By Kirat Raj Singh, Vice Chair, Labour Asians Society
In recent years, British politics has been marked by an alarming rise in divisive and inflammatory rhetoric from certain quarters of the right wing. This shift threatens not only the unity of our nation but also the fundamental values of tolerance and mutual respect that have long been hallmarks of British society.
The toxic consequences of this rhetoric are plain to see: communities driven apart, immigrant populations scapegoated, and a dangerous normalisation of prejudice. For British Asians and other minority groups, this is not a distant threat but a lived reality. Hate crimes have surged, bigotry has become more brazen, and the dog whistles of the past have turned into loud and unapologetic sirens.
But this is not just a minority issue – it is a British issue. When one community is attacked, it is a blow to the social fabric that binds us all. Unity and tolerance must become the rallying cries of all who believe in a better Britain.
Unity does not mean uniformity. It means recognising that our differences – whether of race, religion, or culture – enrich us rather than divide us. Britain’s strength has always been in its diversity, from the nurses who kept our NHS afloat during the pandemic to the entrepreneurs who drive our economy. We must reject the false narrative that pits us against each other and instead embrace the shared goals of prosperity, equality, and fairness.
Tolerance is not just a passive acceptance of others; it is an active commitment to understanding, inclusion, and standing against hate in all its forms. This requires courage – courage to call out racism, misogyny, and homophobia wherever we see them, even when it is politically inconvenient.
The Labour Party, with its proud history of championing equality, must lead the way in building bridges where others erect walls. This means strengthening policies that tackle inequality, engaging with grassroots communities, and amplifying voices that have too often been silenced. As the Vice Chair of the Labour Asians Society, I see first-hand how empowering diverse voices enriches our movement and helps us fight for a Britain that works for everyone.
But this is not a task for Labour alone. This is a call to action for all who believe in decency and justice. The fight against the rising tide of right-wing populism is not a battle of left versus right – it is a battle of hope versus fear, of inclusion versus division, of progress versus regression.
As British Asians, we stand at a unique crossroads. We are the children of immigrants and the architects of Britain’s future. We carry the weight of our ancestors’ struggles and the promise of a better tomorrow. It is our duty to champion unity and tolerance – not just for our own sake, but for the sake of the nation we call home.
In the face of rising right-wing rhetoric, silence is complicity. Let us speak out, stand together, and show the world that the Britain we believe in is one where everyone, regardless of background, can thrive. Together, we can ensure that our shared future is defined not by the divisions of a few, but by the strength of our collective humanity.
Kirat Raj Singh is the Vice Chair of the Labour Asians Society and an advocate for equality, diversity, and social justice in British politics.
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