Slough's MP Tan Dhesi has won support from both sides of the political divide - after tabling a motion in Parliament calling on the Government to support a national memorial dedicated to Sikh soldiers who died for Britain during the two World Wars.

He tabled the Early Day motion on December 19 and it had attracted more than 150 signatures by Christmas.

Supporters included members of his own party including deputy Labour leader Tom Watson and Labour's shadow chancellor John McDonnell, as well as longest serving Conservative MP Ken Clarke and Conservative former Chancellor Ken Clarke.

Leading figures in the Liberal Democrat, Green and newly empowered Democratic Unionist party have also supported it.

Mr Dhesi said: "It recognises the sacrifices of Sikh soldiers in service of Great Britain and calls for a permanent national monument in a prime central London location. It would have huge additional benefits for community cohesion and integration within our country - something that’s very close to my heart."

The motion states 'that this house appreciates the extraordinary bravery and sacrifices of Sikh soldiers in service of Great Britain, including during both World Wars and supports the erection of a permanent national monument in a prime central London'.

Early Day Motions (EDMs) are formal motions submitted for debate in the House of Commons. Although few are actually debated they allow MPs to draw attention to an event or cause and give other MPs the chance to back them.