Opening statement at ‘BAME voices for Labour: representing our nation’ conference — 8 September 2018
Good morning.
It is great to stand before an audience which captures the true diversity of both London and the UK…
My name is Callum Anderson and it is my pleasure to welcome you to this one-of-a-kind conference — BAME voices for Progress …
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Friends House for hosting us today …
And for Henna and the rest of the Progress team for their hard work in making this all happen …
That you have all given up the best part of your Saturday to be here ought to serve as a reminder of the importance of ensuring that every voice in our Labour movement …
And in our country …
Regardless of their background … or tradition …
Is represented in our public debate…
And be given the opportunity to be heard and their experiences shared …
So that we can build the fairer, more equal and more democratic society that we seek …
Britain is much changed since Diane Abbott, Paul Boateng, Bernie Grant and Keith Vaz walked into the House of Commons in June 1987 …
Their tireless work has paved the way for our Parliament and our Government to hear those voices that are far too often ignored …
And we all owe them our deep gratitude for their service …
In 2018, 8% of MPs identify as black, Asian or another ethnic minority …
Along with 6% of peers …
And just 4% of our local councillors …
This compared to 14% of the total UK population …
So while we have made great strides in the last 31 years in representation — in all its forms — there is still much work to do in ensuring that our councils of government genuinely reflect the people they serve …
And Labour must be at the frontline of this effort …
Yet progress comes not only from those in power… but from activists and party members.
That is why it is the obligation for all of us in this room to speak up … and lead… on the issues that affect the lives of our friends … our families … and our neighbourhoods …
Be it about our NHS; our schools; our criminal justice system; our mental health services; our housing; and our ability to find well-paid jobs.
But — perhaps more importantly — it is essential that we participate in the institutional pillars of our society that affect our citizens’ life chances.
So that doesn’t only mean standing for elected office in our town halls and for Parliament … although I would encourage you all to do so …
It means involving yourself on school boards and health panels …
Sitting as magistrates and contributing to community groups ….
Because … Institutions matter.
As you will have seen from today’s agenda, we are fortunate to have a fantastic array of Labour talent at our disposal ….
Councillors, trade unionists, activists and Parliamentarians ….
Who are extremely well-placed to discuss the economic and political challenges facing our party and our country…
I encourage you all to participate as much as possible …
For if Labour truly seeks to represent and to govern for the many and not the few, our progressive voices and values are essential.
I hope you all enjoy today’s conference.
Thank you.
