SHADOW OF FEAR

HT asked four residents of South Asian origin if they felt insecure post-Brexit or if the British legacy of multiculturalism would prevail

MONI MOHSIN

Pakistani writer who divides her time between Lahore and London, she is a freelance journalist and an author

After Brexit, does the new debate about national identity make you nervous as a South Asian?

A lot has been reported about the increase in racist sentiment post Brexit. But I also know that there has been widespread condemnation of it in parliament, in the media, and in the public at large. So yes, I’m aware of it but not nervous.

After decades of settling into a multicultural society, have you been shocked to hear of people facing racism on British streets?

Xenophobia is a persistent unacknowledged undercurrent in most societies. The nastiness voiced during the Brexit debate has emboldened closet racists in Britain. I’m disappointed but not shocked that it’s reared its ugly head again. Personally, neither I nor my family have experienced any change of attitude since Britain voted to leave the EU. That said, I live in London, which is one of the most diverse cities in the world, has a very popular South Asian mayor and voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU. So perhaps I am insulated in London from the mood in the rest of the UK.

Have you heard it said that Asians are eating into British jobs?

Most British people who voted out because of their concerns about migration were more worried about EU migrants than South Asian ones. But I’ve also heard it said about Asians over the years. I don’t think that particular narrative has become more intensified post Brexit.

— Poonam Saxena

LORD KARAN BILIMORIA

Indian entrepreneur and founder of Cobra Beer and a member of the UK House of Lords

How do you think Brexit will affect Indian business interests in the UK?

Indians are the largest ethnic minority population in the UK and the most successful by far. Many Indians come here to study and do business, and we must keep our doors wide open to these people.

Measures to reduce net migration in the UK would deter Indians from coming to the UK and this would threaten our economy’s global reach and our standing in the world.

Many Indian businesses view the UK as their gateway to Europe. There is no doubt that the UK within the EU is a much more attractive trading partner for Indian businesses, providing access to the largest single market in the world.

Do you support Brexit?

Brexit will hugely damage our economy, our businesses, our citizens, our stability and our standing in the world. I voted to remain in the EU, and – far from being Independence Day – I believe June 23 was the day that the UK shot itself in the foot.

Leaving the EU, we face ongoing uncertainty, lower growth and looser monetary policy. The Governor of the Bank of England is already talking of economic post-traumatic stress disorder, whilst the Economist Intelligence Unit projects a 6 per cent contraction in the economy by 2020.

— Poulomi Banerjee

LORD MEGHNAD DESAI

Desai is an Indian-born, British economist and a member of the UK House of Lords

What are your views on Brexit?

I had voted to remain. UK had been a part of the EU for years and I felt it should have continued to be a part of it. There is no doubt that Brexit has inspired an increase in hate crimes against immigrants. There is a feeling among some, especially among the right wingers, that all foreigners should go. But I have no doubt that it is a temporary phase and will soon be checked.

Do you think Brexit has created a rift within the Asian community in the UK?

The Asian community in the UK never was united. There were always differences among them. But there were few outright cases of violence. There is some antagonism against certain communities today because of terror attacks across the world. Muslims and East Europeans have to bear the brunt of it. But having said that, we also have Muslims in very respected and influential positions. So it will be wrong to say that all Muslims are targeted.

Many Indians go to study and work in the UK. Do you foresee problems for them?

We do not know yet what immigration policies will be post Brexit. Immigrants from all parts of the world might get affected. It does seem possible though that policies for Indians will not get any easier, if they do not get tougher. But I can’t say now what it will be. — Poulomi Banerjee

SHRABANI BASU

A journalist and an author, Basu has written books on the shared histories of India and Britain. She lives in London

Have you ever experienced racism in any public place recently? If yes, how different or blatant is its expression now from the past?

I have never faced racism on the streets or public place, but then I live in London, which is very different from the rest of the UK. London is a melting pot of ethnicities and cultures.

Have you heard this said openly or indirectly that Asians are eating into British jobs?

I have heard the sentiment on television programmes. However, the anti-immigration sentiments seems to be focused more sharply against East European migrants rather than Indians.

I heard a young Asian filmmaker on television saying that she was crossing the road and a car did not stop till it was inches from her. When she threw up her hands in a gesture saying, “What are you doing?”, he rolled down his window and yelled “Paki, go home” at her! She said she has lived in London most of her life and never been called a ‘Paki’.

Is the nature of racism faced by all Asians equal in the UK?

Those making racist remarks or taunts on a street and public place don’t know the difference between Indians, Pakistanis or Bangladeshis. They are a uniform block. However, a woman in hijab is more likely to face racist taunts, so that boils down to prejudice against Muslims.

— Paramita Ghosh