Government is truly committed to securing FTA with India: Conservative Party Chair

Rupanjana Dutta and Shefali Saxena Tuesday 18th October 2022 16:08 EDT
 
 

As Britain fears the possibility of a snap election soon, the country’s socio-economic revival has become more important than ever. The Conservative Party - its recent decision to elect Liz Truss over Rishi Sunak as their leader and therefore the UK’s Prime Minister has come under severe scrutiny after the current Cabinet successfully ‘wrecked’ the economy. Though polls have predicted Labour Party coming into power in the next round of elections, Conservative Party Chairman Jake Berry in an exclusive interview with the Asian Voice, said he believes that no one can beat them and their “local community engagements”. 

He further spoke about divisive politics, his party’s strength and relationship with the ethnic minorities and the much anticipated UK-India FTA.

The Conservatives have been through a lot lately. With the change of leadership and demands for massive crisis management, as Party Chairman, how do you manage to keep the spirits of the party members high in challenging times?

A lot has changed in the past month, we have a new King and a new Prime Minister. But what hasn’t changed is the task at hand. Next year we have our next electoral challenge, the local elections in May. This will be a crucial part of our journey towards our collective success at the next General Election. 

In order for us to win those elections and replace those seats we previously lost, we need to deliver, deliver for the whole nation. We are re-energising communities and recognising that talent, drive and enthusiasm exist across the whole of the UK. 

But there is always more to do. That is why we are committed to delivering on the levelling up mission in a Conservative way. However, I am not just the Chairman for the Northern Conservatives, I am Chairman for the whole country and looking southwards, we are making great progress in ensuring it remains the powerhouse that it is. 

What is your vision for the party as the new Chairman?

It is a tremendous privilege to Chair the most successful and oldest political party in the world. 

Our main aim is to prepare for the General Election, with many electoral challenges around the corner before we get there. 

If we are to ensure that this country remains free from the scourge of socialism, we simply cannot afford to be divided. Now is the time for the whole party and country to unite firmly behind the Prime Minister’s leadership - so we can focus on delivering for the nation. Tackling the serious challenges the country faces and providing the immediate support needed in the months ahead. 

Part of my vision includes engaging with diverse communities which include the British Indian community where we have made huge strides. This was even reflected in this year’s local elections, where Harrow – home to one of the largest British Indian populations in the UK – bucked the trend and turned blue in the local elections. Harrow was the only council that the Conservatives gained across the country and it was evident that the British Indian vote won it for us.

What role according to you does the South Asian diaspora play in the British socio-political economy?

The British Asian diaspora makes a tremendous contribution to our economy. Considering that British Asians make up a small percentage of the total population, their contribution to the UK’s GDP is beyond compare. And it's not just their economic contribution, but their rich contribution to all walks of life from business, science, professional services, medicine, media and even around our Cabinet table in politics. 

I have witnessed this first-hand in my constituency, where the shared values of the British Asian community are evident. Their commitment to hard work, education, family and enterprise – very much conservative values – is truly inspiring. 

The Conservative party boasts of many members from ethnic minorities in pivotal roles. What is your take on issues and areas of concern for the community, especially subtle and institutional racism as well as health disparities?

I am immensely proud of the Conservative Party’s record on diversity. We have the most diverse Cabinet on record, and I am glad that we keep building on our diversity. The reason why the Conservatives are so successful when it comes to diversity is because we focus on talent and meritocracy while breaking down any barriers. 

When it comes to racism there is no room for prejudice of any kind in our Party. Our recently updated Code of Conduct means that discrimination can be called out and acted upon quickly. I am passionate about championing equality of opportunity for all.   

In contrast, Labour still has a very masked view when it comes to diversity. This was evident by the vile slurs made by a Labour MP on Kwasi Kwarteng last month. 

How crucial will the ethnic minority vote (if at all) be in the next general elections in the UK?

All votes are equally important. However, as a Party, we have made a consolidated effort in engaging with diverse communities. We want everyone to benefit from our policies which is why we are determined to extend our outreach. Our Friends of Groups, Councillors and dedicated members are instrumental in helping us engage with communities. 

Labour party chief Sir Keir Starmer has of late been indulging and interacting with the diaspora by embracing its cultural festivals to perhaps strengthen the vote bank for Labour. How would the Conservatives do it differently?

It’s great to see Labour finally engage with the British Indian community. They’ve done more visits in the last week than they’ve done in a decade! However, a tokenistic visit is not enough. 

We have been engaging with communities for many years – not just at election time. We are building on our engagement to make it meaningful - visiting to really understand issues that communities face, and empowering civic duty. 

I am also grateful for the support of so many champions in our Party who have helped bridge the gap between the Party and the British Indian community. This includes Dolar Popat, Sandy Verma, Rami Ranger and Jitesh Gadhia who have devoted so many years to extending engagement with the British Indian community. 

I am also grateful for the support of organisations like the Conservative Friends of India – the largest affiliate group of the Conservative Party. The leadership of Ameet Jogia and Reena Ranger has been instrumental in strengthening our outreach with the British Indian diaspora and India.

Your statement, "People know that when their bills arrive, they can either cut their consumption or they can get a higher salary, higher wages, go out there and get that new job." didn't go down well with the general public. Do you stand by this or in retrospect you would frame it differently?

As I mentioned before, the language I used in the interview was clumsy and I regret it. The point I was trying to make, as part of a much longer interview, is that the Government needs to go for growth to ensure that we can grow the economy and that the whole of Britain can get a pay rise.

The motivation for me and this Government is to create growth in the economy, to create more highly paid secure jobs. That’s why the government is creating growth. Ambition and aspiration are not a bad thing, this is not just some academic exercise.

With your Home Secretary attacking India directly, and now UK-India FTA jeopardised, how will your party under your esteemed leadership damage control?

Suella Braverman is an excellent and hardworking Home Secretary whose comments around immigration have been taken out of context and used to make her a scapegoat. The government is truly committed to securing a Free Trade Agreement with India. It would be our biggest-ever FTA, one that will reflect our historic, natural bond with India. 

Suella in her role as Home Secretary is naturally focused on managing immigration. The Indian authorities have dismissed reports that her comments have been harmful. 

Your party has also been accused of dividing the Hindu and Muslim voters, pinning them against each other, to win elections. How do you plan to change this notion?

Absolutely not. It was the Labour Party who have a history of divisive politics, particularly with their anti-Modi/India leaflet issued during the Batley & Spen by-election last year. I am committed to steering away from any kind of divisive politics – that includes addressing the community tensions we witnessed in Leicester. 

However, it is important to acknowledge the concerns of various communities. For many Hindus, it was the first time that many felt unsafe in practising their faith in Britain – something which goes against everything we stand for. Here in the UK, we are a proud country of religious freedom, but many communities who have strived to integrate into mainstream life and who are proud to be British are feeling increasingly isolated and victimised. It is important to recognise concerns about a rise in Hinduphobia and what that means for the community.

Do you think the Conservative party is ready to defeat Labour in the next general elections?

Yes, we have a proven track record of winning elections and engaging with local communities. Just last week, despite the polls, we won a historic by-election in Leicester and took a seat off Labour. It shows how on the ground the message of the Conservatives is one that truly resonates with voters up and down the country.


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