Recent weeks have seen political events that could have a huge – and far from positive – impact on Asian Voice readers and members of all Asian communities in the years to come.
Most alarmingly, the Government’s proposals for the UK’s post-Brexit immigration and visas policy would be damaging to Asian businesses, communities and families if they are put into practice. Over 1.4 million strong, the British Indian community is one of the most prosperous and dynamic ethnic minority communities in the UK.
A recent report by Grant Thornton found that British Indian-owned businesses in the UK turnover nearly £37 billion, employ 174,000 people and pay £1 billion in corporation tax.
The proposals will make it harder for businesses to find the global talent and workforce we need to keep our economy strong and vibrant. They will impact small, family-owned businesses, hitting hospitality and retail particularly hard.
For example, Asian restaurateurs will find it nigh on impossible under these proposals to bring talented chefs and waiting staff from overseas. Had the system proposed been in place in the past, I may never have come to the UK, founded a successful business, and created jobs and wealth in our economy, as so many other Asian immigrants in Britain have done.
I am sure this is the same story for many readers of Asian Voice, their parents or grandparents.
British Asians will also see their rights to travel and work freely within the European Union (EU) stripped away following the end of the Brexit transition period in December.
But, though the UK left the EU on January 31, there is still everything to fight for to ensure our future relationship is as close as possible.
That is why the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, recently visited Brussels to meet senior EU politicians and urge them to work with our Government to create a form of ‘Associate Citizenship’ for UK citizens who want to retain their rights to travel, work and live across the EU.
We have less than a year to chalk out a deal with the EU. All the evidence points to our long-term growth, inward investment and jobs market being hurt by Brexit.
The uncertainty it has caused has deterred many businesses from investing since the referendum. UK economic and productivity growth are both at or close to zero. Too many small businesses remain unprepared for the challenges they could face as a result of leaving the EU.
At City Hall, we are doing all we can to help businesses of all sizes and sectors. As someone who came to London from India and founded a small business myself, I understand how valuable support and guidance can be in helping navigate uncertain times – which is why the Mayor has launched his Brexit Business Resource Hub.
Amid all these challenges, let’s be clear: London will remain a global hub for business, culture and innovation. Our city is a world leader in finance, law, professional services, the creative industries and technology. Across the UK, services industries as a whole contribute 80 per cent to the UK’s economy and London accounts for half of the UK’s exports in services.
That is why the Mayor is urging the Government to protect industries that are central to the future prospects of the British jobs and growth while the UK agrees a new trade relationship with the EU.
Come what may, I remain optimistic. I am confident London will continue to thrive as a leading global city long into the future, with strong links to our trading partners in Europe, Asia and beyond.
