Baroness Uddin on British Curry Industry

Baroness Uddin on British Curry Industry

In the House of Lords

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Lord Dobbs secured this timely debate on 21^st May of 2020 on the contribution made by businesses and the wider private sector in addressing the Covid-19 pandemic. This debate was considered in a virtual proceeding via video call. Like others, Baroness Uddin participated in the debate and made a point on the contribution of the British Curry Industry. She said, “My Lords we have seen extraordinary impact of private sector from noble Lord, Lord Dobbs and other noble lords –“

Speaking about the work of the British Curry Industry, Baroness Uddin mentioned, “I wish to highlight the work of the British curry industry which as a collective of 11.000 restaurants with 80,000 staff contributing over 4 billion to the economy -any recession or job losses elsewhere is likely to have profound effect on this business which is interconnected and interdependent –“

Speaking about the Bangladesh Caterers Association, Baroness Uddin mentioned, “Many noble lords will be aware of the pioneering entrepreneurs and leaders amongst 5000 strong members of Bangladesh Caterers Association – serving our favourite dishes all across our country  the lockdown has been devastating on their profession - and further job loses will also have direct and impactful consequences on their viability Even with current  government packages many in the curry business faces losing staff, premises, potentially impacting hundreds of thousands of families for whom this has been their livelihood for generations - 

Speaking about the post-lockdown situation vis-à-vis economy, Baroness Uddin mentioned, “Post lockdown with economic decline many of these businesses is likely to face catastrophic meltdown – the oncoming UK’s immigration point based system will further exacerbate the pressure on their survival – as many businesses have been dependent on qualified and specialised temporary staff from overseas and not Europe.” 

“I look forward the Home Secretary fulfilling her promises made during Brexit campaign to support this industry to retain and continue to recruit skilled chefs from abroad,” she mentioned.

Talking about the emergency services provided by many of the restaurants during the pandemic, Baroness Uddin also said, “My lord Despite all these factors, majority if not all restaurant throughout the 4 nation have responded to this emergency in earnest by donating readymade meals to hundreds of thousands of vulnerable families –particularly during the month of Ramadan and of course to every hospital in their localities as well care homes staff. “

The emergency services provided by many of the restaurant Baroness Uddin appreciating their works and called them the pride of Britain. She said, “I am proud of their formidable endeavours, reaching out to make a difference disregarding personal circumstance – they are indeed pride of Britain.”

Urging the Minister to commend on the work of the Bangladesh Catering Association, Baroness Uddin said, “May I invite the noble Lord the minister to commend the work of Bangladesh Catering Association and agree that governments measures for curry industry is equally essential which is standing tall amongst other giants.”

Lord Callanan the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department

For Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy in his reply stated the following:

“We recognise the difficulties that businesses face, as my other noble Baroness, Lady Uddin, for instance, mentioned caterers. I would indeed like to congratulate the Bangladesh Caterers Association, as well as the Muslim community, on their efforts, as mentioned by the noble Lord, Lord Sheikh.”

“This pandemic has had terrible consequences,” said Lord Callanan.

Lord Dobbs, who secured this debate, added, “I am told that it is the first debate on the private sector in Parliament since Covid crisis began, so, once again,