The last Office for National Statistics census in 2011 showed that 14 per cent of the United Kingdom population are of an ethnic minority background. Despite the recent changes in attitudes within race relations and the achievements of ethnic minorities in different walks of life, there is still a woeful representation of racial diversity in prominent positions. According to the Green Park Leadership 10,000 report, within the top three positions in the FTSE 100 – chair, chief financial officer and chief executive officer – only 10 are held by ethnic minorities. A similar case can be found in politics with parliament having around six per cent in both Houses from an ethnic minority background, and this lack of diversity can also be extended in regards to their staff and advisors. When we turn to political leadership, the last elections for the Labour party, the Liberal Democrats and the Conservative party lacked a single candidate who was an ethnic minority in the final list.
Though the lack of political representation can be linked to a general apathy for ‘mainstream’ politics, the Ethnic Minority British Election Study states that young ethnic minorities are engaged in some form of political activism despite the negative narratives that focuses on their integration in society. The question is how we can translate this energy into a political system that would benefit from such diversity when they are not inclined or feel welcomed to join in the first place.
When we look at the political parties there is significant scope for improvement. Although Labour has traditionally been viewed as the default BAME option, there is a view among the members and members of parliament that the party is resting its laurels. On the other hand, the Conservatives have been making substantial inroads to correct the negative stereotypes through initiatives such as their ‘A-List’ for safe seats irrespective of the racial breakdown of the constituency. However, one should always look to the dog-whistle campaign of the Conservatives’ London mayoral campaign to see the extent to which they care about ethnic minorities.
I would say that for a genuine and meaningful change of the modus operandi of politics, there has to be shift towards one that levels the playing field for participation. Race equality should be about living in a society where your faith, culture, and ethnicity are positive aspects of an individual which can be intertwined with your British identity. There are grassroots movements and thoughts among various organisations that a substantial change is needed, my argument would be that reformation of the political system needs young BAME people within political parties. Those who are seeking to improve the world should persevere to change the system so that others have a better chance.
The active involvement of young ethnic minorities in political parties would help with following. First, a cultural change in how parties operate, from tangible aspects such as potential candidates for selection to the subtle factors such as how members are socialised and interact within the organisation. Second, the presence and experiences of ethnic minorities can lead to public services to better reflect communities that are disadvantaged if they are in a position to make the policies match the realities on the ground. Third, identity politics needs to shift towards a narrative that can encompass the diversity within a simple narrative of who you are and how you fit in British society.
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Junaed Khan is chair of the Young Fabians Communications Network. He tweets at @junaedhkhan
At Labour party conference, Young BAME members will be having a fringe event on Sunday 25 September from 1.30-3pm in Meeting Room 7. The event will cover political engagement and what the vision is for young minorities in the Labour party and Britain.
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