A recent meeting organised by the Sikh Federation (UK) took place with the Greater London Authority attended by representatives from a number of Sikh organisations, including the National Council of Gurdwaras, United Sikhs, Khalsa Human Rights and the Sikh Secretariat. As a result the Mayor for London Ken Livingstone has written to all MEPs that have yet to sign the Written Declaration on religious rights and freedoms in France and throughout the European Union. In his letter Ken Livingstone states: "I believe that banning the display of religious symbols is an infringement of human rights and therefore fully agree with the Declaration’s request that the French Government reconsider its ban of conspicuous religious symbols in schools."

"As a city with such a diverse multicultural population, any form of discrimination against cultural or religious freedom has, in my view, the effect of stigmatising many of London’s communities and create further division and intolerance. Therefore, London has an interest in seeing basic human rights such as the right to freedom of religious expression upheld everywhere, including in the rest of Europe." "This is why I strongly encourage you to endorse this Declaration." To help increase the number of MEPs signing the Written Declaration, before it lapses on 21 May, the Mayor of London has instructed his office in Brussels to set up a signing station outside the entrance of the Chamber during the plenary session of 27-28 April in Brussels. The Declaration has to date been endorsed by around 50 MEPs representing 14 different countries and has gained substantial support from across the political spectrum. Around 40% of the signatures are from the UK. The next best response has come from Poland. Young Sikhs (Germany) have been active in the last few weeks with a meeting with the German Chancellor, Gerhard Schroeder and meetings are planned with German MEPs. A media event with MEPs, combined with a multi-faith lobby in Brussels or Strasbourg is also being planned for May. Details will be made available as soon as possible

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