Ethnic
Minorities: delivered at the '98 Party
Conference |
Why
are
ethnic communities not represented in British politics?
1.
As
immigrants, they are still
sorting out the basics – housing, education for their children and the insecurity
of their employment. 2.
Linguistic,
cultural and social identity distinguishes
them from mainstream society. Mistrust
of authority, a perception of social
discrimination and the cost of
involvement in politics dissuades
most, and pushes the few activists
to serve in their own communities. 3.
There
is an absence of ethnic role
models in national politics. Why
do
the majority vote Labour?
1.
Labour’s
Race Relations Act, and the Commission for Racial Equality, are perceived
by ethnic communities as protecting their rights. 2.
Living,
with extended families, sharing
income and poor housing, leaves them no
alternative but, to vote
Labour, as it minimises social
tension with their indigenous neighbours. They perceive, that Labour provides, and Conservatives
privatise, their health, education and welfare. We must destroy this false perception
using the ethnic media. 3.
Unlike
our Party, Labour has many
local government councillors who act as role models, and who influence the
votes of their communities. 4.
We must
circulate election literature in ethnic languages. We must
endeavour to influence the opinion formers
- genuine community and
religious leaders, who influence such communities voting collectively. 5.
Our
ethnic activists should be seen, with our leaders, at their community
events with appropriate publicity in their media. Ethnic
participation in Conservative
politics should not be
distinct, and should not
require special favour. Our Party is open to all,
irrespective of colour, gender,
class or creed. It offers the opportunity to serve
and succeed. It rewards merit
and service, in selecting whoever is best and
deserving. I
believe, and, after William
Hague’s reform of the Party, I
know, that the Conservative Party is
open, democratic and accountable. It will not
decide behind closed doors. Anyone
is free to join, participate and speak for the Party. I am proud to be a member of such a Party – the Conservative Party!
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