Boris Johnson has finally achieved his long-standing dream of being the UK's Prime Minister. For the former “journalist” turned politician, occupying home at Downing Street is a jewel in his crown. But political pundits are betting over his tenure, his new cabinet and policies that will be unveiled under his contradictory “multiple personality” premiership. Ahead of it all though, the former foreign secretary will be tested on delivering the Brexit clincher. All eyes will be glued on his diplomatic skills in negotiating with the EU and forging “special bonds” with countries such as India.
BORIS, BRUSSELS and BREXIT
The EU under Donald Tusk and Juncker had sent out a clear message: No further negotiations. Now, the European Commission's newly elected President, Ursula von der Leyen, has said that she is willing to grant the UK another extension to the Brexit talks if London comes up with good reasons.
Although he has earlier advocated for a no-deal Brexit, Johnson had also written two letters- one in favor of leaving the EU while the other against that choice. It seemed as if he was clarifying his thoughts around the subject. Does this mean that he will be successful in charming the European MEPs and go down in history books for overturning the UK's Halloween nightmare?
“I hope that he will be a strong leader and use his negotiation skills to avoid a damaging hard or a no-deal Brexit.
“Sadly, experience leads me to believe instead his lack of attention to detail (Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe), his indifference to the truth (almost all of his career), and complete lack of principle, always willing to seek the most populist line (two letters, one for leave and one for remain), makes him totally unsuited to office and a danger to this country and everyone here,” said Virendra Sharma MP for Ealing Southall.
Many have likened his impulsive decision-making personality to that of American President Donald Trump. But many across the political spectrum argue that unlike Trump, Johnson allows himself to be guided by those around him: his cabinet.
CABINET
Speculation is rife that in a major reshuffle of the cabinet, some Indian-origin MPs and Asian politicians can be promoted to key decision-making portfolios.
Rishi Sunak grabbed the spotlight when he had said, “he wouldn't support Boris if he was racist”. Sunak, who is currently parliamentary under-secretary of state at the ministry of housing, can be made chief secretary to the treasury. In the meantime, another “ally of Boris” who has been at the forefront of “cutting deals” is the present Home Secretary. Sajid Javid has been eyeing for the keys to No. 11 before he formally even announced his support to Johnson. Alok Sharma, currently minister of state for employment at the department of work and pensions, is also tipped for a higher position. He can return to the housing and communities department as secretary of state.
Among those leading the headlines however is Priti Patel, former International Development Secretary. She can be rewarded with either being the new Home Secretary or being appointed as the International Trade Secretary. These names only vouch for greater representation of the ethnic minority in the government. More significantly, this is indicative of a rejuvenated UK-India relationship in the post-Brexit UK.
“India is in a great position to fulfill the skills gap left by Brexit. The new Prime Minister is no stranger to the loyalty and success of Indians for the United Kingdom. Indians are already punching well above their weight for Britain.
“We look forward to working with Prime Minister Boris Johnson to strengthen ties with the Indian diaspora in the UK and with India, a key partner post-Brexit,” said Rami Ranger, Co-Chairman, Conservative Friends of India.
But strengthening bilateral and economic ties with India has always been haunted by sticklers around securing a visa for Indian students and professionals. Will Johnson and his team be able to fix the UK's broken immigration system?
INDIA AND IMMIGRATION
“I think the new Home Secretary will have to re-think the immigration policy.
“We saw a tug of war between Sajid Javid and Theresa May concerning the hostile environment policy. I think whoever becomes the Home Secretary under Boris Johnson, would not face the same pressures of clamping down on numbers as they did under May. There is no doubt that his instincts are pro-immigration especially in the context of skilled migration,” said Sunder Katwala, Director, British Future.
Indian businesses employ around 50,000 people in London and are the second-biggest foreign investors in London. According to data obtained from London & Partners (L&P), the Mayor of London's promotional agency, FDI from India into London increased by 255 percent from 2017 to 2018. While China is included on a list of countries offered easier UK student visa application norms is one of the preferential routes currently not open to India.
“London and UK's continuing position as a world leader in higher education and research needs supportive policies. This is why we – along with London’s institutions – have called on the Government to introduce clear post-study routes of up to two years for international students considering the UK as a place to study.
“It remains to be seen whether the UK can secure a trade agreement with India faster than the EU – however, businesses have been very clear that exiting the EU without a withdrawal agreement and relying on World Trade Organisation rules will cause significant harm to London and the UK's economy,” said Rajesh Agrawal, Deputy Mayor of London for Business.
Boris previously married to Marina Wheeler whose mother was Indian and has attended two of Indian Journalists’ Association’s dinners. At one of the events he celebrated 70 years of India’s independence as foreign secretary. Although, Boris has Turkish DNA and a special connection with India, he is also embroiled in controversy around Islamophobia and racism.
ISLAMOPHOBIA
“When Boris Johnson made the comments about the face veil, we had Muslim women sharing their concerns with us, with one stating that 'such comments have real consequences for real women in the real world' – and that goes to the crux of the issue. It is perfectly possible to express your opinions on a matter without needing to resort to objectifying and dehumanising Muslim women. We have previously shared our disappointment that he was found not guilty of having broken the Conservative Party's code of conduct, as we felt that this would only go towards legitimising prejudice and hate towards Muslim women.
“But, we need a Prime Minister that will help promote women's empowerment, not inadvertently hinder it,” said Nazmin Akthar, Chair of Muslim Women's Network UK.
However, in a letter welcoming the new Prime Minister, Harun Khan, Secretary General of the MCB, said, “We wish you, our new Prime Minister, well as you attempt to navigate the country through the Brexit process.”
