Politics: Ethnic Minorities Representing Britain

The UK is one of the most culturally and religiously diverse places to be. For us residents we witness spectra of race, colour, creed and language in our personal and professional encounters. I could not be more proud to be British.

However, when I say to you that out of 650 MP’s in the UK Parliament only 27 are of ethnic minority background – data accurate as of January 2012 – something doesn’t quite add up. Firstly, why does the question arise about Parliament? Secondly, do we need more diversity amongst our MP’s?

Parliament is the heart, brain, limbs and five senses of this great nation. Every process established in the UK, be it trade, industry, health, education, legal or otherwise is directly controlled by one decision or another taken by Parliament. Our past, present and future is in the hands of our Parliamentarians. Without making its governance sound dictator-like, the UK Parliament really does matter to us all in more ways than we perhaps wish to believe.

The job of our Parliamentarians seems ever more important in the global village we live in. In an age of global threats of terror, continued religious and political persecution, violent civil uprisings and a social networking frenzy, Parliamentarians bridge the link between us and our fellow humans. Not forgetting that we are possibly on the brink of a third world war, envisaged to hit at the core of the western civilization.

Whilst all the above, no doubt, occupies the daily agendas at 10 Downing Street and 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the day-to-day grind of protecting our nation, strengthening our economy, delivering world-class education and healthcare, establishing an realistic welfare system, saving the pensioners, offering hope to our unemployed youth, promises of both freedom of expression and privacy, and facilitating community cohesion, all lay at the forefront of covenants entered into by our MP’s.

To be an MP is not a career move, it’s a way of life.
My deliberate theological angle has a purpose. To be an MP in today’s Britain you have to understand and work with individuals, families, communities and societies of a different genetic make-up. We need our MP’s to be of the people and pave the halls of Westminster with all the goodness that comes from their diverse backgrounds.

Religious teachings of moral and social responsibilities will be a huge asset to our government by ensuring that decisions are taken in the most honourable manner. Cultural and societal traditions, regardless of the source, can play a key role in our Parliamentarians being able to educate our future generations to co-exist in peace whilst in search of prosperity.

Ethnic minorities have undertaken a struggle to integrate into this nation and it is high time the make-up of our most worthy Chamber reflects that integration. An MP is elected to represent his or her local constituents or residents. We don’t need MP’s who are best in speech, we need MP’s who can speak up for all corners of Britain. Let’s open the field to our ethnic minorities who can, on merit, lead our nation into a better future for Britain. An all-inclusive future.

Qaseem is an Immigration and Asylum Consultant registered with the Law Society of England and Wales. Qaseem is the local co-ordinator for a Youth Charity Organisation (AMYA) working for the betterment of youth in the London Borough of Waltham Forest and wider-London. He is also the Campaign Officer the Local Labour Party. His interests include Martial Arts, Mountaineering and looking after his pet chickens.

Follow Qaseem on twitter at: @Qaseem_Ahmed