Cathy Tong

So this government constantly pushes someone like Farage into the limelight with their support, demonises asylum seekers and immigrants, rants on about stopping boats as if we’re under invasion or attack, shuts down and dismisses all conversation that xenophobic Brexit was a huge and damaging mistake, gloats about ending freedom of movement whilst British tourists now face massive delays at airports and threatens to send people who grew up and worked here to Rwanda. All whilst we have labour shortages in key industries such as the NHS. I grew up with racism. I saw it firsthand very close. Too close. Even in adulthood I’ve seen people who profess friendship act in ways I cannot believe. Governments don’t just set policies and national strategies. They set the zeitgeist for generations. Seeing people of Asian heritage in government, like Sunak and Braverman, creating the most awful atmosphere of xenophobic hate and promotion of vile behaviour is, for me, the “unkindest cut of all.” They haven’t just betrayed me as the child of Indian parents or even betrayed every immigrant who ever graced these shores… In challenging and belittling our lawyers, judiciary and international human rights, they have undermined the fabric of a cohesive society and community. They have attacked the foundations of the noblest aspects of British cultural evolution. They have divided us and created unrest whilst stamping on our right to protest with draconian laws and bills designed to subvert democracy. They are enemies of all that I cherish about this country… The country of my birth, education and entire life. Martin Luther King said he wanted to “one day live in a nation where they (his four children) will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character.” That is how we should all judge this government too.