British Home Secretary assures Sikhs on tackling hate crimes

Britain’s Home Secretary Amber Rudd visited a Gurdwara in Southall to discuss the importance of tackling hate crime against Sikhs, amid reports of increased hate crimes after the Brexit vote.

Rudd met with Sikh leaders, community groups, local charities and the Sikh Council UK at Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Southall, London and discussed about work underway to bring the community together to beat hatred.

“The Sikh community plays an important role in the diverse Britain that works for everyone and I was delighted to visit the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara and hear about the important work taking place to unite the community,” she said. “Hate crime has absolutely no place in our society and it is vital we protect those who follow this peaceful religion. That is why I’ve made over 3 million pounds available to protect places of worship and for community projects to combat hatred, and I’d urge all Gurdwaras and Sikh groups to consider whether this funding could help them,” Rudd added.

“The Sikh Council UK welcomes the visit by the Home Secretary to a landmark Gurdwara in the heart of a diverse community. This was a great opportunity to see first-hand the Sikh ethos of self help and community cohesion in action,” Sikh Council UK Secretary General Gurmel Singh said. 

“The Home Secretary’s commitment towards tackling hate crime and improving community cohesion is acknowledged, and the role faith can play in modern Britain is very well received by the community,” he said.

The Home Secretary’s latest engagement with the Sikh community comes after she co-hosted a roundtable for faith representatives with the Communities Secretary last month, with attendees including the Sikh Council and Lord Singh CBE from the Network of Sikh Organisations.