Working for the Tamil community

I’m proud to be the first MP for the new constituency of Stratford and Bow – and my work in parliament is dedicated to representing them in every way I can and as best as I can.

But when I was elected, I also became known for being the first British MP of Tamil heritage.

My parents, proud and patriotic British citizens, came to Britain over 40 years ago. They fled pogroms in Sri Lanka in search of safety – Britain welcomed them, and so many other Tamils with open arms under a special scheme in the early 80s.

Building a life from scratch in a new country with strength, sacrifice and determination. They came to the UK with the hope and aspiration for a better tomorrow that all parents have for their children, and the dreams of a safe and secure life.

Their story is part of Britain’s story. It is a story that can be found in every corner of Stratford and Bow and in every part of Britain.

I have the honour of being the first British Member of Parliament of Tamil heritage. I carry my parents’ hopes and those of our community with me in Parliament – something I spoke about in my Maiden Speech.

After my election, I was interviewed by BBC Tamil about the huge outpouring of support I received from around the world.

Justice for victims of the war

From 1983 to 2009 Sri Lanka went through a brutal civil war, and Tamils in the UK and around the world have long been calling for justice for the atrocities committed in its final stages. The scars of the conflict and the deaths of tens of thousands of people will never be forgotten.

In 2009, when the massacres were still taking place, I was part of a group of Tamils who went to meet with the then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown, while the then-Foreign Secretary David Miliband raised the issue at the UN Security Council.

I have been advocating for justice on this issue internally within the Labour Party for the past 16 years. Now, as an MP, I’m working hard to make sure our voices are finally heard at the heart of Government.

In one of my first acts as an MP, I called for Magnitsky-style sanctions against those accused of war crimes in Sri Lanka.

I have used every opportunity, including high-level private meetings, to call for sanctions against perpetrators of war crimes and human rights violations.

This includes using my voice on the influential Foreign Affairs Select Committee. On Maaveerar Naal, I asked the Foreign Secretary about the lack of accountability for atrocities committed in Sri Lanka, and asked him to refer perpetrators of atrocities to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

All the actions that I and fellow MPs, alongside dedicated voices from within the community have taken have made a difference. In March 2025, the UK finally introduced sanctions with the aim of seeking accountability for atrocities committed during the civil war.

This is an important moment of recognition for many families who have waited too long for justice, and are still searching for answers. Read my statement here. This Labour Government has stood by its long held commitments for justice and accountability but this is just the first step.

I believe in truth, justice, and accountability. I know – and I feel – the absence of justice for Tamils globally. I will continue to press for perpetrators to be referred to the International Criminal Court, as called for by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

I’ve been standing up for our community since 2009. We owe it to survivors, to the families still searching for answers, and to the next generation growing up in the shadow of these crimes. I will never stop using my voice to call for justice and accountability.

Rights of Tamil refugees

Here in Britain, I’ve championed the rights of Tamil refugees, asking the Government about vulnerable Tamil refugees and migrants in Diego Garcia, in the Chagos Islands. Under the previous Conservative administration, Tamil migrants were left to languish in Diego Garcia for over 1000 days without representation or basic rights. The new Labour Government has now offered them safe refuge in the UK. In Parliament I am a member of the All Party Parliamentary group on refugees – who advocate for human rights to be upheld, that safe routes of passage be made available whilst also ensuring that Britain’s borders remain safe and secure.

I spoke to the Tamil Guardian about what this means: hope for people who have been through so much.

Celebrating Tamil culture and identity

Since my election, I’ve worked to uplift and pay tribute to our culture and identity too.

I had the huge honour of helping to bring the British Tamil community together for a Thai Pongal celebration at No10 Downing Street, hosted by our Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Watch the video from Pongal in Downing Street here.

The event included beautiful entertainment from talented Tamil artists and a Bharatanatyam performance. It was a stunning celebration of Tamil culture, and so moving to hear the Prime Minister thank the Tamil community for our invaluable contribution and for enriching our nation.

Ours is a proud community who contribution so much to Britain, and ours is a story of strength and resilience; now we are being seen and celebrated like never before.

That’s a change I’m proud to be part of, and one I’ll keep pushing forward.

It’s why, following my swearing in as a Member of Parliament, I marked South Asian Heritage Month by gifting the Speaker of the House a copy of Thirukurral, so that the next MP of Tamil heritage can have the opportunity of swearing their oath on it.

It’s the honour of my life to have been elected to British Parliament.

I am proud to be here in Parliament, not only representing my constituency but being a voice for British Tamils. I get lots of invites to attend events and will always do what I can to be part of them with you.

I know how important it is for so many young people to see themselves represented in politics, and their heritage reflected in public life. I’ll always do my very best to make them proud – and create opportunities for the next generation.

I love hearing from you from the UK and all around the world – please keep the invites, letters and emails to me coming.

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