About this episode

The episode explores the history of South Asian communities in Britain and their struggles for rights and dignity.

How have South Asian communities in Britain fought for rights, dignity and belonging - and what can that history teach us today? Laurie Taylor explores the overlooked histories of labour struggle, resistance and political activism among South Asian communities in Britain. From early anti-colonial networks to the strikes and campaigns of the 1970s and 80s, the programme traces how successive generations confronted discrimination while shaping British society. He is joined by Taj Ali, writer and historian whose forthcoming book 'Come What May, We’re Here to Stay' (publishing in September) charts more than four centuries of South Asian presence in Britain. Drawing on oral histories and archival research, he traces a long tradition of workers campaigning for better pay and conditions, communities organising against racism, and alliances forming across movements. Ali reflects on tensions within the labour movement and on moments of solidarity, including the Grunwick dispute and links forged during the miners’ strike. Also joining the discussion is Aleena Din, Simon Research Fellow from the University of Manchester. Her research focuses on Huddersfield as a local site of resistance…

People in this episode

Host: Laurie Taylor

Guests: Taj Ali, Aleena Din

Topics covered

• South Asian communities
• labour struggle
• political activism
• discrimination
• solidarity
• historical resistance

Keywords

• South Asian Britain
• labour rights
• political activism
• oral histories
• racism
• Grunwick dispute
• miners’ strike

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Manchester

Books & works: Come What May, We’re Here to Stay

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