The Opposition Labour Party in the UK has taken a significant step towards bolstering its ties with the British Indian community and fortifying connections with India by launching a new diaspora organization named Labour Indians, as part of its preparations for the forthcoming general elections in both nations.
The primary objective of this newly established group is to enhance engagement with the substantial 1.8-million-strong Indian diaspora residing in the UK. The inauguration event, held at London's Houses of Parliament complex, was spearheaded by David Lammy, the party's shadow foreign secretary, as reported by news agency PTI.
During the event, Lammy elaborated on his recent visit to India and outlined his vision for the future of the India-UK partnership, should Labour emerge victorious in the upcoming election cycle.
Emphasizing India's stature as a "superpower," Lammy underscored the imperative of nurturing a robust UK-India relationship, irrespective of political divergences. He remarked, "India is a superpower with a superpower entrepreneurial, innovative, scientific, industrial base and a superpower-sized population." Lammy stressed the strategic significance of fostering strong ties with India, transcending political affiliations.
While acknowledging past challenges, particularly about anti-India sentiments during Jeremy Corbyn's tenure, Lammy expressed optimism regarding the party's trajectory under Keir Starmer's leadership. Additionally, Lammy affirmed the party's commitment to concluding a free trade agreement (FTA) with India, a process initiated under the Conservative government in January 2022, but now facing urgency due to impending general elections.
Labour Indians, chaired by Krish Raval and supported by vice-chairs Councillor Shama Tatler and Kanishka Narayan, Labour's prospective parliamentary candidate from Wales, aims to bridge the gap between the party and British-Indian communities. Tatler highlighted the importance of reconnecting with Indian households that had drifted from the Labour Party, emphasizing the need for greater dialogue with communities that felt neglected by the Conservatives.
Furthermore, Nikita Ved, co-founder of the British Indian think tank 1928 Institute and associated with Labour Indians, underscored the organization's adaptability and its commitment to addressing the evolving needs of progressive British Indians.
The establishment of Labour Indians complements the recent appointment of a dedicated India Engagement Organiser by the Labour Party, reflecting a concerted effort to engage with the substantial Indian diaspora ahead of anticipated general elections later this year.
