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May
4th, 2006
U.K.’s
First Black MP
British
MP Diane Abbott, first Black female
Parliamentarian | | |
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BSN:
Do you think African nations and Caribbean Islands should be
developing a better relationship? DA: I think we are all part of the
African Diaspora and Africa itself will be stronger if Africans
across the world are strong…Just as the state of Israel is stronger
because of the strong Jewish communities all over the world. People
of Caribbean and African descent need to unite in Britain and the US
and not allow white people to play rule and divide, and we need to
build direct trade and development between Africa and the
Caribbean.
By
Oyeyemi Olodo
Labor MP Diane Abbott was
elected to Parliament in 1987, representing London’s Hackney North
and Stoke Newington has the first Black female. The former
journalist and public relations consultant has spoken at American
universities and is still active in journalism, on talk shows and
radio – this time around, as a guest for political
discussion.
See below extract of
exclusive on-line interview with MP Diane Abbott and she spoke about
her present aspiration for the Black community, Africa and her
future aspiration for the U.K.
BSN: In your opinion, what is the three most important
challenges confronting the Black community in the UK
today?
DA: I think the biggest challenges facing
the Black community are economic empowerment, education of our
children, and supporting Black people in the African
Diaspora.
BSN: Almost a year, to the historian G8 Summit
held at Scotland what is your assessment of African countries that
benefited from the debt relief/cancellation?
DA:
I think some of the actual debt relief/cancellation has been slow in
coming so ordinary people in those countries have not felt the
benefits yet.
BSN: Next
year (2007), it would be exactly hundred years when slavery was
prohibited in the U.K – Do you honestly believe that the issue of
slavery is now a thing of the past?
DA: No, I do
not think it is a thing of the past - partly because there are still
countries where slavery still exists. Also, we are still living with
the legacy of slavery and the way it impoverished us economically
and spiritually.
BSN: Do
you think African nations and Caribbean Islands should be developing
a better relationship?
DA: I think we are all
part of the African Diaspora and Africa itself will be stronger if
Africans across the world are strong…Just as the state of Israel is
stronger because of the strong Jewish communities all over the
world. People of Caribbean and African descent need to unite in
Britain and the US and not allow white people to play rule and
divide, and we need to build direct trade and development between
Africa and the Caribbean.
BSN: What can Nigerian Government do better to
enhance its image in the world?
DA: The Nigerian
government needs to work closely with Nigerians overseas because
they can be the best ambassadors for Nigeria.
BSN: Which political party in the U.K in your
opinion values the BME Community?
DA: There is no
doubt that the Labor Party values BME communities more than any
other party. We have more BME MPs than any other party and we have
had them for nearly 20 years. Also, Tony Blair has led the way
internationally in helping and supporting the African
continent.
BSN: If you have one political wish, what will
it be?
DA: To build a new underground station in
Dalston.
BSN: Finally, if you were a political seer
when do you envisage that the U.K will have the first Black PM at
No. 10 Downing Street.
DA: Not in my lifetime
unfortunately.
This interview was
conducted for The Black Star News by Mr. Olodo, publisher of
U.K.-based The Integrity Magazine. Please visit www.theintegritymagazine.org.uk
Speaking Truth To Empower.”
To contact The Black Star News write editor@blackstarnews.com
or call (212) 481-7745. Subscribe to this newspaper and advertise to
build power.
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