Sikh MP Tanmanjeet Dhesi describes racist abuse he faces for wearing a turban

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Tanmanjeet Dhesi, the first British MP to wear a turban, described the racist attacks he suffered throughout his life in the UK as a Sikh.

The Labor politician became a Member of Parliament for Slough in 2017, the town in which he was born and raised to Indian parents.

Having faced racism throughout his life, starting in the classroom when a student attempted to rip off his turban, Dhesi described his experiences during an appearance on GB News.

He explained that racism was a common and widespread experience across the country for many ethnic minorities, as attacks intensified after the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Speaking to former Labor MP turned GB News host Gloria De Piero, he said: When I was growing up, someone – one of my so-called classmates – thought it would be very fun trying to take my turban off.

I was in tears and tried to come to terms with this as a child, and unfortunately this is the experience of many.

He added: After the September 11 attacks, the level of racism towards people, especially with turbans like me or with beards, increased dramatically.

Dhesi insisted the racism extended beyond the classrooms, describing the discrimination an Indian visitor wearing a turban faced in the House of Commons.

While standing in line in front of Parliament, someone filled with so much hatred made derogatory remarks, Islamophobic remarks about him, telling him to return to your country, the deputy said.

He also, unfortunately, also tried to remove his turban.

Dhesi admitted that he was ashamed of the attack that happened just outside Parliament, adding: What image will it make of our country as it returns to India?

The MP, who has been appointed shadow minister of railways, said he has been compared to the Taliban for the past two decades, due to the color of his skin and his choice to wear a turban.

Members of the Sikh faith were shot dead in the United States in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks because of the hatred, he said, which is instilled in so many people not only in North America, but also in Europe.

Dhesi said it was a privilege to be the first turbaned Sikh to sit in the British Parliament – and indeed, the European Parliament as well – but with the title came a tremendous sense of responsibility to represent the community which represents about one percent of the population population.

If I say something wrong, it won’t just reflect on me, it’ll reflect on anyone who wears a turban, any young child being bullied.

I want them to look up and say if he can do it, why can’t I?

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