Round Table Discussions at London Chinese Community Centre (CCC)

At Mayoral Candidate Brian Paddick's last visit to CCC at 28-29 Gerrard Street, he had walked into a room of spritely elders playing cards and drinking tea. Last Saturday (5 Nov) he was greeted instead by a cacophony of Chinese musical instruments, as he squeezed past a group of adult students finishing a calligraphy and brush painting class. CCC was as usual bustling with activities under the stewardship of their Chair, Christine Yau, who had kindly facilitated the visit.

However, Brian, Assembly Member Caroline Pidgeon and other visitors from the local Westminster Lib Dems were soon to discover that the centre was not without its problems. Scheduled to move to larger premises at peppercorn rent by next year, it will also be facing funding cuts from Westminster Council.

Merlene Emerson, Chair of Chinese Lib Dems (CLDs) had brought together a number of community leaders and experts for a round-table discussion to understand the issues facing the community.

Nikki Lee, Chinese Team Leader of the grass roots organisation, Citizens UK, shared about their campaigns such as that to stop the proliferation of gambling outlets in Chinatown, as well as their work across London for safer streets and the right to a living wage.

Cllr Linda Chung, was only too aware of the challenges facing community centres being on the board of Camden Chinese Community Centre herself. Advisory services were badly needed as many Chinese were ignorant of their rights and of how to access public services . She therefore made a plea for more people from the community to put themselves forward for public office as she has.

Speaking from the point of view of businesses was Chartered Accountant Edward Tsui, also honorary treasurer and auditor to many Chinese organisations. He observed that Chinese businesses in London were fairly resilient despite the economic downturn and that new investments from China were partly the reason for this.

Philip Tse, a member of CLD executive and self proclaimed 'new migrant' was eager to point out that there was an invisible group of young professionals newly settled in London from China. More highly educated and clearly net contributors to British society, many still faced problems with integration into mainstream society.

Brian Paddick said: "I have heard first hand moving stories from those who want to make a full contribution to their community but who live in the shadows because of their irregular status. Immigration policy must take into account the technical and language skills new migrants uniquely offer to the UK economy, not restricted to those with higher qualifications."

"I was pleased to learn that the issues affecting the Chinese community were not too different from those of other communities: rising costs of living, education for the young, healthcare for the elderly, better housing and transportation. All these we battle against each day in City Hall as we strive to improve the lives of Londoners" added Caroline Pidgeon, AM.

"As China's role on the world stage grows, so too the confidence of the British Chinese community who want to be heard and to be valued. Demand for Chinese language and cultural classes will continue to increase and centres such as CCC are well placed to provide the base and to be a 'home away from home' for the ever growing Chinese student population" said Merlene.

A group were gathering outside for their Mandarin lesson and the meeting had to be brought to a close. However there will no doubt be more, as this was only the first of a series of Community Round table discussions, with others planned across London in the run up to May 2012.