UK Opposition Labour Party Leader Thanks Hindu, Sikh, Jain Communities During Diwali Event

UK Opposition Labour Party Leader, Sir Keir Starmer, has expressed his party’s gratitude to the country’s Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities during a special Diwali event in London.

London, Nov 2: The UK's Opposition Labour Party Leader, Sir Keir Starmer, has expressed his party's gratitude to the country's Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities during a special Diwali event in London. Starmer was joined by Indian-origin shadow international development minister Lisa Nandy and Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami at the Festival of Lights celebration on Tuesday organized by the British Asian Trust, a charity founded by King Charles III when he was the Prince of Wales. Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves was also at the gathering of prominent Indian diaspora members supported by OakNorth Bank and VFS Global.

Starmer Praises Hindu, Sikh, Jain Communities

In his address to the gathering, Starmer said, "In dark times such as these, it is more important than ever that we focus on a positive future in which we work together across communities and faiths. Only by doing so will we ensure that everyone, no matter their background, has an opportunity for a peaceful, fulfilled, and happy life. Tonight, I reiterate my gratitude to the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities for the enormous contribution they make to this great country of ours. Your positive impact is felt across so many spheres and sectors, and that your contribution is pursued in accordance with your spiritual convictions, reflects the powerful message of Diwali."

Starmer Lights Symbolic Diya

Starmer took to the stage to light a symbolic diya and receive garlands of flowers from children on behalf of the charity. Lord Jitesh Gadhia, Chair of the British Asian Trust, said, "The British Asian Trust has a proud history of bringing together people of all faiths and backgrounds to work together for positive change. We were delighted to celebrate Diwali with Sir Keir Starmer and we hope this helps us to shine a light on the important work we do across South Asia."

British Asian Trust's Work in South Asia

The charity was founded in 2007 by then Prince Charles and has since positively impacted the lives of more than 12 million people in South Asia. Its work focuses on education, healthcare, livelihoods, and women's empowerment. The Trust works with local partners to deliver sustainable and scalable programs that have a lasting impact on communities.

The Diwali celebration was an opportunity for the Labour Party and the British Asian Trust to recognize the contributions of the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities to the UK and to highlight the importance of interfaith dialogue and cooperation.