Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (MP for Slough) hosted the parliamentary launch of the campaign for a National Sikh War Memorial in central London. The campaign is being delivered under the auspices of the National Sikh War Memorial Trust, a charity instituted in 2017 for the express purpose of finally delivering on this longstanding community aspiration. The launch was presided over by the Speaker of the House of Commons, Rt Hon. John Bercow MP, and attended by the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Rt Hon. Sajid Javid MP, Members of Parliament from across the political spectrum including Parliamentary party leaders such as Jeremy Corbyn MP (Labour), Vince Cable MP (Liberal Democrats), Ian Blackford (SNP), Liz Saville Roberts MP (Plaid Cymru) and Nigel Dodds MP (DUP), Tom Watson MP (Labour Deputy Leader), John McDonnell MP (Shadow Chancellor) as well as over 100 prominent representatives from various Sikh organisations from across the country.
The campaign for a National Sikh War Memorial in London is to commemorate the Sikh soldiers who exhibited extraordinary bravery and sacrifices in the service of Great Britain, during both World Wars. Though Sikhs made up only 2% of the population of British India, they formed 20% of the British Indian Army during the First World War, and hundreds of thousands of Sikh soldiers saw active service during the two major wars and many other conflicts. More than 83,000 turbaned Sikh soldiers laid down their lives and more than 100,000 were injured during the World Wars.
Tan Dhesi said, “Memorials already exist in London for Soldiers from the Commonwealth, British India, Poland, African-Caribbean nations, and for the Gurkhas but none of a turbaned Sikh Soldier. For over a decade there has been a demand from various quarters for the installation of such a national monument in our capital city. It is clear that the memorial has cross party support and with the efforts of the National Sikh War Memorial Trust, it will become a reality. A staggering £375,000 has already been pledged by fifteen generous donors, donating £25,000 each. Hopefully with the active support of the Government, the Mayor of London and the local authorities, we will in the very near future have a permanent national monument in a fitting central London location. It would have huge additional benefits for community cohesion and integration within our country, something which is very close to my heart.”
The donors, including Jasminder Singh, Chairman & CEO, Edwardian Hotels London and Dr. Rami Ranger CBE, Chairman, Sun Mark Ltd, were feted during the event. Inderneel Singh, Managing Director, The Mayfair Hotel was present on behalf of Edwardian Hotels London.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said, “Britain and the world owe a huge debt to the Sikh servicemen and women who fought alongside British troops during the First and Second World Wars. The heroic Sikh soldiers who laid down their lives for our country and the freedoms we enjoy today should get the recognition they deserve. When I think of the Sikh community in London and the contribution they have made to the capital – socially, culturally and economically - I feel proud. Seva, or selfless service, is integral to Sikhism and this principle of charity and equality is something I deeply respect. From the outset of my Mayoralty, I have made it clear that a memorial should take pride of place in London to commemorate those who served and died in the wars. I welcome the news that a National Sikh War Memorial Trust will be set up and look forward to supporting their good work to get proper recognition for Sikh service men and women.”
Leader of the Labour Party, Rt Hon. Jeremy Corbyn MP expressed, “A monument in our capital city, the first in any country apart from India, would be a magnificent tribute to those brave Sikh servicemen to whom we all owe a great debt of gratitude.”
Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Rt Hon. Sir Vince Cable added, “One of the forgotten aspects of the British efforts in the World Wars was the enormous number of soldiers from the Indian sub-continent. There were 1.3m Indian troops in the First World War, including more than 74,000 who died, and around 2.3m served in the Second World War. There were, in fact, a disproportionate number of Indian soldiers, including Sikhs, and it is entirely right that we commemorate their contribution.”
