Amir Siraj

Growing up in a traditionally Labour household, seeing my parents view the Labour Party as less and less of a home for themselves has been a dismaying experience. When they first moved to Dagenham in the early 2000s, there was no question as to what party they would vote for, but as the far right threat has re-emerged, they no longer see the party as a natural home. They've disengaged with Westminster politics, at a time where there is a serious threat to the government making tangible improvements to their day to day lives. This puts the onus on us, as young activists, to rebuild that trust and belonging, and that is why I am running for Young Labour BAME Officer. Espousing our values around equality and justice means precious little without meaningful representation and organisation.
As BAME Officer, I would commit to revitalising BAME Young Labour as a force within our movement (just as I helped do with London Young Labour), both mobilising to defeat the Reform threat many of us fear, and beyond so as to create a nurturing space, facilitating outreach to reinvigorating existing, and recruiting new, members. I am also committed to working constructively within the wider Labour movement, collaborating with Labour BAME organisations on campaigns and events, embedding our young members into this broader ecosystem of organising. Through this, we can ensure Young Labour continues to be united, outward facing and capable of rebuilding long-term trust within the communities we seek to represent.