LABOUR PARTY leader Keir Starmer has written to Gurdwaras across the UK to greet the Sikh community on the 551st birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh faith.
Starmer thanked the Sikh community for looking after their local communities and the most vulnerable in the society during the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Even when Gurdwaras were closed for worship, volunteers went in to prepare langar and thereafter delivered free warm meals for people in the community. Sikhs have also been on the frontline as key workers, who have been the backbone of our nation," he wrote in the letter.
"We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Sikh community in exemplifying the core teachings of Guru Nanak. The seva (selfless service) of Sikhs during the pandemic is a shining example of their community spirit."
He added that Guru Nanak championed oneness of humanity and these founding values were embodied by British Sikhs.
"I appreciate that due to Covid-19 restrictions, Gurpurab celebrations will not be the same. I know how incredibly difficult and upsetting this will be for families and communities, who won’t be able to come together as they normally would. However, Guru Nanak’s teachings of selfless service and perseverance will continue to be an inspiration to us all," the Labour leader further said.
Zia Yusuf looks on during the party's national conference at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, Britain, September 5, 2025. REUTERS/Isabel Infantes