The Labour Party Leader, Sir Keir Starmer, reaffirmed his commitment towards the British Hindu community to combat all forms of anti-Hindu hate during an election campaign visit to the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Kingsbury, north London.
He was welcomed in Scottish Indian fusion-style and went on to interact with members of the British Indian community. The Opposition leader, who is hoping to win over enough votes in the July 4 general election to form a Labour Party led government, also offered prayers – presumably towards that goal.
Reiterating his stance against anti-Hindu hate, Sir Keir stressed that “there is absolutely no place for Hinduphobia” in modern Britain.
In his address to the congregation, Sir Keir added: “A Labour government will work with you to support your work and stand behind your community. We will work for you, to make sure that in everything we do, our shared values of compassion, dignity and aspiration for every person in this country come together to build a better, brighter future for all.
"My Labour Party will always be committed to building a Britain where all faith communities are safe and respected.”
He also did a shout out to many of the party’s British Hindu candidates contesting in the election this week, who he said would stand firmly behind the community and represent their concerns.
Last year, the Labour Leader celebrated Diwali at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, also known as Neasden Temple, where he spoke of being in awe of the “selfless sewa” of Britain’s Hindu community.
“To British Indians, I want to express my admiration and respect for everything you do for our country. Quite simply, the UK would be diminished in so many ways without you,” he said at the time.
The campaign is now in its final few days and both parties are ramping up their outreach to different communities in an effort to sway the as-yet undecided voters.
