The Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs,Hon Keith Simpson address British Tamil Conservatives [BTC 13.01.2010]  

Addressing a gathering of British Tamil Conservatives in Harrow West, the Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs said, “if elected, the Conservative government will not only continue the current Government's policy towards Sri Lanka but will also invest more time and energy that will bring 'real' results" - so that conflict between Tamil and Sinhalese communities can be brought to an end.

On the 13th of January, British Tamil Conservatives organised a fundraising Dinner for Dr Rachel Joyce, PPC for Harrow West. The dinner took place at The Barn Hotel in Harrow and was attended by Hon. Keith Simpson, MP (Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs) and Hon. Nick Hurd, MP (Shadow Minster of Charities, Social Enterprise and Volunteering).

                                                                                                                   Speaking at the event Hon Keith Simpson said that he understands what the current Labour Government is trying to do - to keep the issue in the public domain. But Mr Simpson questioned whether the Labour Government policies are having a real impact. This is why investing real time and energy into old fashioned diplomacy is important, Mr Simpson said.

Other guests who attended this event included Mr David Ashton, Councillor and Leader of the Council, Jean Lammiman, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Community, Richard Almond, Volunteer Coordinator for Harrow West and Golsie Simms, Council Candidate for Roxeth.

The evening began with a drinks reception and was followed by a formal Dinner. The grace was said by Ansela Peterpillai, Council Candidate for Roxeth. Dinner was followed by the traditional loyal toast said by Karan Paul.

Delivering the opening address, Patrick Ratnarajah, Vice President of the BTC congratulated Dr Joyce for her continued support for the Tamil cause to bring awareness of the plight of the Tamil problem in Sri Lanka within the Conservative Party.

Dr Rachel addressed the gathering and restated her strong opposition to the treatment of Tamils in Sri Lanka. Without a true meaningful political solution (Tamil Eelam) for the Tamils the problems in Sri Lanka would not end, she said. She further said that the British Government should do more - bring in trade sanctions and also take steps to expel Sri Lanka from the Commonwealth.

In his keynote speech, Hon. Keith Simpson outlined the increasing difficulty for Western Governments in dealing with nations such as Sri Lanka. He compared Sri Lanka to Burma and Zimbabwe - the countries that continue to disregard International Community's call to end human right abuses. He stated that he and his Party are very aware of the abuses that the Tamils have gone through. He said that the Conservative Party and Government will continue to call for a political solution for the Tamils. Mr Simpson urged the Tamils to continue highlighting the plight of their brethren so that their suffering is brought to the media's attention.

Hon Nick Hurd in his speech stated that until very recently he had the view that Sri Lanka was a very idyllic Island, but due to a few of his Tamil constituents, who had visited him at Parliament he was became aware of the plight of the Tamils in Sri Lanka. He urged the Tamils to continue to bring their concerns to MP’s so that the issue would not be forgotten. He also stated the importance of electing Rachel Joyce as the next Harrow West MP, as she was dedicated to bringing about the awareness of the Tamil cause.
The speeches concluded with an address from Thaksha Ravikulan, Secretary of the British Tamil Conservatives. Thaksha outlined the plans of the BTC to ensure that constituencies such as Harrow West, Ilford South, Ilford North, Croydon North and Edmonton will have conservative MP’s in the coming elections.
In true conservative fashion the evening concluded with Patrick Ratnarajah conducting an American Auction and raffle.