London: A Sikh groups called Sikh Council UK is encouraging Sikhs to remain engaged in the Brexit process following the expected triggering of Article 50 today (29/3) which will start the formal process for the UK to leave the EU within two years.
Sikh Council UK Chair of European Affairs, Surinder Singh Jandu, said: “Sikhs up and down the country participated in the democratic process ahead of the referendum last year in what was the most significant decision of this country in a generation and it is important that the community continues to engage in the Brexit process as exit negotiations begin in the months ahead.”
He said “Concerns have been raised within the community around the rhetoric around Brexit, particularly in relation to the issue of immigration and freedom of movement. There has been a worrying increase in reports of hate crimes in this period. Our diversity is one of our key strengths as a country and it is important we all seek to positively influence the public discourse around the contribution of immigration and immigrants to this country.”
He added “Sikh Council UK remains concerned of the potential impact of Brexit on Sikh communities in the UK and in mainland Europe in relation to matters such as free movement and immigration and religious rights. We will be watching closely the developments on the exit negotiations over the coming months and engaging with all relevant bodies to ensure Sikh interests are protected going forward.”