MUP buys Ali’s account of South Asian political activism in 20th-century Britain

Manchester University Press (MUP) has acquired journalist Taj Ali’s debut book, Come what may, we’re here to stay: a story of south Asian resistance, which traces "the powerful and varied story of political activism in the South Asian community, bringing an overlooked piece of 20th century history back into prominence".

Publisher Kim Walker acquired world rights directly from the author, and publication is planned for 2025. Ali has written for the Huffington Post, Metro and the Independent, among other publications, and last year became a full-time industrial correspondent at Tribune Magazine, specialising in coverage of trade unions and the world of work.

The synopsis of the book reads: “South Asians have a proud tradition of political activism in Britain. Whether defending their communities from racist attacks or organising for better pay and conditions on factory floors, activism was a matter of survival. Yet much of this history has not been recorded. This book not only reveals an important but neglected aspect of British Asian history, but also provides a blueprint for political organising in the 21st century."

MUP believes the book will “spark a conversation on contemporary issues such as racism, identity politics, nationalism and extremism".

Walker said of the acquisition: “Taj Ali is a fantastic journalist and a writer I admire for his energy and candour. This incredibly important book explores the powerful and varied story of political activism in the South Asian community, bringing an overlooked piece of 20th-century history back into prominence. It’s a privilege to work with Taj – we’re thrilled to be publishing his first book.”

Ali said: “From the factory floors to the fight against fascists on the streets, South Asians in the UK have a rich tradition of political activism. Much of this is oral history and very little has been documented. I want to change that. This is a book that seeks not only to document those important struggles but to show what lessons they provide for the present.”