Operation Black Vote

What is happening to Lord Simon Woolley should concern us all. Coming so soon after the death of Professor Jason Arday, and after Simon was one of those demanding answers about what happened to him, we are now watching some of the same narratives about competence, merit and legitimacy being turned on Simon. We cannot simply look away. Operation Black Vote stands with Simon, our co-founder and first Director. We know him, we know his record and we know what he has achieved.

Operation Black Vote extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and all those who loved Professor Jason Arday. May he rest in peace. But condolences cannot be the end of what we say. We are devastated by Jason’s death and angry about the circumstances surrounding the treatment of him before he died. We know what racism, relentless scrutiny and dehumanisation continually does to Black professionals. That is why we cannot ignore the disturbing climate that surrounded Jason.

Lee Jasper's recent article on the future of the Police Race Action Plan has rightly generated significant discussion, not only across Black communities but also within policing itself. The question now is whether Britain is finally prepared to move from dialogue to delivery. In my recent interview with The Guardian, I argued that Prime Minister Andy Burnham has an historic opportunity to rebuild trust in public institutions, restore hope and lead a new era of democratic renewal.

On 16th July 2026, Operation Black Vote marks thirty years since its public launch- marking outstanding work in the service of Black democratic power. This is a moment of pride, but not complacency. Anniversaries can become soft-focus rituals, where institutions congratulate themselves, polish the trophies and forget the struggle that made them necessary. OBV was not born for ceremony.

Thirty years after its public launch, Operation Black Vote (OBV) will mark its anniversary with a year-long programme of political, civic and cultural activity focused on representation, accountability and the future of multiracial democracy.

Last week’s local elections serve as a wake-up call to every political party, independent candidates and all politicians in the UK. What we are witnessing is not simply frustration with governments, but a growing crisis of trust in politics itself. What is clear is that people are not disengaged from the issues shaping their lives. They care deeply about housing, public services, safety, opportunity and whether their children will inherit a better future.

Operation Black Vote (OBV) has announced it will host a major pre-election husting meeting in Sheffield on 30th April, 6pm to 8pm at St James’ United Reformed Church, Scott Road. The event will bring together candidates from across political parties and independents alongside members of Sheffield’s Black and Asian communities for a critical conversation on the issues that matter most to them.

As many Muslims mark Eid al-Fitr today, OBV has condemned attempts by senior politicians to demonise Muslim public prayer and normalise Islamophobia.‍ Operation Black Vote expresses deep concern and unequivocal condemnation following remarks made by Nick Timothy, the Conservative Party’s shadow justice secretary, who described Muslim public prayer in Trafalgar Square as an “act of domination”.

Working with Ellesmere Children’s Centre to address the lack of follow‑up action on the Race Equality Commission Report Sheffield Race Equality Assembly – Saturday 21st  March 2026 On 21st March, residents, community leaders, researchers and national voices will gather at Ellesmere Children’s Centre for a city-wide Race Equality Assembly — a space for truth, accountability and community-led action.

Operation Black Vote joins millions across the world in mourning the passing of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr, a towering figure in the global struggle for civil rights, human rights, anti-racism and human dignity. He was a legend in his own lifetime - a leader whose name, voice and moral authority was recognised not just across the United States, but across continents, movements and generations. ‍ Reverend Jackson’s life was a testament to courage, faith and relentless commitment to justice.