"I'm afraid there could be an all-out revolution"
In the hallowed halls of Westminster, Rishi Sunak has grappled with a catalogue of public scrutiny and varying opinions.
Having become Prime Minister without a general election meant the public was already apprehensive about how Sunak would lead the country.
As the nation grapples with economic uncertainties and global tensions, the murmurs of concern echo across the land.
Whilst the cost of living, immigration, energy prices etc are all on the agenda, Sunak was faced with more alarming issues – Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the Palestine-Israel conflict.
However, with great power comes great responsibility, and the prospect of the Prime Minister steering the UK towards conflict raises eyebrows.
There were even more worried Britons after the UK and US launched air strikes on Yemen on January 12, 2023.
The Prime Minister asserted that his government will not hesitate to safeguard national security in the wake of joint US-UK strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen.
The purpose of this action, according to Sunak, is to convey a robust message to the Houthi group, emphasising the unacceptability of their attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
This act was Sunak’s first instance of committing the UK to fresh military intervention since he assumed office in October 2022.
The Houthi group, aligned with Iran, claims to be targeting vessels associated with Israel as a form of protest against the conflict in Gaza.
However, it appears that commercial vessels unrelated to the country have also fallen victim to these attacks.
Consequently, these assaults have prompted significant shipping companies to redirect their vessels away from the Red Sea, opting for a longer route around southern Africa to mitigate potential risks.
After abstaining from a ceasefire vote involving Gaza, the public’s opinion decreasing, and a new battle in Yemen, how do British Asians feel about Sunak?
Are individuals worried that a war could break out or is this the spark to remove Sunak from office?
Worries for War?
We reached out to individuals from diverse backgrounds to understand their perspectives. First up was 34-year-old Aman Khan from London who said:
“Sunak’s got a knack for numbers, but steering us into a war? That’s got me worried.
“We need him to play it smart on the world stage.
“I feel like he decides to make it look like we know what we’re doing, not for the best interest of the people or country.”
Sunny Patel from Birmingham added:
“Seeing a British Asian Prime Minister is cool, but war?
“Nah, we need talks, not trouble. Let’s hope he keeps it real.”
Analysing Aisha and Raj’s perspectives, it’s evident that the pride in Sunak’s success is accompanied by genuine concerns about his approach to global affairs.
The hope is for strategic thinking over-hasty decisions.
28-year-old Priya Gupta from Manchester also spoke to us:
“Rishi is a Tory and we know what they’re capable of.”
“One of his predecessors, Boris, has literal blood on his hands and it seems that’s the running theme in that party.
“It’s quite ironic, seeing as their main colour is blue.
“First the propaganda in helping Ukraine, then the dismissal of Palestine lives and now airstrikes that could spark a world war? What’s he playing at!”
Zain Ahmed, a 36-year-old shopkeeper from Leeds added:
“I’m giving Sunak a shot, but war’s no joke. We need someone who won’t play poker with our peace. This is serious business.
“I wouldn’t say I’m worried. I’m more concerned about how the future will be if things get out of hand.”
We also heard from Fatima Malik from Glasgow who expressed:
“I’m proud of Rishi Sunak but all these conflicts worry me.
“I know things like this have happened before with countries, but this time it feels different.
“There’s more power in the people now, we’ve seen it with Palestine and the protests.
“So, if things go left, then I’m afraid there could be an all-out revolution.”
Sameer Khan from Cardiff chimed in:
“Sunak’s all about the money, and he’s good with cash, but war? We’re not playing Monopoly here.
“Let’s hope he doesn’t bankrupt us trying to keep up with the army and budgets of countries like the US and Russia.”
Another interesting viewpoint was from 29-year-old Haroon Ali from Edinburgh:
“I agree Sunak’s on a tightrope but there is something ruthless about him which we haven’t seen yet.
“I don’t like him as a person, but I think if it came down to a war, he’s done well staying friends with the US.
“But, he needs to get a grip on the public and cater to what we need.
“He’s smart enough to know how we’re against the war in Gaza and in Ukraine. But why are his choices different when a country is predominantly white and the other brown?
“We notice these instances and I’m sure he does too. But where’s the accountability?”
Delving into Haroon’s insights, the need for careful navigation and balance in Sunak’s leadership is vital.
In Newcastle, Shabnam Gill provided us with her thoughts:
“I feel like war is on the brink of the UK. I can feel it.
“It’s worrying looking at the news every day because people are dying everywhere and nowhere is helping.
“God forbid we get blown up by missiles and no one comes to our aid.
Her friend Anwar added:
“It would be interesting to see what the opinions and actions are if we were in the situation like in Yemen, Gaza, heck even Ukraine.”
Yemen Recap
- Military strikes by the US and UK were executed, targeting Houthi rebels.
- In response, the Houthis declared that there would be 'punishment or retaliation'.
- Reports indicated the presence of multiple small boats approaching ships in Yemen.
- Due to miscommunication suggesting its connection to the UK, a Panama-flagged vessel carrying Russian oil became a target of the strikes.
- Following the airstrikes, thousands of Yemenis gathered in the capital to protest against the military actions.
30-year-old Farida Hussain from Southampton revealed:
“I’m slightly concerned about Rishi Sunak and his lack of responsibility when it comes to actual-world issues.
“But I’m more worried for all the people across the world that see the UK as a dismissive nation, that doesn’t feel compassion, empathy, anger, etc.
“I don’t want Rishi to be our representative. It’s so bad.
“All the decisions we’ve made since he’s been in office have not changed anything.
“I don’t know if a war will start, but I do know I want him away from No 10.”
As Rishi Sunak charts a course for the UK, the concerns within the British Asian community reflect the broader anxieties of a nation at a crossroads.
While his economic expertise is widely acknowledged, the fear of war under his leadership is palpable.
The delicate balance between strength and diplomacy will determine the trajectory of the nation in these uncertain times.
As citizens, it is imperative to scrutinise, question, and engage in the discourse that shapes the destiny of our diverse and resilient society.
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