Piara Singh Khabra JP (20 November 1921 – 19 June 2007) was a trailblazing figure in British politics. As the first Sikh to become a Member of Parliament (MP) in the UK, Khabra’s journey from a humble Punjabi village to the halls of Westminster is a testament to his resilience, dedication, and unyielding commitment to social justice. His story is not just one of personal achievement but also of significant contributions to the fabric of British society.
Early Life and Background of Piara Singh Khabra
Born into a Punjabi Sikh farming family in the Punjab Province of British India, Piara Singh Khabra’s early years were marked by simplicity and hard work.
Despite the rural backdrop, Khabra harbored dreams of contributing to society in meaningful ways. His year of birth is contested—while he claimed it to be 1924, his marriage certificate suggests 1921. This minor discrepancy does little to overshadow the impact of his life’s work.
Khabra’s political inclinations surfaced early. He joined the Communist Party of India and began his career as a teacher in an elementary school. His passion for education and social reform was evident even then.
In 1964, after requalifying as a teacher, Khabra transitioned to social work. His leadership abilities soon shone through as he became the President of the Indian Workers’ Association, a role in which he helped Indian immigrants establish themselves in the UK and find employment.
Political Ascension
Khabra’s political journey in the UK began with his departure from the Communist Party of Great Britain in the 1960s. He joined the Labour Party in 1972, marking the start of a long and impactful association.
By 1977, Piara Singh Khabra had become a justice of the peace, and the following year, he was elected as a member of Ealing Council. Although he briefly joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 1981, he returned to Labour in 1988, firmly aligning himself with the party’s values and objectives.
Parliamentary Career
At the age of 70, Piara Singh Khabra entered Parliament in 1992 as the MP for Ealing Southall. His election was historic, making him the fifth British Asian MP and the first Sikh to hold such a position.
Piara Singh Khabra inherited a large majority in a safe Labour seat, following the de-selection of the long-serving MP Sydney Bidwell. Despite his late entry into Parliament, Khabra’s tenure was marked by his unwavering dedication to his constituents.
Piara Singh Khabra was known for maintaining a substantial caseload of immigration and asylum cases, reflecting his deep commitment to helping those in need. Though he rarely spoke in Parliament, his contributions were impactful.
Piara Singh Khabra was particularly proud of his involvement in the report on the murder of Stephen Lawrence and the Race Relations Amendment Act 2000. These actions underscored his lifelong fight against racial injustice and his support for equality.
Advocacy and Impact
One of Khabra’s notable advocacy efforts was his support for people with autism spectrum disorders. In 2002, he sponsored an early day motion on autism during the Autism Awareness Year, which garnered support from 153 parliamentarians across all parties. This initiative highlighted his dedication to raising awareness and promoting better understanding and support for individuals with autism.
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