ISLAMABAD (PEN) : As the United Kingdom election approaches, a recent YouGov poll has provided insights into voting trends among ethnic minorities in the country, including Pakistani and other South Asian communities.
The poll reveals that while Labour leads with 53% support among minorities, a significant portion of Pakistani voters are favoring the Green Party. This shift is attributed to Keir Starmer’s stance on the Gaza conflict, which has resonated strongly within these communities. About 41% of Pakistani and Bangladeshi voters cite the Gaza issue as pivotal in their voting decision.
The poll also indicates that only 28% of Pakistani and Bangladeshi voters have a favorable view of Keir Starmer, with 78% believing he has handled the Gaza issue poorly.
In addition to the Gaza conflict, factors influencing minority voters include concerns about the cost of living, the state of the National Health Service (NHS), and the overall economy. Ethnic minority groups have been disproportionately affected by rising living costs compared to the wider population. Two-thirds of respondents (66%) have had to significantly reduce their spending, and a similar proportion anticipate further financial cuts in the near future.
Moreover, a majority of respondents have faced difficulties in paying for essentials such as energy bills (59%) and food (53%) over the past three months.
