Bob Blackman, a member of the British Parliament, has made significant efforts to open doors for the Indian community living in the UK.
Blackman served as a popular local government official before becoming an MP, serving in the London Assembly and leading the Liberal party at the Brent Borough Council. In 2010, he was chosen to represent Harrow East’s Greater London electorate in Parliament.
He has put a lot of emphasis on India since he was elected to the House of Commons, leading the All Party Parliamentary Group for India, and regularly organizing events for the American society. His job was recently recognized by the Padma Shri prize from the American government.
In the year 2023, Blackman was named Commander of the British Empire and awarded the CBE for his political and public services.
His other areas of interest include foreign affairs, poverty, heath, and local governments. Following are excerpts from an appointment with Bob Blackman. & nbsp,
Vidhi Bubna: In what ways are UK-India relations anticipated to improve over the coming years? & nbsp,
Bob Blackman: Although the deals have been going on for a while, the UK and India are currently in the process of negotiating their first-ever free trade agreement. Both countries want to complete the agreement before the upcoming elections in India and the general election in the UK next time.
While India seeks market exposure for its goods and services, potentially running into issues with card numbers, the conversations focus on opening India’s closed business to UK companies such as legal and accounting services.
Both nations signed a cooperation agreement on safety, defense, and digital issues in the midst of these discussions. At the current G20 conference, where first agreement on important issues demonstrated India’s prowess, the diplomatic success of India was evident.
The UK-India marriage is still promising despite difficulties brought on by China’s effect. Given India’s rapid economic growth and its potential to improve global trade relationships, the continued conversations represent a traditional option for both countries.
VB: Describe some of the campaigns and initiatives you have carried out in Harrow, an area with a sizable American people. & nbsp,
BB: I’ve worked on a number of initiatives in Harrow that are mostly concerned with the active American community in the UK. The majority of them are business owners who are from Gujarat, India. By starting companies, creating work, and playing crucial roles in healthcare, they significantly boost the economy.
Despite the fact that my constituency is primarily personal, I have actively encouraged the development of religious organizations and the construction of temples, such as the Neasden temple. I’ve also been involved in visa-related concerns for Indians working or studying in the UK.
Despite the service being postponed due to Covid – 19 restrictions, I have traveled to more than half of India’s says and have been awarded the prestigious Padma Shri award by the American government.
VB: How do Indians living in the United Kingdom relate to your personal, social, and cultural idea? & nbsp,
Flo: I place a strong emphasis on self-reliance, powerful home values, and law and order. My core beliefs are about personal freedom within the law. I support the health of our borders, national security, and international interests. I actively participate with nonviolent religious organizations and strongly support religious liberty.
I support the right to devotion without being intimidated in my district, where 75 % of voters believe that religion is important. I firmly believe that people really enjoy their faith in a free and peaceful manner.
VB: Where in India do you intend to visit? & nbsp,
BB: I’ve been to a number of significant Indian settlements, including Srinagar, Jammu, Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur. Although each area has its own special charm, the traffic can be difficult.
I’ve spent day in Ahmedabad and have seen the city’s impressive socioeconomic development. In Kerala, I established a hospital wing that promotes the fusion of Ayurveda and contemporary healthcare after visiting the Taj Mahal.
I’m open to exploring more of India quickly, particularly at the offer of citizens in Kerala who are engaged in meaningful work, even though I didn’t make travel plans for the future due to security concerns.
VB: Given that the international pupil fee is nearly three times higher than the fee paid by a local student, some Indian students are currently traveling to the UK for their education, which puts them under considerable monetary stress. Are there any upcoming plans to develop a more equal approach to this? & nbsp,
BB: We cordially invite American students to study at our top-tier institutions in the UK. Contrary to popular belief, there is no cap on the number of students. Universities, however, do not get public subsidies and set charges based on economic factors.
Students cannot function part-time to cover costs, even though they must pay for their travel, education, and living expenses. We have resolved problems with using that students have experienced in the past. If they find the right job, students may be longer after finishing their studies, guaranteeing a worthwhile educational experience.
Our goal is for students to return to India after finishing their studies, strengthening our close diplomatic ties and promoting economic growth.
VB: How is the UK and India’s improved cultural knowledge? & nbsp,
BB: It is remarkable that Hindu, Jain, and Sikh religions are open to welcoming people from various beliefs into their temples in order to promote shared understanding. Encouragement of various religions to practice a comparable level of equality can reduce perceived social barriers and improve knowing in both the UK and India.
Government intervention is not required; the issue is with religions being more accepting and available.
What are some of your main objectives for the forthcoming year? What kind of change do you hope to bring about for the American society in the UK? & nbsp,
Flo: Our main goal in the future general election is to win re-election. Our top priorities on the international stage include completing the deal agreement between India and the UK and strengthening defense and security ties, particularly in the face of threats from China and Russia.
Our national objectives include boosting the economy, increasing citizen disposable money, and addressing cost-of-living issues. Geographically, we want to enhance transportation, education, and health treatment. We’re making investments in the growth of neighborhood hospitals, an expansion of officers appearance, and a fight against rising crime rates.
Our local plan is centered on ensuring necessary services like health care, education, and transport while upholding fair tax.
VB: How do you intend to incorporate climate activism and justice into your mission? & nbsp,
BB: The world is experiencing significant climate effects, such as melting ice in Antarctica and rising sea temperatures that cause flooding and extreme weather. India wants to lead the world in renewable energy, while the UK prioritizes offshore weather.
The difficulty lies in persuading people to support climate change initiatives despite possible fees. Governments must effectively speak the effects. India, a developing country, faces particular difficulties, particularly when it comes to supplying electricity to remote areas.
India don’t get lectured, but it’s essential to have a strategy for switching away from fossil fuels. China’s ongoing coal-power growth poses a serious threat to the environment.