The Year of the Snake: Happy Chinese New Year

Those who braved the wintry weather yesterday in central London may have witnessed a giant yellow and red, all dancing, squirming 80ft snake, weaving its way through the streets of China Town to the back beat of drums, and cymbals. In London and throughout the country, Britain’s Chinese population and thousands of others were celebrating their New Year: The year of Snake.

But it is a small political group, -the Chinese Liberal Democrats - who use this annual platform not just to celebrate the sight, sounds and, of course, Chinese food, but also to remind the UK that Chinese people are quietly and effectively making a wonderful contribution to our society way beyond the stereotype. In a video that they shot especially for Chinese New Year, the British Chinese community are expressing themselves in a kaleidoscope of ways, including: being barristers, architects, book sellers and local politicians.

It is to this latter part that in many ways brings great shame on our modern democracy. That of the 650 or so Members of Parliament, not one is Chinese. And its not as though they lack aspiration. OBV can testify that over the years, many talented Chinese individuals such as Merlene Emerson, have come through our MP Shadowing schemes and now who deserve an opportunity to server in Parliament.

As we celebrate the Chinese New Year with the Chinese community, let’s also urge our political elite to make the breakthrough and ensure a number of talented Chinese Brits become Members of the British Parliament.

This is the video they made:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=tXJ1o87sPPI

Simon Woolley