London, UK – This week marked an important milestone for Sikh representation in British politics, as the 20th anniversary of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for British Sikhs was celebrated in the UK Parliament. Established in 2005, the APPG has worked across party lines to advocate for issues that matter to Sikhs across the United Kingdom.
The event was attended by a number of distinguished guests, including current and former Chairs of the APPG, UK Faith Minister Lord Wajid Khan, and the Minority Affairs Minister from Punjab, Pakistan, Mr. Arora. Also present were several MPs and Andrew Gilbert, Vice-Chair of the Board of Deputies of British Jews. The gathering provided an opportunity to reflect on the journey of the APPG over the last two decades and celebrate its many accomplishments.
Labour MP Preet Kaur Gill, who chaired the APPG from 2017 to 2024, spoke with pride about the group’s achievements. “It was a great pleasure to celebrate the 20th birthday of the APPG for British Sikhs. We’ve come a long way, and I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved together,” she said. Under her leadership, the APPG undertook significant initiatives to promote Sikh rights and identity in public life.
Among its most notable contributions was its role in securing an amendment to the Offensive Weapons Bill in 2019, ensuring that Sikhs could lawfully carry the Kirpan, a ceremonial sword that is a religious article of faith. This move protected Sikh religious freedoms and helped prevent discrimination.
The APPG also led the campaign for the inclusion of a Sikh ethnic tick box in the 2021 UK Census. Collaborating with 112 Gurdwaras nationwide, the group sought to ensure the Sikh community was accurately counted, allowing government services and policy decisions to better reflect their needs.
Another significant contribution was the promotion of a Code of Practice on the Sikh Five Ks, aimed at educating employers and service providers about Sikh religious articles. This effort helped create more inclusive environments in workplaces and public institutions.
In 2020, the APPG published a groundbreaking report on anti-Sikh hate crimes, shedding light on the growing issue of religiously motivated attacks and discrimination. This report played a key role in bringing national attention to the problem and urging action.
Following the fall of Kabul, the APPG worked closely with the UK Government to evacuate Afghan Sikhs facing imminent danger from the Taliban. This humanitarian effort was praised widely within the community.
Since 2017, the APPG has consistently campaigned for the release of Scottish Sikh activist Jagtar Singh Johal, who has been detained in India under controversial circumstances. His case remains a central focus of the group’s human rights advocacy.
Beyond policy work, the APPG has also played a role in cultural recognition, hosting annual events in Parliament to celebrate Gurpurab and Vaisakhi. These events have helped promote understanding of Sikh traditions and values among lawmakers and the wider public.
As it enters its third decade, the APPG for British Sikhs remains committed to its mission of ensuring that Sikhs in the UK are heard, respected, and represented. Preet Kaur Gill emphasized the continued importance of this work, saying, “We must ensure that the voices of British Sikhs are heard loud and clear in policymaking circles and that no community is left behind.”
The 20th anniversary celebration served as both a moment of reflection and a call to action — a reminder that progress is possible when communities organize, persist, and push for change.