Here 'He' comes -- a Chinese face in UK politics
- By Wei Jia
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E-mail China.org.cn, May 5, 2015
Edward Yi He, a chartered engineer hailing from Chongqing, a municipality in southwest China, is a member of the Conservative Party and one of 11 ethnic Chinese candidates for the House of Commons in this year's general election in the United Kingdom.
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Edward Yi He and British Prime Minister David Cameron [Photo provided to China.org.cn by Edward Yi He] |
Having come to the U.K. when he was 18 years old, He's first experiences with politics took place while he was studying for his master's degrees at Swansea University and the University of Wales. He said that what drew him into politics was his keen awareness of how most Chinese living in the U.K. stay out of politics.
Chinese people who have put down roots abroad are often known for their industry and humility, tending to focus on their work and family while leaving broader matters that affect their lives to politicians who may not best represent their interests.
One of He's primary motivations for entering politics is to have the voice of Chinese people living in the U.K. heard by politicians and society at large. In fact, it's not that difficult for an immigrant like He to join politics in the U.K.
"The U.K. breathes politics. It's everywhere in this country. You can join student societies, trade unions and charity organizations, all of which have things to do with politics. All the major U.K. political parties are reaching out to the Chinese here, and even if you are a student studying in the U.K., you can join political activities on campus for free," said He.
Because politics in the U.K. is so grassroots-friendly, He believes that big change can be brought about through little changes rather than through grandstanding. The everyday life of his constituents is the focus of He's agenda.
He makes phone calls to his constituents and pays visits to homes and stores in his constituency every day to try to stay informed about the needs and wishes of his constituents, knowledge which shapes his community-centered political ambitions of solving the problems that affect the daily life of the people he cares about.
He said that there is now consensus in the U.K. that the relationship between the U.K. and China is of great importance. The U.K. is also grateful for the contributions Chinese immigrants have made to the country over the years. In a reflection of such recognition, political parties in the U.K. are trying to tap the Chinese demographic in a strategy that dovetails with He's objective of encouraging more Chinese to get involved in U.K. politics.
"David Cameron said the first black or Asian prime minister will be from the Conservative Party," enthused He, a Conservative himself. "Chinese immigrants should take note of this message and not be shy about expressing their views and thoughts in a politically relevant manner."
In his own unassuming and dedicated way, He is demonstrating how that goal can be achieved.
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