Come what may, we're here to stay: Taj Ali shares the story of South Asian resistance in Britain

‘This is forgotten history that needs to be told as a matter of emergency.’ Sathnam Sanghera, author of Empireland

British South Asians have a long tradition of radical political activism. For the first time, Taj Ali tells the inspirational story of how British South Asians organised against racism in the past and how they continue to fight in the present: Join us for the Edinburgh launch of Come what may, we're here to stay.

‘A consequential recounting of a long and illustrious history of South Asian resistance and organising in Britain. It reminds us yet again of the vital importance of solidarity and alliances across race, religion and class in changing the world we share.’ - Priyamvada Gopal, author of Insurgent Empire

In Come what may, we’re here to stay, Taj Ali reveals how successive generations fought for rights, dignity and a sense of belonging while actively shaping the country they now call home. He shows that British South Asian political life has often been defined less by religious difference than by shared commitments to anti-imperialism and anti-racism. In pursuit of these goals, alliances have been forged with other movements, from Irish republicanism to Black Power.

As racism rears its ugly head again, Come what may, we’re here to stay asks: are we doomed to repeat the past or will we learn from our mistakes and build a better world together?

‘Ali's isn't a nostalgic trip down memory lane but an insightful account of community struggles and solidarities directly relevant to our current conjuncture. Whilst there is no blueprint that can be lifted from these accounts, there is rich learning to draw.’ Shabna Begum, CEO, The Runnymede Trust