TMP columnist, Lola Adesioye, this week reflects on Labour’s relationship with ethnic minority voters.

Ethnic minorities have always consistently and overwhelmingly voted for the Labour party. In the past, Labour’s commitment to equal opportunities, race relations and social justice have been key factors which have influenced minority voting decisions. But Labour, under Gordon Brown, must make some changes if it is to continue to depend on the ethnic minority vote.

The Labour party of today is undisputedly and significantly different from that of yesteryear. Now occupying more of a centre-left political space, the current Labour party has more in common with the Conservatives than ever before. Issues that arose while Blair was in power – such as the decision to invade Iraq, anti-terror legislation and the introduction of university tuition fees – have had a direct negative impact upon ethnic minorities in Britain, leading to discontent and disillusionment. Gordon Brown must ensure that, going forward, Labour policies are relevant and beneficial to ethnic minority voters. He must not take the ethnic minority vote for granted.

It is well documented that minorities, particularly in urban areas in which such groups tend to be highly concentrated, suffer most when it comes to housing, education, and other socio-economic matters. If government policies under Brown continue to oppress those who are already oppressed, voters will turn away from the Labour party. In urban areas the ‘minority’ vote (which can be the majority in some inner cities) is often crucial to the winning of Labour seats and therefore must be looked after.

Gordon Brown’s work lies in serving both minority and national interests. There need not be a dichotomy between the two: traditionally, Labour’s focus has been on policies which benefit all members of British society.

It will be interesting to see how Brown fares as Prime Minister. After all, it is his practises as Chancellor in Blair’s government which have led to the widening of the gap between rich and poor. This gap must now be narrowed through policies which will increase the lot of those at the lower end of the socio-economic scale.

Although the Conservatives have not traditionally appealed to ethnic minority voters, they have been courting the ethnic minority vote using the issues I’ve already mentioned as evidence of Labour’s lack of commitment to minority groups when it comes to national issues. David Cameron is has this year been putting in work in order to appeal to minority voters, talking about going into communities and recruiting from the talent pool for the Conservative party.

After Britain went to war in Iraq, many minority voters – including myself – started to consider voting Lib Dem instead. The point is that both the Tories and the Lib Dems have started to seriously focus on gaining what have traditionally been Labour-leaning minority votes – and they are successfully swaying some voters.

So what should Brown do? The introduction of ethnic minority shortlists may go someway towards rectifying these issues. Increased ethnic minority representation in parliament would hopefully mean that key issues are brought to the table and will drive forward policy that will benefit minorities.

Working Tax Family Credits, Educational Maintenance Awards, New Deal, free travel on public transport for under 18’s are all commendable actions which the Labour party has taken. However, in general, the party must focus on policies and practises which promote inclusion, equality and justice for all.

Notwithstanding some problems, I believe that Labour is still seen as the best, and most competent, party when it comes to equality and social justice. Despite Cameron’s efforts, it will take some time for the Conservatives to shake off their image as only protecting the interests of rich, white, upper class people. The Lib Dems, as seen by the recent resignation of Menzies Campbell, have not quite got their act together enough to really be considered as a viable party to be in power or to effectively represent minorities. However, Brown should not rest on his laurels.

Gordon Brown and the rest of his party need to look after the interests of minority voters in this country. After all, what’s good for minority voters – fairness, civil liberties, equal opportunities – is good for all British people.

Lola Adesioye uses the power of the positive word, whether written, spoken or sung, as well as a variety of media, to be an agent for social change, uplifting and inspiring the black community.