Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer told a gathering of hundreds of British Indians that he was determined to put an end to “divisive politics” and extremist elements exploiting social media to spread hatred within communities … reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
SIR KEIR STARMER: “Hinduphobia has absolutely no place in our society anywhere and we must all fight this together. I know that many people are targeted based on their religion and there’s been a rise in hate crimes in recent years. I’m so tired of our divisive politics. I’m saddened by the division we have seen on the streets of Leicester and Birmingham in recent weeks; violence and hatred spread by extremists exploiting social media. We must all together stand firm against all attempts to spread hate.”
Britain’s opposition Labour Party, which is under fire for ignoring the anti-Semitic activiites in the party fold, heed the call the stem growing Hinduphobia at major immigrant hubs in the country.
Addressing a Navaratri festival at Northolt in Middlesex, Labour leader Keir Starmer said the party is committed to fight against hate crimes of all kinds communal clashes. He was addressing the Navaratri fest organised by Shree Kutch Leva Patel Community at SKLP Sports and Community Centre in Northolt. Mavji Dhanji Jadva Vekaria, President; Premji Harji Varsani, Vice President; Ravi Dhanji Varsani, General Secretary; Meera Varsani, Secretary, among others welcomes the chief guest Sir Keir and other guests which includes Seema Malhotra MP, Nav Mishra MP, Cllr Navin Shah, Onkar Sahota, Cllr Mohammad Butt, Mayor of Ealing Cllr Midha, Krupesh Hirani etc.
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“Hinduphobia has absolutely no place in our society anywhere and we must all fight this together,” said Sir Keir. “I know that many people are targeted based on their religion and there’s been a rise in hate crimes in recent years. I’m so tired of our divisive politics. I’m saddened by the division we have seen on the streets of Leicester and Birmingham in recent weeks; violence and hatred spread by extremists exploiting social media. We must all together stand firm against all attempts to spread hate.”
“Nor will we tolerate the far right attempting to exploit grievances. We have more that unites us than divides us. Our religion, places and symbols of worship must and will be respected. A Labour government will bring people back together and end this divisive politics,” he added.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the Hindu community for your contribution to Britain, for everything you do for us, whether its culture, business, the financial sector, the NHS, supporting your community through the cost of living. Your contribution to Britain is huge. You are an integral part of Britain, the past, the present and very much the future,” said Starmer.
The Opposition leader, who is the front runner to replace Liz Truss as prime minister in the next general election in 2024, is changing the course set up former leader Jeremy Corbyn. Just after taking charge as Labour leader, he started to build bridges with the Indian community, country’s largest ethnic minority. He took a diplomatic stance on contentious Kashmir issue.
“Any constitutional issues in India are a matter for the Indian Parliament, and Kashmir is a bilateral issue for India and Pakistan to resolve peacefully. Labour is an internationalist party and stands for the defence of human rights everywhere,” said Starmer after a meeting with the members of Labour Friends of India group.
“I am committed to working closely with Labour Friends of India to rebuild trust with the community. We must not allow issues of the subcontinent to divide communities here.
“Labour government under my leadership will be determined to build even stronger business links with India and to cooperate on the global stage on issues such as climate change,” Starmer added.
People of Indian origin are the UK’s largest ethnic minority community, making up more than 2.3 percent of the population, some 1.5 million people. A large share of both people of Indian and Pakistani origin vote for the Labour.
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