Arab Voice Campaign Hosts Key Seminar in Birmingham for Electoral Unity
In a bid to amplify Arab influence in British elections, the Yemeni community in Birmingham, alongside the Arab Voice Campaign in Britain, organized a seminar titled “How Can Our Role in Elections Be More Influential.”
Held on Monday evening, June 24, 2024, at the Yemeni House in Birmingham, the seminar attracted a significant turnout and engaged participants who emphasized the importance of broadening cooperation to encompass all Arab communities in future initiatives.
Arab Voice Campaign Unites Arab Communities for Stronger Political Presence
Ahmed Al-Bakri, president of the Yemeni Community Association in Birmingham, opened the event with a welcoming speech, underscoring the association’s impartial stance as a charitable organization.
Adnan Hmidan, head of the Arab Voice Campaign in Britain, followed with a speech linking the history of Yemenis in Britain to Gaza. He noted that the Yemeni community, the oldest Arab community in the UK, plays a vital role in defending just causes such as the war on Gaza.
“The oldest Arab community in Britain, which has maintained its identity, religion, principles, heritage, and attire while successfully integrating into British society, is foremost in defending the children of Gaza and the grieving mothers there. A person of principle does not abandon Palestine and is the first to defend it,” Hmidan stated.
He highlighted the Arab Voice Campaign’s efforts in informing the public about candidates and endorsing many through their website. Additionally, the campaign has launched a poll to gauge British Arabs’ views before the elections, aiming to build a unified and influential stance in collaboration with the Muslim Vote Campaign.
As for Dr. Anas Al-Tikriti, a founding member of both the Arab Vote and Muslim Vote campaigns, he addressed the need to reject the stereotype of British Muslims as Labour Party voters.
And then continued to call for a strong stance against the genocide in Gaza, asserting that a unified Arab and Muslim voice would compel politicians to take their concerns seriously. “We cannot entrust our NHS to politicians who support genocide and supply arms to the occupation,” he added.
Sudanese business developer Hussein Saeed echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that coalition and integration among Arab communities enhance their influence and effectiveness. He pointed to the Zionist lobby’s global influence despite its small size, urging the Arab community to work cohesively for greater impact.
Calls for a Ceasefire in Gaza
Yemeni journalist Nasser Muqbel concluded the session by urging participants to represent the voice of Gaza and advocate for a ceasefire. He called for a clear message rejecting politicians who supported cutting water and electricity to Gaza. “We must prioritize the voices supporting Gaza,” Muqbel said.
Following the speeches, Ahmed Al-Bakri moderated an open dialogue with attendees, including Birmingham candidate Kamel Hawash, who stressed the importance of collective efforts to bring about change, however limited. He called for coordination and coalition to prevent the fragmentation of voices.
This seminar, the first of its kind in Birmingham, highlighted the empathy of Yemenis and British Arabs towards just causes, particularly Gaza. The discussions revealed a desire to translate this empathy into practical action.
And it follows a series of meetings in London, Newcastle, Bristol, and Cardiff, complemented by numerous online materials supporting this cause. These gatherings underscore the urgent need for enhanced coordination and cooperation among Arab communities to ensure strong and influential representation in British elections.
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