For generations, ethnic minority groups fought and died for this country, writes Rishi Sunak
London:
British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak on Sunday supported a campaign for influential figures from ethnic minorities to be featured on a set of British coins to celebrate British diversity.
Mahatma Gandhi is in the running as an influential figure in the Commonwealth, as the UK’s Royal Mint sees the plans as part of the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the birth of the leader of the Indian independence movement.
Other participants in the race also include Noor Inayat Khan, Britain’s first World War II spy of Indian descent, and Khudadad Khan, the first British Indian Army soldier to receive the prestigious Victoria Cross. , the highest military honor. for the bravery in the face of the enemy given to British and Commonwealth forces.
“Yesterday [Saturday] I wrote to the Royal Mint urging them to think about how to celebrate BAME’s achievements [black, Asian and minority ethnic] individuals on the British currency, ”Sunak said in a social media statement on Sunday.
The move follows a letter to the Indian-born finance minister of the “We Too Built Britain” campaign calling for a set of coins titled “Service to the Nation”.
In response to the campaign, led by Indian-born Conservative Party candidate Zehra Zaidi, Sunak wrote a letter to the Chairman of the Royal Mint Advisory Committee (RMAC), Lord William Waldegrave, instructing the Sub-Committee on themes to consider recognizing BAME contributions on the nation’s currency.
“Black, Asian and other minority communities have made a profound contribution to the common history of the UK,” Sunak’s letter to Lord Waldegrave reads.
“For generations, ethnic minority groups fought and died for this country that we built together; taught our children, cared for the sick, cared for the elderly; and through their entrepreneurial spirit, they have launched some of our most exciting and dynamic businesses, creating jobs. and stimulate growth, ”we read.
“I know that you are already seeking to take diversity fully into account in the design of future pieces and I warmly welcome these efforts. I hope this campaign reminds us of the importance and the urgency of doing so,” he adds -he.
Zaidi’s We Too Built Britain campaign wants former Special Operations Executive (SOE) agent Noor Inayat Khan, a descendant of Mysore leader Tipu Sultan, or Mary Seacole, a British heroine of the Jamaican Crimean War, to be recognized on currency as a reflection of female contributions of ethnic minorities to British history.
“We are proposing a specific next theme of service to the nation by blacks, Asians and other ethnic minorities, both in military conflicts and on the home front,” Zaidi’s letter to Sunak reads.
“This theme will unite people, especially now that the nation has come together during the pandemic, and collectively recognizes the heroic work of ethnic minority staff in our health and care services.
“It is certainly essential that this country does not lose another opportunity to demonstrate that the contributions of black, Asian and other minority groups are truly appreciated. Symbols matter and we urge you to support our campaign, ”he added.
Gandhi has been vying for a commemorative coin in Britain since the former British Chancellor of the Exchequer, of Pakistani descent, Sajid Javid, asked the Royal Mint to consider such a commemorative coin last year for to coincide with the celebrations of the 150th anniversary of the birth for the Father of the Indian nation “so that the world will never forget what Gandhi taught the world“.
(This story was not edited by GalacticGaming staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
