Close

Black Country MPs celebrate South Asian Voices in Politics

Wolverhampton and Black Country community members gathered at Molineux Stadium on the evening of 14 August to celebrate and reflect on the growing political representation of South Asian voices in the Black Country.

By contributor Jules Singh
Published
Last updated

The event, titled ‘From Roots to Representation: South Asian Voices in Politics’, brought together three Members of Parliament — Warinder Juss MP (Wolverhampton West), Sonia Kumar MP (Dudley), and Gurinder Josan MP (Smethwick), for an inspiring panel discussion on how heritage and identity have shaped their journeys into public life. 

The event was facilitated by Warinder Juss MP, sponsored by the Wolves Foundation, and the evening was hosted by Wolverhampton-born broadcaster and sports reporter Amber Sandhu, the evening also featured a special appearance by Manny Singh Kang, ambassador for the Wolves Foundation and Dementia UK. 

From Left to Right: Amber Sandhu, broadcaster and host of the panel, Manny Singh Kang, ambassador for the Wolves Foundation, Warinder Juss MP, Member of Parliament for Wolverhampton West, Sonia Kumar MP, Member of Parliament for Dudley, and Gurinder Josan MP, Member of Parliament for Smethwick.
From Left to Right: Amber Sandhu, broadcaster and host of the panel, Manny Singh Kang, ambassador for the Wolves Foundation, Warinder Juss MP, Member of Parliament for Wolverhampton West, Sonia Kumar MP, Member of Parliament for Dudley, and Gurinder Josan MP, Member of Parliament for Smethwick.

 

“It was a real honour to hold this event in my constituency,” said Warinder Juss MP, Member of Parliament for Wolverhampton West. “I’m incredibly proud of my South Asian heritage and seeing so many people come together to celebrate this was incredible to experience. Events like this remind us how powerful representation can be, and the importance of having broad representation so that everyone feels they have a voice. 

 

Attendees included local leaders, activists, and residents who have played a vital role in amplifying South Asian voices across the region. The event served as both a celebration and a call to action, recognising progress while acknowledging the barriers that still exist for many in political and civic life. 

 

The panel discussing their South Asian roots and how it shaped their path into public life
The panel discussing their South Asian roots and how it shaped their path into public life

“It was inspiring to hear from the various panel members speak about the challenges that they had faced to be where they are now,” said Mohammed Jawed, a local resident and attendee at the event. “We should all continue to celebrate diversity and work with our various communities to make the future a more positive one than it has been in recent years.” 

 

The event was part of the national South Asian Heritage Month calendar, where events have been held across the UK to celebrate the contributions of South Asians to Britain.