UK’s first Chinese parliamentarian remembered at QUB

A special event to celebrate the life and legacy of former Alliance assembly member Anna Lo has taken place at Queen’s University, Belfast.

She died in November of last year following complications of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Justice Minister Naomi Long and Belfast Lord Mayor Micky Murray were among those who spoke at the service at Elmwood Hall.

Long, the Alliance leader, said Lo was “not just a colleague but a friend”.

“I still yearn for her directness, wit and humour,” Long added.

The celebration included performances of traditional Chinese dance, music and painting to reflect Lo’s passion for art and culture.

Born in Hong Kong, Lo moved to Northern Ireland in 1974.

She was the first ethnic-minority politician elected to Stormont, and the first Chinese person to be elected to a legislative parliament in western Europe.

She was first elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2007, representing south Belfast for the Alliance Party.

She was re-elected five years later and served until her retirement in 2016.

Speaking at the event, Lo’s son, Conall Watson, said his mother was a remarkable woman and he wanted to celebrate her legacy.

Her other son, Owen Watson, also said he wanted to not just look backwards at his mother’s life but also forwards to see how her work continues.

“She stood for many causes and represented diversity,” he said.

Long said: “At a time when immigration is such a diverse issue how powerful it is to acknowledge Anna chose this place to be her home and community.”

She added that Lo “was more than just her work”.

“She was a published author and gifted artist,” she said.

“She paved the way for others in minority backgrounds to participate and contribute.

“Anna Lo was truly good.”

Nisha Tandon, chief executive of ethnic arts group ArtsEkta, said: “I will remember Anna as a good friend and colleague, a great visionary – and a beautiful, humble lady.”

Murray, an Alliance councillor, also spoke of the contribution Lo made to society.

“It’s incredibly important we remember Anna’s contribution in not just politics, but the wider community sector and the legacy she leaves in the city.”

During his speech Murray said Lo was a fierce opponent of racism and discrimination.

He added how much she is missed by all in the Alliance party.

“She was a true community champion and a force of nature,” he said.