Honouring Sikh Servicemen in Parliament

Michael has shown his support for Sikh servicemen at the launch of a campaign for a National Sikh War Memorial in Parliament this week.

The Sevenoaks MP and former defence secretary joined calls on the Government to support a memorial dedicated to those who made or were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of our country.

Though Sikhs made up only two per cent of the population of British India, they formed 20 per cent of the British Indian Army during the First World War.  More than 83,000 turbaned Sikh soldiers laid down their lives and more than 100,000 were injured during the World Wars.

Michael said: “I am proud to have attended the launch.  Given the scale of Sikh sacrifice in both World Wars, for which they volunteered, this is a great cause.”