The upcoming UK general election on July 4th has political parties vying for the support of the Indian diaspora, a significant voting bloc. The Labour Party, aiming to win back votes lost in the 2019 election, has made a commitment to eliminating anti-India sentiment within its ranks and establishing a strong strategic partnership with India. The party’s past resolution in favour of international intervention in Kashmir, adopted during an annual conference under former leader Jeremy Corbyn, was widely perceived to have alienated British Indian voters. Concerns also arose regarding some Labour councillors expressing pro-Khalistan views.
At a ‘Political Hustings’ event for Britain’s South Asian community organized in London, Anneliese Dodds, Labour Party chair and shadow secretary of state for women and equalities, assured attendees that the party led by Keir Starmer has purged its ranks of any members holding extremist views. Responding to a question about regaining trust among the Indian diaspora, Dodds emphasized the party’s commitment to working for all voters. She also urged the community to provide details of any party representatives posing a threat to stronger India-UK relations.
Dodds highlighted Labour’s vision for a strategic partnership with India encompassing trade, technology, environment, and security.
On the Conservative side, Marco Longhi, the candidate for Dudley North in the West Midlands region, sparked controversy with a campaign letter suggesting only he would advocate for Kashmir in the British Parliament. He also expressed concern regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s re-election for a third term, suggesting it posed a threat to Britain’s Kashmiris.
Felicity Buchan, Minister at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, countered by emphasizing the Conservative Party’s pro-India track record, notably citing the Indian heritage of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. She emphasized the importance of the relationship with India, highlighting the diaspora’s contributions to the UK. Buchan highlighted the ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) with India, emphasizing its priority for both Prime Ministers, and mentioned collaborations in fields such as COVID vaccines, defense, and security.
Lord Christopher Fox, a Liberal Democrat peer, highlighted the FTA, which aims to bolster the GBP 38.1 billion India-UK trading partnership. He acknowledged the stalled negotiations but emphasized the UK’s significant economic benefits from finalizing the deal, citing India’s thriving economy and technological advancements.
Pallavi Devulapalli, the Green Party spokesperson for health, social care, and public health, announced the creation of a new Green Friends of India group aimed at strengthening India-UK relations through trade, cultural exchange, and fostering strong ties.
As the election draws closer, all parties and independent candidates are vying for the votes of the UK’s 1.8 million strong Indian diaspora.
