I am incredibly proud of the multiculturalism of my home city. Leicester is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse places in the UK, and each of our interlinked communities contribute significantly to our collective religious, cultural and political life.
In my first months as the MP for Leicester East, I have been working hard to ensure that I am a friend and ally to all communities in our wonderful city. Leicester’s identity is forged from a proud history of immigration, particularly from India. As a staunch anti-imperialist, I celebrate Indian Independence Day for igniting many global anti-colonial independence movements in the decades after WWII. Since independence in 1947, many Indians have travelled to the UK and made Leicester their home. According to the latest census, Leicester has the second highest Indian-born
population in the UK.
Leicester is defined by our diversity. Over two-thirds of our community are from an African, Asian or minority ethnic background, and nearly half of our residents were born outside the UK. We are home to 240 faith groups across 14 different faiths, and our residents hail from over 50 countries.
This is what makes Leicester special. We are the city where the minorities make up the majority, and we are richer for this vibrant exchange of cultures. I have been working hard to represent the Indian community throughout my short time as Leicester’s MP, from lobbying the government for the safe return of British residents stranded in India to advocating for protections to the British Asian Wedding Industry.
I am incredibly proud to have been born and bred in such a wonderfully diverse city. Yet I do not take tolerance and multiculturalism for granted. The right for different communities and cultures to live side by side has been fought for by generations of struggle.
At a time when hate crime has more than doubled since 2013, and when powerful people are attempting to blame communities for the government’s mishandling of the coronavirus crisis, it has never been more important for our communities to come together and unite. We must oppose any attempt to divide us based on nationality or
religion.
On the 73 rd anniversary of Indian Independence, I wish all members of Leicester’s Indian community a happy and safe celebration. I will join you in celebrating the unique and enduring contribution of the Indian diaspora to Leicester’s economy, culture and identity.
