Dhesi elected head of UK defence panel

Britain’s first turbaned Sikh MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi has been elected chairman of the defence committee of the new parliament. Dhesi was elected on Wednesday.

The Labour MP from Slough received 320 of the 563 valid votes. His opponent and fellow Labour MP Derek Twigg received 243 votes. “I am delighted to have been elected chair of the defence committee. I would like to thank my colleagues across the House for placing their confidence in me,” Dhesi said.

“The threats we face at home and abroad are growing. I will now focus on ensuring that our nation can rise to these challenges. I will be a voice in parliament for armed forces personnel and veterans, brave individuals who make invaluable contribution to our safety and security,” he added.

Congratulating him in a message, former Indian MP Tarlochan Singh, who is currently in the UK on a brief visit, said, “Dhesi becoming the chairman of the prestigious panel dealing with the army, air force and naval services is a tribute to his role in the previous two parliaments.”