Press Release – SCUK – Gurdwara Sahib-Leamington and Warwick

Gurdwara Sahib-Leamington and Warwick

There are growing number of cases which involve disputes relating to the management of Gurdwaras being referred to the Charities Commission, local Police and the Law Courts.

These disputes are causing untold damage to cohesion of the Sangat and detract from the primary purpose of Gurdwaras which includes development of Sikhi practice and Gurmat qualities such as tolerance, forgiveness, selfless sewa, sharing and eradication of ego.

The Sikh Council UK is also being increasingly asked to get involved with disputes involving the management of Gurdwaras. As a matter of policy the Sikh Council UK does not get involved in the internal matters of Gurdwaras and consistently urges all parties to resolve differences at a local level through discussion and debate.

The Sikh Council UK is able to provide objective mediation subject to all parties involved in the dispute being in agreement. The Sikh Council UK has also been requested by Sri Akal Takhat Sahib to investigate some matters in the UK that are referred to them.

The Sikh Council UK approach in such circumstances is to gather the facts and provide an objective report to Sri Akal Takhat Sahib for their consideration. The Sikh Council UK has previously been asked by Sri Akal Takhat Sahib to investigate allegations of a proposal to build a community centre containing a bar on land owned by Leamington and Warwick Gurdwara Sahib and an article written by its key member.

Thus far we have not been able to complete the investigation due to having not been able to meet with the management of the Gurdwara. More recently the Sikh Council UK has been made aware of a meeting apparently due to take place on Sunday 24th August 2014 at which proposals to amend the constitution governing the Gurdwara are scheduled to be tabled. The Sikh Council UK understands the proposed changes apparently include removal of reference to Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, introducing culture as an objective of the charity, introducing rights to vote by proxy, introduction of a power by which the management coul

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11th October 2014 the General Assembly will be selecting the 3rd Administration of the Council

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Dear Member

Following two memorable and successful terms of Sikh Council UK, we are progressing fast towards the 3rd term for which Sikh Council UKs membership renewal process has started; On the 11th October 2014 the General Assembly will be selecting the 3rd Administration of the Council.

We request your attention in completing the attached relevant renewal of membership forms and returning these back to us at your earliest convenience along with the relevant fee of membership.

The complete process will be as follows:

  1. Renewal of membership/s  onto Sikh Council UK General Assembly by the Gurdwara Sahib/s or Sikh Organisation/s must be received by 22nd September 2014 (while this is an ongoing and open process we urge everyone to renew their membership in the coming weeks).
  2. Nominations for the new Executive Committee by General Assembly members must be received by 30th September 2014 
  3. Selection of the Executive Committee to progress the new administration of the council for the 3rd term will take place at the General Assembly on the 11th October 2014 (details to follow)
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Press Release – SCUK – Appointment of Sikh Lord

Appointment of Sikh Lord

The recent announcement of new Lords to be appointed includes a Sikh businessman, Ranbir Singh Suri, nominated by the Prime Minister David Cameron.

The Sikh Council UK has long campaigned for an increase in Sikh representation at all levels of UK civic society.

This requires individual Sikhs to be more proactive in engaging in civic structures but also requires those in positions of patronage to ensure Sikhs are nominated to positions in proportion to the Sikh population. Conservative nominee, Ranbir Singh Suri will join practicing Sikh, Lord Indarjit Singh who sits as a Crossbencher.

Secretary General of the Sikh Council UK, Gurmel Singh said, “Whilst the appointment of another Sikh Lord is to be welcomed there is so much more for all political parties to do to ensure proportionate Sikh representation in Parliament. The Sikh Council UK has previously had no official contact with Ranbir Singh Suri, but we look forward to meeting and hopefully working with him soon

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Bulletin 42

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

 

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UK Statement on Labelling of Halal Meat.

Sikh Council UK Statement on Labelling of Halal Meat

Sikh Council UK believes everybody has a right to purchase and consume food in accordance with their religious or other beliefs and food should be clearly labelled to allow individuals to make an informed choice.

All foodstuffs using or containing halal meat and any derived products from halal meat should be clearly labelled as halal. Certified halal meat products should be provided and be available for the benefit of the Muslim community where required.

All consumers should have the confidence that foodstuffs that are not labelled as halal are in fact halal free. It should be a duty of trading standard officers to enforce effective and clear labelling on all food.

We are concerned that many schools, councils and other public sector bodies and their caterers are effectively allowed to deceive the public by providing halal meat without declaring it as such. Public sector bodies have a duty to the entire community and should be accommodating for all needs without fear or favour.

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Bulletin 39

Meetings:
11th March 2014 a representative of Sikh Council UK was invited to join the National Prevent Challenge Panel and attended an initial meeting in Manchester. 18th March 2014 Individuals from Sikh Council UK were invited to attend the Parliamentary launch of ‘Sikhs for Labour’ held at the House of Commons, Westminster.

Media:
Various appearances by representatives of Sikh Council UK on Sikh broadcast media.
Interfaith work:
9th March 2014 Southwark Cathedral Inter-Faith Group organised a forum about faithbased social action including a musical evening, where friends of different faiths performed short songs or instrumental pieces from their own religious traditions. Representative of Sikh Council UK arranged for a Kirtan jatha to attend the event and perform Kirtan.

Update – Future of Census:
Further to the consultation exercise in which Sikh Council UK actively participated, therecently published report recommends that the 200-year old census should not be scrapped but the current paper forms mailed to households should be replaced with an online questionnaire. The Sikh Council UK with its affiliated member organisations will continue to campaign for the inclusion of Sikhs as a distinct ethnic minority category along with Sikhs as a
faith group within the census – whatever form it takes. Update – Same Sex

Marriages:
The Sikh Council UK actively contributed to consultations carried out by Government and the Equalities & Human Rights Commission and are pleased to confirm the Regulations and guidance accept that Gurdwaras (and other faith organisations) will not be required to conduct same sex marriages. The Sikh Council UK continues to encourage Gurdwaras to formally pass a resolution that no Granthi, Kirtaniay or other Sewadas (employed or visiting) would be permitted to carry out Anand Karaj ceremony for same sex couples on any site in line with the
ruling of Sri Akal Takhat sahib Ji. Draft resolutions are available from Sikh Council UK. Update – Inclusion of Caste

in Equality Act 2010:
The Sikh Council UK is considering the recently published report commissioned by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission and will be commenting shortly. The Sikh Council UK will also shortly be circulating anti-caste discrimination policies for

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Lights out across UK to mark First World War

Sikhs and Panjab made a significant contribution towards the British efforts during World War I. The wounded Sikh soldiers along with other Indian troops were cared for at the Brighton pavilion. A gate was built by Maharajah of Patiala outside of the pavilion to thank people of Brighton .Those that  sadly died were cremated on the Patcham Downs near Brighton where a Chatei build by Maharajah of Patiala marks the spot. There memorials to the Sikhs in a no of European towns.Several Sikh organisations are working towards commemorative events which include exhibitions, marching team of Gursikhs , workshops and memorials. It provides a great opportunity to  highlight the contribution of Dastaar wearing Sikhs towards the freedom of Europe .The Gurdwaras across UK and Europe are being invited to join in the candle light vigil on the 4th August this year. See the news extract below:
 
Lights out across UK to mark First World War

The whole of the United Kingdom will be invited to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War by turning off their lights — echoing the famous words of foreign secretary Sir Edward Grey: “The lamps are going out all over Europe. We shall not see them lit again in our lifetime.”  On August 4 — the day Britain declared war on Germany — the public will be invited to extinguish all their lights, but for a single one. The event, Lights Out, will complement a candelit vigil at Westminster Abbey and BBC coverage to mark the start of four years of cultural commissions remembering the war.
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Sikh Council UK Welcomes Government Amendment Allowing Turban in All Workplaces.

The Sikh Council UK welcomes publication of an amendment to the Deregulation Bill which will extend the exemption for Turban wearing Sikhs from the requirement to wear safety helmets across workplaces in Great Britain.

It comes after a campaign lasting over a year by the Sikh Council UK to address an anomaly that has led to Sikhs being dismissed from their employment for wearing their Turban.

Secretary General of Sikh Council UK, Gurmel Singh said, “I welcome this news. It will make a real difference to Sikhs in the UK by increasing the number of workplaces that Sikhs can work in whilst maintaining their religiously mandated identity.”

He added, “I am grateful to members of the Sikh Council UK who have worked hard to achieve this milestone over the last year. I am also grateful to all the parliamentarians who have engaged with us on this and helped bring this about.”

The issue of wearing hard hats in place of Turbans has been an ongoing issue for Sikhs since the passing of the Employment Act 1989. In recent times the importance given to Health & Safety legislation by employers has increased and just in the last year Sikh Council UK have dealt with individual cases where Sikhs have been dismissed from longstanding employment solely due to their refusal to remove their turban and wear a hard hat.

In previous announcements the Government has proposed to extend the exemption that already exists in the Employment Act 1989 that allows Sikhs to wear their turbans in place of hard hats on construction sites to now cover all workplaces. However, it is expected there may still be very limited exceptions, such as for specific roles in the emergency services or armed forces.

Construction sites are acknowledged to be one of the most dangerous workplaces but the fact the law does not cover other workplaces where hard hats are commonly worn has always been viewed as an anomaly.

Head of Political Engagement for Sikh Council UK, Gurinder Singh Josan said, “This issue is important for UK Sikhs and is one of the issues we have been raising with Government and opposition politicians for well over a year now. Whilst we will be examining the wording of the amendment very carefully before responding further, we do welcome the progress made.”

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Sikh Council UK Delegation Visit to India

A delegation of senior members of the Sikh Council UK will today (12March 2014) begin an historic visit to India with an Ardas (prayer) at SriAkal Takhat Sahib, Amritsar.

The visit is being led by Sikh Council UK Secretary General, Gurmel Singh and will last ten days. He is accompanied by senior staff and representatives of Sikh Council UK including Board of Jathedars members. Amongst the delegation of sixteen are representatives of the Sikh Council UK affiliated member organisations including Gurdwaras, Jathebandian and campaign organisations.

During the visit, the Sikh Council UK delegation will hold meetings, press conferences and networking sessions with a cross section of Sikh representatives and society in India including Jathedars, politicians, academics, media and campaigners. The delegation will visit the key locations of Amritsar, Jalandhar, Chandigarh, Anandpur Sahib and Delhi.

A key focus of the visit is the Voluntary Returns Programme being run by Sikh Council UK and the launch of a specially commissioned documentary. Special showings of the documentary will be held across Punjab.

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Sikh Council UK arrange meeting with Senior Foreign Office Minister.

The Sikh Council UK facilitated a meeting with Baroness Warsi to feedback on the report by the Cabinet Secretary into UK involvement in the 1984 attack on Sri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar and discus further actions to address the concerns of the Sikh community.

On Tuesday 25th February 2014 the Sikh Council UK accompanied by many prominent Sikhs and Sikh Organisations including Lord Indarjit Singh, Judge Mota Singh, Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh, Sikh Federation (UK), Federation of Sikh Organisations, Sikh Organisation for Prisoner Welfare (SOPW), Kesri Lehar and some ex-Sikh politicians, met with Baroness Warsi a Senior Minister of State at the Foreign Commonwealth Office
(FCO) and Minister for Faith and Communities in the Department for Communities andLocal Government (DCLG) and a number of government officials from the FCO, Home Office & DCLG.

The meeting on the Sikh side was chaired by Gurmel Singh (Secretary General of the Sikh Council UK) and was the first with any cabinet minister to provide direct feedback and comments following the Cabinet Secretary’s report and the statement by the Foreign Secretary in Parliament confirming the British Government advice on the attack on the Sri Harmandir Sahib Complex.

Sikh representatives expressed their deep disappointment with the outcome of the Cabinet Secretary’s report highlighting serious limitations, omissions and misleading conclusions. Furthermore it was highlighted that the Prime Minster was yet to respond to Sikh organisations correspondence prior to the release of the report about the narrow terms of the review and a substantive written response to the report. The Sikh delegation explained
the community demanded an independent public inquiry and options were discussed at both a national and international level.

Other key requests for Her Majesty’s Government (HMG) delivered through the meeting
were;
• HMG to condemn the attacks on Sikhs in 1984
• HMG to recognise 1984 as Sikh Genocide
• HMG to examine the relationship and proscription of UK Sikhs (paradigm shift)

Baroness Warsi listened with interest to the concerns raised by all the representatives and
was keen to provide open realistic feedback to the Sikh Communities request whilst
remaining fully supportive in ensuring the commendable contribution and integration of the Sikh Community within British society remained a shining example.

Secretary General of the Sikh Council UK, Gurmel Singh said, “We welcome this opportunity to discuss our concerns with Baroness Warsi. The Sikh Community was united

in their dismay and disappointment in the report and very clear on their expectations of
Government, these were made loud and clear to all the officials in attendance.”

The Sikh Council UK will remain in contact with Baroness Warsi to ensure a timely follow
up to this meeting with an update and reaction to the requests discussed. We will also be
looking to meet with both the Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister to ensure full governmental focus on this issue remains.

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