Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
Meetings/Events
2 nd June 2014 Secretary General of Sikh Council met for an introduction meeting with David Lelliot the
Deputy British High Commissioner from Chandigarh during his visit to UK.
5 th June Members of Sikh Council representative a number of Gurdwaras across UK met with John Thompson
Head of Migration Policy-Home Office from across UK. The meeting was arranged due to ongoing concerns
about the complex application process: high number of refusals for visas for religious worker without
apparent reasons, and no appeal opportunity. Discussions are ongoing and we await progress update.
6th June 2014 Press Conference and Debate event was held on 30thAnniversary of the Sikh Genocide in
India at Council House, Birmingham, organised by the Indian Sub-Continent Affairs Committee of Sikh
Council UK in association with Sikh Channel event attended by Local MP’s, MEP’s, Councillors and
Community activists.
10-13th June 2014 Sikh Council UK representatives attended the ENDING SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN CONFLICT
SUMMIT at the Excel centre, London
17th June 2014 A meeting was arranged with the Chair of APPG for discussions relating to Sikh genocide.
24th June 2014 meeting with the Mike Penning Minister for Disabled people’s office In relation to Sikh
Councils outstanding concerns in relation to the exemptions in the new legislation coming through for
exemption of having to wear other headgear hence allow Sikhs to wear Dastaars in work places.
29th June 2014 meeting with Additional Director General of Police from Chandigarh during his personal visit
to UK, this was an informal follow up meeting having met them in India during the delegate visit.
Casework/Campaigns
Previously an individual approached the Council for a letter of support relating to a missing palki and some
religious books following bankruptcy. This was supported with a letter. However, despite persistence of the
individual for the Council to further pursue this matter anymore involvement in the case was declined.
Sikh Council UK was approached for assistance in addressing the dietary requirement of an Amritdhari Sikh
prisoner who observes a strict lacto diet. The prison service including the Chaplaincy Service and Catering
Management were very forthcoming in accommodating the individuals’ needs.
Sikh Council issued a statement on Tweet feed in relation to Forced marriages becoming illegal as of 16th
June 2014
