LONDON:In a historic election outcome, the UK Parliament has welcomed its most ethnically diverse cohort ever. The recent elections saw a notable increase in the number of Members of Parliament (MPs) from ethnic minority backgrounds, reflecting a broader trend of greater political involvement among minorities and efforts by parties to better represent their constituents.
According to analysis by the British Future think tank, over 13% of the new parliamentarians belong to ethnic minority groups, up from 10% in 2019. This milestone comes as 18% of the UK population identifies with non-White ethnic groups, based on 2021 census data.
However, while the Labour Party secured 66 out of the 89 ethnic minority MPs, this diversity is less evident in Keir Starmer's cabinet lineup announced recently. The Prime Minister has appointed only three cabinet ministers from ethnic minority backgrounds: Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy. Thangam Debbonaire, another potential appointee, lost her election bid.
This representation falls short compared to previous cabinets under Rishi Sunak, where ethnic minority leaders held several key roles simultaneously. In contrast, Starmer's cabinet previously included more ethnic minority MPs, but several left the shadow cabinet last November amid a controversial vote on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The trend marks a significant shift in British politics, where ethnic minority representation is increasingly becoming the norm. Despite historical associations of ethnic minority voters with Labour, the Conservative Party under leaders like David Cameron has actively promoted diversity within its ranks since 2010. This initiative saw an increase in minority MPs, including the first British Muslim cabinet member, Sayeeda Warsi.
However, critics argue that while visual representation has improved, it hasn't necessarily translated into improved outcomes for marginalized ethnic communities. Dr. Rima Saini of Middlesex University emphasized that diversity in the Conservative Party's cabinet doesn't equate to racial justice but rather serves as a strategy to modernize the party.
In contrast, Starmer's cabinet reflects a shift towards greater social diversity, with a majority having attended state schools. This stands in contrast to previous Conservative cabinets known for their privileged backgrounds.
Moving forward, the diverse composition of Starmer's cabinet may influence policy decisions, such as changes to education funding and support for disadvantaged communities. With a strong mandate from voters, expectations are high that Starmer will deliver on promises to usher in a new era of opportunity and equality for all Britons.
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