health services and the health of the nation in What is not in this manifesto is any mention of valuing the unique skills and expertise of doctors, and how over 15 years worth of doctors’ pay erosion is going to be restored, or the fact that this Government has failed to make any kind of credible offer to junior doctors in England”
The manifesto also encom-
Dem manifestos already unveiled, Asian Voice dives into the core commitments, featuring commentary from stakeholders, dissecting campaign strategies, and offering insights into the
passes a goal of constructing 1 6 million new homes within a span of five years While the figure is slightly higher than what Labour has pledged, it isn’t enough, according to Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB He said, “Britain is currently experiencing a housing crisis, and today’s Conservative Party manifesto launch was an opportunity to set out a plan to deliver real change over the next five-years The pledge to support smaller local builders, by requiring councils to set land aside for them, will be welcomed by FMB members, as will proposals to lift Section 106 requirements for smaller sites However, if the housing crisis is to be successfully tackled reform of the planning system is urgently needed, something the Conservative Party has consistently failed to address ”
A key debate around the manifesto is its affordability with two main sources of funding outlined: saving £12 billion by reforming welfare and raising £6 billion by targeting tax avoidance and evasion Additional funds would come from "quango efficiencies" and reducing the civil service headcount However, economists are sceptical about these revenue sources Historically, welfare spending has increased under Conservative governments and is projected to rise further
The manifesto has also failed to address some of the Conservative Party's internal concerns, particularly from the right wing, about a firmer stance on leaving the European Convention on Human Rights Sunak has kept the option open but has not made the firm commitment that hardliners desire
With twenty-three days to go, it remains uncertain if these measures will significantly boost support for Sunak and the Conservatives The campaign has faced various setbacks, including the decision to call an early election under less than ideal circumstances and Sunak's early departure from D-Day commemorations While the individual measures are popular with voters, they haven't yet translated into increased support for the party, with Labour maintaining a consistent lead of over 20 points in the polls
Commenting on the manifesto, D arren Hu ghes , Chi ef Executive of the Electoral Reform Society said, “There is a glaring black hole in the Conservative manifesto launched today with next to no mention of democratic reform
“The commitment to English regional devolution is welcome but it is undermined by the recent change to the voting system for mayors and Police and Crime Commissioners which means they now operate under a reduced mandate Maintaining the status quo of First Past the Post over a propor-
anticipated contents of Labour's manifesto
As the countdown continues, parties navigate the complexities of campaign strategy and policy formulation
tionally representative voting system is misguided and continues to undermine any mandate a government may achieve It also means perpetuating a politics that places the focus on the few ‘swing seats’ that change hands between parties at elections but leaves many other areas of the country politically ignored and left behind
When it comes to pending legislation, several key policies personally linked to Sunak have been left out These include a gradual ban on tobacco, a crackdown on vape sales, and making maths study mandatory until the age of 18 Another long-held Tory proposal that has not been revived is the ban on so-called conversion therapies Although the manifesto condemns these practices as “abhorrent,” it also notes them as a “complex issue, with existing criminal law already offering robust protections ”
Honestly, the Conservative campaign appears focused on preventing a Labour landslide rather than securing a victory, with social media ads cautioning voters that supporting other parties could lead to a "massive majority" for Starmer Lib Dem manifesto making way for comeback?
The Liberal Democrats, on the other hand, have unveiled an ambitious £8 billion health and care package for England in their election manifesto, aiming to prioritise the wellbeing of citizens At the manifesto launch, party leader Sir Ed Davey emphasised the significance of carers, drawing from his personal experiences caring for his disabled son and mother
Funding for the proposals would come from reversing tax cuts for banks and closing tax loopholes exploited by the wealthiest individuals Key initiatives include ensuring access to GPs within seven days and providing free personal care for older or disabled individuals at home
The manifesto, titled "For a Fair Deal," is the first in the party's history to include a dedicated chapter on care Sir Ed's plan aims to alleviate pressure on the NHS by supporting carers, freeing up hospital beds, and investing in preventative health measures
Reacting to the health care pledges, Professor Philip Banfield, said, “Any incoming government must make health its number one priority so it’s good to see the Lib Dems putting health and care at the front and centre of their mani-
With each manifesto release shaping public discourse and influencing voter sentiment, the stage is set for a riveting electoral showdown Will the detailed Conservative manifesto
festo launch
“There are signs in this manifesto that the Lib Dems do understand some of the huge challenges our health and care system faces and are prepared to rectify the managed decline of our NHS and dismantling of general practice through wanton neglect Their focus on population health and measures to help people live healthier lives is refreshing after repeated failures to take public health threats such as smoking, obesity, air pollution and climate change as seriously as they should ”
The manifesto outlines several key social care pledges, including increasing wages for care workers, boosting Carer's Allowance, and raising the earnings threshold for carers Additionally, the party proposes measures to address the cost of living crisis without burdening struggling families with increased taxes
To fund these initiatives, the party plans to close tax loopholes, introduce new levies on banks and frequent fliers, and invest in HMRC to crack down on tax avoidance Other manifesto policies include overhauling the water industry, improving mental health support in schools, and ensuring proper investigation of domestic burglaries
About the part manifesto, NUS UK Vice President for Liberation and Equality, Nehaal Bajwa, said, “The policies contained in the Liberal Democrat manifesto are a welcome first step; however, for meaningful change, we must go further We need free education, high quality, green and affordable housing, and commitments on the rights of international students It is now for the other parties to respond to the challenge and offer students and young people something to vote for Students are increasingly politicised and angry, and no politician or political party should take us for granted on polling day " Labour's manifesto to follow competitors' lead
As the Conservatives and the Lib Dems shared their vision of the future, the Labour Party chose to release their manifesto later in the week, on Thursday, June 13 It seems that Sir Keir wanted to gauge what is being offered by his competitors and how the public reacts to it before putting his vision out there The leader has already been described as someone who isn’t very forthcoming with his plans in this
win voters over, or will Labour's keep up the lead with their cautious, measured approach and pave the way for a resurgence? The coming days hold the answer
general election
According to polls, Labour is currently positioned to secure victory in the national election scheduled for July 4, with Starmer's party holding a significant lead of approximately 20 points over the ruling Conservative Party
Tensions between the two parties have been rife following Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s claims that Labour would impose tax hikes of £2,000 ($2,500) per household if it assumed power With Labour vehemently denying this assertion
Starmer further asserted that Labour's plans were thoroughly costed and funded He stated, "Our plans are fully costed and fully funded They do not necessitate tax increases beyond those already outlined Therefore, there will be no surprises when the manifesto is revealed on Thursday " Labour’s manifesto will be defined by caution: both fiscally and politically Additionally, Labour has pledged to level the playing field for small businesses by overhauling the business rates system Keir Starmer recently criticised the Conservative Government for its long-standing failure to "fix" the problematic system
The Labour Party is also committed to accelerating the establishment of banking hubs, eradicating late payments by mandating large firms to disclose their payment practices, and cracking down on antisocial behaviour to rejuvenate high streets The Labour also highlighted priorities such as scrapping the Rwanda migrants scheme, addressing the cost-of-living crisis, and improving the education system
There is also significant noise around the manifesto pledging recognition of a Palestinian state before the end of a peace process Whether the highlighted priorities make it to the manifesto or not is something worth watching out for
When it comes to campaigning strategy, the labour is also attacking Sunak’s defensive approach, Labour's top team is campaigning in constituencies targeting seats with an average Tory majority of 9,500 Keir Starmer began his campaign in Lancing, West Sussex, traditionally a Conservative stronghold for over a century Starmer also focused on seats like Worcester and Nuneaton, Tory-held since 2010 but key to Tony Blair's electoral victories in 1997
Additionally, Labour volunteers are primarily focused on safer Tory seats and those with substantial South Asian populations, where Labour’s stance on Gaza has affected its prospects Confident of victory in seats with under 5,000 Tory majorities, volunteers have been redirected to constituencies where Labour trails by 10,000 or more
Rishi Sunak
Ed Davey
Sir Keir Starmer
Bringing fresh perspective to Feltham and Heston
Subhasini Naicker
Dhruv Sengupta, a resident on t he H oun s lowTwickenham border for 17 years, spent his childhood in the constituency, frequently e xplor i ng t he ar ea wit h classmates on the 111 bus route while attending Tiffin Sc hool Af te r gra duati n g from Oxford, he joined the Liberal Democrats in 2022 Pr ior it i si ng his c ar eer in tech, Dhruv initially assisted wi th onl i ne com muni c ations However, his experie nc e a s Commun i ca ti ons Offi cer for the Ri chmond B orough Core Exec uti ve spurred his commitment to effect change in Feltham & H es ton Joi ni ng the H ouns low Exec uti ve , he continued in his role before being selected as the Liberal D emoc ra ts ' ca ndi da te f or the constituency
In an interview with Asian Voice, Dhruv discussed plans and initiatives for the constituency, emphasising cultural integration and the celebration of diversity within the community and much more 1) What specific plans does the Liberal Democrat party have for Feltham & Heston, a nd how do you pl an to implement them?
Liberal Democrat policies prioritise what politicians should truly be doing: engaging with and understanding local residents As someone local myself, I haven’t just been doing this around the election – it’s something I do constantly
Here are some key points on my local agenda:
Social housing support: There are reports of multiple households who are having to choose between a hygienic living situation and feeding their kids This is a council issue, so the way to implement change is bringing specific cases before the Labour-run council and threatening to bring action if the relevant funding is not allocated
Local NHS support: In 2023, it was reported that Heston Health Centre, which itself has 4 GP surgeries, was designated as unsuitable to deliver 21stcentury primary care by the chair of the Hounslow Clinical Commissioning Group If elected, I'll demand transparent progress updates on the Integrated Care Board from local Labour representatives and enforce clear timelines
Waste management: It's clear from the situation on our streets that waste management is not good enough in Hounslow We need to tackle the littering and flytipping culture head on with stricter fines that are actually enforced, while also holding contractors accountable on missed collections
Police support: If elected, I'll prioritise tackling the
monthly reality of attempted robberies, particularly targeting cars I ll advocate for increased community policing as a deterrent Additionally, I'll explore reallocating CCTV budgets to subsidise video doorbells for residents, enhancing security measures
2) How will you engage with the South Asian population in Fe lth am & He st on, address their specific needs, and promote cultural integration and diversity?
Celebrating diversity in Feltham & Heston has always been a personal commitment for me, rooted in my background With roots in Uttar Pradesh and Bengal, my upbringing by Delhiite parents who later moved to the UK in 99 instilled a strong connection to my South Asian identity
During Covid, I dedicated myself to improving my Hindi skills, even learning to read and write Last year, I engaged with Bilete Bangali leaders to discuss hosting more community events in the constituency following the successful Durga Puja celebration at Feltham Assembly Hall
To promote cultural integration, we must maximise the potential of existing community events organised by various societies By fostering unity with council support, these events can create a more inclusive atmosphere for all community members My upbringing and experiences, including studying at Tiffin School, have given me a diverse network of friends from South Asian backgrounds Integration thrives when there are spaces available for collective celebration
3) As the youngest candidate st and in g for Fe ltha m & Heston, how do you plan to compete with more experienced candidates, and what uni que pe rs pec ti ve s or advantages do you bring to the table?
Youth is only a strength – it gives me a true longterm thinking perspective
Experience is a separate matter - there are only three relevant types of experience here, and I feel confident that I can compete with any candidate on each of them These themselves create my unique perspective and advantage
Firstly, there's life expe-
rience, where age doesn't always translate to a deeper understanding of local issues Instead, it's about how long and how recently one has lived locally In my case, I've lived at the same address since 2007, giving me firsthand insight into our community's needs and concerns
In terms of political experience, despite being younger than every member of the Hounslow Borough Liberal Democrats Executive, I have been chosen as their candidate Within the party, I have demonstrated my skills as an experienced campaigner and public speaker, earning recognition for my contributions Recently, I was featured on national news channels like Sky and BBC as one of the candidates invited to the Liberal Democrat Manifesto Launch
At just 23 years old, I am already at the helm of an AI startup, following a career trajectory that began in Venture Capital and Big Tech If organisations and older colleagues trust me to lead, why should my age be a factor?
4) Wha t m es sa ge do y ou want to convey to youn g voters in Feltham & Heston, an d how d o you pl an t o address their concerns and aspirations?
Young voters should know that they are not forgotten The reason I joined this party was that I saw space for representing people like me, and fighting for their issues Whether it be young people, South Asians, or the intersection
The Liberal Democrats are committed to addressing issues that resonate personally with young people like me Despite working in Tech, owning a home seemed like an impossibility, leading me to continue living with my parents due to soaring rents My party recognises the housing crisis, and is pledging to build 380,000 new homes annually On another note, despite being lucky enough to have gained a place at a grammar school, I still witnessed constant inadequate funding On this point, the Liberal Democrats are dedicated to increasing school and college funding per pupil above the rate of inflation each year Even though my parents are not yet retired or require care, I worry about what might happen to them if I leave home – my party is dedicated to restoring proper community policing, 8000 more GPs, and tackling pollution and waste
I am confident that my shared experience with local young voters will allow me to tackle any issue they face – I hope that they will put their faith in me to represent them
Hindu voices in the UK general election
Ac cor di ng to t he 2 02 1 Census, Hindus in England an d Wa le s numb ere d 1,032,775, making up 1 7% of the populat ion Li ke any othe r c ommun it y in th e country, they have unique needs and voices that must be heard and addressed
Nitin Palan MBE, an interfaith champion, philanthropist, and social innovator who has spearheaded several successful projects promoting social cohesion, shared his thoughts with Asian Voice He highlights what he believes are the sentiments of the Hindu diaspora in the upcoming UK general election
Whatare the expectations of the Hindu diaspora from the incoming government?
As emphasised in the Hindu manifesto (detailed coverage on page 16), what we truly require is peace and harmony We need stricter border controls to prevent the influx of drugs into our country, ensuring our children are shielded from negative influences Additionally, there's a pressing need for more support for voluntary groups that tirelessly contribute to our communities, yet often struggle due to lack of funding The manifesto also addresses the necessity for digital watchdogs to monitor and regulate media platforms, particularly concern-
ing biased reporting by outlets like the BBC and The Guardian, whose perspectives may be skewed due to financial interests Moreover, it's imperative to prioritise issues such as dementia care and substance abuse control, areas that demand greater attention and action
Interms of leadership, between Starmer and Sunak, where do you perceive people are currently leaning more towards?
I believe politicians often play games, and we shouldn't focus on one politician over another If everyone prioritises what is right for the country, it won't matter who is in power because we will elect leaders who act in the best interest of all There's no such thing as what is right for one community over another; it should be about what is right for everyone
It's not about Labour or Conservative; it's about what benefits the country as a whole We are frustrated with politicians acting as puppets for other countries, which creates disharmony within the UK Our politicians need to understand that interfering with other countries can lead to problems at home Western politicians must realise their job is to serve the nation and not cater to a few commercial interests They should remember that the UK is part of the world, not just an isolated island, and consider how their actions impact global relationships and contribute to the world at large
Canyou elaborate on that?
Take the Ukraine war, for example Why should we take sides and supply arms? Human life is important, whether it s Ukrainian or Russian, Palestinian or
Jewish Every life matters
Instead of focusing on harmony, politicians are often preoccupied with supplying arms and profiting from conflict Politicians need to understand that peace and harmony are crucial for any country, including our own To truly grow as a nation and as individuals, we must prioritise peace This is what we need to focus on to ensure a better future for everyone
Doyou think Rishi Sunak has somewhat of a Hindu advantage because of his Hindu identity?
I don't think Sunak has acted particularly in favour of the entire Hindu community or even specifically for the Hindu community His focus has been on the nation as a whole, and if policies are good for the nation, they will inevitably be good for Hindus too However, our requirements are indeed specific in a few areas For instance, we have unique practices like cremation, which is becoming more common even among Christians, but still requires attention to our specific customs
Vegetarianism for Hindus often means a diet without eggs, which is something we need to ensure is understood and respected Our children should also have the opportunity to be educated about Hindu Dharma in schools These aspects, while specific, contribute positively to the broader society Vegetarianism, for example, is beneficial for the environment Teaching values of peace and harmony through Hindu education can produce better, more compassionate individuals Practices like yoga and meditation, which we bring to the global platform, have the potential to make the world a happier place
Reform UK proposes £40 billion tax cut
Britain's right-wing Reform UK party, led by Brexit campai gner N igel Farage, has proposed a substantial £40 billion ($51 billion) tax cut for voter s, s ugge sti ng the pla n c ould be fun ded by eliminating the interest paid to b an ks by the B ank of England (BoE) Sitting third in pre-election opinion polls, Reform UK is adding to the challenges faced by the governing Conservatives The party's proposal includes raising the annual income tax threshold to £20,000, significantly up from the current £12,570 Party Chairman Richard Tice argued that this move would stimulate the economy and end what he described as the "gross negligence" of the BoE paying tens of billions of pounds to banks through its quantitative easing (QE) programme, which is financed by taxpayers "This is real cash, your money, being used to enrich the City of London," Tice stated during a news conference
The BoE's QE economic stimulus programme involved purchasing £875 billion of government bonds that pay a fixed interest rate This was financed with cash on which the BoE now pays interest at its main rate, currently at a 16-year high Some former BoE officials have suggested that banks could earn interest on only a portion of their deposits at the BoE
However, Governor Andrew Bailey has cautioned that such a change would limit the BoE's ability to steer the economy through interest rate adjustments Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt has echoed this sentiment, warning that it could harm Britain's competitiveness as a financial services hub
Dhruv Sengupta
Nitin Palan MBE
Nigel Farage
The Hindu Manifesto UK 2024 launched
A Unified Voice for the UK Hindu Community
The Hindu Manifesto UK
2024, launched by the Hindus fo r Demo c rac y u mbr ella organisation over the weekend, marks a significant milestone in the co ll ect ive advo c acy efforts of major Hindu organisations across the UK
This long-awaited manifesto underscores a shared commitment not only to the advancement of British Hindus but also to the overall progress
of the entire UK nation and its people
Comprising seven key assurances, the Hindu Manifesto 2024 outlines the aspirations of the UK's Hindu community for parliamentary candidates and the future government to be elected in the July 4 General Election
These assurances aim to safeguard, promote, and advance Hindu values and interests within the broader framework of British society
Reco gnition of Anti-Hindu Hate as a Religious Hate Crime: At the forefront of the manifesto's demands is the recognition of anti-Hindu hate as religiously motivated crimes This involves the designation of organisations and individuals involved in perpetrating such offenses
Protection of Places of Hindu Worship: Another crucial aspect of the manifesto is ensuring the security and preservation of Hindu temples and places of worship throughout the UK
Access to Fairer Education: The manifesto advocates for equitable access to education for Hindu students, free from discrimination or bias
Equal Representation and Opportunities: Promoting equal opportunities and repre-
sentation for Hindus across various sectors, including employment, politics, and public service, is a key demand of the manifesto
Strea ml in in g Immi grati o n Pro ce ss es:
Simplifying and streamlining immigration procedures to facilitate the entry of Hindu migrants and their families into the UK is emphasised as a pressing need
Improving Healthcare and Social Care: Ensuring access to high-quality healthcare and social welfare services for members of the Hindu community is a prominent objective of the manifesto
Acknowledging and Protecting Dharmic Values: Recognising and upholding Hindus' cultural and religious heritage, including the principles and values embedded in Dharma, is essential for fostering social cohesion and inclusivity
Already endorsed by a number of parliamentary candidates, the Hindu Manifesto 2024 has garnered widespread support for its goals, reflecting a unified voice of the UK Hindu community Representatives from diverse backgrounds and regions have come together to champion these seven assurances, signalling a collective effort towards positive change and progress
A beautiful day for harmony: Action for Harmony Symposium in London
Nilesh Solanki
On Saturday, June 8th, 2024, Action for Harmony, a collaborative platform for all Hindu Organisations hosted an exemplary symposium in London The event aimed to ad d res s the c oncerns, op p ortuni ties, and solutions for the Hindu community, drawing together over 300 attendees from 165 different organisations across the UK, representing various Mandirs, Sampradayas and Samaj
The symposium commenced with a morning session featuring over ten distinguished speakers from experienced volunteer organisations These speakers delved into pressing issues such as domestic concerns, education, community needs, and political participation Their discussions highlighted a critical gap: the lack of education about the Sanatan Dharma way of life, both within the Hindu community and in the broader public There was a strong consensus that this gap must be bridged, as the values of Sanatan Dharma could significantly contribute to greater peace and harmony, benefiting humanity and the environment encompassing our holistic philosophy
In the afternoon, attendees participated in workshops aimed at exploring potential solutions to these issues A recurring theme was the urgent need for better education about Sanatan Dharma to foster understanding and harmony
An informative exhibition during the symposium showcased the commendable work of various volunteer organisations These organisations have been serving the community tirelessly without funding, demonstrating the power and impact of vol-
The Hindu manifesto 2024: Warts and all
Dr Prakash Shah
Presumably written in consultation with several of the larger Hindu organisations in Britain, the Hindu Manifesto was launched last week The idea is that prospective parliamentary candidates (PPCs) commit to its contents and for Hindus to vote for those who have signed up Signers-up can be tracked online by constituency Without endorsing any party, the manifesto asks PPCs to commit to a set of policies It offers detail and sets out brief “candidate expectations”
PPCs could assent to many of the expectations without much difficulty
encouraged them
The manifesto erroneously refers to the proscription of individuals; the terrorism law only proscribes organisations; other measures apply to individuals Some expert input may have picked up on such seemingly minor but important errors, which underscore the exclusion from the drafting process of experts with relevant domain knowledge Hindu community organisations haven’t yet understood the role of specialist knowledge, especially when they so obviously lack it
demanded much in the past, while politicians have taken them for granted
They know that Hindus vote in quite low numbers for elections Hindus tend to be satisfied with photo opportunities and contracts, funding or awards for themselves without offering any political programme for enhancing the life of their community or the nation
Given this “chai-andsamosas ” attitude, the manifesto’s walkingbefore-one-runs approach may be understandable
Some elements such as those on anti-Hindu hate appear half-baked
Granted, the language of ‘Hinduphobia’ is less prominent as it is awfully close to the toxic term ‘Islamophobia’, which is meant to make all our freedoms subject to an Islamic veto Yet, the detailed provisions are copied from Hinduphobia documents written by organisations across the Atlantic, so the lexical veil isn’t altogether convincing
unteerism The symposium's participants unanimously agreed that harmony has no room for anger, mistrust, or fear
The event also highlighted the importance of supporting social organisations, both financially and through active participation Despite having established themselves as key contributors to the success of the UK over the past 40 years, the Hindu community remains underrepresented in public discourse This underrepresentation often leads to instances of misrepresentation, underscoring the need for greater participation in discussions about the community's future and heritage
The day was not only about serious discussions but also about building relationships and enjoying time together Attendees were treated to a lovely lunch and concluded the day with delightful canapés and drinks, providing excellent networking opportunities Many new relationships were formed, adding to the sense of community and shared purpose
In conclusion, the symposium organised by Action for Harmony was a resounding success It brought together a diverse group of people dedicated to addressing the needs and opportunities of the Hindu community in the UK The event underscored the importance of unity, education, and active participation in public life, advocating for a future where the values of Sanatan Dharma contribute to a harmonious and prosperous society The day was a testament to the strength and resilience of the community, marking a significant step towards greater representation and understanding Indeed, it was a beautiful day for harmony
The most uncontroversial include facilitating culturally sensitive events including marriage, religious ceremonies, and cremation; promoting reasonable accommodation of individuals’ rights to display religious symbols; better representation of Hindus in foster care, social services, chaplaincies, political parties, and public institutions, and better support and access for the elderly and disabled There is specific mention of the need to provide betterfunded protection for mandirs Their past discriminatory treatment means that Hindus have a compelling case that fits neatly into British multiculturalism
The more challenging “candidate expectations” are the demands for recognising anti-Hindu hate, the proscription of organisations and individuals engaging in hate and violence against Hindus Some PPCs will be reluctant to proscribe the LeT, the JKLF, the ISYF or Sikhs for Justice because they risk irking other, already influential constituencies The manifesto rightly refers to “attack on the High Commission of India” but hasn’t there been more than one such attack on the High Commission? PPCs do need reminding of these attacks which politicians have ignored, although some may well have welcomed or
Among the other “candidate expectations” are the need for more faith schools and expanding the teaching of Hinduism in religious education These are not uncontroversial points among Hindus or the wider public There may be good reasons to curb the spread of faith schools because, as OFSTED will confirm, that privilege is widely being abused too One can’t argue though with the advocated wider teaching of Indic languages
The simultaneous demand for curbing illegal migration may not work to counterbalance the manifesto’s demand for reducing visa delays and increasing the length of dependent and elderly parent visas These will be seen by many PPCs as further compromising an already leaky system When other controversial issues haven’t been raised, it’s unclear why the lightning rod of immigration should have been
Although no one wants Hindus to copy the outrageous demands being made by some Muslim campaigners, my impression is that the manifesto could have been more ambitious Some involved in drafting it have explained that its rather low pitching was a deliberate choice It is designed to get sign-ups from more PPCs as the first step in fostering better dialogue and engagement between Hindu organisations and politicians Hindus haven’t
More worrying is that the list steers into topics of legitimate discussion and includes types of speech that can hardly be described as hateful The philosopher SN Balagangadhara argues on scientific grounds that India has no religion, let alone the entity Hinduism Hindus would do better to engage seriously with such intellectual problems rather than bracketing them as hate speech
Absent from the manifesto is an expectation that PPCs should commit to repealing the caste provision in the Equality Act 2010 After its caste consultation of 2018, the Conservative government said it would repeal the provision, but it didn’t do so And no Hindu organisations called the government to account for that
The caste provision can be made effective merely by ministerial order Once enacted by a future Labour government, it won’t ever be repealed and will provide a lawful basis to abuse Hindus Although the manifesto says linking caste to Hinduism constitutes anti-Hindu hate, it overlooks the lurking legislation that does precisely that
The manifesto’s failure on the caste law underscores points made already: an unwillingness to rely on expertise, a lack of ambition; and inconsistent thinking I would add to these the lack of follow-up on commitments made by politicians and governments Will the manifesto share the same fate?
Dr Prakash Shah is a Reader in Culture and Law, Queen Mary, University of London
Bob Blackman and Theresa Villiers CB Patel being honoured by Dr Richa Sinha Scotland
The official launch of The Hindu Manifesto UK 2024
“The Labour Party created the NHS and only we can save it”
Anusha Singh Haj
ira P iranie, wh ose
ro ots are from Gujarat, is campaigning to becom e a first-tim e M em ber of P arliament for the Harborough , Oadby & Wigston constituency in sou thern Leicestersh ire
The Indian-origin Labour Party candidate is leveraging her personal experience of surviving sepsis with the state-funded healthcare service in her campaign for the July 4 general election in Leicestershire, East Midlands
In an interview with Asian Voice, she discusses her candidacy and priorities for her constituency Why did you choose the Labour Party, and how do your priorities align with Labour's values and goals?
I think it all stems from my personal values and upbringing, which emphasise public service, duty, and bearing responsibility towards my community and people I've always believed in being the voice for those who are voiceless and speaking up against injustice both at home and abroad This motivation led me to realise that Labour s commitment to equality, providing equal opportunities, breaking down barriers, and ensuring everyone has a fair chance at a good life resonates deeply with me My father taught me to always speak out against injustice and use my voice effectively My journey into politics is a natural extension of my values and the alignment I see with the Labour Party’s principles
You're quite young, and many in your generation aren't typically drawn to politics What motivated you to pursue this path?
I don't blame our youth for feeling apathetic Their disillusionment is a consequence of being repeatedly let down by a system that doesn't work
for them We've had 14 years under the Conservatives, and it's been incredibly difficult for young people to develop, progress, and access opportunities the kind of opportunities that were more available when Labour was in power For me, politics is the avenue for change We're starting to realise that the only way to make meaningful changes is for young people to be at the decisionmaking tables As a young mother with a three-yearold son, I worry about his future I don't want him to attend a school where the ceilings are crumbling, where there aren't enough qualified teachers, and where opportunities are scarce It's not fair that things are this way The only way to make changes is to be active in politics and to be present at the decision-making tables
Given the current challenges facing the NHS, how do you plan to help restore the NHS to its former glory, especially within your constituency?
The Labour Party created the NHS, and that’s why we are the only party that can save it The situation is desperate; people are literally dying on NHS waiting lists It's incredibly difficult to get a GP appointment; it’s become a national crisis One constituent shared with me how he tried to get an appointment He wasn’t mobile enough to visit the GP in person, so he participated in the "8 am
scramble over the phone He called 92 times in the morning and still couldn't secure an appointment Then for critical conditions like sepsis, which I have personally survived, timely medical attention is crucial or you could lose your life because sepsis can become critical within hours The NHS saved my life, which is why saving our NHS is my personal priority It's the biggest asset we have in our country, and it needs fixing There are many issues with our NHS, but Labour is committed to addressing them
Thereare significant narratives around Islamophobia and antisemitism in the UK, and Labour has been in the spotlight, especially after incidents involving Faiza Shaheen and Diane Abbott Any comments on that?
My experience with the Labour Party has been warm and welcoming I never imagined, nor did my family, that a young Indian Muslim girl could be in mainstream politics, standing to represent nearly 80,000 people The Labour Party has empowered and supported me throughout this journey My family arrived in this country in 1975, welcomed by a Labour Party that stood against the heightened racism of that time As someone aspiring to be the voice of my community, the Labour Party has continued to support me It’s now my responsibility, as a candidate and potential member of Parliament, to ensure I extend that same welcome to others
Howdo you plan to represent and advocate for minorities in your constituency, drawing from your own lived experience?
My ambition for my community in Harborough and Oadby & Wigston is to unite us in the midst of division I want to be the representative for all
Businesswoman chosen as Conservative candidate for Slough
T h e Co ns e rv at iv es h av e selected Mo ni Kaur Nanda, a lo cal busi nesswoman and c o m mu ni t y a dvo ca te , a s t h e i r c an di d at e f o r t h e S lough MP seat
Born in Taplow, Maidenhead, Moni has deep roots in the Slough and Windsor area, having worked there throughout her teenage years and twenties Her diverse experience includes roles ranging from waitressing at Pizza Hut to managing a Slough-based business for nearly a decade, as well as launching her
own business overseas
In addition to her professional endeavours, Moni has been actively involved in community initiatives, notably founding the Herschel Summer Netball tournament in 2006, which later led to the establishment of Slough Netball Club
Her entry into politics is relatively recent, sparked by a desire to address the lack of opportunities she observed in her hometown
Reflecting on her journey, Moni shared, "I didn't come
communities, emphasising visibility and local engagement This constituency is my home I was born and raised here and I want to unite our community Yesterday, I attended the Harborough Carnival, and it was wonderful to see communities come together to celebrate, with schools collaborating and local government funding the event However, such unity isn't present everywhere, even within Oadby & Wigston, the other side of the constituency I aim to be the MP that brings communities together, acting as a voice for everyone, just as the Labour Party has done I believe in being visible and accessible to all, ensuring that everyone feels represented and included
You've mentioned that you don't blame the youth for their lack of trust in the politics of the country. How do you plan to support and help the youth in your constituency?
For me, the crucial first step is to invest in our young children, starting with their primary school education Providing every child with a free breakfast and supporting them with breakfast clubs ensures they start their day right Additionally, it's essential to ensure schools have the necessary resources, including specialist teachers Labour has pledged to hire 6,500 more teachers to support our children's education Investing in education is paramount to securing our children's future Furthermore, empowering young people to purchase their first home is crucial Labour's recently announced "Freedom to Buy" policy aims to support young people in this endeavour By leading with policies that empower and protect young people, we can also address the crisis in dentistry and healthcare
from a privileged background, and being an Asian woman growing up in the '90s wasn't easy But I am a hard worker and have built a successful career I am passionate about restoring hope, aspiration, and opportunity to Slough " Encouraged by the Conservatives' success in the 2023 local elections, where they secured 21 seats on Slough Borough Council, Moni is optimistic about the potential for positive change in her community
Minister Rishi Sunak has laid the Foundation, now we need to support him in
the Rebuilding
The last few years have tested the strength of the United Kingdom in unprecedented ways From the challenges posed by the glob al pandemi c to the sudden shoc k of conflict in Ukraine, the nation has needed s trong leadership Amidst these trials , one figure has s tood out as a beacon of hope and determi nati on: Prime Mi nister Ris hi Sunak
Since his inaugural speech in October 2022, Sunak has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to steering the country through difficult times His efforts have been tireless, focusing on revitalizing the economy and addressing the many issues facing our country Under his leadership, we've witnessed a restoration of inflation to normal levels, tax cuts benefiting working families, record-breaking support for pensioners, and a downward trend in energy bills While the task ahead remains, Sunak has laid the groundwork for economic recovery
The tangible results of Sunak's leadership are evident
The UK is not only growing faster than economic powerhouses like Germany and France but has also emerged as the fourth-largest exporter globally These achievements underscore not only the progress made under Sunak's leadership but also the resilience of the UK in the face of adversity
However, the journey towards recovery is far from over It is imperative that we rally behind Prime Minister Sunak to navigate the challenges that lie ahead The question we must ask ourselves is, who do we trust to transform this foundation into a secure future for ourselves and our families? The choice is clear: Sunak has demonstrated the vision and determination required to lead the UK through these trying times
Moreover, Sunak's rise to the position of Prime Minister holds a broader significance As the first British Indian to hold this esteemed office, he symbolizes progress and inclusivity His leadership not only breaks barriers but also serves as an inspiration to children across the UK, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds and the British Asian community Sunak's success sends a powerful message that through hard work and determination, nothing in the UK is impossible
Sunak has a strong track record of achievements but also a clear vision of the future He wants to create more opportunities by opening up apprenticeships to more people rather than sending them to unhelpful university degrees He has made a start on tackling immigration through the Rwanda plan
The NHS is important to all of us and took a huge strain during the pandemic Health spending is now at £192 billion per year and a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at making healthcare more efficient and accessible has been started
In summary, Rishi Sunak's tenure as Prime Minister has been marked by resilience, pragmatism, and a relentless pursuit of progress His leadership has guided the UK through some of its most challenging times, laying the groundwork for a brighter future As we stand at a crossroads, let us choose continuity and stability by supporting Rishi Sunak to lead us forward With Sunak at the helm, the UK can overcome any obstacle and emerge stronger than ever before
Reform UK drops two candidates over racism allegations
C hannel 4 News report s t hat Reform UK has withdr aw n support for t wo of it s general election candid a t e s fo l l ow i n g ac c us at ions of r acism and religious hate
The candidates, Hugo Miller, formerly standing in Horsham, and Andrea Whitehead, contesting in Leeds West and Pudsey, have faced public criticism for their controversial views
These allegations, which include offensive and racist statements,
were highlighted in a May report by ‘Hope not Hate’
Mr Miller told Channel 4 News that he has known Nigel Farage "very well" since 1994 He discussed his opposition to Western funding for the war in Ukraine and shared his views on immigration When questioned about his social media comments, particularly those about ethnic minorities, he did not deny them
Regarding a Facebook comment from June 2020
about a video featuring young Black people, he said, "Look at them leaping over the car I made the comparison between them and the baboons at Windsor Safari Park I found their behaviour incredibly offensive These are people jumping all over police cars and behaving like baboons They're behaving like apes in the jungle " The post also included a highly offensive racist term that Channel 4 News chose not to broadcast
Hajira Piranie
Prime
-Lord Dolar Popat
Member of the House of Lords and the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Uganda Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo
FIRST & FOREMOST ASIAN WEEKLY IN EUROPE
12-year-old Indian American wins
Scripps National Spelling Bee title
R B I moves 100 tonnes of gold from U K to its vaults in India SEE PAGE - 22
PAGE - 23
clearer picture as D-day approaches
With less than four weeks to go until the UK selects its next leader, the campaign discourse has predominantly revolved around the potential for a change in government Labour Party,
Starmer, holds a substantial lead in
community in making well-informed decisions during this dynamic period, Asian Voice has curated a special four page coverage with candidate interviews, expert analysis of the asser-
parties, community viewpoints, and a plethora of updates on the entire electoral process
Subhasini Naicker
With the culmination of the Indian general election of 2024, the nation stands at the threshold of a new chapter in its democratic saga This time, the people of India (Bharat) and democracy have emerged victorious and kingmakers. Beyond the election results, their voices have shaped the nation's political landscape and future
Labour Party shows determination to strengthen bilateral relationship with India and place FTA on fast track
T h e L a b o u r P a r t y h o s t e d a B
i t i s h Indian Business Reception’ on 3 June 2024 followed by an interaction with senior leaders of the party in the presence of several businesses, industry, trade and financial associations The Labour Party showed its determination to strengthen the bilateral relationship between India and the UK and to put the pending Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on fast track
Jogia is a British Indian politician in the UK An active Conservative Party member, Ameet joined the Party on his 16th birthday and has remained involved ever since
He was first elected as a Local Councillor in Harrow in 2014 and reelected in 2018 He also ran for Parliament in Brent North during the 2017 General Election In May 2014, Ameet became a Councillor in the London Borough of Harrow, receiving the highest number of votes of any candidate in the borough Currently the youngest Councillor in Harrow, Ameet has also served in the Shadow Cabinet, holding the position of Cabinet Member for Culture and Community
As he now campaigns as the Conservative candidate from Hendon for the 2024 elections, Ameet shares with Asian Voice, his vision and priorities for the constituency, representing diverse voices and the work of Conservative Party
You have a diverse background as a Downing Street adviser, a local councillor, and an aide to Lord Popat. How have these roles prepared you for the position of MP for Hendon?
I have worked in politics for over 15 years and I have loved every moment I have had the opportunity to work in a range of environments but the one thing that has been consistent has been my connection to Hendon I was born in Edgware and grew up around the constituency My experience in Westminster and my love for my home town means that I have the skills to be able to represent local people and give back to the area that has given so much to me over the years
Whatare your top three policy priorities for the Hendon constituency if you are elected as an MP?
I am against Labour's plans to introduce a 20% tax on private schools This would disproportionately impact the British Indian and Jewish community which is incredibly unfair Parents will not be able to absorb the costs and this will in turn increase strain on state schools I believe we should be encouraging aspiration I'm also committed to reducing crime, especially after the horrific news of a mother in Burnt Oak Finally, I'm in favour of supporting developments that are in keeping with the area, and opposing those which are not, such as the plans to build tower blocks over the Broadwalk centre in Edgware
Asyou step into the role previously held by Matthew Offord, you inherit both his achievements and challenges What are some of the key initiatives or policies he championed that you plan to continue, and what changes do you intend to bring to the table?
It is an honour to take over for Matthew Offord and all of the fantastic work he has done for Hendon over the last 14 years He has supported the Jewish community in the area, and this is something that I want to continue to do I am proud to stand by a Government who has shown unequivocal support for Israel and the Jewish community I want to ensure that Jewish people feel safe in Hendon in an increasingly hostile environment
As an individual of South Asian descent who can relate to the lived experiences of the minority communities, how do you plan to uplift their voices and ensure their concerns are addressed?
I will continue to work with community leaders to
ensure that minority voices are protected and amplified Over the last few months I have visited a number of communal institutions in Hendon that do remarkable and selfless work, caring for the most vulnerable members of minority communities I hope to continue to support these organisations in the future in Parliament as the work they do is vital There are large Indian and Jewish communities in Hendon who I hope to continue to support
Whatis your stance on the current immigration policies, which remains a hot topic in national politics?
The Government has reduced boat crossings by 36% and if re-elected they will continue to take bold actions as more needs to be done Starmer has said that if elected he will stop the Rwanda scheme even when it is working This would make the UK a magnet for illegal immigration in Europe Labour’s immigration policy would mean an extra 250,000 migrants coming to Britain which would increase strain on our public services
Asa leader within the Conservative Party, what do you believe are the party's greatest strengths and opportunities in the current political landscape?
One of the greatest strengths of the Conservative party is that as the incumbent, it is the party of stability By sticking with the Conservative plan, Rishi Sunak will continue to make progress for the good of the country Inflation is down from 11 1% to 2 3%, the lowest since 2021 Our economy is growing and the country is back on its feet With a Conservative government, I will be able to act quickly and effectively in Parliament to give the people of Hendon what they need and deserve
Waiver for bereaved foreign spouses
M Ps ar e cal l ing o n t h e Home Secretary to exempt ber eav ed fo reig n sp ou ses from a burdensome £2,885 fee r equired for them to continue residing in the UK before the general election
Stephen Timms and Caroline Lucas, along with other MPs, penned a letter to James Cleverly on Tuesday, urging him to expedite the approval of a
Election analysis
Domestic focus and foreign policy gaps
Anusha Singh
Prof Anand Menon holds the position of Director at UK in a Changing Europe and serves as a Professor specialising in European Politics and Foreign Affairs at King’s College London. An expert on EU politics and policy and on UK-EU relations, he discusses the upcoming UK elections in an interview with Asian Voice
Amidst heavy discussions about NHS overhaul, pension plans, and other domestic issues, no one is discussing foreign relations. Why is it so and what happens on that front?
I think when it comes to big foreign policy issues, apart from on the EU, the Labour and Conservative parties are in the same place One of the reasons why you're not hearing much about specific foreign policy is what s the point in talking about stuff that everyone agrees on The other thing is both parties, in slightly different ways, have stressed insecurity in this campaign The Conservatives have promised to raise defence spending to two and a half percent of GDP by 2030 without actually telling us how they'll pay for it The Labour Party, on the other hand, have pledged to raise defence spending to two and a half per GDP when economic conditions allow, which is basically meaningless So they are talking a little bit about it, but it s not going to be a key part of any election, partly because the two parties agree and partly because you don't win or lose general elections on foreign policy in this country, the public aren't that interested
There’s been a lot of discussion about withdrawing from the European Convention on Human Rights What’s your opinion on this? Is it a wise decision to withdraw from the convention?
the right-wing faction of the party If the UK were to leave the European Convention on Human Rights, it would cause significant complications
Beyond the potential reputational damage being the only European state apart from Russia to withdraw there are practical difficulties to consider The European Convention on Human Rights is integral to the Good Friday Agreement, which ended the conflict in Northern Ireland, and is specifically referenced in the Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the European Union Withdrawing from the court could cast doubt on both of these agreements So, while it may seem like an appealing slogan, the reality is far more complex
Given that Rishi Sunak took over as Prime Minister during a very complicated situation, how would you describe his tenure so far? Has his short time in office demonstrated that he is a credible candidate for re-election?
It’s true that Rishi Sunak didn't inherit a particularly good situation
There are two main things we can credit him for: first, rebuilding economic stability after the crisis of Liz Truss, and second, normalising relations with the European Union by signing the Windsor Framework However, he s a rather peculiar Prime Minister because he lacks political instinct For instance, he made errors like cancelling a train line to Manchester during the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester He's not a particularly good orator and often appears thin-skinned, becoming bad-tempered with interviewers who challenge him He doesn't seem to have the requisite skills to be a prime minister, especially the ability to tell a compelling story about the future Interestingly, many of these same criticisms can be made of Keir Starmer Perhaps they're fortunate to be running against each other, as neither seems to inspire much enthusiasm
damaged their brand These issues aren't related to Rishi Sunak's heritage, but they present significant challenges for any politician Encouragingly, there was little comment about his South Asian background when he became Prime Minister While a small number might have an issue, it's very minor
RegardingSunak's open pride in his Hindu heritage, do you think this will positively influence his support among South Asian communities, or could it have other implications?
It appeals to socially conservative voters because themes of family and God resonate regardless of specific religion The Conservatives are targeting the Indian Hindu community, which has traditionally supported Labour due to its stance on race and immigration, despite Labour's social liberalism clashing with many Indians' social conservatism Since 2019, Labour has alienated many Indian voters, especially after Jeremy Corbyn’s resolution on independent Kashmir, which was unpopular with Indian Hindus The Conservative Party has placed more Indians in senior positions and increased immigration from India, leading to a shift of Hindu Indians towards the Conservatives Although Labour's lead in the polls makes this a minor issue for the current election, it could be significant in the future Labour needs to be cautious about losing ethnic minority voters, as they are also starting to lose Muslim voters due to their stance on Gaza
fee waiver this week for indefinite leave to remain applications submitted by foreign nationals residing in the UK on a spouse visa whose British partners have passed away
Indefinite leave to remain is the status that allows foreign individuals to settle in the UK, granting them the right to reside, work, and study, and enabling them to pursue British citizenship
The letter highlighted that many bereaved women are unable to afford the £2,885 50 application fee, despite being eligible for the bereaved partner concession (BPC) Additionally, many grieving foreign spouses have children who are British citizens
There are several aspects to consider regarding the statements Many Conservative politicians are currently not just focusing on the general election but also on positioning themselves for the Conservative leadership election that will follow Taking a strong stance on the European Convention on Human Rights is a strategic move to appeal to
Do you think Britain is currently in a place where it could elect a South Asian or a Prime Minister from the BAME community, regardless of whether it's Rishi Sunak or someone else?
We could elect a South Asian Prime Minister, but I don't think it will be this one The Conservatives have been in power for 14 years, and events like Partygate under Boris Johnson and Liz Truss's mini-budget have severely
If the Labour party wins, how would a Keir Starmer victory impact the UK's relationship with India? Labour has been very clear about wanting a strong UK-India relationship for several reasons, including attracting back Indian Hindu voters Labour will likely strive to maintain a close relationship with Modi to counter rumours of anti-Indian bias, strengthen an important international relationship, and manage tensions with China
Prof Anand Menon
“My life philosophy focuses on fighting for marginalized communities”
Dr Debojyoti Das is the Green Party candidate for the Kingston and Surbiton constituency in the upcoming elections In an interview with Asian Voice, he shares his alignment with the Green Party s values outlines his priorities if elected, and offers his views on various issues affecting the constituency
Why did you choose the Green Party for your representation? How does the party’s values align with that of yours?
The Green Party vision symbolizes real hope and change, contrasting the traditional "business as usual" policies I admire Caroline Lucas's courage, honesty, and dedication, which have led her to serve Brighton Pavilion for 14 years, each time increasing her lead Over the past five years, as the Tories faced policy failures, the Brexit debacle, PM changes, and a growing cost of living crisis, I was drawn to the Green Party's vision on several issues
My values align with their policies, such as bringing privatized water companies back into public ownership to invest in cleaning up rivers and ending the inefficiency of companies like Thames Water Additionally, I support the Green Party’s stance on taxing the ultra-wealthy to create a fairer society The party advocates for an equitable and green country with actual plans for a Net Zero future, unlike the Conservatives and Labour, who have abandoned their 2030 targets
My life philosophy focuses on fighting for marginalized communities, anti-austerity measures, and bringing public services into public hands, including building more social housing and introducing rent control The Green Party’s innovative, practical, and community-focused policies give hope for a sustainable and equitable future
Whatkey issues do you plan to prioritize in your campaign for the upcoming parliamentary election, and how are you reaching out to the constituents to understand their needs and problems? What are some of the issues that have come to light so far?
Majorly, concerns about the cost of higher education are widespread, with many advocating for the end of tuition fees The Green Party is committed to this and has included it as a fully costed item in their manifesto Residents also want easier access to doctors' appointments without the hassle of forms and callbacks This makes reducing reliance on agency workers and ensuring fair wages for doctors and nurses through proper NHS funding essential Voters in Surbiton want to preserve the Seething Wells Filter Beds as a natural resource and stop Thames Water from dumping sewage into the Hogsmill
chalk stream Concerns also extend to Thames Water's plan to extract water from the Thames and replace it with treated sewage, highlighting the need for fixing leaks to increase water supply Apart from these, bus users are unhappy about the reduction in the 57 and 213 bus services, housing affordability and the proliferation of empty shops on local high streets and the loss of independent businesses are other concerns Climate action, improved public services, better social care, quicker access to special educational needs assessments, and safer school buildings are all critical issues that need addressing
TheNHS is one of the prominent aspects of the upcoming elections How are you going to help your constituencies with their health care needs, if elected?
Meeting healthcare needs is one of the biggest challenges families face today, exacerbated by austerity measures and an ageing population that demands additional healthcare services, straining our NHS resources The Green Party is committed to fully resourcing the NHS to prevent its collapse, which will require funding that could come from taxing the ultrawealthy Additionally, we can utilize community volunteering and champions to support the NHS
Investing in local NHS trusts and reducing staff outsourcing are essential steps We need to provide better training and open clinics on weekends to address backlogs Elderly people often suffer from anxiety and depression due to lack of support, financial constraints, and loneliness
Establishing community centres and supporting communal activities for senior citizens can significantly alleviate these issues
In our borough, yoga classes, Pilates lessons, and garba dance sessions are hosted by groups like Malaap and Kingston Saheli
We also have a strong Korean Community Centre, reflecting our multicultural community in Kingston and Surbiton Understanding and embracing each other's cultures is crucial in
addressing health and mental health issues in the borough I am actively working with the community to promote holistic well-being
Howdo you differentiate yourself and your policies from those of the incumbent MP, Ed Davey? What strategies do you have in place to engage and mobilise voters, particularly those who may not traditionally support the Green Party?
Sir Ed Davey, despite being the leader of the Lib Dems, has not been that successful in keeping the promises he made when he was elected in 2019 Kingston has seen unprecedented growth in high rise apartments with a squeeze on social housing And the Lib Dem Council demolished the Kingfisher Leisure Centre in 2019 with a plan to replace it by Autumn 2024 But today building work on a new Kingfisher has yet to start leaving residents with only one swimming pool to use I see Ed Davey just playing the conservative fear mongering card in all their leaflets They are good at publishing testimonies of people without clearly outlining what promises they have fulfilled in the past five years And residents have not forgotten Ed Davey’s role in the Post office Scandal from his time in Government
Given the current narrative of islamophobia and antisemitism, minorities may not feel safe or supported As part of a minority group, how do you plan to uplift their voices and ensure their concerns are addressed?
We believe in the politics of hope, not fear The Green Party has consistently called for an immediate bilateral ceasefire in Gaza since the conflict began We are committed to respecting each other's culture and social values, which are the essence of a multicultural society The party stands firmly against all forms of discrimination, including racial and gender-based discrimination Our vision and priorities are rooted in equality, inclusion, and diversity
Immigration is often seen as a bane in the UK, but we believe the real issue lies in the underinvestment in public services By providing universal basic income and investing in the NHS and higher education, immigration will no longer be a contentious political issue
Universal Basic Income can help alleviate fears surrounding immigration and promote a more inclusive society
Pakistani community leaning away from Labour
The United Kingdom hosts the largest Pakistani community in Europe, with over 1 6 million British Pakistanis recorded in the 2021 Census British Pakistanis represent the second-largest ethnic minority group in the UK and constitute the second-largest sub-group among British Asians Furthermore, they rank among the largest Overseas Pakistani communities, comparable in size to the Pakistani diaspora in the UAE
As the UK heads towards the general election, issues like the NHS, cost-of-living crisis, economy and housing crisis are front and centre as factors of contention For the minority communities, another issue that stands out is the currently increasing stance of islamophobia in the country and political parties and this will play majorly into how the Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities vote
Here, Dr Parveen Akhtar, Deputy Head of Department at Politics, History and International Relations (PHIR), Aston University discusses the needs and concerns of the Pakistani diaspora and how their votes are currently leaning
What do you think is the Pakistani community in the UK l ooki ng f or whe n i t comes to the next leader of the coun try? Wha t i ss ues wi thi n t he c ommun it y require urgent attention?
The Pakistani community in the UK, like everyone else in the country at the moment is looking for a leader who can provide hope and opportunities Things which seemed perfectly reasonable not so long ago, being able to see your local GP or being able to get on the property ladder, functioning public services from education to health to transport seem to be at present extraordinary unmeetable demands Internationally, the issue of the conflict in the Middle East and the call for a ceasefire in Gaza is an important issue for many too And whilst traditionally, the British Pakistani community has been loyal to the Labour Party, viewing it as the party most hospitable to immigrants and social justice, the Labour Pary’s early stance, not call-
ing for a ceasefire has left many disillusioned Does the political stance of different parties regardi ng the I sr ael - Ha mas c onf li c t af fe ct the vot i ng t ren ds , es pec ia lly c onsi de ri ng t he accusations of Islamophobia and anti- Semiti sm agains t bot h L abour a nd th e Conservatives?
It was clear from the results of the local elections on in May that some in the Muslim community had turned away from Labour, in large part due to the party’s stance on Gaza Consequently, we have seen a rise in the number of Independent candidates standing alongside the main political parties In that sense, this election will have a significant number of candidates standing as Independent candidates with a significant focus on the issue of Gaza The Labour Party will potentially lose a number of voters to these Independent candidates
What is your opinion on the Cons erv ati ve Pa rty's immigration stance A clear strategy of the Conservative Party is to try to stave off losing votes to the Reform Party So, it will continue to focus on issues such as immigration, which will appeal to those tempted by reform
Abbott to contest Labour seat, declines Lords offer
Diane Abbott has confirmed her intention to run as the La bour c an di dat e f or H ac kn ey Nort h & Stok e Ne wi ngt on, di spe ll i ng rum our s of he r be i ng offered a peerage
Following a shadow cabinet backlash, Sir Keir Starmer stated that Abbott would indeed be free to stand for Labour, retracting previous plans that would have prevented her candidacy Baroness Chakrabarti, a close associate of Abbott, advised her to take time for reflection amidst the situation, criticising unauthorised briefings from certain
individuals
Abbott reiterated her commitment to running for Labour, denying any offers of a seat in the House of Lords Reports emerged sug-
gesting that Abbott, along with other former Labour MPs, had been offered peerages to vacate their Commons seats and create opportunities for Starmer's allies Amidst speculation about Abbott's candidacy, the Labour Party faced accusations of purging left-wing members during candidate selections When questioned about promises of peerages, Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that no party can guarantee such appointments, highlighting the system's operational norms
British businesses need migrant workers
Bu si ness gro up s and a prominent union supporting Labour have advised Sir Keir Starmer that Britain requires foreign workers, countering his pledge to decrease immigration levels
Starmer expressed concerns over Britain's overreliance on foreign workers to address skill shortages, labelling migration levels as "sky-high " He proposed a Labour government's focus on training British workers to fill these gaps, aiming to address criticisms of being soft on migration, particularly from the Conservative Party
However, this proposal received a lukewarm response from businesses, which emphasised the necessity for Labour to present credible plans to enhance the skills of British workers
Gary Smith, head of the GMB union, highlighted the essential role of migrant workers in the economy and cautioned against divisive migration agendas exploited by the right-wing Matthew Percival of the CBI stressed the importance of linking skill shortages with available training, urging all political parties to engage in an honest conver-
sation about immigration
Neil Carberry of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation cautioned that Labour's plan could hinder its growth ambitions by restricting access to workers
Despite Starmer's pledge to lower immigration, experts noted that current policies were already reducing migration levels However, they questioned the effectiveness of Labour's plans to increase domestic worker training, particularly in sectors like care where pay and conditions were key recruitment challenges
Dr Debojyoti Das
Dr Parveen Akhtar
Diane Abbott
Prabhdeep Singh's promise to Feltham and Heston
Subhasini Naicker
Prabhdeep Singh, a dedicated advocate for social justice, is the prospective parliamentary candidate for Feltham and Heston with the Reform UK party Born in Punjab, India, Prabhdeep has been a British resident since 2003
He served in the British Army’s Royal Army Dental Corps before transitioning to entrepreneurship He also leads the Fight2Survive movement, which aims to bring pressing community issues to Parliament, ensuring that the voices of the underrepresented are heard and addressed
In an interview with Asian Voice, Prabhdeep discussed his reasons for joining Reform UK and outlined his measures to promote social cohesion and inclusivity within the constituency, among other important topics
1)What motivated you to become a Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Reform UK in Feltham and Heston?
My motivation to become a Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Reform UK in Feltham and Heston stems from a deep-seated commitment to public service and a desire to address the pressing issues facing our community My journey, from serving in the British Army to leading protests against the cost of living crisis and the ULEZ expansion, has shown me firsthand the struggles and aspirations of ordinary people I believe that the traditional political parties have lost touch with the realities of everyday life and that Reform UK offers a fresh, common-sense approach to governance
2)What are the primary areas of emphasis for Reform UK compared to other political parties concerning the economy, healthcare, and other policy domains?
Reform UK is dedicated to implementing practical, effective solutions that prioritise the well-being of all citizens Our focus spans several key areas In the economy, we aim to cut government waste, lower taxes, and make work pay by fostering a business-friendly environment to stimulate growth and ensure financial stability for everyone In healthcare, our comprehensive plan includes increasing
funding for the NHS, reducing bureaucracy, and ensuring timely access to services, with the goal of providing high-quality, accessible healthcare for all For public safety, we will bolster police numbers and equip them with the necessary resources to effectively combat crime, particularly the rise in knife crime In education, we are committed to improving the system by investing in schools, supporting teachers, and ensuring every child receives a quality education Compared to other parties, we emphasise efficiency, accountability, and the urgent need to restore trust in public institutions
3)Considering the persistent issue of antisemitism, what measures will you take to promote social cohesion and inclusivity within the constituency of Feltham and Heston?
Promoting social cohesion and inclusivity is a top priority for me, and I am committed to actively challenging and eradicating all forms of discrimination, including antisemitism To achieve this, I plan to implement several measures First, I will establish regular forums and town hall meetings to encourage open dialogue and understanding among diverse community groups In education, I will support programs that promote diversity, tolerance, and respect from an early age Additionally, I will provide resources and support services for victims of hate crimes and discrimination to ensure they receive the justice and assistance they need I will also collaborate closely with local law enforcement to ensure that hate crimes are promptly investigated and perpetrators are held accountable By fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding, we can build a more cohesive and inclusive community
4)How do you plan to differentiate yourself from Seema Malhotra, the longstanding Labour MP for Feltham and Heston, and what are your top priorities and strategies for Feltham and Heston?
I plan to differentiate myself from Seema Malhotra by bringing a fresh perspective and a proven track record of proactive activism Unlike the Labour Party,
which has often focused on rhetoric rather than results, I am committed to delivering tangible, impactful change My top priorities for Feltham and Heston include tackling crime by implementing effective strategies to reduce knife crime and ensure public safety, addressing the housing crisis by increasing the availability of affordable housing and reducing homelessness through targeted policies and investment, improving access to quality healthcare services and reducing NHS waiting times, and fighting to lower energy costs and address the broader cost of living crisis To address these issues, I will collaborate with local organisations, law enforcement, and healthcare providers to develop and implement practical solutions that meet the needs of our community
5)What personal qualities or experiences do you believe make you well-suited to represent the people of Feltham and Heston in Parliament?
My background in the British Army has instilled in me a strong sense of discipline, dedication, and resilience Leading protests against the costof-living crisis and ULEZ expansion has shown my commitment to fighting for the rights of the people As a business owner, I understand the challenges faced by local businesses and the importance of a thriving economy I am approachable, empathetic, and deeply committed to serving my community My ability to listen, understand, and act on the concerns of the people of Feltham and Heston makes me well-suited to represent them in Parliament I am driven by a genuine desire to make a positive difference and ensure that every voice in our community is heard and respected
Lib Dems promise free adult personal care
disabl ed individuals at hom
if they were in government
Leader Sir Ed Davey asserts that this commitment, coupled with increasing care workers' wages, would alleviate the hospital crisis and enable individuals to remain in their homes
The plan would be financed by reverting the tax cuts granted to major banks by the Conservatives, thereby covering the estimated £2 7 billion cost by 2028-29
While the exact figures are under evaluation, independent analysts indicate that the potential expenses associated with this policy may be greater
Ed Davey
The party aims to address the significant shortage of care workers by implementing a carer's minimum wage set £2 above the standard minimum wage Additionally, they propose establishing a Royal College of Care Workers similar to the Royal Colleges of Nursing and Midwifery
Sir Ed, who has firsthand experience caring for his disabled son and previously
looked after his ailing mother in his youth, stressed the deeply personal significance of this matter He expressed, "I want the party to be the voice of carers, partly because I've been a carer most of my life " Introducing the policy, he underscored its centrality in the Liberal Democrats platform, aiming to support individuals in living "independently and with dignity" in their own homes whenever feasible "Far too often," he lamented, "family carers are left to pick up the pieces because the care system simply isn't there for them We cannot address the crisis in the NHS without also addressing the crisis in social care "
Mega-poll predicts Tory election wipeout with only 66 seats
The Conser vat ives a re fa cin g a n ele ctora l disaste r, potent ia lly winnin g on ly 66 sea ts in Parliame nt, according to a n ew mega -poll
This would result in a Labour landslide, with Sir Keir Starmer's party securing 476 MPs a majority of 302 factoring in tactical voting
Big names potentially losing their seats include Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden, Home Secretary James Cleverly, and Defence Secretary Grant
Shapps
However, Rishi Sunak is expected to retain his seat in Richmond, North Yorkshire, albeit with a significantly reduced majority The poll shows Labour at 46 percent, a substantial 27 points ahead of the Conservatives, who are at just 19 percent
The scale of the Tory defeat would leave the party with just seven more MPs than the Liberal Democrats, who are predicted to win 59 seats, according to a poll by Electoral Calculus and Find
Out Now for GB News
Electoral Calculus stated, "Our figures indicate a substantial Labour landslide, with Keir Starmer gaining a majority of over 300 seats at Westminster The Conservatives would have fewer than 100 seats They would be the official opposition, but with only 72 out of 157 opposition MPs " This result could also significantly impact a Tory leadership contest, which is widely expected if the party loses the election
Lyn Brown and John Cryer steps down ahead of election
Tw o ad ditional long-serv ing Labour M Ps in London have rev ealed they w ill retire at the u pcoming g eneral election on July 4 th West Ham MP Lyn Brown is the latest among them to announce her departure from Westminster This decision follows earlier announcements by John Cryer, MP for Leyton and Wanstead, and Virendra Sharma, MP for Ealing Southall, stating they would not seek reelection in the snap summer election
After 16 years representing her constituency, Mrs Brown described her decision as a "huge wrench," citing the need for new Labour MPs to tackle local issues like homelessness and child
poverty Personal health struggles also influenced her choice She emphasised the impact of Tory governance on Newham and stressed the importance of electing a Labour Government to address these challenges
Mr Cryer, Chair of the Parliamentary Labour Party, announced his departure from Westminster, citing
the need to spend more time with his young children Describing the decision as "extremely difficult," he emphasised the heavy caseload in their constituency and the toll of austerity on vulnerable populations He expressed frustration with the erosion of elected representatives' ability to enact change
Akshata Murty participates in Rishi Sunak's campaign trail
Akshata Murty, the wife of U K Pr im e M i n is t er R i s hi Sunak, has taken an active role in supporti ng her husband during the challenging Conservative campai gn Following Sunak s announcement of the general election date on July 4, she shared a supportive message declaring her solidarity with him every step of the way Through her
Instagram account, the 44year-old businesswoman has been posting campaign messages endorsing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak In a joint statement signed Akshata and Rishi on social media, they highlighted their shared values beyond common interests like watching 'Friends' reruns and enjoying Spanish cuisine
Prabhdeep Singh
Lyn Brown John Cryer
R I T I S H A S I A N F A C E S I N U K E L E C T I O N
As the UK prepares for its upcoming general election, a diverse group of British Asian candidates is emerging as key contenders across various constituencies These individuals, representing different political parties, bring unique perspectives and experiences, reflecting the rich multicultural fabric of the nation Here are the lists of British Asian candidates to watch in the upcoming UK general election This is an update for the list included in the last week’s newsweekly
Nigel Farage reverses decision, joins Reform UK
T he Co nse rvati ve party' s s tru ggli ng el ect io n c ampaign faced a significant setb ack a s Ni gel F arage declared his intention to run a s a n MP and l ead the Reform party for the next five years
The former Ukip and Brexit party leader announced his decision to stand in Clacton, Essex, after a change of heart during his time on the campaign trail, stating his commitment to not letting down his supporters Farage will assume leadership of Reform UK from Richard Tice, vowing to serve a full parliamentary term
His announcement not only poses an immediate challenge to the Tory candidate in Clacton but also injects energy into his party's national campaign, potentially dividing the right-wing vote in other constituencies
Additionally, it raises concerns about Farage's potential antagonism toward the Tories as they confront a post-election struggle for the direction of their party
Farage's attempt to secure victory in Clacton, a constituency that elected a Ukip MP in 2014 and currently holds a Tory majority of 24,702, marks his eighth endeavour to enter Parliament Despite seven previous unsuccessful attempts, Farage remains undeterred Additionally, YouGov's initial MRP constituency projection, preceding Farage s announcement, suggests a potential landslide victory for Keir Starmer, with a projected majority of 194 exceeding
for election
even Tony Blair's 179 majority in 1997
The projection places Labour at 422 seats (a gain of 222 from the 2019 election, considering new constituency boundaries), the Tories at 140 (a loss of 232), the Lib Dems at 48 (an increase of 40), and the SNP at 17 (a decrease of 31) One senior Tory described Farage's return as an "existential" risk
Rishi Sunak cautioned voters that supporting Nigel Farage in the upcoming election could jeopardise every-
thing they value
He said, "On July 5th, either Keir Starmer or I will be Prime Minister A vote for anyone other than a Conservative makes a Labour victory more likely
"Consider the issues that matter to you If you care about stopping the boats and reducing legal migration, I’ve already cut boat crossings by a third and have flights ready to Rwanda in July Keir Starmer will cancel these flights, release everyone, and offer an amnesty
"If you care about net zero without imposing extra costs on families, I’m the one who will deliver that Starmer would ban North Sea oil, harming our energy security and raising costs
"And if you want lower taxes, that’s my priority We’re cutting taxes by £900 for workers and reducing taxes for pensioners with a triple lock plus "
Faiza Shaheen decries 'huge injustice' over Labour candidacy bar
Faiza Shaheen says she feels a "huge injustice has been done" after she was barred f rom s tan di ng as Lab our candidate
The former candidate for Chingford and Woodford Green in northeast London posted a statement on social media after allegedly endorsing a series of posts that minimised accusations of antiSemitism She stated, "Last night at 9 pm, via email, I discovered that Labour has revoked my candidacy for Chingford & Woodford Green, less than six weeks before the General Election, after dedicating over four years to winning this seat "
"I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has reached out with their support I believe a significant injustice has been committed, affecting not only me but our entire community
"At this moment, I'm feeling quite overwhelmed, so I'll take this morning to meet with my campaign and legal teams to determine my next course of action, and of course, to spend some quality time with my baby
"Rest assured, this isn't the end of my journey, and I'll be sharing all the details of my experience publicly very soon
Channel 4 News obtains
Faiza Shaheen’s NEC candidacy interview tape
Channel 4 News has
Lib Dem Ayoub Khan resigns to run as independent candidate
City councillor Ayoub Khan has r es i gne d f rom the Li ber al De moc rat s af ter al leg in g that he w as informed he could only be thei r MP ca ndi da te for Perry Barr if he agreed to stay silent on Gaza Khan, a barrister, stated that he could not comply with party officials vetting his statements or videos related to the Palestine cause as a prerequisite for his candidacy Khan asserted that adhering to such conditions would compromise his integrity and inde-
pendence as a representative of the people
He declared his decision to run as an Independent candidate, confident in his ability to challenge sitting Labour MP Khalid Mahmood, who holds a significant majority of 15,317 votes While maintaining his position as an Aston city councillor as an Independent, Khan expressed appreciation for the support of his local party members
Khan explained that he could not reconcile remain-
Khan
ing in the Liberal Democrats while advocating vigorously for an imme-
diate ceasefire and an end to arms sales to Israel, which he viewed as a crucial humanitarian issue for himself and his constituents Earlier this year, Khan faced criticism for a TikTok video in which he questioned the credibility of certain Israeli accounts detailing the Hamas massacre of October 7
Despite claiming he was merely expressing legal curiosity, his remarks led to complaints from local Jewish communities and political adversaries
obtained an exclusive audio recording of Faiza Shaheen's candidacy interview with the National Executive Committee, held just hours before she was informed she could not run as a Labour candidate
The recording sheds light on the events leading to the rejection of the Chingford and Woodford Green prospect from standing for the Labour Party in her local constituency
This development occurs amid ongoing accusations of Labour purging prominent left-wing voices from the party The meeting, understood to have taken place on May 28th at 6 pm, left Shaheen with minimal time to prepare and unable to secure childcare for her young child, as heard in the recording where she expresses distress with her baby
In the audio, Shaheen expresses concern that her stress is affecting her baby
This marks the first public insight into Labour MPs' selection meetings
During the call, three NEC members examine Shaheen's social media activity dating back to 2014, potentially leading to her deselection Channel 4 News reveals Shaheen received notice of the meeting just hours before, hindering her preparation Mish Rahman, a member of the NEC, describes the clips as "harrowing," criticising Labour s narrow approach
The Labour Party states the meeting was prompted by new material, leading to a decision for a change in the parliamentary candidate
Sojan Joseph Ashford Tahir Ali Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley
Khalid Mahmood Birmingham Perry Barr Imran Hussain Bradford East
Shama Tatler Chingford and Woodford Green
Ryan Jude Tatton
Zain Ahmed Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley
Imran Ali Khan Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North
Sukhinder Paul Hundal Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard
Gita Joshi West Bromwich
Sanjana Madan Mohan Karnani Walthamstow Maria Khan Ealing North
Rehman Chishti Gillingham and Rainham
Shivani Raja Leicester East
Saqib Bhatti Meriden and Solihull East
Sadik Chaudhary Bedford
Vikas Chopra Wolverhampton West
Mohammad Akunjee Bethnal Green and Stepney Sham Uddin Bethnal Green and Stepney
Nandita Lal Tottenham
Nigel Farage
Faiza Shaheen
Ayoub
Hina Bokhari
On the other hand, for Labour and its leader Keir Starmer, this campaign is about reminding voters of the past while presenting Labour as the solution for the future and convincing them that Labour can deliver the change they seek
When it comes to other parties like the Liberal Democrats, Reform UK and the Greens, these parties will most likely be costing the Conservatives as was witnessed in the by-elections The Liberal Democrats aim to disrupt the 2024 general election, by making further gains in former Conservative strongholds
While it is clear that the main push and pull is between the conservatives and the Labours, parties like Reform UK, Liberal Democrats, etc play an important role
Group feels that the votes being
divided by the smaller parties is the biggest advantage for the Conservatives, “because Starmer’s party is not seen as Left enough after his courting of Blue Wall Tory voters That will not result in the Lib Dems and Greens winning more seats, but it could narrow Labour’s changes in several marginal seats
“Reform’s target is squarely the Conservative party’s seats In many parts of the country, Tory seats may be a two-horse race between Labour and Reform, which the Tories pushed to third ” Decoding Sunak's early election call
Despite having up until January 2025 to hold the elections, Sunak’s announcement although anticipated, came as a surprise as most polls show the Tories trailing the opposition Labour Party by double-digit percentage points
While many believe the reason behind this to be an internal conflict within the Conservative Party, with rumours of no confidence motion being rife, others believe that the drop in inflation, a return to economic growth and lowering net migration prompted the decision
According to Pratik, “Conventional wisdom would say that Rishi announced the election now because he saw economic statistics getting worse in the coming quarter, which would have dampened his chances even more But in reality, I think he just had enough of the job He’s been snappy and irritable at PMQs recently, so maybe he just decided it was time ”
Sunak made history as the first Indian-origin Prime Minister of the UK but Pratik believes that his skin colour should not be the deciding factor for his return to No 10 “We need to stop assessing a
SNAP ELECTION SURPRISE
candidate on the colour of their skin and instead assess them on the merits of their performance ”
Critiquing Sunak’s leadership, he said, “Rishi fell into the rabbit hole of trying to appease the Right of the party and failed, with expensive policy flops such as the Rwanda immigration policy Labour’s poll lead over the Tories has remained persistent because Rishi has not been able to articulate what he stands for, whether he is a Right-winger as he seems desperate to appear, or he is CentreRight as he appeared during his leadership campaign ”
Bikash Nepal came to the UK from Nepal in 2009 as a student
and now runs a successful business in the country Contrary to Pratik, he feels that while Sunak is worthy of a chance, the country is not ready to give a chance to a person of colour “Personally, I believe he is a deserving candidate, as he understands economics and knows how to make crucial decisions for the better future of the country He is the right man for Prime Minister However, when there is a general election and the public votes, there is no way a brown man can become Prime Minister No matter how much good he has done for the country, in the end, colour will matter”, he said The Ind ian diaspora
The Indian diaspora in the UK, now the largest immigrant group in the country with an estimated 1 9 million people, making up 3 1% of the population, is young, fastgrowing, and relatively well-educated In 2024, the diaspora is more aware of its power and will once again play a major part
Historically, Labour made significant contributions to the independence of India; after the party took control in 1945, Atlee made Indian Independence one of his primary mandates In turn, the diaspora remained loyal to Labour for many years However, this trend has shifted since 2012 Reports indicate that Asian voters are increasingly aligning with the broader public, with Hindu voters drifting towards the Conservative Party, especially since 2015 The diaspora played an important role in the democratic process in both the 2015 and 2019 elections and the continuous victories of Conservatives, one of them a landslide
According to Dr Subir Sinha, Director of the SOAS So uth A sia Institu te, “The South Asian voting bloc comprises 3-4 million people of South Asian origin, primarily from Punjab and Kashmir in Pakistan, Gujarat in India, Eastern Bangladesh, and Tamil areas of Sri Lanka While they are spread across the UK, their concentration in certain boroughs and suburbs of
London, as well as the greater Birmingham and Manchester metro areas, Bradford in Yorkshire, and Leicester and the Midlands, makes them pivotal in influencing constituency-level swings and the overall national voting trend ”
Where
do community stakeholders stand?
Within the South Asian communities and various other stakeholders affecting the power play, there is a different wavelength with the government As a minority within the minority groups, the Nepalese community seeks participation in all sectors as they primarily remain limited to the security and hospitality industries for work and business
Rishi Sunak recently hosted the Nepalese community at No 10 to celebrate the 100 years of UKNepal Friendship treaty Bikash thinks that it was a great initiative on the Prime Minister’s part He said, “The Nepalese community has grown massively in the last 1012 years This small gesture was greatly appreciated by the wider Nepalese community, as it was the first time any British Prime Minister had done something specifically for them
“There have been a few notable developments during the Conservative Party s tenure, as they have been in power for 14 years We have yet to see a Labour government make its contributions ”
With all the positives, there yet remains the issue of Gurkha pension Bikash shares that despite various discussions taking place during this government's tenure, no satisfactory outcomes have been reached “The UK is known for its principles of fairness, equal opportunity, and equal pay However, when it comes to the Gurkhas, their pensions are not the same as their British counterparts Both groups perform the same job and fight to protect the UK, so why the disparity? This is a very unfair practice that needs to be addressed by the government”, he said
According to Bikash, the majority of the Nepalese diaspora supports the Labour Party, as they are perceived to be more immigrant-friendly “However, in recent years, many Nepalese individuals have joined the Conservative Party and have succeeded in local elections Some have even been elected as local mayors ” , he said Major bets on NHS but how practical is the approach?
A major Stakeholder in the upcoming elections is the NHS and all the contesting parties have major pledges, ranging from easier GP access to ending waiting lists
However,
A sso ciatio n of P hysicians of Indian O ri g i n ( B A P I O) , believes that despite whoever wins, the NHS needs to be left alone
He said, “It's the constant churning and changing of policies and direction that causes a significant loss of momentum The NHS is the largest employer in the United Kingdom, and each new leader brings new thoughts, ideas, and ways of doing things By the time the NHS adapts to one leader's vision, a new leader often arrives with different priorities, causing further disruption Left to manage itself, the NHS would likely operate much more efficiently
“When reviewing party pledges for the NHS, we see common themes: promises of more doctor appointments, easier access to GPs, more operations, and better dental care However, it's crucial that any reforms are grounded in practical input from those who work within the system If changes are necessary, they should be made in consultation with frontline workers rather than through top-down directives, which often create more
problems than they solve ” E lection turbulence puts key reform s on h old
With the election looming, Parliament will dissolve on May 30, subjecting public bodies to purdah rules that prevent actions influencing election matters The government’s City reform initiatives, including the British ISA and Pisces private market, face uncertainty following Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s decision to hold an early election in July
Treasury sources confirmed the shelving of the retail sale of NatWest shares, previously aimed at revitalising UK retail investment Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's plans for a British ISA will also be delayed until after the election
The launch of the Pisces market, developed with the London Stock Exchange to enhance private companies' access to UK capital markets, is also in question
Important school policies, such as the teacher pay deal and 'inadequate' Ofsted reports, are also likely to be delayed If Labour wins, several proposed policies, including minimum service levels, will be scrapped, causing disruption as schools close to be used as polling stations The workload reduction taskforce's recommendations and the Department for Education’s update of its 2019 recruitment and retention strategy will be postponed
Ongoing consultations on transgender guidance, unregistered provision protections, and sex education lessons will also be affected, with Labour already planning to scrap the minimum service levels consultation if they win
The importance of Scotland
Scotland is cu rrently being seen as one of the important factors th at will affect elections Both Sir Keir Starm er and Co nserv ative lead er Rishi Su nak aim to end th e era of S co ttish National P arty dom inance in Scottish po litics w ith this election
While everyone can make an effort, the current political scenario will have an effect According to British p olitical scientist John Curtice, the Labour Party's chances of winning a significant number of seats north of the border haven't looked this promising since the 2014 independence referendum He said, “The installation of John Sweeney as the SNP leader hasn t, on its own, made a significant impact on turning around the party's fortunes Polls conducted since the fall of Humza Yousaf show Labour consistently five to six points ahead Given the geography of party support, this could translate into Labour picking up about 30 seats from the SNP, potentially more than 18
“The SNP has a lot to do to turn things around Many of Labour's potential gains are quite marginal, meaning that if the SNP manages to catch up, the scales could tip in their favour It's all very much on a knife-edge, with the balance currently tilted towards Labour ”
Discussing the importance of Scotland in the upcoming elections, he finds that things are currently difficult to determine “The outcome of the election largely depends on what happens in England and Wales If UK-wide polls are accurate and Labour maintains a 21-point lead, the results in Scotland may become irrelevant as Labour would secure a substantial overall majority However, if Labour's lead narrows significantly, Scotland's role could become crucial Currently, Labour's potential gains in Scotland seem marginal, but if the SNP catches up, the balance could shift”, he said
Pratik Dattani
Bikash Nepal
John Curtice
Dr Subir Sinha
Dr Joydeep Grover
R I T I S H A S I A N F A C E S I N U K E L E C T I O N
As the UK prepares for its upcoming general election, a diverse group of South Asian candidates is emerging as key contenders across various constituencies These individuals, representing different political parties, bring unique perspectives and experiences, reflecting the rich multicultural fabric of the nation. Here are the lists of South Asian candidates to watch in the upcoming UK general election.
LABOUR PARTY CANDIDATES
Tauqeer Malik Aberdeen South Najmul Hussain Brigg & Immingham Hersh Thaker Carshalton & Wallington Faiza Shaheen Chingford & Woodford Green
Ravi Venkatesh Chippenham
Mocky Khan Didcot and Wantage
Naushabah Khan Gillingham & Rainham
Dr Zubir Ahmed Glasgow South West Nurul Hoque Ali Gordon and Buchan Primesh Patel Harrow East
Sunny Brar Hornchurch & Upminster Harpreet Uppal Huddersfield Jas Athwal Ilford South Rajesh Agrawal Leicester East
Jeevun Sandher Loughborough
Maahwish Mirza Mid Bedfordshire Uday Nagaraju North Bedfordshire Rufia Ashraf South Northamptonshire
Satvir Kaur Southampton Test
Kanishka Narayan Vale of Glamorgan
Dr Gurpreet Padda Waveney Valley Pavitar Kaur Mann Windsor Rumi Chowdhury Witham Monica Hamidi Wokingham Warinder Juss Wolverhampton West Mohammad Yasin Bedford Javeria Hussian North East Cambridgeshire Baggy Shanker Derby South Saj Ahmad Newark Nadia Whittome Nottingham East
Zafran Khan Melton and Syston
Vipul Bechar Grantham & Bourne Rushanara Ali Bethnal Green & Bow Rupa Haq Ealing Central & Acton
Seema Malhotra Feltham and Heston
Tulip Siddiq Hampstead, Highgate & Kilburn
Praful Nargund Islington North
Tony Gill Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner Rosena Allin-Khan Tooting Yasmin Qureshi Bolton South & Walkden
Mohammed Afzal Khan Manchester Gorton & Rusholme
Navendu Mishra Stockport Tammanjeet Singh Dhesi Slough Thangam Debbonaire Bristol Central & West Preet Gill Birmingham Edgbaston
Neena Gill Bromsgrove
Zarah Sultana Coventry South Sureena Brackenridge Wolverhampton North East
Shah Bradford West
Pinder Chauhan Bedford Gagan Mohindra South West Hertfordshire Shailesh Vara North West Cambridgeshire
Rapatwar Brent West
Aarti Joshi Vauxhall & Camberwell Green Reva Gudi Feltham and Heston
Conservatives propose pensioner tax cuts in UK election pledge
P r ime M in ist er Rishi Sunak has proposed tax cuts for millions of pensioners as part of his late st cam paig n pl ed ge, underscoring the significance of older voters in the upcoming July election
The Conservative Party, led by Sunak, plans to introduce a new agerelated allowance, resulting in a tax reduction of approximately £100 ($128) per year for each of the 8 million pensioners in 2025 This tax cut is expected to increase to nearly £300 annually by the end of the next parliamentary term
"This bold action demonstrates we are on the side of pensioners
The alternative is Labour dragging everyone in receipt of the full state
pension into income tax for the first time in history," Sunak, who last week called a general election for July 4, said in the statement
In the year leading up to February 2023, the number of pensioners in Britain increased by 140,000, reaching a total of 12 6 million With close to 50 million eligible voters, the upcoming election is poised to potentially end 14 years of Conservative rule, according to opinion polls
The Conservative Party's proposal coincides with its pledge to uphold the "triple lock" policy, ensuring that publicly funded pensions increase by the highest of earnings, inflation, or 2 5% annually
*This list is not exhaustive
Sunak and Starmer to debate on ITV
Ri sh i Su nak an d S ir Keir Starmer are set to engage in a head-to-head debate on ITV next week, acco rd in g to sources at The Telegraph
Both the Conservative and Labour leaders have tentatively agreed to participate in the event, with final details being ironed out before an official announcement is made This development follows pressure from the Conservative Party for Sir Keir to engage in a series of six debates one per week during the election campaign
However, Labour headquarters has signalled that
The BBC has learned that Diane Abbott has been reinstated as an MP within the parliamentary Labour party It remains unclear if she will be permitted to stand in the upcoming election This development follows the revelation by BBC Newsnight that Labour's
Sir Keir will only participate in two debates, mirroring the format adopted by Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn in 2019 The upcoming debate represents a significant opportunity for ITV, which is expected to be the
first broadcaster to host a debate between Mr Sunak and Sir Keir
The event is anticipated to be hosted by Julie Etchingham, who previously moderated leaders’ debates in the 2015 and 2019 election
Abbott back as Labour MP
disciplinary process concluded five months ago Abbott was suspended after making comments last April suggesting that Jewish, Irish, and Traveller individuals do not face racism throughout their lives
Ms Abbott, the first
campaigns, as well as the 2022 Tory leadership contest It will be conducted in front of a live audience, with efforts made to ensure political balance among attendees, often with the assistance of pollsters
Additionally, there are expectations for more debates, with broadcasters such as the BBC, Sky News, LBC, Channel Four, and GB News vying for opportunities to host similar events or audience question sessions with party leaders It remains uncertain whether the leaders of smaller parties will be included in these formats
black woman elected to Parliament, was suspended from the party last year after authoring a letter in The Guardian where she suggested that Jewish people do not encounter racism and instead experience prejudice akin to "redheads"
Reeten
Shaukat Patel Leicester South Amir Ali Oxford
Tahir Mirza East Ham Raja Miah Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
Akhmed Yakoob Birmingham Ladywood
Shakeel Afsar Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley
Anum Qaisar Airdrie and Shotts
Simita Kumar Edinburgh South
Rishi Sunak Keir Starmer
Diane Abbott
WORKERS PARTY OF BRITAIN CANDIDATE LIST
Tory turmoil: Sunak faces exodus ahead of election
Prim e M inis ter Ri shi Sunak
h a s an n ou n c e d a n e a r
gen eral electi on on J uly 4,
t
u p he a v a l
e C on servative Party
As a result, 78 Conservative Members of Parliament (MPs) have declared their intentions not to seek re-election Among them are prominent cabinet ministers Michael Gove and Andrea Leadsom, both of whom released statements detailing their reasons for stepping away from politics
The letters were also shared on their social media platforms
Housing Minister Gove’s letter, shared on social media, acknowledged the pressures of political life and the need for new leadership “We are volunteers who willingly choose our fate And the chance to serve is wonderful But there comes a moment when you know that it is time to leave That a new generation should lead,” he wrote Leadsom, in her letter to Sunak, stated, “After careful reflection, I have decided not to stand as a candidate in the forthcoming election ” This sentiment is echoed by former
Prime Minister Theresa May and former Defence Minister Ben Wallace, who had previously announced their departures from frontline politics
The wave of departures seems to stem from various factors, including formidable opposition pressure and internal party discord
Former UK cabinet ministers John Redwood and Greg Clark, representing constituencies in the home counties vulnerable to the Liberal Democrats, also joined the exodus earlier
The party's challenges were underscored by the symbolic reinstatement of the whip to Hancock and Bob Stewart, who had previously announced their
plans to retire
Compounding the Conservative Party's woes, Sunak's campaign encountered several setbacks His Belfast visit drew unfortunate Titanic comparisons, and he faced tough questions about leading a troubled campaign
These missteps followed a series of blunders, including being overshadowed by Labour's anthem during a Downing Street announcement and awkward interactions at campaign stops
The mass exodus of MPs signals a shifting political landscape, with the Conservative Party lagging in polls The departure of seasoned MPs, along with younger members like Dehenna Davison and Nicola Richards, suggests a party grappling with internal strife
The number of MPs stepping down this cycle defies recent trends In 2019, 74 MPs resigned, compared to just 31 in 2017 and 90 in 2015 While the 2010 election saw 149 departures due to the expenses scandal, this year s exits reflect a broader sense of disillusionment and strategic retreat ahead of a challenging election
*This list is not exhaustive
Veteran Labour MP Virendra Sharma says he won’t seek re-election
Brita in, k nown for his adv ocacy for stron ger India-UK t ie s, has d ecla red his re tireme nt fr om fr ont line polit ics
The 77-year-old Labour Party MP, representing Ealing Southall, cited the desire for a new chapter in life as a grandparent
The politician born in Mandhali village in Punjab moved to the UK in 1968 and started out as a bus conductor before going on to study at the London School of Economics (LSE) on a Trade Union Scholarship and becoming a prominent trade unionist of his time
“As a British Indian and as a Hindu, as a Labour Member, Councillor and MP
I have never struggled to reconcile those different, but complementary, identities,” said Sharma in a letter addressed to his party ”
For over nearly 50 years, I have served the party in one form or another Now I believe the time has come for another chapter to begin I want to let you
know that I will not be standing at the next election
This does not dim my desire for Labour to win, and win I am sure we will “I will continue to support Labour, and I hope to continue to be part of the Labour project, but not from inside the House of Commons,” he added
Britons split on national service plan
Ris hi Sunak h as annou nced h is intention to reintroduce natio nal s ervice in the UK if re-el ec ted as prime minis ter The proposed scheme would require young people to choose between a yearlong military placement or participating in community volunteering one weekend every month for a year Public opinion is sharply divided on
this policy Currently, 47% of Britons support the move, while 45% are opposed The split is largely generational Young Britons, who would be directly affected by the policy, oppose it by a significant margin, with 65% against and 27% in favour In contrast, older Britons support the plan, with 63% in favour and 31% opposed
The political divide is also notable, reflecting broader voting patterns Among 2019 Conservative voters, 71% back the national service proposals, compared to only 26% of 2019 Labour voters This divergence underscores the correlation between age and voting preferences in the current political landscape
Rishi Sunak
Muhammed Pervez Khan South West Hertfordshire
Syed Maqsood Broxtowe Imran Hamid Derby North Khalid Razzaq Northampton North
Hamid Shah Barking
Mohammed Akunjee Bethnal Green & Stepney
Iqbal Sheikh Dagenham & Rainham
Sameh Habeeb Ealing North Amrit Mann Feltham and Heston
Rizwana Karim Hayes & Harlington
Muhammed Ghori Newcastle upon Tyne East &Wallsend
Aroma Hassan Ashton-under-Lyne Jack Khan Bolton South & Walkden
Shafat Ali Bury North
Tanya Manzoor Cheadle
Shanaz Siddique Oldham East and Saddleworth
Ayesha Khan Stockport Kalima Choudhury Stretford & Urmston Khalil Ahmed Wycombe Nidal Shah Yeovil
Hamza Ibrahim Aldridge-Brownhills
Mohammed Miah Birmingham Hodge Hill & Solihull North Zahid Mahmood Burton and Uttoxeter
Mohammed Syed Coventry South Aftab Hussein Dudley Khalil Ahmed Nuneaton
Mohammed Amin Redditch Rohim Mohammed West Bromwich
Abdul Husen Tipton & Wednesbury
Vasim Shabir Keighley and Ilkley
Amjad Bashir Leeds West & Pudsey Arshad Ali Dewsbury and Batley
Terrance Sankersingh Spen Valley Waqas Ali Khan Shipley
Ghazi Khan Arbroath & Broughty Ferry
Mohd Najmul Alam Shabuj Torfaen
Halima Khan Stratford and Bow
Sir Keir Starmer and Virendra Sharma MP
K E Y P R O P O S A L S F R O M T H E M A J O R P A R T I E S I N 2024
With the el ect ion dat es
a nnounced , a ll part ies have comme nce d campaigning, touting t heir a ccompl ishments and pr omise s whil e cr it iq uing their
National Health Service (NHS)
opponent s' pr oposals and rhetoric Instances of this are visible as Rishi Sunak credits the Conservatives for uplifting an economically down and low
- Further reductions in NHS waiting lists.
- Uphold the Tory policy of excluding the NHS from any public funding cuts and securing more funds for the health service.
- recruit 300,000 doctors and 170,000 nurses by 2036-37
Tax and spending - Tax reduction for working families.
- Abolish National Insurance eventually.
- Further cuts on levies and reform business rates.
- Elimination of inheritance tax.
Economy growth, and lowering the national debt.
- Maintaining national interest payments below 6 percent of GDP.
- Belt-tightening measures like cuts to welfare and foreign aid.
Environment, ‘Net Zero’ and energy
- Cleaning up of Britain’s waterways.
- Scrapping EU-era rules that are blocking 100,000 new homes.
- Bolster public access to nature, including national parks.
- Retaining the energy price cap throughout every year of the next parliament.
- Expanding Britain’s supply of nuclear power.
Education and childcare British Standard merging academic A-levels and technical T-levels
- Ensure all students study English and maths until age 18
- Expand free childcare
Defence - Reintroduce National Service for school leavers
- Increase the military budget to 2.5% of GDP by the end of the decade
- Provide at least £3 billion in support annually for Ukraine until 2030
Migration - Implement stricter rules on dependents
- Decrease net migration by 300,000
- Build upon the Rwanda plan to address migration issues
country while Keir Starmer argues that the people are yet to actually benefit, blaming the conservatives for the cost-of-living crisis
A similar back and forth is seen
- Two million more operations, scans, and appointments in the
- Training for thousands more doctors, nurses, and midwives.
- Specialist mental health support in every school.
- An extra 700,000 dentist appointments will be offered.
- Establishment of “neighbourhood health centres” with integrated services.
- Economic stability through stringent spending regulations.
- Crack down on tax evasion.
- No increase in income tax or national insurance.
- Elimination of inheritance tax.
- Revamping of business rates.
- Highest sustained growth in the G7. rules.
- Establishment of £8 billion national wealth fund.
- Fast-tracking “priority growth” projects like battery factories, labs, and 5G infrastructure is on the agenda.
- Transformation of the UK into a “clean energy superpower” with a zero-carbon electricity system by 2030 through Great British Energy.
- End of the de-facto ban on onshore wind and expanding of the windfall tax on oil and gas producers.
- Investment of an extra £23.7 billion in green projects.
- Overhaul the childcare system and reform education
- Recruit 6,500 more teachers
- Review school curriculum and assessment
- Establish a new register for children in home education
- Reform student loan repayments
- Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP
- Maintain an “unshakeable commitment” to NATO
- Uphold the “triple lock” commitment
- Conduct a review of “strategic defence and security”
- Introduction of legislation to establish an independent Armed Forces commissioner.
- Establishment of a new Border Security Command
- Creation of a new cross-border police unit
- Allocation of extra 1,000 caseworkers to reduce the asylum backlog
- Potentially negotiate a returns deal with the EU
- Repeal of the Rwanda Bill
in case of the Rwanda Scheme The parties still have time to release their detailed manifestos, but leaders are already highlighting key pledges focused on crucial
issues like the NHS, immigration, the economy, security, and education policies, among others These pledges have been detailed below:
- Right to see GPs within seven days, or within 24 hours if urgent.
- Increase in the number of full-time equivalent GPs by 8,000.
- Introduction of a Carer’s Minimum Wage and increase Carer’s Allowance.
- Statutory guarantee of regular respite breaks for unpaid carers.
- Elimination of capital gains taxfree allowance.
- Implementation of “proper, one-off windfall tax” to address the costof-living crisis.
- Crack down on tax avoidance and evasion.
- Reduce trade barriers with the help of close allies, like the European Union.
- Fixing the “botched deal with Europe” through a four-stage roadmap.
- Flexibility in work policies and clean energy policies.
- Transform water companies corporations” and ban bonuses for water bosses until sewage leaks are eliminated
- Net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045
- 80 percent renewable electricity generation in the UK.
- Plant at least 60 million trees a year
income homes
- Reduce VAT on electric vehicles to
- Provide mental health professionals in every school
- Increase school funding above
- Extend free school meals
- Offer £10,000 for adult education
- Potentially rejoin the Erasmus Plus programme
- Increase troop numbers
- Uphold UK support for NATO organisation annually
- Maintain the nation’s nuclear deterrent with continuous at-sea deterrence
- Pursue multilateral global disarmament
- Eradicate NHS waiting lists within two years by utilising private healthcare providers.
- Exemption of two million frontline healthcare and social care workers from income tax for three years.
- Vouchers for fully-funded private treatment to NHS patients facing delays.
- 20% tax relief on private healthcare and insurance.
- Public inquiry into excess deaths and Covid vaccine harms.
- Review of all NHS private contracts.
- Increase in minimum income tax threshold.
- Elimination of inheritance tax for all estates valued under £2 million.
- VAT on energy bills will be scrapped.
- Reduction in fuel duty.
- Main corporation tax rate reduction from 25% to 20%.
- Abolishment of IR35 rules.
- Introduction of a 3% online delivery tax with scrappage of business rates for Small and
- The VAT threshold would be raised to £120,000.
- Nationalise 50 percent of key utility companies
- Increase the farming budget to £3 billion
- Abandon all existing carbon emissions targets
- Accelerate oil and gas licenses in the North Sea cycle gas turbines
- Restart coal mines
- Scrap annual £10 billion of green energy subsidies
- Introduce two-year courses at universities to reduce student debt and facilitate earlier entry into the workforce
- Scrap interest on student loans
- Ban mobile phones, social media, contested gender ideology, and critical race theory in schools
- Provide tax relief of 20% for private schools
- Implementing military procurement reforms
- Invest in Armed Forces personnel
- Establish a Department for Veterans’ Affairs with a £1 billion annual budget
- Increase basic pay for Armed Forces personnel
- Introduce an Armed Forces Justice Bill to protect military personnel from legal issues
(Pending)- Withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)
- Implementation of “one in, one out” migration quota system
- Freezing of “non-essential” migration
- Stricter regulations on student visas and their dependents
UK election countdown
Key information on voting, registration, and parliamentary closure
The United Kingdom stands on the cusp of another significant chapter in its democratic tradition as the general election is officially announced With the election date set on July 4, political parties are gearing up for intense campaigns, hoping to sway the electorate with their visions and policies
The right to vote is a cornerstone of democratic governance, and its exercise is a powerful testament to the enduring values of participation and representation As the UK prepares for this democratic exercise atmosphere is charg with anticipation an collective sense of civic duty The dissolution of parliament and issuance of writs are scheduled for 30 May The polling will take place between 7 am to 10 pm and the counting of votes will start as soon as practicable after 10pm
There are 650 parliamentary constituencies in the UK
the UK can register as overseas electors Service voters stationed abroad are also eligible to register and vote The deadline to register to vote is Wednesday, 18 June
Apply for postal or proxy vote
If you're unable to visit the polling station on election day, you have two options: voting by proxy or by post To vote by post, you need to apply for a postal vote This is suitable if you're away from home or residing abroad and wish to vote in England,
proxy must be a registered voter, eligible to vote in the election, and able to vote at the specified polling station stated on your poll card In some elections, they may need to present their own photo ID to vote
The deadline to apply for postal voting, postal proxy voting, and to make changes to existing postal or proxy votes is Wednesday, 19 June, at 5 pm
Photo ID you ’ll need
If you plan to vote in person, you'll require one of the following types of dentification: K or Northern nd photocard iving licence (full or provisional)
Each constituency is represented by one Member of Parliament in the House of Commons
The clearest way of winning an election is by getting something called a majority If a political party secures at least 326 MPs in the upcoming election more than half of all MPs in parliament they will have a majority and can form a government
In terms of dates, the new Parliament will be summoned to meet on Tuesday, 9 July, when the first business will be the election of the speaker and the swearing-in of members The state opening of Parliament is scheduled for Wednesday, 17 July
Register to vote
It is crucial for eligible citizens to ensure they are registered to vote
Registration is a simple process that can be completed online or by completing a paper registration form They can contact their electoral registration office for forms or download them from the UK Government’s website
To vote in a general election, a person must be 18 or older on polling day and meet one of the following criteria: be a British citizen residing in the UK, an Irish citizen residing in the UK, or a qualifying Commonwealth citizen residing in the UK British citizens living overseas who were previously registered to vote or were residents in
Scotland, or Wales You typically don't need to provide a reason for applying, unless you're voting in Northern Ireland Postal voting can be applied for a single election on a specific date, for a specific period if you're voting in England, Scotland, or Wales, and for up to 3 years Applications for postal voting can be made online or by post When voting by post, ensure to mark your vote on the ballot paper in secret, complete the postal voting statement, seal the ballot and statement in the provided envelope, and seal the envelope yourself If you're unable to post your ballot paper in time, you can deliver it to your local polling station by 10 pm on election day, or to the Electoral Registration Office before their closing time In Northern Ireland, ballots should be taken to the Electoral Office before their closing time
If you can't vote in person, you have the option to appoint someone to vote on your behalf, known as a proxy vote Proxy voting is allowed under specific circumstances, such as being away on polling day, being registered as an overseas voter, having a medical issue or disability preventing you from voting in person, or being unable to vote due to work or military service commitments It's crucial to choose a proxy you trust, as they will cast your vote according to your instructions Your chosen
South Asian community's impact on UK elections
Subhasini Naicker
The South Asian population has historically contributed significantly to the UK’s cultural, economic, and social landscape They are active in va ri ous s ec tor s, i n cl udi ng healthcare, education, business, and public services As a g rowi ng a nd dy na mi c community, their participation in the democratic process is increasingly influential
efforts from top Tories like Cameron, Johnson, Goldsmith, and Blackman British Muslims have increasingly moved from Labour to independents and the Reform Party, due to dissatisfaction with responses to Islamophobia and vilification in the press Palestine is a significant issue for British Muslims,
- a driving licence issued by an EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Isle of Man or any of the Channel Islands
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If you lack any of the alternative forms of photo identification mentioned above, you can opt for The Voter Authority Certificate, a valid form of voter identification available to eligible United Kingdom voters The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate is Wednesday, 26 June, at 5 pm
In the context of the general election, the South Asian electorate holds considerable sway, particularly in urban constituencies with large South Asian populations Political parties recognise the importance of engaging with and addressing the concerns of this community The political engagement of the South Asian community is not just about numbers but also about the mobilisation and advocacy around specific issues that resonate with their experiences and aspirations The outcome of elections in key constituencies could be significantly influenced by the voting patterns and preferences of South Asian voters Therefore, understanding and addressing the needs and priorities of the South Asian population is crucial for any political party aiming for success in the general election
Highlighting this significance, the Director of the SOAS South Asia Institute, Dr Subir Sinha, spoke to Asian Voice about the role of the South Asian community in the UK general election He discussed trends and changes in voting behaviour among South Asian people and much more, emphasising the community's growing impact on the political landscape
1)The South Asian community is a significant demographic in the UK Can you give us an overview of the historical context of voting patterns in UK general elections?
Historically, the South Asian community in the UK has predominantly supported Labour, but this trend has shifted since 2012 Reports indicate that Asian voters increasingly align with the broader public, with Hindu voters drifting towards the Conservative Party, especially since 2015 Muslim Asians have shown support for independent candidates like George Galloway and parties like Reform, starting from Bradford in 2012 This shift is influenced by the popularity of Modi and Hindutva among some British Hindus, and dissatisfaction with Labour's stance on Kashmir and human rights in India Affluent South Asians have turned to the Tories, feeling limited polit-
ical prospects within Labour Additionally, groups like the Bangladeshi restaurant association and far-left Indian workers organisations supported Brexit Sunak's rise to PM is a source of pride for some Indian Hindu groups These trends align with the 2019 Carnegie study, highlighting religious polarisation among South Asian voters
2)Why D oes the South Asi an Vote Matter in UK General Elections?
The South Asian vote holds significant sway in UK general elections, particularly in urban areas like Leicester, Birmingham, and Bradford These communities have sufficient numbers to impact the gap between the two main parties For instance, the Conservative Party hopes to see a reversal of the national trend in Leicester by gaining seats through increased support from Hindu voters
The South Asian voting bloc comprises 3-4 million people of South Asian origin, primarily from Punjab and Kashmir in Pakistan, Gujarat in India, Eastern Bangladesh, and Tamil areas of Sri Lanka While they are spread across the UK, their concentration in certain boroughs and suburbs of London, as well as the greater Birmingham and Manchester metro areas, Bradford in Yorkshire, and Leicester and the Midlands, makes them pivotal in influencing constituency-level swings and the overall national voting trend
3)Ha ve t here be en a ny rec en t tre nds or c han ges i n the voti ng be havi our of South Asi an British voters, and can you highlight key constituencies where their vote has been pa rti c ular ly in fl uent i al i n deciding election outcomes?
There has been a shift towards the Conservative Party among British Hindus, driven by direct cultivation
and immigration concerns affect all South Asians Modi personally, and the BJP s propaganda in the UK, have both been influential in breaking Labour's electoral hold over British Hindus, who now vote for the Tories in larger numbers than previous
4)W hat are s ome k ey issues that are particul arl y i mpor tan t to Sout h Asian voters? How do these issues influence their voting behaviour?
South Asian voters may have common interests in issues of immigration and visas more generally, but beyond that, they are fragmented A section of voters across all communities are facing the same issues as other British voters But beyond that, there is fragmentation: Palestine and Islamophobia for South Asian Muslims; for many Hindu voters that Modi and Hindutva should not be criticised; for some (again, not by any means a majority) Sikhs, the issue of Khalistan and human rights (which is not so much of an issue in India); issues of political asylum and support for the curry economy, including ability to bring skilled staff
5)Looking ahead to general elections, what fact ors coul d en han ce the pol i ti ca l i nf luen ce of the South Asian British community?
In recent local elections and by-elections, the issue of Palestine has impacted Labour's lead Additionally, candidate selection and endorsements by prominent South Asians will be crucial The Tories are expected to leverage Hindutva to gain votes from some Hindu voters Any party promising a better visa regime for students and skilled workers, along with Asian-friendly immigration reform, is likely to do well among British South Asians
