Reform UK is facing a significant challenge to its burgeoning support within the British Sikh community following controversial comments regarding the ceremonial kirpan blade and remarks made in the wake of the Henry Nowak murder. This development casts doubt on the party's recent gains among Sikh voters, a demographic traditionally aligned with the Labour Party.
The controversy stems from a statement by Reform UK's home affairs spokesperson, Zia Yusuf, who declared on social media on 29th May that the party would "repeal the exemption for Sikhs to carry the kirpan." Days later, party leader Nigel Farage called for "pure, cold rage" in response to the murder case involving Vickrum Digwa, a British Sikh. Dabinderjit Singh, Chief Executive for Political Engagement at the Sikh Federation, described Yusuf's comments as lacking "basis in logic" and Farage's words as "unforgivable," suggesting they have fuelled a backlash against law-abiding British Sikhs.
Sikh community organisations have clarified that the blade used in the fatal stabbing of 18-year-old Henry Nowak was not a kirpan, which is a small ceremonial blade permitted by UK law for Sikhs. Instead, it was identified as a Persian blade worn by the perpetrator as part of his affiliation with Nihang, a Sikh warrior subculture. Despite this distinction, the case has ignited a wider debate concerning Sikh identity and religious freedoms.
The impact on Reform UK's support among Sikhs is already evident. While the British Sikh Report indicated a rise in Reform support from 3% in 2024 to 7% by 2025, with Labour support declining from 40% to 18% over the same period, these recent comments have provoked anger. Reform's deputy leader, Richard Tice, reportedly met with Sikh leaders after "furious" Sikh Reform activists warned of losing their votes. Some Sikh Reform members, including Navtaij Sangha, have called for a more nuanced discussion on kirpan regulations.
The Sikh Federation is actively circulating a survey to document experiences of hate crime among British Sikhs in recent weeks, drawing parallels to the abuse faced by Sikhs after the 9/11 attacks due to mistaken identity. The organisation is also advocating for an inquiry into police contact with Vickrum Digwa, whose behaviour was reportedly flagged to authorities by British Sikhs prior to the murder. This episode raises questions about the long-term viability of alliances between populist right parties and ethnic minority voters in the UK.
Source: The Guardian