Tom Brake, Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs Spokesperson

An UK MP is pressing Parliament for the building of London’s first monument to mark the Sikh community’s contribution to World War One.

Tom Brake, Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs Spokesperson has tabled an Early Day Motion [EDM calling for the construction of a monument. The EDM has secured all party support.

Over 130,000 Sikh troops fought in Belgium and France during World War One. More than one quarter of those soldiers died. He said: “It is vital we recognise the sacrifices and bravery of Sikh soldiers who fought for Britain during the First World War.

“A permanent monument in central London is long overdue and would highlight as well as create an important symbol of the sacrifices the Sikh community made in the Great War.”

Although Sikhs only made up only two per cent of the population of India, they formed twenty per cent of the Indian Army and saw active service from the Somme to Gallipoli.

SMI: There are various plans for Sikh memorials in the UK and the SMI will be providing details of our involvement and support in the set up of these memorials.