As the political parties square up for the May 5 showdown, Turkey and the Turkish speaking community in the UK look forward to becoming more significant in British politics. From health to civil liberties, all aspects of 'Britain's big choice' matter. However, immigration and education are the key issues for those in the UK. On the other hand, European Union membership and the so-called 'Armenian Genocide' claims are at the top of Turkey's agenda whereas the Cyprus problem is a major concern for both.

Immigration has been at the heart of this campaign due to rising concerns about the abuse of the system. Conservatives pledge to introduce an annual maximum limit on the number who can settle in Britain, including a quota for asylum seekers.

In contrast, Labour promises that only skilled workers will be allowed to settle in the long-term with a point-based system. However, although Labour is against quotas, Turkish work permit applications under the European Community Association Agreement have been kept on hold for over six months by the current government. Therefore, immigration promises to remain a challenging issue for the Turkish immigrants regardless of the outcome of the election.

Education is another important issue for the Turkish speaking community in Britain, particularly for those from Turkey. Joseph Rowntree Foundation found that Turkish children are among the lowest educational achievers in London. Both Labour and Conservative parties recognize the need to improve the education of Turkish speaking children. In addition, Labour's Parliamentary candidate, Ms. Ayfer Orhan points to the importance of the supplementary schools, and emphasizes that 'if parents… are able to read and write in English, they will have a greater understanding of their children's needs'.

Another key issue, Britain's Cyprus policy is not expected to change after the Election. Britain is increasing pressure on the Greek Cypriot government to demonstrate more flexibility in reunification talks that are expected to resume soon. Britain is also pushing for direct trade links between the EU and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Other improvements are the support for direct flights between the UK and TRNC and disbursement of €259m (£177m) EU assistance to the TRNC, rather than via the Greek Cypriot government.

Nevertheless, Turkish Cypriots have been disturbed by a recent development in London. Posters advertising Northern Cyprus as a holiday resort have been banned from buses and underground by Transport for London. TfL stated that it received complaints and had to ban the posters 'to avoid causing offence to any section of society'.

Mr. Ertan Hürer, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate, described TfL's decision as on the 'verge of race discrimination' while Ms. Orhan said, it was an 'offence to the Turkish Cypriots'. "The Turkish Cypriots voted a 'yes' in the Referendum… as such they deserve a lot more than this", she commented. Turkish Cypriots expect both candidates to take action against the ban and the embargoes on TRNC should they get elected.

After the Election, in addition to the Cyprus problem, Turkey has expectations from Britain about the Armenian allegations and its EU membership. Britain is not likely to alter its policies on both issues even if a Conservative government comes to power. The UK is the only EU member state, which has clearly stated that it does not recognize the so-called genocide. There is also no Armenian Diaspora in the UK. Therefore, Turkey needs to be vigilant in terms of pursuing this matter with an ally country.

The period following the Election is also significant for Turkey's EU aspirations since Britain will be taking over the presidency of the Union in July. Both Labour and Conservatives are strong supporters of Turkey. However, if Labour remains in power, the likely failure of an EU constitution will challenge Mr. Tony Blair's own integration plans. This could weaken Britain's battle for Turkey's membership in the meantime.

What is it that Britain, Turkey, and the Turkish speaking community in the UK need to overcome these challenges? "To balance the great need to focus on the things that make us the same rather than the things that make us different… Since when has Turkey or for that matter the Turkish people not been able to face these sorts of challenges and win!" replies Ms. Orhan. "With a population in excess of 500,000 the Turkish speaking community… deserves a voice in Parliament to ensure that its concerns are heard" says Mr. Hürer.

On May 5th British decide...

       Are they thinking what we're thinking?