Sikh Voters’ 2024 Wish List: Inquiry into Historic Events and Stronger Measures Against Hate Crimes in Key Labour Areas

2024 General Election: Sikh Voters' Priorities in Crucial Labour Strongholds

In the latest installment of Sky's Bench Across Britain series, Sikh constituents in South East England express their desire for an investigation into UK involvement in a significant historical event related to their faith and addressing hate crimes as top priorities before the upcoming general election in July.

Residential editor @JasonFarrellSky

Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 01

For an optimal viewing experience, it is recommended to use the Chrome browser.

Punjabi voters might not be as large a group as Muslim voters, and unlike other situations, there aren’t any dissident candidates diverting their support from Labour due to international disputes. Nevertheless, Punjabis represent a distinct voter demographic with unique issues, and they are significantly present in several crucial constituencies that are important for Sir Keir Starmer's party.

According to the Sikh Federation UK, their community might influence as many as 80 electoral districts. Consequently, we've dispatched our parliamentary correspondents to a pair of constituencies in South East England to explore what priorities Sikh constituents have for the forthcoming administration.

We start by exploring a traditional Punjabi athletic competition – the age-old sport of Kabaddi.

Latest Election Updates: Live Coverage Continues

Referred to as Sikh sumo wrestling, this team sport began as a military drill focused on techniques for capturing prisoners and gaining territory.

In a round stadium, groups of robust men dispatch members to invade the opposing team's area and make contact with their rivals, all while avoiding being tackled or pushed outside of the boundary.

The gathering is being held in the Ealing Southall area, often referred to as The Little Punjab.

Gas, groceries, and housing costs

Sikhs constitute 30% of the local population, yet attendees of the event travel from all over the nation. While sitting on the parliamentary seats beside the kabaddi field, they shared opinions that echoed sentiments expressed in other places.

"Everything from gas to groceries to housing costs keeps increasing," observes Kabaddi official Sucha Singh Thind. "Each new administration makes big promises, claiming 'we'll do this, we'll do that.' Yet, ultimately, there's no real change."

Southall local Arshpreet Singh Randhawa comments, "As we're all aware, the cost of living has skyrocketed and it's increasingly challenging to maintain a sustainable life, as clearly demonstrated by the rising number of homeless people on the streets."

Ealing Southall is securely held by Labour, however, our subsequent visit to Gravesham in Kent presents a more precarious situation.

The largest Gurdwara in the UK is located here, and while the Conservative Party presently holds this area, the Labour Party is aiming to win it.

In this area, Sikhs make up 8% of the voting population. A recent poll indicates that they predominantly support the Labour Party and are expected to vote in significant numbers, potentially playing a decisive role in determining the election's outcome here.

Reflecting on historical responsibility

In front of their religious site, a large banner marks the 40th anniversary of the Sikh tragedy at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India.

In 2014, declassified papers sparked controversy regarding the potential role of the UK government and the SAS in the incidents preceding the deaths. Members of the Sikh community at the Gravesend Gurdwara expressed their desire for political leaders to agree to an official investigation into the actions of Britain.

Dabinderjit Singh of the Sikh Federation UK reflected, "As we commemorate the 40th anniversary of 1984, I recall the shock from a decade ago when documents were released. We were left wondering why our government would recommend an assault on a sacred site."

"This experience transformed not only my own life but also significantly impacted numerous others."

Younger Sikhs at the Gurdwara, although not alive during 1984, express that this matter holds significant importance for them.

Under Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour Party promised to initiate an inquiry led by a judge, however, it remains uncertain how the party will proceed on this matter with Sir Keir Starmer at the helm

This isn't a formal promise in the manifesto, but his colleague Angela Rayner posted about it on Twitter on June 1.

"She noted the 40th remembrance of the assault on the Golden Temple," she penned, emphasizing that the Labour Party supports the Sikh community in demanding an investigation into Britain's historical involvement.

A recent poll focusing on the Sikh electorate indicates that 43% support Labour, while 20% favor the Conservatives, with a significant number yet to make a decision.

Mr. Singh notes, "According to our research, about 85% of Sikhs participate in voting. It's likely that there are around one million Sikh voters."

"Sikhs are present in every constituency across the UK. Additionally, there are urban areas where the Sikh population ranges from 20,000 to 25,000. Consequently, the Sikh vote is highly significant on July 4th."

👆 Tap this link to subscribe to the Electoral Dysfunction podcast on your preferred platform 👇

Addressing hate crime

Several worshippers have brought up the problem of addressing hate crimes targeting Sikhs.

Jagjit Singh Dhaliwal, a volunteer at the Gurdwara, states: "While Islamophobia and antisemitism are clearly acknowledged as specific types of hate crimes, no such recognition exists for Sikhs. Yet, due to our distinctive attire, we are just as susceptible to hate crimes as Muslims are."

"We must acknowledge this issue to begin implementing measures to eliminate it."

Once more, there are hopes within the community that Labour will tackle issues ignored by the Conservatives, yet their manifesto lacks any concrete commitments.

The Sikh community is known for their humility, astuteness, and a strong sense of social responsibility, often establishing initiatives for community service and providing complimentary meals to the homeless at every Gurdwara nationwide.

Discover further:

Exploring youth engagement in elections

Party pledges overview

Beth Rigby's preparations for interviewing Starmer and Sunak

Stay informed about the most recent developments in the UK and globally by tuning into Sky News.

"Student Rickvir Singh Randhawa states, "We are a true reflection of the country. We embody its fundamental principles and have a tightly woven community."

Sikhs feel that their electoral influence might grow in key districts, especially since Labour may lose support from Muslim voters due to their position on the Gaza situation. The demands they are making of politicians are not particularly costly.

Associated Subjects

Footer of Sky News

Information about Sky News

Services Provided by Sky News

Channels of Sky

Additional Sky Websites