The London Assembly unanimously called on the Mayor of London and the London boroughs to ensure Tamil Heritage Month and celebrations such as Pongal (harvest festival) are marked and the much-valued Tamil community is supported across the city.
Nicholas Rogers AM, who proposed the motion said:
“Tamil Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the history of London’s Tamil community and their invaluable contribution to our city. There’s a lot to celebrate, from Tamils serving in the Royal Air Force in the Second World War to the Tamil scientists, doctors and nurses helping our country battle coronavirus today.
This motion follows a previous motion that was signed by 19 Members of the UK parliamentarian on January 2020.
The previous motion states:
“That this House supports the establishment of a Tamil Heritage Month which would provide an annual opportunity to celebrate the contribution of the Tamil diaspora in the UK; notes that Canada holds a similar, highly successful Tamil Heritage Month; recognises that there are more than 300,000 Tamils living in the UK contributing substantially to the betterment of our economy and country; further notes the richness of Tamil culture; and recognises the benefits of such a month for raising awareness and understanding of the Tamil Community in the UK.”
See the assembly press release below:
Assembly supports Tamil Heritage Month
02 December 2021
There are an estimated 15,000 Tamils working for NHS England as doctors, nurses and front-line health professionals and thousands of Tamils serve as teachers and teaching assistants in our schools.
Tamils have made significant contributions to the social, economic, cultural and political fabric of the UK and this work takes place against the backdrop of persecution and abuse abroad.
Today the London Assembly unanimously called on the Mayor of London and the London boroughs to ensure Tamil Heritage Month and celebrations such as Pongal (harvest festival) are marked and the much-valued Tamil community is supported across the city.
Nicholas Rogers AM, who proposed the motion said:
“Tamil Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the history of London’s Tamil community and their invaluable contribution to our city. There’s a lot to celebrate, from Tamils serving in the Royal Air Force in the Second World War to the Tamil scientists, doctors and nurses helping our country battle coronavirus today.
“I’m pleased the London Assembly agreed this motion recognising the enormous contribution of the Tamil community ahead of the UK’s second Tamil Heritage Month in January next year.
“Around a quarter of a million Tamils live in the UK, with many living in London. To celebrate this much-loved community, the Mayor of London and London Boroughs should mark this month-long event and help it become an established celebration in London.”
The full text of the motion is:
“London’s Tamil community, originating from Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa and elsewhere, makes a strong contribution to the life of our city.
There are an estimated 15,000 Tamils working for NHS England as doctors, nurses and front-line health professionals, thousands of Tamils serving as teachers and teaching assistants in our schools. Over a hundred adult social care facilities are operated by Tamils in and around London, caring for some of the most vulnerable in our society.
Tamils have made significant contributions to the social, economic, cultural and political fabric of the UK; from serving in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War to Tamil scientists working on the Astra Zeneca vaccine.
This incredible work takes place against the backdrop of persecution and abuse abroad, deeply affecting the wellbeing of the family and friends of Tamils in the UK.
The London Assembly thanks the Tamil community for their invaluable contribution to our city. We are profoundly grateful for the work that they do.
The Assembly notes that January marks Tamil Heritage Month and that Pongal – the Harvest Festival – commences on 14th January. We call on the Mayor of London and the London boroughs to ensure these occasions are marked and that our much-valued Tamil community is supported across the city.”
Notes to editors
- Watch the full webcast.
- The motion was agreed unanimously.
- Nicholas Rogers AM who proposed the motion, is available for interviews.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Lisa Lam on 07795 616 902. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer.
