A very happy 75th Indian Independence Day to Indians across London and around the world. This Independence Day, I want to pay tribute to the great sacrifices and contributions that members of the British-Indian community, especially our NHS heroes and dedicated key workers, have made throughout this pandemic.
There is no doubt that the past year and a half has been one of the most difficult periods in our lifetimes and I know that many members of the British-Indian community have suffered greatly.
Research shows that BAME people are disproportionately affected by Covid-19, especially with so many of our heroic key workers fighting on the frontlines of our battle against this virus and putting themselves in grave danger to help others.
Covid-19 has also hit businesses hard, with many Asian businesses struggling to stay afloat. As a result, a higher proportion of our families have fallen into financial hardship.
And we have all had to make sacrifices, such as not being able to see our loved ones. This has been especially difficult during times of celebration and community, like Diwali.
On top of this, we are also seeing the devastating impact that Covid-19 is having on India. I know that many of us are concerned about our friends and family, especially our elderly relatives, who are still in India. And the fact that we are not able to see them makes matters even harder.
Despite these huge challenges, our community spirit has remained strong throughout the pandemic. I want to thank you all for the amazing resilience, humility, and compassion you have shown this past year and a half.
I also want to pay tribute to our incredible key workers - our doctors, nurses, carers, shopkeepers, police and everyone else who has played a vital role in fighting Covid-19. Your remarkable dedication and heroism is a credit to yourselves and to our community.
My heartfelt thanks to everyone who has donated, fundraised, and prayed for our brothers and sisters in India and supported them during one of the darkest times in our history.
We must carry forward this community spirit as we look towards our recovery from Covid-19. Please continue to look after each other and do your bit to stop the spread of this virus.
If you can help members of your community - whether it’s delivering food to a neighbour who is self-isolating or donating to help hospitals in India - please do so.
If you have not got your vaccines yet then please make sure you do. Unfortunately, members of our community have been targeted by fake news about the vaccine but I assure you: it is safe and is our best defence against Covid-19.
I also urge you to encourage your friends and family - especially elderly relatives - both in the UK and India to get vaccinated. They might be hesitant to get their vaccines but your encouragement could help to protect them.
Thank you all for playing your part in our fight against Covid-19. I wish you a very safe and happy 75th Independence Day!
