The Labour Party has a historically significant role in the fight for India Independence. Our 1945 manifesto made clear our commitment towards this goal which stated “… the Labour Party will seek to promote mutual understanding and cordial co-operation between the Dominions of the British Commonwealth, the advancement of India to responsible self-government, and the planned progress of our Colonial Dependencies.”
Soon after Clement Attlee’s election victory, the Indian Independence Act was passed in 1947 and Attlee became know as the “man who freed India.” Since this time, Labour has been at the forefront of promoting values of internationalism and cooperation abroad, while building an inclusive society at home - where people of all walks of life are welcomed and have the opportunity to flourish.
The Indian diaspora is one of the most successful examples of this. Indians have now become an integral part of Modern Britain, with Indian culture, food and music enjoyed by people across the country, leading to the late Labour Foreign Secretary Robin Cook describing curry as the British national dish. Economically, according to a joint report by Grant Thornton UK and the Indian High Commission, Indian diaspora-owned companies employ over 174,000 people and pay over £1 billion in Corporation Tax. And this does not even account for the vast contribution of Indian run SMEs. This is testament to how the diaspora has settled and thrived in the UK, adding value not only to our economic prosperity but also to our wider society.
These achievements have not come to pass without challenges however. We know issues of racism were rife and much inequality still exists today. The Labour Party has always stood shoulder to shoulder with the community in this struggle. In fact, one of our seminal achievements was the passing and strengthening of the Race Relations Act in the 60s, which made it illegal to refuse housing, employment, or public services to a person due to their colour, race, ethnic or national origins. This provided the foundation for Indians and other ethnic minorities to build their lives in the UK with the protection of the law against racism.
There is still progress that can be made to increasing representation in senior levels across industries and public life, but the extent to which Indians have enriched British culture cannot be understated. Labour has also advocated in Parliament for a fair immigration system, including for family and student visas and work visas including for the many NHS doctors and nurses that have made a difference for so many. I am proud of the contribution that Indians make to our political, social and economic life in the UK, and that the bonds between India and Britain remain strong. I wish everyone celebrating a special Indian Independence Day.
