HomeNewsHindu votes assume significance in UK election

Hindu votes assume significance in UK election

The Hindu Manifesto UK 2024, released by Hindu groups in the UK prior to the upcoming general elections on 4 July, advocates for the acknowledgment of anti-Hindu hate as a religious hate crime

A group of British Hindus has recently unveiled their inaugural ‘manifesto’, signifying their increasing political influence in the United Kingdom. With the upcoming general election scheduled for 4 July, this initiative aims to articulate the aspirations and demands of the Hindu community, urging candidates from all political parties to acknowledge and address them.

Hinduism, currently the third-largest religion in England, boasts a substantial following of over 1.02 million individuals, as indicated by the 2021 Census. This collective voice, supported by 29 prominent Hindu organisations including BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha UK, Chinmaya Mission, and Iskcon UK, signifies a significant milestone in the community’s engagement with the political landscape of the UK.

In England and Wales alone, the population of British Hindus stands at 1,066,894, constituting 1.6% of the total population. This demographic holds considerable electoral influence, further underscoring the importance of addressing their concerns and aspirations.

Hindu manifesto

The Hindu Manifesto UK 2024, launched by Hindu organisations in the UK ahead of the general elections on 4 July, calls for the recognition of anti-Hindu hate as a religious hate crime. This manifesto, supported by numerous parliamentary candidates, outlines seven key demands, including protecting Hindu places of worship, access to fairer education, equal representation, streamlined immigration and healthcare systems, social care provisions, and the acknowledgement and safeguarding of dharmic values. By presenting this document, the UK Hindu community aims to unify its voice and urges all candidates to support their community.

Hindu representation in United Kingdom

In 1892, Dadabhai Naoroji became the first Indian elected to the British Parliament. Originating from Bombay and of Parsi descent, Naoroji arrived in Britain in 1885 as a business partner of Cama and Company. Apart from his versatile business endeavours, he also served as a Professor of Gujarati at University College London from 1856 to 1865. As a founding member of the Indian National Congress in 1885, he played a pivotal role in the movement for Indian independence, earning him the revered title of the ‘Grand Old Man of India.’

In 1895, Mancherjee Bhownaggree, born in Bombay, made history by becoming the second Indian to be elected to the UK Parliament as the Conservative MP for North-East Bethnal Green. Despite being re-elected in 1900, he faced defeat in 1906.

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Hindus in British demography

In the 2017 general election, the Hindu community’s political representation in the UK reached a milestone with the election of eight Hindu MPs to the British Parliament, showcasing their growing political involvement. Notable figures like Priti Patel, Alok Sharma, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, and Lord Swaraj Paul are among the prominent leaders of Indian descent in the British Parliament.

Hindu votes assume significance in UK election [interior graphic 1]

A significant moment occurred in 2022 when Rishi Sunak, of Indian origin, made history by becoming the UK’s first non-white Prime Minister amidst political unrest in the nation.

According to the 2021 Census, there are 1,066,894 Hindus in England and Wales, constituting 1.6% of the total population. The Hindu population has shown substantial growth over the past two decades, increasing from 552,421 in 2001 to 835,394 in 2011. In Scotland, the Hindu community numbered 29,929 in 2021. As of 2015, there are 189 officially registered Hindu places of worship in the UK.

Hindu votes assume significance in UK election [interior graphic 2]

The majority of the UK Hindu population, over 97%, resides in urban areas, particularly in the southeast and London, where they play a significant role in enriching the cultural and social landscape.

Since 1947, three major waves of Hindu migration have contributed to the diverse nature of the community, with roots extending beyond India to countries like Sri Lanka, East Africa, the Caribbean, Fiji, and Mauritius. Despite this diversity, 96% of UK Hindus identify as having an Asian ethnic background, with Indian heritage being the most prevalent.

Hindu votes assume significance in UK election [interior graphic 3]

The strong sense of British national identity within the community, reported at 91% in 2001, along with their commitment to integration, highlights their dual identity as both Indian and British citizens.

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