On Monday 20 January, Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the first time ever hosted the British Tamil community at 10 Downing Street for a Thai Pongal reception.
Uma Kumaran MP, the Member of Parliament for Stratford and Bow and the first elected British MP of Tamil heritage, joined the Prime Minister to welcome the community, who were dressed in colourful traditional attires.
The event brought together Tamils from across the UK to mark the traditional harvest festival. The event was also a chance to celebrate the contributions of the British Tamil community to the UK, with notable attendees from a diverse array of fields including science, healthcare, education, business, the arts, and sport.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who attended and addressed the gathering, highlighted the significant contributions of the Tamil community to British life and reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting all communities in thriving and succeeding.
Speaking at the event, PM Starmer, who was garlanded by Uma to welcome him, said, “There's a huge contribution of the Tamil community to our nation, and I'm so proud of Uma, our first Tamil MP. The richness and generosity of the Tamil community overflows, bringing light and hope to the entire country. Your history, your heritage, reminding us all of our need for community and solidarity.”
Uma Kumaran MP said, “Thai Pongal is a time to give thanks, and celebrate cultural heritage as British Tamils. I'm proud that for the first time the Prime Minister personally hosted this auspicious event and welcomed the Tamil community into number 10 - the highest office in the country.
“It was inspiring to bring together members of our community who are thriving across the UK - contributing to our NHS, excelling in education, driving innovation in business, science and tech, and enriching our culture through the arts and sports.
“As the first British MP of Tamil heritage, I know how important it is for young people and the next generation of change makers to see themselves reflected in politics and public life. This event is not just a celebration of Tamil culture but also a recognition of the British values of hard work, gratitude, and community that Tamils embody and celebrate.”
The evening featured traditional music, dance performances, and speeches that reflected on the progress of the Tamil community in the UK.
