About the case:

On 26th April 2023, a report named “Does Government do God? An Independent review into how Government engages with Faith”, also known as, The Bloom Report, was published. The report was commissioned by the previous Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who appointed Colin Bloom as his Independent Faith Engagement Adviser. Bloom was to make recommendations to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities as to the Government’s engagement with faith communities and how it can be improved. 

This is the largest inter-faith report commissioned and although the report highlights the importance of faith groups in general terms, it has unnecessarily and inaccurately targeted the Sikh community within its findings.  Most notably, in Chapter 6 on ‘Faith-Based Extremism’, the Report lacks the fairness, transparency, and proportionality one would expect of a report produced for the purpose of informing government. The report devotes disproportionate large segments of its findings depicting the Sikh community as ‘subversive’ and its religious behaviours as ‘extremist’ without any sound, objective basis for such claims. Colin Bloom has set 22 recommendations for government within its report.  This report will likely impact decision making and possibly law making. The Gurdwara seeks to highlight this issue and if at all possible, challenge it through the appropriate legal channels.

The Sikh community in Smethwick and elsewhere has continuously engaged in supporting and empowering not only its own community, but also surrounding communities. Our hard work to establish and build Sikh relations throughout the country have been greatly and negatively impacted by the Bloom Report. 

What are we trying to achieve?

We as a Gurdwara seek to obtain legal advice as to the appropriate mechanisms for challenging the findings of the Bloom Report. We believe its findings could have a detrimental impact upon government decision making as to the Sikh community if not challenged.

What is the next step in the case?

For us to achieve our aim, we require legal advice. We have identified senior counsel and a team of solicitors who are dedicated to providing that advice; that is why we are requesting this initial tranche of funding. The legal team will advise as to any mechanisms available to us to challenge the Bloom Report’s findings. 

How much are we raising and why?

We intend to raise £2,500 at this initial stage so as to ensure that we obtain clear and comprehensive legal advice as to what can be done with regard to the Bloom Report. These fees will cover our solicitor and barrister costs for the initial stage of this process.

About Me:

Kuldeep Singh Deol for the Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick (“GNG Smethwick”)

I proudly serve as the representative of Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick. Located on Smethwick High Street, our Gurdwara is one of Europe's largest Places of Worship, with roots dating back to the 1960s. It is the heart and soul of our organisation's activities and aims.

Our commitment to community well-being has remained steadfast. It continues to humbly provide quality voluntary services utilising the monetary and non-monetary contributions or offerings provided by the community. We strive to enlighten communities about Sikhism and impart the timeless values of humanity and equality, transcending faith, colour, caste, and background – emphasising our shared humanity.

GNG in the community:  

Our Gurdwara has long been committed to providing support to its surrounding communities.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, The 'Community Support Network' (CSN) was started to help members of the community through the provision of Langar (free community food) door-to-door, food bank services, grocery shopping and prescription collection for those in need. Additionally, it played a significant role as a COVID vaccination centre and distributor of test kits.

We also launched an initiative by the name of Sikh Sisters; a new initiative by GNG designed to provide a safe space to listen and to support attendees in a non-judgemental and confidential environment – a cause that is particularly close to our hearts. 

Our diverse array of classes reflects our dedication to community enrichment. From self-defence courses, such as MMA, kickboxing, boxing, and Gatka, to educational endeavours like GCSE Science and Maths, Kirtan, and Gurbani classes, our offerings cater to a wide audience. 

The GNG Gurmat Academy allows students to learn the Punjabi language, obtain crucial life skills, whilst also teaching students the skills of Santhiya (learning how to read Sikh scripture) and Kirtan (devotional singing in Sikhism). As soon as the lockdown was lifted, a large surge of children enrolled into the Punjabi school to the extent that we had to increase our class sizes and frequency exponentially. Currently, our Punjabi School attracts 550-600 children weekly, fostering cultural and linguistic heritage.

Our Gurdwara continues to be recognised for its support to the community.  In 2020, Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick was awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntary Services. 

The Gurdwara has also won the Green Flag Award for managing and maintaining the Lions of the Great War site for the third time since its inception. We remain engaged in several impactful projects, including the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and the Armed Forces Covenant.

Throughout the years, the Gurdwara has been featured on various local and national media outlets due to its prominence and community work for the betterment of all of mankind.