News

Whilst there is no doubt that there has been an increase in the youth vote and a greater sense of, 'we demand to be listened to',  political analytical experts have now concluded that the surprise element to  these elections was not necessarily the youth vote, but rather the vote of the Black and minority ethnic electorate- The Black Vote.

Analysing the data Bristol University academic Paula Surridge found that diversity, not young people, was more important in driving higher turnout in constituencies.

A story of Empire, Education and Elitism

Residing in one of Washington's most exclusive neighbourhoods, holding pink tea parties, advocating for civil rights in 1900's - is not the usual narrative of Black people at the turn of the twentieth century. Yet, this describes the fascinating life of James Arthur Harley, a name who most will not recognise, but thanks to the work of OBV alumni, Dr Pamela Roberts, James Arthur Harley will now be a name which is celebrated and a source of inspiration for all.

Exactly thirty years ago today politics received a seismic shift.  Four Black MP's were elected to Parliament - the first in almost 100 years. Ten years later OBV was born.  After last week’s election there are now 52 BME MPs in Parliament - a quantum leap from what occurred thirty years ago.

A number of these MP's graduated through the OBV MP shadowing scheme.  This year we launch a new scheme with high hopes of nurturing a new generation of BME leaders and MPs.

This morning we wake up in a new country. A country that feels somehow different as a result of a new and profound shift in the political tectonic plates of the UK terra firma.

No doubt, by lunchtime today, I expect Prime Minister Theresa May to have resigned. She has failed to secure her mandate for a "hard Brexit" and as a result the vengeful Tory leadership is sharpening its knives ready for a very long night.

Failing that she will try and form a weak coalition with the racist and extreme right wing DUP .

Press release: Immediate
Contact OBV press office: 
07920 057237 / 07584 177 529

Stunning rise in BME MPs to Westminster

Another one of the unexpected results of this election has seen a remarkable rise in BME MP’s in Westminster with 11 new BME MP’s and only one loss, taking the number now to 52 BME MP’s.

But the numbers don’t tell half of the story about what has occurred in this election.

Thursday 8th June 2017

We deplore the racism, misogyny and hatred suffered by Diane Abbott MP during this election campaign. This barrage of hate has exacerbated her ill-health and stress, that comes as a direct result of the MSM hate campaign, and bias media coverage that we’ve seen emerge, on almost every occasion Diane makes a public appearance or a statement.

In this year's general election, we are witnessing the highest proportion of female Parliamentary Candidates the UK has ever seen. Of these candidates, two are graduates from OBV's BME Women's Councillor Scheme, and are hoping to win over their constituents and make a difference as MP's.

As the election rumbles on, the excitement builds as a man thought to have Buckley’s chance of entering No 10 defies all expectations.

Jeremy Corbyn representing a Socialist party and written off by all, as a hopeless wreck, has come to inspire people, with his plain language and moderate policies whose main political aspiration is to simply reduce economic and social inequality, by delivering fairness, industry and social injustice in the UK.

Brexit is now going to be at the forefront of all decisions and we need a pragmatic, strong leader who has a proven track record.

There was strong feeling on both sides of the Brexit argument; we now must approach Brexit with a collegiate manner and will have the freedom to set our own policies and vision with the UK at the heart of an outward looking global network. We need to get the best possible deal and I am confident that with Theresa May at the helm we do just that and we will make a success of this new chapter.

There’s one reason why you should vote Liberal Democrat this Thursday – your children. The impact of Brexit will be felt over the decades and generations. The younger you are now, the greater the penalty you will feel if we get a bad deal.