Our Bureau
London
Jeevun Sandher, a newly elected Labour MP, is committed to restoring trust in politics and enhancing his party’s ties with India and its diaspora communities. Sandher, a British Sikh, won the Loughborough seat in the East Midlands region, a bellwether constituency that has mirrored the national outcome in U.K. general elections.
As an economist and political strategist, Sandher aims to prioritize putting more money in people’s pockets, investing in clean energy, improving the National Health Service, and reducing crime. He sees strengthening the India-U.K. relationship as crucial, given India’s status as the world’s largest democracy and ongoing trade deal negotiations.
“I am an economist and the first thing for me is to get more money in people’s pockets. The way we’re going to do that is by investing in clean energy, bringing that investment and green prosperity into Loughborough,” he said.
Sandher, in his mid-30s, was born in Luton to parents who migrated from Punjab and maintained close ties with the region through regular visits and involvement with voluntary organizations like Labour Indians. He believes there is a “wave of optimism” sweeping through the country since the July 4 election ousted the Conservatives after 14 years, but the focus must now be on delivery.
Jeevun highlighted the recent visit of UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy to India as a clear indication of the incoming government’s commitment to prioritizing the UK-India relationship.
“It is a hugely important strategic partnership for us, which is why David has gone out there to stress that it is an incredibly important partnership for us in the region and globally. India is the world’s largest democracy, there is a trade deal in the works as well. It is about ensuring that we achieve a lot together for the mutual benefit of both nations,” he said.
