Britain's Labour Party manifesto ignores India

London, April 13 (IANS/RAY) The British Labour party manifesto released on Monday makes no mention of India and speaks of stricter policy on immigration.

The manifesto was released by Ed Miliband, Labour leader and their candidate for prime minister for the May 7 general elections.

"Standing up for Britain's interests in Europe and the world" was the heading of the foreign policy section in the manifesto. Inside the section, it outlined: "We will continue to uphold our key alliances. These include the United States, our allies in Africa and Latin America and our partners across the Commonwealth. They also include the European Union."

It can, of course, be argued India is a member of the Commonweath. But then it can also be interpreted that a reference to partners from across the Commonwealth is a hyphenating of over 50 countries, including India and Pakistan.

India does not get a look-in in Labour's Asia policy either. "As power and wealth continues to shift from West to East," the manifesto stated, "our relationship with Asia will be fundamental to our long-term prosperity."

It continued: "Labour will set up an Asia Step-Change Taskforce to ensure more strategic and effective dialogue with regional partners, including China...."

While this was never officially indicated, Labour used to be the Indian government's preferred choice among Britain's political parties. Moreover, up to the 2010 elections, 60 percent of Indian origin people in Britain voted for Labour. But despite the Conservatives specifically desiring an "enhanced partnership" with India, Labour has not stepped up to the plate to match this policy.

Besides, Miliband twice scheduled visits since becoming party leader were both cancelled.

On immigration, Labour will tighten the system on "short-term student visitor visas". It also advocates integration of migrants into British society, that those working in public services will be required to speak English and new immigrants will not be able to claim benefits for two years.

--IANS/RAY

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