U.K. Election Set to Deliver More Diverse Parliament, High Number of British Indian MPs

The upcoming U.K. general election on Thursday is anticipated to result in the most diverse Parliament in the nation’s history, with a significant number of parliamentarians of Indian heritage expected to be elected.

Historical Context

The U.K. has seen a gradual increase in ethnic minority representation in Parliament over the past few decades. In 1987, the first four non-white MPs were elected, marking a significant milestone. Since then, the representation of ethnic minorities has steadily increased, reflecting the growing diversity of the British electorate. The 2019 general election saw 15 MPs of Indian heritage elected, a number that is expected to rise in this election.

Analysis and Predictions

According to the British Future think tank, the Labour Party is projected to have the largest number of ethnic minority MPs if it secures an overall majority. The analysis indicates that around 14% of MPs will come from an ethnic minority background, bringing Parliament closer to mirroring the diversity of the British population.

Sunder Katwala, Director of British Future, highlighted the rapid progress in ethnic minority representation, noting that in just 40 years, the U.K. has moved from having no ethnic minority MPs to one in seven MPs being from such backgrounds.

Key Candidates and Constituencies

Several high-profile British Indian MPs are not seeking re-election, including Conservative Party MP Alok Sharma and Labour veteran Virendra Sharma. However, many new and returning candidates are in the fray:

• Labour Party:

  • Praful Nargund in Islington North
  • Jas Athwal in Ilford South
  • Baggy Shanker in Derby South
  • Satvir Kaur in Southampton Test
  • Harpreet Uppal in Huddersfield
  • Rajesh Agrawal in Leicester East

• Conservative Party:

  • Chandra Kanneganti in Stoke-on-Trent Central
  • Ameet Jogia in Hendon

• Independent Candidates:

  • Sangeet Kaur Bhail and Jaginder Singh in Ealing Southall
  • Keith Vaz in Leicester East

Impact and Significance

Jill Rutter, Associate Fellow at British Future, emphasized that a diverse Parliament brings varied perspectives, leading to more effective policymaking. MPs from different backgrounds can serve as role models, inspiring young people to engage in politics.

Vulnerable Seats

Some British Indian MPs are at risk due to a potential Labour swing, including:

• Shailesh Vara (North West Cambridgeshire)
• Gagan Mohindra (South West Hertfordshire)
• Claire Coutinho (East Surrey)

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and former Cabinet members Priti Patel and Suella Braverman are expected to retain their seats.

Summary

• The U.K. general election is set to deliver the most diverse Parliament in history.
• Labour Party is projected to have the largest number of ethnic minority MPs.
• Around 14% of MPs are expected to come from ethnic minority backgrounds.
• Key British Indian candidates are contesting in various constituencies.
• A diverse Parliament is seen as beneficial for effective policymaking and community representation.
• Some British Indian MPs are vulnerable to a Labour swing.
• Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and other high-profile MPs are expected to retain their seats.

This election marks a significant step towards a more inclusive and representative British Parliament.