95 pc of UK-based Sikhs 'proud of Britain'

Although three-quarters of Sikhs in Britain have experienced racism, 95 percent of the community is still proud of being born or living in Britain, a survey has revealed.

The first British Sikh Report (BSR), which has been launched in Parliament, is based on an online questionnaire of 650 Sikhs, who were asked about issues including politics, religion and culture. It is one of the largest studies of Sikhs in Britain and gives a more in-depth insight than the 2011 Census, reports BBC News.

Britain's only Sikh MP, Paul Uppal, welcomed the report. He said it is great to see a proactive approach being taken by the British Sikh community to highlight their concerns, wants and needs in such a comprehensive way.

The report highlights a number of recommendations to tackle racism, including the implementation of an online resource for reporting racism and hate crime against British Sikhs.

Jasvir Singh, chair of the BSR said the aim of the report is to develop an understanding of the key needs and issues within the British Sikh community. It also provides an invaluable resource for government and Sikh and other faith organisations to help them understand the views and opinions of Sikhs living in Britain, he added.

Singh said that the study gives Sikhs an insight into their own community and raises some important issues and concerns that Sikhs need to address themselves.

The report suggested a high degree of political engagement within the Sikh community - 70.9 percent said they voted in the 2010 general election, while 23.6 percent said they had not voted in any elections during the last four years.

The inaugural report has been put together by a team of Sikh professionals and academics.