Pat McFadden MP Wolverhampton South East Representing Bilston South, Bilston North, East Park, Ettingshall North, Ettingshall South and Spring Vale, Bentley and Darlaston North, Darlaston South, Willenhall South.
I send my warmest greetings at this special time of Vaisakhi.
As an MP representing thousands of Sikh and Punjabi constituents I know this is a very special time for our community.
It was my honour this year, as every year for the past eight years, to host the Vaisakhi celebrations in Parliament. We had Sikhs from across the country as well as MPs from a spectrum of political parties come together to mark the beginning of the Vaisakhi season. This year was particularly special, as we also launched the National Sikh Awareness & History Month which has been spearheaded by Seema Malhotra MP.
I believe it is very important that Parliament, the home of our democracy, reflects what the United Kingdom is today and I am delighted that this celebration takes place every year with support from all parties and speakers from many parts of the Sikh community. I am grateful to Mr Speaker for allowing us to host this Vaisakhi celebration in the Speaker’s state rooms.
I look forward to joining the Nagar Kirtan procession from Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, Sedgley St, and attending the Vaisakhi Mela in West Park.
I will continue to campaign on issues of interest to the Sikh and Punjabi community.
Once again I extend my best wishes for a very happy Vaisakhi.