MPs respond to the Sikh manifesto for UK election

A series of MPs have released letters in response to the Sikh Manifesto, answering questions about representation on several key community issues.

The responses come after the Sikh Federation UK, a Sikh NGO and Political Lobby group, sent the leaders of every political party the Sikh manifesto. The manifesto was released to the public on the 7th of June for the general election on the 4th of July. Read the Sikh manifesto here: http://www.thesikhnetwork.com/wp-
content/uploads/2024/06/Updated-Sikh-Manifesto-2024-Full-HR.pdf

The Sikh manifesto contains several examples of community issues MP candidates are being asked to take a position on to secure Sikh votes. There are 10 sections of the manifesto, including demands on securing the release of Jagtar Singh Johal, combatting anti-Sikh hate crime and protecting British Sikhs from transnational repression by the Indian government.

There have been responses and acceptance of the manifesto from representatives of the Green Party, the Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru. There have been no responses from the two major parties, the Labour Party and the Conservative Party.

Arguably the biggest political advocate of the Sikh manifestation is Angela Rayner, the deputy-leader of the Labour Party, who met with sangat (Sikh congregation) at Gravesend Gurdwara to try to see current positions on previous commitments from Labour regarding Sikh issues including a public inquiry on UK involvement in the 1984 Indian State attack (culminating in genocide) on holy Sikh site Sri Harmandir Sahib and the release of Jagtar Singh Johal on 30th June. After the meet, SFUK released a statement saying “the majority” of Sikhs are expected to vote Labour, partly due to assurances on manifesto points.

A week earlier senior Conservative MP, former Prime Minister Theresa May, was presented with the manifesto at her local Maidenhead Gurdwara.

Green Party co-leaders Carla Denyer and Adrian Ramsay gave a “helpful” reply to the Sikh manifesto according to SFUK reps, through recognising the need to combat anti-Sikh hate, protect the five Kakaars (Sikh articles of faith) and improve education about Sikhi. They also restated their support for the release of Jagtar Singh (Jaggi) Johal and an independent inquiry into Britain’s role in Operation Blue Star. They also stated their recognition of the right to self-determination, referring to the current struggle for Khalistan (free Sikh homeland).

John Swinney, the Scottish National Party (SNP) leader and First Minister of Scotland, responded by stating the steps they have made to try and create a strong relationship with the Sikh community in Scotland and their belief in the right of freedom of religion and worship. He also restated the party’s support for the release of Jagtar Singh (Jaggi) Johal. Jaggi is a constituent of SNP MP Martin Docherty-Hughes, who has worked with the Sikh Federation (UK) to try to secure Jaggi’s release.

Welsh party Plaid Cymru also confirmed that they shared the Sikh manifesto with all 32 of
their candidates in the 32 Welsh seats.

Whilst there has been no response from Kier Starmer or PM Rishi Sunak as leaders of the Labour and Conservative parties, several candidates from both parties have accepted the Sikh manifesto whilst visiting their local Gurdwaras.

On a visit to Guru Nanak Sat Sang Sabha Gurdwara in Maidenhead, the local Sikh community raised their issues to candidates and gave them the Sikh manifesto. The Labour candidate, Jo Smith, the Conservative candidate, Dr Tania Mathias, and Liberal Democrat candidate, Joshua Reynolds, were all photographed with the manifesto.

Former Prime Minster Theresa May also accepted the manifesto, although she will not be standing in the upcoming general election.

Guy Opperman, the Conservative candidate for Hexham, has also discussed the Sikh manifesto with Sikhs in his constituency.

Labour candidate for Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West, Chi Onwurah. visited Newcastle Gurdwara to discuss the Sikh manifesto with the local Sikh community too, as did Conservative’s Caroline Noakes in Southampton, and Baggy Shanker and Catherine Atkinson in Derby.

Coventry based Labour MPs Zarah Sultana, Taiwo Owatemi and Mary Creagh all attended Guru Nanak Parkash Gurdwara to affirm support for the manifesto, cementing what seem to be already popular positions with local Sikhs, particularly with Owatemi, who was roundly praised for her role in raising the #WestMidlands3 situation in parliament.

A meeting at Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara on 30th June saw Edgbaston MP for Labour Preet Kaur sit with prospective Smethwick candidate Gurinder Josan and community sevadaars (selfless servants), discussing points on the Sikh manifesto. However, it also disappointingly revealed Conservative candidate for Edgbaston Ashvir Sangha was “allergic to take up Sikh issues” according to SFUK, when the Oxford Uni graduate refused to be pictured with the manifesto.