Labour today slips back into government with a slim majority that puts pressure on whether Tony Blair remains as Prime Minister and if future legislation such as ID cards will be pushed through Parliament. The fury that Black communities feel over Iraq, anti-terror laws, education and employment have come back to haunt the Labour Party. Latest polling figures reveal that Labour has gained 54.95% of the vote - 355 seats, Conservative 30.49% -197 seats, the Liberal Democrats 9.5% - 52 seats and others 4.9% - 32 seats.

Operation Black Vote's campaign has undertaken a series of stages to ensure that no party can afford to take the Black vote for granted. This includes a recent Reverend Jesse Jackson led voter registration campaign; the publication of a comprehensive manifesto and pledge cards (which all the parties gave written responses to), a series of high profile Question Time meetings in battleground areas and a national road-show to inspire and engage local communities to democratically demand change.

Simon Woolley, Director of Operation Black Vote said "The organised Black electorate has ensured that no party can take the Black vote for granted. With everything to play for and the next General Election already in everyone's sights, no one can afford to make a wrong move in regards to the Black community. All eyes will be watching this term and expect all politicians and parties to deliver on equality in our lifetime."

Ashok Viswanathan, Campaigns Director said "This wafer thin majority clearly demonstrates that the Black vote in key seats up and down the country, can decide who wins and who loses. Black people across the country have left the sidelines and come to the centre. This Parliament hangs on a threadbare and is forced to address the issues and concerns that face our communities."

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