13% of Sikhs have been victims of hate crimes since the Referendum, but 69% would support their child joining the Armed Forces
The latest annual British Sikh Report (BSR), which provides robust strategic evidence about British Sikhs looks into several key areas affecting them.
Based on the results of a survey of over 2,000 Sikhs throughout the country, it aims to provide quantitative data reflecting the views, aims and aspirations of the British Sikh community.
Some of the key findings in the report relate to last year’s EU Referendum. 65% of Sikhs voted to remain in the EU, but 73% would now vote to remain if there was a second EU Referendum, suggesting that 8% regret how they voted or how they didn’t vote in June 2016. 13% said that they have been victims of hate crimes since the Referendum.
However, there is still a strong sense of duty and national pride amongst British Sikhs, with 69% of them saying they would support their son or daughter joining the Armed Forces.
It is anticipated that the report will assist governmental bodies and non-Sikh organisations in working with the current British Sikh population on collaborative projects, as well as providing statistics that will assist gurdwaras and Sikh institutions in addressing intra-community issues.
Jasvir Singh OBE, chair of the British Sikh Report, comments: “This document reflects the diversity that exists within the British Sikh community, and provides a snapshot of what it means to be Sikh in modern Britain.
“At a time when there is increasing intolerance in society, I hope that documents such as the British Sikh Report help people celebrate their differences as well as their commonalities.”
Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth, Minister for Faith and Integration, said: “This survey is more than just a Sikh census. Its launch in our Parliament is fitting, as this is a tool, I am sure, which will inspire Sikhs of all generations to become more and more involved in the political process, from engagement with political leaders, to running for office.”
