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Labour Friends of India (LFIN), the independent Parliamentary Group for MP's which was launched by John Prescot in 1999, is seeking to engage in a "Big Conversation with Indian Women" on 22 July 2004. The group has campaigned successfully in Parliament for further investment in literacy and anti-poverty programmes in India, has helped to promote increased bilateral trade and highlighted the consequences of international terrorism for India.

May's briefing at the House of Commons saw Andrew Dismore MP, host an open meeting with the British Indian community from his ward in Hendon. Issues about rising Council taxes, access to state schools for Indian pupils, transport and measures to counter terrorism dominated the discussion at the meeting.

In addition to hosting briefings, LFIN has organised visits to India for Labour MPs, campaigned successfully for better visa services and organised a series of events for political and community leaders to network with key parliamentarians. LFIN has 136 Labour MPs, many Cabinet ministers and junior ministers as well as other key figures in the House of Commons and House of Lords parliamentary party as members.

LFIN is keen now to explore in more depth issues facing the Indian community in the UK in particular around crime, public services and access to leisure facilities. Labour Councillors are inevitably often at the sharp end of delivering services in these areas and the group is keen to contribute to the Party's policy making process in these areas. To facilitate opportunities for Labour Councillors to meet and exchange ideas on these topics, its next meeting is devoted to Indian women. The purpose of the meeting is to understand women's views on five key policy issues:

Are my health needs different to those of others?
What are the issues facing Indian women in the workplace?
Becoming involved in public life and politics.
Creating a cultural and social network for my family.
Taking part in charity & voluntary work as part of my belief system.

The 'Big Conversation with Indian Women' event is on 22 July 2004.

ABOUT LABOUR FRIENDS OF INDIA

LFIN provides many services to its MPs. The group arranges briefings and research for debates on current affairs concerning India, such as: the increase of cross border incursions into Jammu & Kashmir, the attack on the Indian Parliament, hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC814, the devastating Gujarat earthquake, the militant attack on Akshardham Swaminarayan Temple in Gujarat, the electoral process in India, role of the National Human Rights Commission etc.

The group has also campaigned successfully to reduce the cost of family visitor visa appeals, opposed the deeply unpopular Visa Bond Pilot Scheme effectively, and spoke on behalf of British Overseas Citizens on their status to the Home Secretary. LFIN also organises delegations for MP's to India twice a year, and plans public events.

The aims of the group are:

To promote understanding and appreciation among Labour Parliamentarians about India.
To promote good relations between the governments and parliaments of the United Kingdom and India.
To promote a strong and international partnership between the UK & India.
To maximise electoral support for the Labour Party amongst the Indian community in the UK.

Membership to the Labour Friends of Indian is open to all members of the UK Parliament and also to elected representatives of the Labour Party i.e. Members of the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly Greater London Authority, European Parliament and Councillors from Local Authorities. Members must either represent people of Indian origin or be of Indian origin.

The group is one of the largest country parliamentary groups in Westminster.

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