With a week to go to world's most anticipated elections, David Cameron has promised to work the hardest he ever has, to secure a Conservative victory on May 7. But with the BAME community, his struggle is perhaps harder.
In a recent research it has been predicted that the party's problem in attracting voters from ethnic minorities could cost them nine seats at this election. Analysis by the Runnymede Trust thinktank reportedly suggests Conservative party must intensify its efforts to engage this growing group of voters, particularly in London. The Tories reportedly attracted just 16% minority support in 2010.
Another poll revealed that the older generation of Asian voters, who are more politically active than the second generation, still have greater allegiance to the Labour party. Also growing amongst these communities is a panic about a possible Conservative-Ukip Coalition.
Besides that, the immigrants who from South Asian countries, and settled in Britain, they strongly feel that the scrapping of the post study work visa (PSW) has been a major set back to the Indo-British relations. In a Global Wealth Conclave organised prior to the general elections by India Inc and BDO LLP- immigration was indeed one of the hot topics discussed. Moreover with France opening up its border to the PSW visa, Britain faces greater challenges to attract (already decreasing) foreign students.
Speaking on this subject, in a one to one interview with Asian Voice, Mr Cameron emphasised that there are many British Asians in the community who want proper control over the immigrants, and want a fair system.
Elaborating on the PSW visa scheme, he said: “France does not have much of post study work to go around. We create more jobs in Yorkshire than they create in France. There is no limit to the number of Asian students coming to British universities, but after university you have to take up a graduate job. I do not believe opening up the post study work for non graduate jobs.
“The idea we have to have a long period that we do non graduate job after university is a wrong approach. Some employers like this idea, it makes life easier for them. This route became a route for economic migration but we want bright people to come Britain and do graduate jobs.”
On 25th April, while launching the BAME Manifesto in Croydon, the Prime Minister tried to further extend his hand of friendship to the community. He promised several measures that aims to create what he called an “opportunity country” where everyone can “make the most of their talents” irrespective of their ethnic background. The promises included the creation of hundreds of thousands of jobs and ensuring that 19,000 BAME students are in university. Mr Cameron also pledged that the first Asian Prime Minister will be from his party.
Pitching to the older generation of the British Asian community and denying a possibility of alliance with the UKIP, during our interview, Mr Cameron said, “I do not think the Ukip is going to win any seats. They are lucky if they get one. But we are not going to form any coalition, because we are going to win.”
Commenting on the first generation of Asian voters, he added, “We have a long way to go, but there is an increase of ethnic minority on those green benches and on those red benches, in all parts of the party. Look at our councillors, look at the young Conservatives- we are much more open to talents, and I hope the older generation will think, while I like the values- family enterprise and community, while I like their economic records of jobs and businesses, I see the start up loans going towards the black and minority ethnic groups more, because they have got the spirit of enterprise. While the banks have not been supportive always, I can now see a Conservative party genuinely open to talent.
“We are the first to have British Asian woman in the cabinet. We now have Sajid Jjavid, and others like Priti Patel, Shailesh Vara, Lord Dolar Popat. If you look at the retirement seats, the replacement candidates are mostly Asian.”
But he agreed that it's one thing to actually point to lots of Asian candidates, but its another thing when it comes to who really is going to get elected. Elaborating on that subject an enthusiastic Cameron added, “Though 18% is good, I have set that target to 20% next election.”
With a spotless memory and highest regards for the hardworking community stalwarts such as our Publisher/Editor Mr C B Patel, it seems David Cameron is 'pumped up' to win the Asian trust. Perhaps he is on the right track, but this election there is no scope for being complacent- it is a tough struggle and no opportunity to take anyone for granted.
Besides there are many questions hanging loose. According to a BBC survey, it was revealed that nearly a quarter of Asian voters do not know which party they will support at the general election.
Politicians from all parties are out selling their ideas and making promises they don’t know if they can keep. Who to believe or what to believe? Will Britain's two-party politics be finished for good? Will Ukip prove to be a shooting star? Will three-party politics become four-party politics? Will Britain remain in the EU? Will Scotland initiate another referendum? Will SNP change Labour party's fate?
The answers to all these questions actually lie with the public- the voters. The choice is yours. And this is your chance to use it. Make sure you use it.
