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.
Mayuran Senthilnathan, Reform UK
Candidate for Epsom & Ewell
Q: Tell us about yourself, your journey into politics, and the Reform UK Party? Why do you want to be the next MP for your constituency?
My parents came here back in the early 80s with relatively little. They worked hard, invested in my education (Hampton school) incidentally with help from the assisted place scheme. I went to study dentistry at King's College London, worked on the NHS and now have my own practice in Ashford Middlesex.
The success I have enjoyed are undoubtedly due to the sacrifice of my parents, but also because the systems in place allowed me to progress. I have progressively witnessed a phenomenal decline in these systems. In short nothing works. The establishment parties do not have the right vision and the country is in a political deadlock.
It is for this reason I have felt compelled to stand Reform UK. The soul of Britain is yearning for change, radical transformation away from the dry, boring narratives of the established political system. We need a revival of British values and identity. I am a Hindu, Tamil Sri Lankan and I am a passionate patriot. I am keen to do whatever I can to revive this country for the benefit of all.
Q: To date, very few British Tamils have run for office - why do you think that is?
I think there is a general disillusionment with politics. Most people do not think their vote matters much, and they are not enthused by the parties. The focus has naturally been on wealth or career progression, but I do believe the tide is changing and there seems to be a trickle of Tamils who are stepping up.
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?
I cannot pledge any specific commitments on behalf of Reform UK. Immigration and asylum is a massive issue that many parties attempt to side-step. The fundamental issue is that the home office is a broken department, which leads to back-logs and asylum seekers left in limbo. This urgently needs to be reformed. On a personal level I can certainly highlight the plight and injustices that have taken place.
Reform UK is a relatively new political party. While I am very familiar about the sufferings and injustices of the Tamils in Sri Lanka, the intricacies of my party's foreign policy have yet to crystalise. It is for this reason I cannot offer specific resolutions to the problems of the conflict. However needless to say I am aware and sensitive to what has transpired.
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.
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 Reform UK government fix them?
The NHS is a broken system, ever increasing sums are pumped in which have worse outcomes. It needs radical reform by relying on the private sector. This is not the same as privatization, the NHS will always remain free at the point of use. The aim is to get to zero waiting lists, by introducing vouchers for those who do have to wait, this will allow them to receive treatment privately. We would also incentivise people to take out private insurance by giving 20% tax breaks. Front-line staff would also be given 3-year basic rate tax breaks to encourage them to stay and attract more. There would be reviews that strip out waste (like diversity managers). There will be charges for missed appointments. A&E needs to be saved by encouraging a pathway for people to where appropriate go to pharmacists first-then GP-then finally A&E.
Q: The economy has been faltering with soaring inflation and a cost of living crisis. How would a Reform UK-led government help fix it?
The cost of living crisis has to be addressed by gaining control of immigration.
We are currently witnessing a population explosion. GDP is growing but GDP per capita (the individual) is getting poorer. Inevitably this puts enormous pressure on housing causing soaring rents and prices. We would raise the lower tax threshold from £12,500-£20,000. This would finally make work pay. We would also scrap Net Zero targets saving billions which is crippling the economy, making energy expensive for households and business.
Q: What would be your message to young British Tamils looking to get involved in politics?
Fall in love with this country and then with that conviction go forward. Find out the mood of the nation and what they want. Amalgamate your Tamil identity with a British one.
Q: And a final message to British Tamils who will be heading to the ballot boxes on July 4th?
Nothing is going to change unless we step forward and vote for something radical. The country is declining and now is a seismic chance to disrupt the political landscape. We are not like any other party. Vote Reform UK.
