Leader of Her Majesty's Opposition, Sir Keir Starmer, spoke at the Labour Friends of India on Friday 13 November to celebrate Diwali.
In an event that included a cookery show, a dance performance and speeches from a dazzling line of senior Labour Party politicians, Sir Keir Starmer thanked the Labour Friends of India for their support since he was elected as the leader of the Labour Party.
Sir Keir said “I want to wish those in Britain, India and around the world a very Happy Diwali. The auspicious occasion of Diwali signifies the victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and light over darkness. Lighting a lamp on Diwali symbolises hope which dispels the darkness of despair. This year, we will be missing many traditional Diwali celebrations due to social distancing. Many of you may not be able to see your friends and family in person. But as you light the lamp and pray for good health, happiness and prosperity for all, know that we are all in this together.”
Rajesh Agrawal, co-Chair of Labour Friends of India and Deputy Mayor of London said, ‘I wish all our members and the entire Indian community a very Happy Diwali. At our event, alongside celebrating Diwali, we also launched our local government network and I welcome all Labour councillors to join and get involved’.
In a full on line up of speakers, there were also speeches from, Labour Party’s Deputy Leader & Chair Angela Rayner MP, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and many members of the shadow cabinet and MPs including Rachel Reeves MP, Stephen Kinnock MP, Steve Reed MP, Janet Daby MP, Virendra Sharma MP, James Murray MP, Barry Gardiner MP, Dawn Butler MP, Navendu Mishra MP, Preet Kaur Gill MP, Tan Dhesi MP, Gareth Thomas MP and Darren Jones MP.
The event also included a speech from Minister Vishwesh Negi from the Indian High Commission.
