Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn paid a glowing tribute to the Sikh community in the UK for their historic sacrifices and their continued contributions, in every way.
Mr Corbyn was speaking at Gurupurab, the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism. He described Guru Nanak "a reliever of the poor". The event last Tuesday was organised by Sikhs for Labour.
Its Chair, Neena Gill CBE, MEP for the West Midlands, reminded guests of Guru Nanak's ethos and values, among which, "no one person is superior than another", also, "tolerance and understanding". She also cited the Labour Party's slogan, "for the many, not the few".
Mr Corbyn used his opportunity to speak to reference the paradise papers scandal. "The paradise papers have indicated just how massive the gap is between the rich and poor".
On the Amritsar massacre of 1984, Mr Corbyn said: "Covering up the past doesn't help us bring peace for the future, " adding, "I urge the PM to launch a new, fresh, independent full enquiry into the UK's involvement in this."
One delegate challenged Mr Corbyn on the low number of Sikh MPs and sought a guarantee that more Sikh MPs would be elected.
Mr Corbyn said while he could not give a guarantee he pleged to do everything possible to ensure that Sikhs were represented in the Houses of Parliament.
Speakers included MPs Tanmanjeet Dhesi, Sandy Martin and Mohammad Yasin.
A special coach was organised from West Browich. Guests included Mr Corbyn's wife Laura Alvarez, former leader of Telford & Wrekin Council Cllr Kuldip Singh Sahota, Gurinder Singh Josan, who is standing for Labour's NEC, London Assembly Member Dr Onkar Sahota and Rajinder Kaloya from Wolverhampton.
