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STATEMENT - YOUNG LABOUR UK ELECTIONS 2020
6 July 2020
It's time I stepped forward and help make our Young Labour Movement, as Accessible, Inclusive and Democratic as possible!
As an active Labour Party member since 2015, I have felt grateful for being part of a family; of which despite its natural divisions and disagreements, all agree for the need of a better and bolder nation.
In the past few weeks, I have begun to see how I; a 22-year-old BAME Autistic University graduate, with considerable experience in representation and fighting for greater rights, can take the next step in that journey.
And with the National Young Labour Elections around the corner, I feel I have identified that next step.
Being a young man, who has a hidden disability, it won’t be surprising to know that the fear of exclusion, has gripped myself many an occasion; not just thanks to how many Young Labour events are run, but the inaccessibility that exists in every corner of the movement.
As a party which created The Equality Act, not catering for those who need support the most, is the most inexcusable of acts imaginable.
What is the point of us - existing as a party which seeks to govern, if we can’t be Accessible, Inclusive and Democratic, to our very own Young and Disabled Members; all of whom have a huge amount to offer?!
Having worked for Black Country rights based disability advocacy charity; Changing Our Lives, along been Sheffield Young Labour and Hallam SU Labour Disability Member’s Officer, NUS Disabled Students’ Committee in 2018/19, been a representative of all kinds since 2011 and was prior to COVID-19 pausing everything, in the throes of attempting selection, to run for Council in the place that I made my home at 11 and ultimately changed one’s life; in the City of Wolverhampton, I believe one's experience can and now should be made use of, on a national level.
Therefore: in the hope For Greater Accessibility, For Greater Inclusivity and For Greater Democracy, I can today confirm that it is my intention to seek election, as Young Labour UK’s next Disability Member’s Officer later this year.
It is truly about time that the party stepped up; not just in continuing to shout about the transformative society we need, but to be better towards young disabled members, who have a massive role to play in our future.
In being independent minded, part of no fraction as such politics is too divisive for our concerns and willing to play my part, I would welcome anyone aboard such a campaign and I will shortly endeavour to seek folks ideas, stories and honest opinions, in helping to create a plan which will allow all disabled young members, parity of access and in the democracy of the party.
Any election is never easy and seeking office is seen as a brave thing, but knowing where the country is, where our movement is and being willing to put things right, it is a step I am more than content to take.
Together, let’s build a movement that is more Accessible, more Inclusive and more Democratic and ultimately allows participation!
#Kashmire4DMO #NoOneIsTooDisabled #Labour #YoungLabour
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