Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party appointed Baroness Doreen Lawrence to lead the review into BAME COVID deaths. This act undermines the nation at a time when we are all in the middle of a global pandemic. I say so because the elected Government has already announced a formal investigation into the very same matter and as such, the wise decision by any responsible opposition would have been to be supportive of the Government rather than creating a false alternative narrative to suit their political inclinations. Having set it up, Starmer put his foot in it immediately. He did not bother to invite any representation from the Hindu community. Quite astonishing given that Indians are disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Is this incompetence? Is it negligence? Or is it the same old Labour Party happy to treat our community with contempt?
I wrote on 6th April of my serious reservations about Labour as it is now, and as it might be under the new leadership. I specifically pointed out several key issues Labour would need to tackle to remedy the situation. And in his first act as leader, he ignores us. Just incredible.
I asked leaders of several Hindu organisations if they had written to the new Labour leader. Smt Trupti Patel confirmed that the Hindu Forum of Britain had written to Sir Keir Starmer expressing their serious concerns. To his credit, Starmer did reply but he missed the opportunity to reset relations with the Hindu community. The response was nothing but political rhetoric to obfuscate a community organisation. There was no apology, nor any understanding of the harm Labour has done to India, Indians and Hindus.
In fact Starmer has gone on to promote a number of Labour politicians who have been responsible for anti-India, anti-Indian and anti-Hindu behaviour. These are the very people promoting the hooligans from Pakistan occupied Kashmir, and responsible for the anti-India conference motion. I hate to break this to you Keir, but if this is the mark of your leadership then you can say goodbye to any support from us. Might I suggest you first fire those who gave you such contemptible advice.
The HFB have also been in a conference call with Keir and his team. Their President Truptiben reminded him about Labour failings in the past, but also those under his watch. He acknowledged that an apology is due, though why that has not been forthcoming (as it was the case for the Jewish community) immediately is a mystery to me. Let’s see what this apology looks like (if it ever sees the light of day) before making any judgements.
Let me remind Keir, Kashmir is not a constitutional issue, nor is it a bilateral issue. It is an integral part of India, and that includes Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir has been part of Bharat Varsh since records began thousands of years ago. So for Labour, or other politicians who wish to promote the invaders history, they will never succeed.
My challenge to Keir, at the next Party Conference, I want you to give full unreserved support for India and state clearly, Kashmir is integral to India and a Labour government will not interfere.
Keir your window of opportunity will pass by if you make the errors of the past. Time to listen to new advice, from people who will tell you the truth, regardless of whether you like it or not. You cannot save Labour if you remain in the pockets of vote bank politics.
(Expressed opinions are personal.)
