Before lockdown, I visited several Hindu Temples. I particularly remember a visit to Leicester’s oldest Hindu Temple – the Shree Temple in St Barnabas Road.
Our Hindu community makes up about 15% of the city population. It has made an enormous contribution to our great city. They have been particularly active in the business community and in many charities.
As well as having the opportunity to hold discussions with the local worthies and chat with those attending the temple, I was privileged to be able to speak to the worshippers.
During my talk and in discussions afterwards, I emphasised how important it is that the police treat all communities equally. Every individual is equal under the law and we are all subjects of Her Majesty. Since the police wear the Queen's Uniform, they must treat all her subjects equally.
I really enjoyed my visit. It was fascinating watching the ceremony and I was pleased to take part in some of the communal activity.
The temples are now open for limited worship, but I look forwards to the time when lockdown ends and the temples reopen fully. Then I will be able to once again join our Hindu friends in celebrating their culture.
Anyone who has suffered a hate crime knows that it is a traumatic experience. Every resident of Leicester, no matter what their religion or ethnicity should be safe from hate crime.
Our children must be safe to walk the streets. They should be protected from criminals and learn to trust the police. I intend to allocate a police officer to each school. Schools will be able to call on that officer to visit the school to talk to children on a regular basis, or to respond to any emergency.
I have met Home Secretary Priti Patel several times both in person and on line to talk about policing issues. She has given me her assurance that Leicester and the two counties will get its fair share of the 20,000 additional police officers currently being recruited by the Conservative Government.
