- Conference
- 2018 National Black Members' Conference
- Date
- 20 September 2017
- Decision
- Carried
This National Black Members Conference notes that whilst Jeremy Corbyn and Labour did not win the General Election on 8 June 2017 they far exceeded expectation and substantially damaged Theresa May and the Tories ambitions of a Tory overall majority.
Labour won 40 percent of the vote nationally. This was due to an inspiring manifesto, increase in the voter turnout especially amongst young people and the electorates enthusiasm for Jeremy Corbyn and Labour’s message of hope. UNISON’s campaign to encourage our members to use their vote and to vote for public services must also be recognised.
Analysis of the results by the Runnymead Trust suggests that Black voters strongly backed the Labour party. Based on the results in the seats where half the UK’s Black population lives, Labour is increasing its Black vote share, with around two-thirds (over 65%) supporting Jeremy Corbyn’s party. As a result of this vote share, the Conservatives lost three of the top ten most diverse seats they held before the election: Croydon Central, and Enfield Southgate. This follows losses in 2015 in Ealing Central and Acton, Ilford North and Brentford & Isleworth, seats that the Conservatives targeted in 2017 but drifted further in Labour’s direction and may plausibly be viewed as safe unless the Conservatives increase their Black vote in future.
Importantly we saw an increase in the diversity of Members of Parliament (MP’s) elected on 8 June and Parliament now has more than 50 Black MP’s . This Conference congratulates all newly elected MP’s including Eleanor Smith in Wolverhampton South West, the seat that was previously held be Enoch Powell. Eleanor was UNISON’s first Black female President and continues to lead the way.
Whilst diversity in Parliament has improved, in local politics it very different. In May 2018 Metropolitan and unitary authority elections will take place including the London boroughs, where half of Britain’s ethnic minorities live. But London’s diversity is not reflected in the town hall council chambers. For example in Lambeth, “Black councillors” make up less than 20 percent of the elected members, despite the local population being 60 percent Black. This picture is reflected in many other ethnically diverse boroughs. It is much worse outside of London.
It is essential that our elected representatives reflect the diverse communities they represent and UNISON has a role to play in this. This National Black Members Conference therefore calls on the National Black Members’ Committee to:
1)Consider how to best promote ways for Black members to find out more about becoming a Labour councillor through UNISON training and support.
2)Continue to consider ways to develop political awareness and engagement amongst Black members, particularly highlighting the influence they have and encourage them to take an active part in the politics of today.
3)Discuss with Labour Link how we can promote a campaign to maximise voter registration and the number of our members registering for a postal vote.
4)Discuss with Labour Link how we can build links with elected politicians to find solutions to current problems faced by Black members towards equality, employment , housing and health issues.