"We have been raising concerns about anti-Sikh hate crimes"
British Sikh organisations have been in Parliament, accusing the government of failing to tackle an alleged surge in anti-Sikh incidents.
This follows the fatal stabbing of 24-year-old Kirandeep Kaur in West London.
The campaign was led by the Sikh Federation (UK) and the Sikh Network, which argue the Government has failed to respond to growing concerns about hostility towards Britain’s Sikh community.
It comes as police continue investigating the circumstances surrounding Kirandeep’s death, with no motive publicly identified.
Kirandeep, originally from Tarn Taran in Punjab, was killed in a double stabbing in Hayes.
A second victim, a man in his 20s, was found nearby with stab injuries and remains in hospital.
A 44-year-old man, Daniel Sean James, has been charged with murder, attempted murder and possession of a bladed article. He appeared before magistrates and was remanded in custody.
Kirandeep’s family has urged investigators to examine whether the attack was racially motivated.
Detective Chief Inspector Allam Bhangoo described the attack as “a shocking incident which has tragically resulted in one woman losing her life and another man in hospital with injuries”.
Jas Singh, of the Sikh Federation (UK) and The Sikh Network, highlighted recent cases of anti-Sikh attacks.
This included two rape cases in the West Midlands.
Jas Singh of @sikhfeduk @TheSikhNet spoke today at the Sikh Lobby on #AntiSikhHate crimes in the @ukparliamentfollowing the massive spike in Anti-Sikh hate crimes and right wing public hostility towards Sikhs since mid-May.
He discussed the previous major incidents as well as… pic.twitter.com/WvUdH1wxsn
— Sikh Federation (UK) (@SikhFedUK) July 15, 2026
Britain is home to more than 525,000 Sikhs, making it one of the world’s largest Sikh communities outside India.
Although police record religiously aggravated offences, there are no routinely published national statistics specifically identifying hate crimes against Sikhs. As a result, claims of any recent increase cannot currently be independently verified.
According to the Sikh Federation (UK), 40% of survey respondents said they had experienced or witnessed anti-Sikh incidents, nearly 90% believed such incidents had increased, and more than half said they no longer felt safe. Only 6% of incidents referred to in the survey had been reported to police.
Dabinderjit Singh, the Federation’s Chief Executive for Political Engagement, said:
“We have been raising concerns about anti-Sikh hate crimes and the misrepresentation of the sacred kirpan directly with the Home Secretary and Policing Minister since late May.
“We have, however, faced a complete wall of silence.”
He added that the Federation would urge MPs to press the Government to recognise hate crimes against Sikhs on a par with other forms of religious and racial hatred and to engage directly with Sikh organisations.
The Indian Workers Association (Great Britain) has also backed Kirandeep Kaur’s family and called for a full investigation into every possible motive behind the attack.
General Secretary Sital Singh Gill said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic loss of life.
“We stand in solidarity with Kirandeep Kaur’s family and support their call for a thorough investigation into every possible motive behind this horrific crime.
“If the evidence establishes that racial or religious hatred was a factor, those responsible must face the full force of the law.”
Excellent turnout from the Sikh community, MPs and their staff at the Sikh lobby. Thanks to @Jas_Athwal @carolinenokes @TiceRichard @drlsullivan @joymorrissey @Sureena4WNE @PreetKGillMP @WarinderSJuss @MattRodda @johnmcdonnellMP @ThurrockJen for great contributions on tackling… pic.twitter.com/TZGR0MH2nH
— Sikh Federation (UK) (@SikhFedUK) July 15, 2026
Labour MP Jas Athwal also paid tribute to Kirandeep Kaur and said:
“It is deeply distressing to learn of the tragic death of Kirandeep Kaur, who was fatally stabbed at a property on Uxbridge Road.
“I also understand that another man was found nearby with stab injuries and remains in hospital. My thoughts are with him, and I wish him a full and swift recovery.
“My heartfelt condolences are with Kirandeep’s family, friends and loved ones, and with the family of the injured man, as they face unimaginable grief, trauma and uncertainty.
“Kirandeep was a mother. That makes this tragedy all the more devastating.”
“A young woman has had her future stolen in an act of appalling violence, and a child will now grow up without their mother. No family should ever have to endure such unbearable loss.
“As the police continue their investigation, it is important that speculation is avoided and the facts are allowed to emerge.
“But there can be no ambiguity about one thing: violence like this destroys lives, shatters families and leaves scars that last a lifetime.
“I hope everyone affected receives the care, compassion and support they will need in the difficult days, weeks and months ahead.”
A spokesperson for the British Home Office said: “Our thoughts are with the family of Kirandeep Kaur following her death.
“As the circumstances are currently subject to a live police investigation, it would not be appropriate for us to comment on it.
“British Sikhs make an outstanding contribution to the strength and richness of our country. There is absolutely no place in our society for hatred or prejudice.”
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