- Tuesday, July 02, 2024
The Labour leader, whose visit came ahead of the July 4 general elections, said he had gone to the temple in 2021 and was impressed by the services it was giving to the community at the height of the pandemic.
By: Shubham Ghosh
LABOUR leader Keir Starmer on Friday (28) visited a Hindu temple in London where he took part in prayer ceremonies and interacted with people, including children, and spoke over various issues such as Hinduism.
At the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kingsbury, Starmer spoke wearing a floral garland round his neck and a traditional mark in the Hindu ritual applied to his forehead. He spoke about the community service that the temple has given in challenging times and assured that Hinduphobia has no place in Britain.
Calling the visit to be a privilege, Starmer said on the occasion that he had also gone to the temple in 2021, which was the first time after he became the Labour leader. He added that the visit was unforgettable as he was impressed by the work the temple authorities were doing for the community at the height of COVID-19 pandemic.
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“In such a dark time for our country, you were a beacon of light,” the 61-year-old, whose party looks strong to win power in the July 4 general elections, said. If they win, Labour will be back in office after a gap of 14 years and for the first time since Brexit took effect.
Recalling the temple’s service during the challenging days of the pandemic, Starmer said the place was the first temple in the UK to be used as a centre for vaccination where people were inoculated to save their lives.
“You played a central part in leading us out from those difficult days. So, I can only say thank you for all you did,” Starmer said, adding, “Because I know it wasn’t just vaccinations. It was other outreach into the community – work that continues today.”
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The Labour leader also said that services such as providing hot food to families that are homeless; blood banks to help the National Health Service make the Kingsbury temple “a beacon of care and compassion in the community”.
“Treating people – no matter what their background or belief – with dignity. That doesn’t just happen for no reason. It’s a reflection of your faith, of your calling to put ‘society before self’. Your tradition of welcome, of charity, of service, or as you would say, of ‘seva’. Taking inspiration from His Holiness Acharya Swamishree Maharaj, it is something we can be truly proud of in this country. Something we should encourage and support,” he said.
Starmer then went on to say that a Labour government would work with the temple like Brent Council to support its noble initiatives and stand by the community.
Calling the times to be challenging, the Labour leader said he has spoken with Hindu communities in the UK and knows about growing discrimination and religious hatred.
He said there is “absolutely no place for Hinduphobia in Britain”.
“Any efforts to divide us, to stoke hatred, to demonise people, will not – and never will be – tolerated. This Labour party will always be committed to building a Britain where all faith communities are safe – where people are respected, where diversity is celebrated,” he added.
Starmer also said that he is aware of the fact that the Labour Party needs to encourage and support diversity within itself too.
Uttering that politics needs to reflect the face of the people served, Starmer said he is proud that a record number of Hindu candidates are contesting the upcoming election.
He mentioned Primesh Patel, who is contesting on behalf of the Labour in Harrow East, not too far from where Starmer was speaking.
“Fantastic candidates like Primesh Patel. If he’s elected in Harrow East, just down the road from here, he’ll be the first Gujarati MP in London. Let’s make that happen,” the Labour leader said.
“And I know there’s always more to do. But if these candidates are elected, they will stand – with the entire Labour party firmly behind the Hindu community, representing your concerns, listening to your voice, working with you, on issues here at home as well as on the global stage,” he added.
Hinduism is currently the third-largest religion in England and has a following of more than a million people, as per the 2021 Census.
In England and Wales alone, British Hindus number 1,066,894, constituting 1.6 per cent of the total population, and wield significant electoral influence.
Speaking about the UK’s ties with India that have flourished over the recent years and which the Labour has also tried to gain from, Starmer said, “As we build a new strategic partnership with India, we work to make sure every person in this country has the opportunities they deserve and the support they need to succeed.”
“Because faith communities are so often the beating heart of the country – your finger is right on the pulse of what is happening, so it’s absolutely vital that politicians continue to work with you and learn from you as well.
“So many Hindus came to Britain in the 1950s and 1960s – they came to help rebuild Britain after the devastation of the Second World War, a war they had fought in so bravely.
“In the 1970s, another wave of Hindus came to Britain, continuing to enrich our society with deep culture, dedication, and enterprise. Your parents and grandparents perhaps.
“They came because they believed in Britain, a place where Hindu ideals of hard work and sacrifice were key to a better life.
“My parents believed that too. Even though times were tough for them – we didn’t have much growing up. They always believed that with hard work and education – and I was the first in my family to go to university – the future would be better for their children. And I know you believe that should be the case as well.
“So your parents – like my mum – worked in the National Health Service that the Labour government had set up. They sent their children to free schools implemented by that Labour government. They built successful businesses – aided by the first legislation for racial equality in Britain, brought in by a Labour government. They formed strong communities.”
Praising the Indian diaspora that have built places such as the temple, Starmer said Britain should always be grateful to communities that have worked hard, become part of the fabric of British life, and given so much back to his country.
“And now we see a new group of Hindus: home-grown, British, thriving, often highly skilled. Some of them even support Manchester United – but we’ll forgive them for that. But you haven’t forgotten your roots. Rather, strengthened by Hindu values, you’re not only contributing massively to our economy, you’re bringing innovation and expertise that keeps us competitive on the global market. Born and raised here, a new generation of British Hindus, like these children in front of me, embody the best of all worlds,” he added.
Starmer said if the Labour is elected to power next week, it will back the community’s ambition and match its aspiration besides celebrating its contribution.
“And we will strive to govern in the spirit of seva to serve you and a world in need,” he added.
Among other plans that his party has if it comes to power, Starmer mentioned higher growth and lower taxes, inflation and mortgages; appointments of 40,000 NHS personnel each week to cut the waiting lists and make sure people have the treatment they need; a new Border Security Command to keep Britain’s borders secure; 13,000 more policemen to keep the streets safe; slashing bills with Great British Energy; take care of the environment; create the next generation of well-paid jobs; and 6,500 new teachers in the children’s schools to give the best opportunities to the next generation.
“A Labour government will work with you. Together, we will build a better, brighter future for all,” Starmer said.
