SEPARATE RECOGNITION AND MONITORING OF SIKHS

Early day motion 556, tabled 12 July 2005 by Rob Marris (Labour). Signed by 30 members.

That this House recognises the considerable contribution made to society by UK Sikhs; believes that, because UK law recognises Sikhs as a separate ethnic and racial group, it would be helpful for public authorities to monitor Sikhs separately, firstly to ensure that the estimated 700,000 UK Sikhs are treated fairly and given proper protection from discrimination, and secondly to enable a proper assessment to be made of the level and appropriateness of public service provision; and therefore calls on the Government to issue a revised Statutory Code of Practice relating to the operation of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 which will properly reflect the need separately to recognise and to monitor Sikhs, thereby allowing public bodies the opportunity to offer a fair and equitable system for the provision of public services.

Signatures by party: Labour 17, Liberal Democrat 8, Conservative 4, Plaid Cymru 1.