Labour Party Makes Efforts to Reconnect with British Indians Amid Decline in Support
The UK’s Opposition Labour Party is taking steps to reconnect with British Indians as concerns arise over a decline in support from the country’s largest ethnic minority, according to The Guardian. Recent figures from the 2021 UK census reveal that Indian-origin individuals constitute the largest Asian ethnic group and the largest non-white ethnic group in the country, accounting for 3.1 per cent of the population, or 1.8 million people.
Labour Party leader Keir Starmer has implemented various measures in response to the reduction in support. These include hiring two community outreach volunteers, revamping the Labour Friends of India group, and arranging a trip to India for two senior shadow ministers.
The Labour Party has seen a notable decrease in support from people of Indian descent in recent years. In 2010, 61 per cent of British Indians supported Labour, but a survey conducted in 2019 revealed that this figure had plummeted to just 30 per cent.
Senior Labour leaders are worried that the appointment of Rishi Sunak as Britain’s first Hindu prime minister could exacerbate this trend. Focus groups conducted among first-, second-, and third-generation Indians uncovered some of the challenges faced by Labour. Participants acknowledged that Sunak’s position represented a power shift for British Indians and commended his efforts to involve the community in the traditions of 10 Downing Street.
The next general election in the UK must be called by January 2025, but there is speculation that Sunak may choose to hold the polls earlier.
Overall, the Labour Party is proactively addressing the decline in support from British Indians. By implementing measures such as community outreach volunteers, revamped groups, and fostering ties with India, they are striving to regain the trust and backing of the largest ethnic minority in the country. Achieving this will be crucial for their success in future elections.
