SAMAJ WEEKLY UK
Britain Is Our Home – Proud of Our Heritage, Proud to Be British
Indian Workers Association (Great Britain) Backs England and Celebrates the Contribution of Immigrant Communities to Building a Stronger Britain
As England continues its inspiring FIFA World Cup campaign, the Indian Workers Association (Great Britain) has expressed its wholehearted support for the national team, describing its achievements as a powerful reflection of the strength, unity and confidence of modern Britain.
The Association said England’s performances have inspired millions of people across the country and reminded the nation that success is achieved through teamwork, discipline, determination and shared purpose. Whatever the final result, England has already made the country proud.
IWA (GB) said the England squad reflects the reality of modern Britain. Around 20 of the 26 players come from families with immigrant or international heritage, while almost all were born, educated and developed in Britain. They proudly wear the Three Lions because Britain is their home. Their achievements demonstrate how the children and grandchildren of immigrant families have become an integral part of British society and proudly represent the nation on the world stage.
Football, however, tells only part of the story.
For generations, immigrant communities have made an enormous contribution to Britain’s growth, prosperity and success. Following the Second World War, Britain invited workers from Commonwealth countries to help rebuild the nation. Thousands answered that call, working in factories, foundries, engineering, public transport, manufacturing, construction, textiles and, later, the National Health Service. Their hard work and dedication helped rebuild Britain’s economy and strengthen its public services during one of the most important periods in the country’s history.
Today, those contributions continue through new generations who proudly call Britain home.
Across the United Kingdom, people from immigrant backgrounds serve as doctors, nurses, teachers, scientists, engineers, academics, entrepreneurs, care workers, police officers, firefighters, members of the Armed Forces, transport workers, business leaders, researchers, artists and international sportsmen and women. They establish businesses, create employment, pay taxes, strengthen the economy and enrich Britain’s cultural, scientific and sporting life.
The National Health Service, universities, transport networks, technology companies, manufacturing industries and thousands of successful businesses benefit every day from the talent, dedication and commitment of people whose families have come from different parts of the world.
Britain has always been at its strongest when it has recognised talent, rewarded hard work and provided opportunities for people willing to contribute positively to society. The success of England’s football team is another reminder that ability, commitment and teamwork—not race, religion or family background—are the foundations of achievement.
The Association noted that similar contributions have helped strengthen many of Europe’s leading economies, including Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Luxembourg and Ireland, where immigrant communities continue to make significant contributions in healthcare, education, scientific research, business, manufacturing, technology and international sport.
However, IWA (GB) stressed that its message today is first and foremost about Britain.
Britain is our home.
We are proud of our Indian heritage, proud of our languages, cultures and traditions, and equally proud to be British. Our children study in British schools and universities, serve in the NHS, protect our communities, establish successful businesses, contribute to scientific research, work in every profession and proudly represent Britain across the world.
We are not separate from Britain.
We are part of Britain’s story.
For more than ninety years, the Indian Workers Association (Great Britain) has stood alongside working people of every background, campaigning for equality, workers’ rights, social justice, racial harmony and community cohesion. Throughout its history, the Association has believed that Britain’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths and that every citizen should be judged by character, integrity, ability and contribution rather than by race, religion or family background.
The Association rejects racism, discrimination and every attempt to divide communities through fear or prejudice. Britain’s future will be built not by division but by unity, fairness, equal opportunity, mutual respect and shared responsibility.
Sital Singh Gill, General Secretary of the Indian Workers Association (Great Britain), said:
“The England football team represents the very best of modern Britain. Players from different backgrounds stand together under one flag, united by their commitment to their country. Their achievements remind us that Britain succeeds when people are judged by their ability, dedication and contribution—not by the colour of their skin, their religion or their family background.”
He added:
“We are proud of our heritage. We are proud to be British. Above all, we are proud to contribute to Britain’s economy, democracy, public services, culture and future. Millions of immigrant families have helped strengthen this country over many generations, working alongside millions of other British citizens to build one of the world’s greatest democracies. Britain’s achievements belong to everyone who contributes to its success. Together, we will continue building a stronger, fairer, more united and more prosperous United Kingdom for future generations.”
The Indian Workers Association (Great Britain) calls upon people of every background to celebrate the values that unite Britain—democracy, equality, opportunity, respect, justice and community spirit.
England’s football team has reminded the nation of one simple truth: Britain’s greatest strength has always been its people. When we stand together, we build a stronger Britain together.
