Neil Basu, Sir Rabinder Singh among most influential Asians in UK in 2019

Neil Basu, the Indian-origin counter-terrorism chief in the Metropolitan Police, and Britain's first Sikh judge Sir Rabinder Singh are among the most influential Asians in the UK in 2019, next only to Home Secretary Sajid Javid and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, both with Pakistani roots.

The names were revealed in the Eastern Eye GG2 Power List released at the GG2 Leadership Awards organised by the Asian Media Group, publishers of the Garavi Gujarat (GG2) and Eastern Eye publications, here Wednesday night.

After the commissioner and the deputy commissioner at Scotland Yard, 50-year old Basu is now a familiar figure on television every time there is a terrorist attack in the UK.

Basu, who is also the national lead for counter-terrorism policing, a position he has held since March 2018, is responsible to keep the nation safe.

His portfolio, a mixed bag, "also includes responsibility for the investigation of war crimes, Official Secrets Act offences and protection of VIPs, royals, embassies, parliament and aviation policing."