Politics turn like the tides and the views and policies therein change, finding opposition as officials work to run their countries. That opposition is currently in the UK, viewpoints differing over the appointment of the new British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak. Controversy, pride, and anticipation are abounding as both politicians and citizens alike find excitement in representation, uncertainty in his goals for the working class, and hope for what he can do for Britain to help pull them out of an economic crisis.
Rishi Sunak has hit a significant milestone in his appointment. The youngest to ever take up the mantle of British Prime Minister, he is also the first minority to take on the role, finding support in his representation of South Asians. India celebrated such an achievement as the announcement of his appointment came along with their celebration of Diwali. There are two different takes on his appointment from a minority standpoint, specifically Hindu, as to what being the British Prime Minister means in contrast to the years of rule that Britain used to have over India. In a conversation with The Guardian, Suhel Seth, marketing expert and managing partner of Counselage commented, “The Hindu right will say: ‘Look, an Indian-origin man took over as PM on Diwali and so it means the Hindu gods have blessed him, And the extreme Hindu right will say: ‘It means India has arrived globally and it is thanks to Modi raising India’s standing in the world that we have ‘reverse colonialism’, as in the formerly ruled now ruling the former ruler, Britain.” Both make a point as to the significant turn in the voice of South Asians in British government versus the voicelessness they suffered under British rule.
Sanjay Gowda, president of the India Association of Greater Boston commented on such a feat. “It is a very significant moment for all the immigrant-minority for multiple reasons.” Gowda said. “Rishi Sunak is the first non-white and the youngest leader to occupy this position in the history of Britain. It is significant that Brits have embraced a non-majority communities and are accepting them to the highest office, especially during this ultra nationalist theme around the globe. It is an inspiration for all ethnic minority communities not just only in Britain, but here in the US as well that they can do it too and race isn’t always a limiting factor. As per India and Indians are concerned – it is indeed a prideful moment and recognition of Indian diaspora. Britons were the colonial rulers of India for centuries and after 75 years of hard-fought independence, the history comes in full circle.” The inspiration and representation of India, South Asians, of minorities in general is so present in that circle and Gowda also commented on what this means for India, if Sunak is seeking change on a revolutionary level.
No such plans have been publicly mentioned by Sunak himself, but Sanjay talked about the role of Sunak as a politician in the British government versus his immigrant background and culture. “It certainly feels good that someone with the similar culture and background is occupying such a high and influential office, but we shouldn’t expect anything more.” Gowda said. “I believe it is very naïve to think that Rishi Sunak would be advantageous to India or anyone or any particular community outside of Britain. Politicians of immigrant background are very cautious in their actions – with regard to their culture and community – and they feel pressured constantly to show their commitment at large. Rishi Sunak is the Prime Minister of Britain, and he will only serve the best interest of his country.” That distinction can be difficult, to try to devote your efforts to your country but be caught in representing and respecting your own culture and community in the process, especially when your parents immigrated from the country that the one you preside in once forcibly ruled. His appointment is enough to inspire and excite others though, and those who are just starting out or dream of politics in the UK and even in the U.S. can look into the government and dream of more minorities being involved.
As minorities even in the U.S. watch the events unfold in the U.K. there is the question as to how East Asian minorities here will be affected. When considering any possible impact, Gowda spoke truthfully, with poise and hope. “I don’t think Rishi Sunak as Britain’s Prime Minister will have any direct impact on Asian American Community in the US.” he began. “However, Rishi Sunak has become the global news and it certainly inspires the Asian community to get involved in public service and represent themselves at political levels. The Asian community in the US is a very hard-working community and professionally/economically doing well – however, far behind in running for elected offices. More of this news will, hopefully, stir up more conversations and encourage more to run for offices.” That hope is likely to become reality. Throughout history, as people stand up to represent themselves and others, as a new face from marginalized and oppressed groups appears, even those who simply don’t have much of a voice come into the light, others begin to stand up and speak up as well.
Gowda also mentioned that while this is an important milestone, Sunak’s achievement may just be successful as inspiration. “Rishi Sunak’s achievement is an inspirational story and a very pride moment for all. His story brings tremendous admiration for the Indian diaspora. However, I don’t think there is any real advantages for the Indian diaspora or India in general.” True to his point, unless Sunak begins to make political changes or representation for India specifically, the advantages are more from a representation point of view, monumental all the same. Though Sunak’s biggest challenge at the moment has more to do with the economic state of his country.
Rishi Sunak’s appointment did not come about by general election. His predecessor, Liz Truss, implemented changes that unfortunately lessened the value of the British pound, hitting a record low in comparison of the dollar, as well other financial troubles. In his first speech, Sunak mentioned that her decisions were not “borne out of ill will or bad intentions” and that the government he leads “will not leave the next generation, your children and grandchildren, with a debt to settle that we were too weak to pay ourselves.” Sunak’s priority seems to be fixing Britain’s current financial situation. Truss resigned after only six-weeks, the shortest terms for a British Prime Minister and Sunak garnered the votes needed to move into office outside of the general election, set to take place in January 2025.
It is not clear as to whether Sunak can fix everything by then, especially since he faces opposition from within the British government. There are those who are unsatisfied with his rise, calling his appointment to office “undemocratic”. He won the position after securing the support of 200 Tory MP’s. Technically, British law requires a minimum support of 100 Conservative members of parliament. While he did not acquire the position traditionally, he was still supported by a majority. Aside from the opposition within the government, there are those who are not on par with his conservative views. These include his own plan to expand on the controversial Rwanda immigration policy that saw a shocking turn earlier this year.
The policy was an attempt to limit the number of illegal immigrants into the UK, leading officials to make a partnership with Rwanda, sending those seeking asylum in the UK to be taken care of in the East African country. There are many people on either side of this and activists working to get rid of it. With Sunak’s conservative background, he has his own plans for immigration topics. There are other issues that people have with his stances, including his effect on minorities and the working class.
Indian-origin Labour MP Nadia Whittome tweeted her response to Sunak’s appointment, only to be told to delete it after the backlash it received. It read, “Rishi Sunak as prime minister isn’t a win for Asian representation. He’s a multi-millionaire who, as chancellor, cut taxes on bank profits while overseeing the biggest drop in living standards since 1956. Black, white or Asian: if you work for a living, he is not on your side.” While he is doing what he can to bring the UK back from this financial hole, it is also possible that his focuses after that may not be focused on the working-class minorities, but only the future holds the truth. Nadia Whittome brings forth real concerns for people of color, inciting the need to be aware. However, only once Sunak does what he can to help fix the British financial issue will his intentions for the working class and minorities be seen. Regardless of the view on Sunak and his rise, who supports or opposes him, his appointment is an inspiration for other Asians to represent themselves and others in politics to insight change and inclusivity. The most important thing for the Prime Minister and Britain is to see if Sunak can fix this situation. Only time will tell.
