A group of Arab figures in Britain took part on the evening of Saturday, 31 January 2026, in the monthly seminar organised by AL-Arab in UK (AUK) platform under the title “Arab Britons and Political Participation.” The event marked the launch of the platform’s cultural and awareness-raising seminars for the start of 2026, as part of its broader mission to enhance public awareness and encourage civic and political engagement within the Arab community in Britain.
The seminar was moderated by AUK’s Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Salah Abdullah. Attendees listened to political contributions reflecting the diversity of party representation among Arabs within the British political landscape. Participants included:
- Kaid Ghayadah – Labour Party member.
- Khailaa Abu Mousa – Labour Party member.
- Mona Adam – Green Party member.
- Kamel Hawwash – Green Party member.
- Yahya Sarhan – Independent candidate.
- Faten Abdel Hamid – Reform Party candidate.
The speakers offered varied perspectives on their political experiences, the motivations behind their party involvement, and the challenges facing Arab Britons within the UK’s traditional political structures.
Reflections and Open Discussion
Following the main interventions, reflections were delivered by:
- Anas Al-Tikriti
- Adnan Hamidan
- Lana Al-Sumaydai
- Nabil Al-Soufi
- Mohammed Al-Haj Ali
The floor was then opened to the audience, leading to an extensive discussion marked by candour and depth. Some contributions were notably sharp and reflected differing viewpoints, underscoring genuine engagement with sensitive political questions—ranging from participation and representation to identity, effectiveness, and influence.
Consensus on Progress—With Challenges Remaining
Despite their differing political affiliations, participants agreed that Arab presence in British politics has seen tangible improvement in recent years—whether in the number of candidates, levels of party participation, or the quality of public debate. At the same time, they stressed that this progress remains below aspirations and requires sustained effort, broader organisation, and stronger trust-building between individuals and political institutions.
Towards Deeper Political Awareness
AL-Arab IN UK (AUK) platform is set to publish an expanded and detailed report on the seminar in the coming days, highlighting the key ideas, discussions, and messages that emerged from the event.
These seminars reflect the platform’s belief in the importance of open dialogue and political education, and its role in raising awareness among Arab communities in Britain, enhancing their understanding of democratic processes, and fostering an active, responsible presence in British public life—one that moves beyond polarisation and aligns with shared interests and the values of citizenship.
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