The Defence Secretary joined members of the British Sikh
Association at a special Vaisakhi dinner at the Lancaster Hotel
in London, where they put pen to paper to formally recognise the
strong ties between the Sikh community and the Armed Forces.
Defence Secretary Sir said:
A diverse military is a strong military which is why we’re
committed to making sure our forces better represent the
society they serve – this Covenant signing is yet another
demonstration of this.
Sikhs have a rich history with the Armed Forces, from their
unsurpassed courage at the Battle of Saragarhi 120 years ago,
to the hundreds of thousands of Sikhs who fought for Britain
during the First and Second World Wars. We will work with the
Association to ensure that tradition continues.
During his speech at the British Sikh Association The
Defence Secretary paid tribute to the rich history that Sikhs have
with the Armed Forces
170 Sikhs currently serve in the Royal Navy, Army and the Royal
Air Force, with many more around the UK serving as Reservists.
The British Sikh report published on Tuesday also found that 69%
of Sikhs would support their child taking a career to defend the
nation.
This signing of the Armed Forces Covenant is a demonstration of
the commitment to ensuring a more diverse force. The MOD is
aiming to make sure 10% of recruits come from Black, Asian, or
Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds by 2020 and is making progress
with BAME personnel currently making up nearly 6% of new
recruits, an increase on the previous year.
Amongst others, the Association has made pledges to urge more
than 2000 members, representing 24 employers across the country,
to provide job opportunities for service leavers and promote the
unique skills that they bring to the work place. They also agreed
to support the Cadet Expansion Programme by promoting the
benefits of becoming a Cadet Force volunteer and will link Sikh
communities with personnel.
Dr Rami Ranger, Chairman of the British Sikh Association, said:
The Covenant demonstrates our commitment as citizens of the
United Kingdom to our illustrious Armed Forces, whilst at the
same time recognising their round-the-clock, 365 days a year
commitment for our freedom.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a commitment from the nation,
enshrined in law, that those who serve or have served, and their
families, are treated fairly and not disadvantaged due to their
service.
Over 1,500 businesses and organisations across the UK have
already signed, making practical pledges that have made a
difference across the Armed Forces community.
