London: The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for British Sikhs celebrated its 20th anniversary with a high-profile event at the UK Parliament this week, setting out major achievements and outlining future priorities. The APPG, formed in July 2005 on the initiative of the Sikh Federation (UK), was established “to help represent British Sikhs” and improve government engagement with the Sikh community, according to a BBC report from that time.

The anniversary was marked by speeches from current and former APPG chairs including Jas Athwal, Preet Kaur Gill MP, and Rob Marris, who all praised the consistent and strategic efforts of the Sikh Federation (UK). “The Federation has raised and kept alive difficult issues where others often remained silent,” said Preet Kaur Gill MP, highlighting actions such as lobbying, legal challenges, and grassroots mobilisations.

A key announcement was the formation of the UK Gurdwara Alliance, a coalition representing over 200 Gurdwaras. Faith Minister Lord Wajid Khan was told the alliance “provides an ideal platform for government to engage on faith-related matters and issues directly impacting Gurdwaras and their Sangat,” said Gurpreet Singh Anand, President of Central Gurdwara (Khalsa Jatha), London.

Bhai Mohinder Singh of the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha welcomed the development, calling it “an excellent initiative,” while Bhai Kuldeep Singh from Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Smethwick noted it “addresses a disconnect that exists between central government and Gurdwaras.”

A list of the APPG’s ongoing priorities was also released, including:

• Introduction of a statutory Code of Practice on Sikh articles of faith
• Recognition of Sikhs as an ethnic group to counter discrimination
• Equal treatment of anti-Sikh hate with Islamophobia and antisemitism
• Release and return of Jagtar Singh Johal
• A judge-led public inquiry into UK involvement in the June 1984 Sikh Genocide
• Action against transnational repression and grooming gangs targeting Sikh girls

There was renewed pressure on the government regarding the long-standing case of Jagtar Singh Johal, with MP Douglas McAllister confirming he had secured “monthly meetings with the Foreign Minister responsible for relations with India,” alongside human rights group Reprieve.

A potential breakthrough came from Labour MP Dr Lauren Sullivan, who said she spoke directly to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak moments before the event, urging him to honour the commitment for a judge-led public inquiry into the UK’s role in the June 1984 Sikh Genocide. “He gave a favourable response,” she told attendees.

Labour MP Warinder Juss raised the case of Avtar Singh Khanda, highlighting recent revelations published by The Guardian suggesting Khanda may have been poisoned, with the Sikh Federation (UK) accusing West Midlands Police of a cover-up.

Other MPs in attendance included Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (Slough), Shockat Adam (Leicester South), Matt Turmaine (Watford), Baggy Shankar (Derby South), Claire Hazelgrove (Filton and Bradley Stoke), and Gurinder Singh Josan (Smethwick).

Faith Minister Lord Wajid Khan acknowledged the concerns raised and stated he was now “much more aware” of the Sikh community’s needs. “The government and Number 10 need to act,” he admitted during his address.

The anniversary coincided with the implementation of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme. According to Jaspal Singh, Lead Executive of the Sikh Federation (UK), Sikh organisations are now engaged in discussions with authorities to expose “individuals and organisations secretly engaged in foreign political interference on behalf of the Indian government.”

The APPG reaffirmed its mission to amplify Sikh voices and secure policy changes through parliamentary engagement and community mobilisation.

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Press Release Issued by the Sikh Federation UK on 20th anniversary event for the APPG for British Sikhs

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ALL PARTY PARLIAMENTARY GROUP FOR BRITISH SIKHS – Information Flayer/Document Issued on 20th Anniversary

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UK Gurdwara Alliance Parliamentary Launch (Press Release)

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UK Gurdwara Alliance Information Document/Flayer