Lord Singh of Wimbledon (CB) [V]: My Lords, Sikhs from the gurdwara
in Gravesend were prominent in organising free hot meals for
stranded lorry drivers at Dover, and similar initiatives by Sikhs
have been applauded in other parts of the world. Government
assistance in making minority communities aware of the perils of
Covid-19 on media that they read, watch or listen to would be
helpful, but does the Minister agree that the faith communities, in
the welfare and volunteering they do, are...Request free trial
(CB) [V]: My Lords, Sikhs from the gurdwara
in Gravesend were prominent in organising free hot meals for
stranded lorry drivers at Dover, and similar initiatives by Sikhs
have been applauded in other parts of the world. Government
assistance in making minority communities aware of the perils of
Covid-19 on media that they read, watch or listen to would be
helpful, but does the Minister agree that the faith communities, in
the welfare and volunteering they do, are playing a key role in
helping us get through the pandemic?
The Minister of State, Home Office and Ministry of Housing,
Communities and Local Government () (Con): My Lords, I completely agree on the role of
British Sikhs. It is fundamental to their faith to help people in
need, and, although I have only 15 followers, I specifically
tweeted out my support for Langar Aid in Kent. It is alongside many
charities, including the Salvation Army which provided much
needed sustenance at a very difficult time throughout the Christmas
period.
(Con) [V]: My Lords, many places
of worship are open for people of all faiths and of none as places
of refuge and renewal, as are organisations such as the
Salvation Army which has already
been mentioned. They provide invaluable help to many people,
particularly those who have been rescued from abuse of all kinds,
such as human trafficking and domestic violence. As their income
has been greatly reduced by the Covid pandemic, will the Government
help so that their work can continue? Perhaps, as my friendly
colleague, the noble Lord, Lord Kennedy, suggested, they can have
some form of tax relief.
(Con): My Lords, I, too, commend the
work of the Salvation Army I now consider
Dean Pallant to be a close friend, and the work it does is
phenomenal. It is fair to say that it has been able to apply to
around 10 schemes, four of which remain open, it is a member of the
Voluntary and Community Sector Emergency Partnership, and £5
million has been distributed to its members.
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