Prime Minister Keir Starmer marked the festival of Vaisakhi with a heartfelt message from 10 Downing Street on Sunday, thanking British Sikhs for their enduring contributions to the United Kingdom across a wide range of sectors.
Earlier in the week, Starmer hosted a special reception at Downing Street to celebrate Vaisakhi, which commemorates the creation of the Khalsa. The event brought together Sikh leaders and community members from across the country and No 10 was beautifully adorned with yellow and orange marigold flowers and rich blue drapes, creating a festive and elegant ambiance for the special celebration.
Addressing attendees at the reception, the Prime Minister said, “It’s great just to stand here and see all of you here in this room. You are very, very welcome here to Downing Street – and it’s really special to me to be able to actually host you here…
“And you are entitled to be here. You belong here. Because this is your government. We are here to serve you. And you are entitled to come here and tell us what you think… and to put your fingerprints on what we’re doing.
“So this isn’t just an invite for the evening and for the event. It is also an invite for you to be part of what we are doing, and to feel that it’s not just something coming from us to you. It’s something you are entitled to. To tell us what you think, put your fingerprints on it. And celebrate Vaisakhi together.”
Starmer also reflected on the role of British Sikhs in shaping the nation, expressing his excitement about celebrating the contribution of British Sikhs to the nation, “…and what a contribution that is and has been, and will be into the future”, he said.
He further added, “We have leaders in this room from across our society—from our armed forces, those who contribute to our schools and to our NHS, to charities, and of course, to businesses.
“Throughout our history, from fighting for Britain in the World Wars—including in Myanmar, Italy, and North Africa… to the tireless work during the pandemic caring for the isolated and vulnerable, your contributions have been extraordinary.”
Starmer also praised the continued generosity of Gurdwaras across the UK. He said, “Today, your work supporting people who are struggling with the cost of living or welcoming refugees from Ukraine is a beacon of light in our communities. A visible sign of the values of Sikhism – of compassion and courage, but also of service – or seva.
“That’s particularly important to me, because it was outside Downing Street that I stood on the day after the election, just over nine months ago, and I said that we would be a government of service.”
He acknowledged the challenges that still persist, particularly prejudice and discrimination stating that there are some who don’t recognise the gift the community is to the nation and instead see an opportunity for prejudice. He added, “For many years, I thought that prejudice was dying down, but sadly that isn’t always the case.”
“We must never lose sight of the human impact that such prejudice has, nor of what we stand for in saying there will never be a place for that in our country. This government will always stand with you – proud of our strong, multicultural society – and against bigotry.”
Touching on shared values, Starmer drew a connection between Sikh teachings and the government’s broader mission. “This festival also represents having the courage to do what is right. Be willing to defend what you believe in. And that is what this government is doing with our increase in military spending—the largest sustained increase since the Cold War.
“We’re standing up for Ukraine, but also for the security of the United Kingdom and working people. It’s part of our work to build a country where service is respected, aspiration is recognised, and hard work is rewarded.”
In closing, Starmer reiterated his government’s Plan for Change and how it aligns with the values celebrated during Vaisakhi, echoing the warm and inclusive spirit of the celebration.
Guests share their experience
Cllr Kamal Preet Kaur, a councillor in Hillingdon and a freelance media and communications professional, was invited to attend the reception among other distinguished community members.
Having attended Vaisakhi celebrations at No 10 a few times, this time was extra special for Kaur as it was the first with the Labour government. Describing her experience at the reception, she highlighted how Keir Starmer lauded the contributions that British Sikhs, organisations and gurdwaras make to the UK, “but most importantly likened the concept of Sewa, with his ‘government of service’.”
Further describing the ambience and the food, she said, “Unlike previous years, No 10 was beautifully decked in yellow and blue, the Khalsa colours, with lamps, flowers and fabric installations, right from the ground floor up. Delicious vegetarian canapes such as mini papri-chaat, beetroot tikkis, paneer bites and Punjabi pakoras were served with refreshing drinks, including mango and savoury lassi! Scrumptious desserts: kheer and gulab-jamuns served with vanilla ice-cream, were the cherry on the top.
“Awe-inspiring gathering, uplifting conversations and the Spirit of the Khalsa made Vaisakhi at No 10 really memorable for me.”
Jasvir Singh CBE, the Chair of City Sikhs, co-founder of South Asian Heritage and a family law barrister was also present at the reception and sharing his experience he shared the major highlights of the Prime Minister’s speech including the recognition of the role played by Sikhs during key battles in Italy, Burma and North Africa in the Second World War in the run up to the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day this year.
Describing the ambience, he said, “One particularly special moment was when children from the Guru Nanak Sikh Academy in Hayes performed shabad kirtan, with many of the guests joining in with the shabad too. The children were very excited to meet the Prime Minister, and they presented him with flowers as a Vaisakhi gift.
“Seeing Number 10 covered with blue, orange and yellow decorations brought immense joy to everyone. It was the first time that it had been decorated in that manner for Vaisakhi, and it gave a great sense of pride that even at the highest level of British society, Sikh traditions are not just respected but truly celebrated.”
“Sikhs have made significant contributions to the nation”
Tan Dhesi MP, Member of Parliament for Slough, shares a Vaisakhi message for the community
My warmest greetings for Vaisakhi to the Sikh community, who will be reflecting at this occasion on the profound significance of the Khalsa, established in 1699 by the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh ji. We also remember the Panj Pyare (the Five Beloved Ones) as enduring symbols of steadfastness and devotion.
In the UK, Sikhs have made significant contributions to the nation; and the values of hard work, enterprise, education and community service have greatly benefited our society. I’m delighted that we can once again come together to celebrate the beautiful tradition of Nagar Kirtan (religious processions) and the importance of seva (service) to the community.
Vaisakhi is also celebrated in the Punjab and across India as a cultural spring harvest festival. So, I hope you all enjoy the festivities, and may this Vaisakhi bring you and your loved one’s joy, peace and prosperity.”
