Bob Blackman CBE has been the Conservative Member of Parliament for Harrow East since 2010.
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.
In an interview with Asian Voice, he discusses his priorities for his constituency, Harrow East and Conservative party plans.
What are 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 faith-based educational options for their children.
Another significant achievement is securing funding for the rebuilding of the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore, the largest employer in the constituency. This hospital is now undergoing comprehensive redevelopment. Furthermore, I obtained funding for a new intensive care unit at Northrop Park Hospital, which will provide 32 high-acuity 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.
How have 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 door-to-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, fly-tipping, 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.
It seems 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.
