Originally Posted by gc

Tom Wise MEP in the European Parliament Ind - Dem Group UK Independence Party UKIP Eastern Region Region

EU Restrictions on the Freedom of Religious Expression.

Last year I was greatly honoured to be invited to parade with British Sikhs at the Menin Gate, in Ypres. I have the greatest respect for the Sikh community, and have always felt that their quiet but valuable contribution to our country is under appreciated. Not many people realise that in the dark days of the Great War, the Sikhs were amongst the first to take up positions alongside our troops. They fought with a ferocity and determination that their descendants should be proud of.

Today we will begin another 'plenary session' at the parliament in Brussels, and I was delighted this morning to welcome my very good friends who are here to draw attention to restrictions being placed on their freedom of religious expression.

In an increasingly secularised EU, we should all be concerned about restrictions being imposed in this, or indeed any other, areas of our lives.

Sikhs fought for our freedom, so I am happy to support them in whatever way I am able.

Tom Wise MEP

Brussels, 07 May 2008.