London – This week, Preet Kaur Gill MP, the Labour Co-op representative for Birmingham Edgbaston and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health Innovation and Safety, addressed the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for British Sikhs, drawing attention to the growing concerns over anti-Sikh hate crimes and attacks across the UK.
In her remarks, Gill emphasised the importance of the discussion: “This week I spoke at the All Party Parliamentary Group for British Sikhs about the rise of Anti-Sikh hate and the increasing attacks on Sikhs. It was invaluable to speak with Sikhs from across the UK about their experience, discussing what we can do as MPs to prevent this hate and ensure Sikhs can live in peace to practice their faith without fear.”The session brought together Sikhs from communities nationwide to share personal experiences of discrimination and violence. Participants explored practical steps for MPs to strengthen protections, improve hate crime reporting, and foster greater community safety. Gill, who has long championed Sikh issues as a former chair of the APPG, stressed the need for collective action to address under-reported incidents and ensure equality.
Health Innovation FocusIn her ministerial role, Gill has also been active on broader public health priorities. She recently welcomed new long-term research showing that focal therapy — a less invasive treatment for prostate cancer — is as effective as traditional surgery or radiotherapy for many patients, while greatly reducing side effects like incontinence and sexual dysfunction.The study, backed by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), supports the government’s commitment of up to £2.8 million to expand focal therapy centres in England under the National Cancer Plan. Gill said: “Our National Cancer Plan sets out our ambition to transform cancer care, and backing innovations like focal therapy is exactly how we are delivering on that promise.” This initiative aims to improve outcomes and quality of life for men.
Additionally, the NHS launched a new national strategy to tackle sepsis, a life-threatening condition. It includes trialling wearable technology for high-risk patients at home and building on Martha’s Rule to empower families to raise concerns about deteriorating conditions. Gill commented: “Behind every case is a patient and a family, and we have heard too many heartbreaking examples where signs of deterioration were not recognised quickly enough.” The strategy focuses on earlier detection and intervention to save lives.
Background on Gill and the APPGPreet Kaur Gill made history as the first female British Sikh MP when elected in 2017. She has advocated for Sikh rights, including protections for religious articles of faith and better recording of anti-Sikh hate crimes. The APPG for British Sikhs continues to serve as a key cross-party forum for promoting Sikh interests, celebrating culture, and advancing equality in the UK.
The recent meeting underscores ongoing efforts to combat rising religious hatred while highlighting Gill’s dual focus on community advocacy and health innovation in government. Community leaders and MPs called for stronger government action, including better data collection and targeted protections.