Punjab: Dhesi elected head of UK defense panel

Punjab: Britain’s first turbaned Sikh MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi has been elected chairman of the new Parliament’s Defence Committee. Dhesi was elected on Wednesday. The Labour MP from Slough received 320 out of 563 valid votes. His rival and fellow Labour MP Derek Twigg got 243 votes. Dhesi said, “I am delighted to be elected chairman of the Defence Committee. I would like to thank my colleagues in the House for their trust in me.” “Threats are increasing at home and abroad. I will now focus on ensuring that our country can meet these challenges. I will be the voice in Parliament for armed forces personnel and veterans, brave individuals who make an invaluable contribution to our security and safety,” he said. Former Indian MP Tarlochan Singh, who is currently in the UK on a brief visit, in a congratulatory message to him said, “Dhesi’s becoming the chairman of the prestigious panel relating to the Army, Air Force and Naval services is a tribute to his role in the last two Parliaments.”