Theresa Villiers, MP for Chipping Barnet, yesterday attended Parliament’s annual event to celebrate Vaisakhi with British Sikhs. The event is organised by the All Party Group on Sikhs and was attended by a wide range of MPs and senior political figures including the Prime Minister.
Following the event, Theresa said “I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my Sikh constituents a very happy Vaisakhi season. I know that the Vaisakhi festival is an important one for Sikhs all over the world. I welcome the fact that the All Party Parliamentary Group gives MPs the chance to take part in the Vaisakhi celebrations in the House of Commons.”
“Since 1699, this festival has been at the heart of Sikh culture and every year it provides me and other MPs with the opportunity to highlight the immensely positive contribution that the Sikh community make to life in Britain.”
“I have worked with the Sikh community in the past on a number of issues including changes to EU rules which required the searching of the turban at airports. I am aware of the hurt and offence these searches caused and was delighted when a solution was found which maintains aviation security but also provides respect for religious belief. I look forward to continuing to engage with the British Sikh community on matters of mutual interest.”