Black vote still holds firm for Labour

Simon Woolley OBV Director stated: Losing Oona King is a great loss for Black representation but the strong anti-war agenda in a large Muslim community played a huge impact. Her loss as with that of Yasmin Qureshi in Brent East demonstrates that being Black does not guarantee Black electoral support. This demonstrates a maturity within the Black electorate that you cannot take the Black Vote for granted. The most important aspect of this election is the acceptance by the new Government and the other parties that Black communities are still subject to gross social inequalities and that radical programmes in collaboration with Black communities is the way forward.

Ashok Viswanathan, Campaigns Director said: This wafer thin majority clearly demonstrates that the Black vote in key seats up and down the country, can decide who wins and who loses. Black people across the country have left the sidelines and come to the centre. This Parliament hangs on a threadbare and is forced to address the issues and concerns that face our communities.

Notes to the editor: Campaign coalition principal members: OBV, 1990 Trust, National Assembly Against Racism, BTEG, Black Londoners Forum, Muslim Association of Britain, Hindu Forum of Britain.