With the 2024 UK General Election set to take place on July 4, more British Tamils than ever before have been named as candidates with a range of Britain’s political parties. The Tamil Guardian interviewed the candidates who are hoping to become one of the UK’s first-ever British Tamil parliamentarians.
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Kamala Kugan, Liberal Democrats
Candidate for Stalybridge and Hyde
Q: Tell us about yourself, your journey into politics, and the Liberal Democrats
I came to the UK as a child to join my parents in the late 1960s. I've an accounting background, and have worked in both private, public and third sectors, including the NHS, Home Office and Foreign Office. I've experienced at first hand many of the social ills, still abound today, from poor housing, unemployment, discrimination and hence developed an early interest in wider socioeconomic issues impacting on ordinary folk.
As a community, Tamils are renowned for their sense of service. This is only topped by aspirations to safeguard our language (the oldest living language with deep concepts of justice, humanity and respect for the whole of creation) culture and arts. Sir Ed Davey was a frequent visitor to the Kingston Tamil School, during which time, Mr Yogan Yoganathan, first became a Lib Dem Councillor then the first Tamil Mayor in Kingston Borough, as did Mr Thayalan a few years later. As a volunteer with CCD ( Centre for Community Development) for some 17 years, I was involved with a number of charitable projects both in the UK and abroad, including Women's empowerment, though it was through the Tamil School, I became a Lib Dem volunteer, later was elected a Councillor in the 2022 local elections.
Q: Why do you want to be the next MP for your constituency?
After 14 years of Conservative government, I recognise many of the social ills impacting on so many segments of society and public services, that need tackling. Presently I'm a PPC for Stalybridge & Hyde, a constituency in Greater Manchester - traditional Labour heartlands, also known as Red Wall Seats.
Q: To date, very few British Tamils have run for office - why do you think that is?
It may be because due to the lack of role models as well as clear pathways and opportunities - especially for women. Hard working families also tend to be more focused on more immediate matters, and politics may not pop up on their radar, especially during cost of living crisis.
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Q: There are lots of issues British Tamils care about, including both domestic and foreign policy. Several UN reports and senior British politicians have called for Sri Lanka to be referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC). What tangible steps would you take to ensure Sri Lanka is taken to the ICC?
Thank you, Sir Ed has been a very close ally of the Tamil cause. And the Lib Dems have been very supportive in ensuring justice and fair play for Tamils everywhere.
Q: Canada’s parliament has recognised May 18 as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day. How would you push for recognition of the Tamil genocide in the UK?
As above.
Q: Sri Lankan war criminals are yet to be sanctioned in the UK, but have been in Canada and the United States. What steps would you take to ensure that they are?
As above.
Q; In the long run, tackling the underlying issues on the island are key. Senior British leaders have spoken on Tamil self-determination in the past. How would you go about ensuring that the right to self-determination is exercised?
As above.
Q: Last month, a US Congress resolution, which has support from both Republicans and Democrats, was introduced calling for a peaceful and democratic solution through an independence referendum. Would you support a similar push for that from the UK?
As above.
Q: Looking domestically - Tamil asylum seekers are still facing deportation, from the UK and territories such as Diego Garcia. How would you ensure that Tamils fleeing persecution are not deported back to danger in Sri Lanka?
As above.
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Q: Thousands of British Tamils work in the NHS. In your opinion, what are the causes behind so many of the issues it faces and how will a Liberal Democrats government fix them?
I have worked 12-hour shifts as an A&E coordinator as well as in many patient facing departments. I'd advocate a #HealthAndWellbeingPlan for everyone, from age 13+ if possible, to ensure many lifestyle diseases such as Cardiovascular and Type 2 Diabetes are eradicated within a generation. I’m also a founder member of a voluntary society in a local NHS Trust which seeks to support and ensure a sense of belonging for everyone and to protect them from harassment and bullying, in delivering Patient centred care every time.
Q: The economy has been faltering with soaring inflation and a cost of living crisis. How would a Liberal Democrats-led government help fix it?
The Lib Dems have a clear, costed plans to help tackle the cost of living crisis, by taxing the super profits of Energy companies and the big banks, as well as to fix the broken social care system and the NHS, and better protect our rivers from sewage dumping.
Q: What would be your message to young British Tamils looking to get involved in politics
Join a party, volunteer, stand for local elections / by-elections.
Q: And a final message to British Tamils who will be heading to the ballot boxes on July 4th?
Please exercise your vote and encourage youngsters to vote too. Thank you.
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