Edgbaston MP Preet Kaur Gill has taken a stand on improving the visibility of Sikhs and Jews in official ethnicity data.
She highlighted the challenges faced by these communities and pushed for legislative changes to ensure their voices are heard and counted accurately.
Gill’s statements came during her ongoing campaign to reform how ethnicity data is collected and reported in the UK. She expressed concern that Sikhs and Jews, despite their cultural and historical significance, remain underrepresented in official statistics, leading to a lack of resources and policy focus on their unique needs. Gill has actively used social media to amplify her message. In a recent post, she reiterated the importance of visibility:
Today, I introduced a bill to Parliament which will place a duty on public bodies to collect ethnicity data, for Jewish and Sikh communities for the purpose of delivering public services.
Here’s why this bill matters 👇 pic.twitter.com/1VYkaUV5c6
— Preet Kaur Gill MP (@PreetKGillMP) December 4, 2024
A Call for Change
Gill argued for the inclusion of specific ethnic categories for Sikhs and Jews in official data collection. She emphasized that the absence of these categories perpetuates invisibility and prevents tailored policy-making. “Representation matters,” she stated, highlighting how vital accurate data is in addressing inequality and fostering inclusion.
This effort is part of a broader campaign to ensure fair treatment for all ethnic groups in the UK, an issue that has gained momentum in recent years.
Gill’s advocacy also aims to challenge assumptions about ethnicity and religious identity, urging policymakers to consider the cultural nuances of communities like Sikhs and Jews.
Another tweet highlighted her vision for inclusive policies:
British Sikhs died disproportionately from Covid and were affected at a very different rate to other south Asian groups.
British Jews died almost twice the rate of the rest of the population.
As legislators we must address these health inequalities. Good data saves lives 👇🏽 pic.twitter.com/oLZf3Mtk76
— Preet Kaur Gill MP (@PreetKGillMP) December 4, 2024
Addressing Historical Oversights
Historically, Sikhs and Jews have been categorized under broader ethnic groups, such as “Asian” or “White.” This oversimplification often overlooks the distinct experiences of these communities, limiting their ability to access targeted support. Gill’s campaign seeks to correct these oversights, ensuring that future policies are informed by accurate, comprehensive data.
A Step Toward Equity
Gill’s initiative has sparked dialogue across political and community spheres, shining a light on the importance of visibility in achieving equity. With strong public support, her push for legislative change could set a precedent for more inclusive data practices in the UK.
