Non-profit works ensure Chinese voices heard in UK election

A promotional event is held by a British-Chinese organization in London. [Photo/People.cn]

A promotional event was held by a British-Chinese organization in London to encourage Chinese to be active participants in the UK's snap general election in June.

In London's Chinatown, members of the BC Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering the community, talked to Chinese about voting while offering free advice and assistance on voter registration.

The project hopes that more Chinese voters will participate in the election. Those who are not eligible to vote can still help by volunteering, said Christine Lee, chair and founder of the BC Project.

Encouraging Chinese to register to vote and participate in politics is not simply an individual matter. It is important for political parties too. Only through enhanced awareness, participation and support can the country speak up for minority communities, Lee said.

Some party representatives were also present to give a helping hand. The Chair of Chinese for Labour Sonny Leong CBE said that some Chinese members of his party are fighting for every parliamentary seat they can possibly win to ensure the needs and interests of the community are heard at a political level.

BC Project, also known as the British Chinese Project, is trying to inspire voters with renewed efforts to raise awareness and make their voices heard in the upcoming election.

A census from 2011 showed there were 430,000 Chinese in the UK. That number is likely to be well over half a million by now. An earlier survey in 2006 suggested that 30 percent of Chinese who are eligible to vote are not registered to do so. In some constituencies, particularly in cities like London and Manchester, these numbers could be big enough to make a difference in the outcome.