British Tamils celebrated inside Number 10 at Thai Pongal reception

British Tamils were honoured at a Thai Pongal reception held at Number 10 Downing Street on Friday, marking a growing recognition of the community’s contribution to life in the United Kingdom.

The event was hosted by Communities Secretary Steve Reed alongside Uma Kumaran, the first Member of Parliament of Eelam Tamil heritage. It marked the second consecutive year that Pongal has been celebrated at the Prime Minister’s official residence since Labour entered government, with the event also having taken place under Conservative Prime Ministers. The celebration has now become an annual fixture in the British political calendar.

British Tamil elected representatives and community leaders attended the reception, alongside figures from academia, the arts, public services, and business. Organisers said the gathering reflected the breadth and longevity of the Tamil contribution to Britain across generations and sectors.

Addressing guests, Steve Reed paid tribute to the journeys of Tamil families who settled in Britain after fleeing the genocide.

“Many Tamils settled in Britain after fleeing violence and a brutal civil war, to rebuild their lives. But you haven’t just rebuilt your own lives – you have helped build Britain as we know it, too,” he said.

“Here, standing in Downing Street today, you can see the breadth of talent right across the British Tamil community - from arts and culture to science, from business to academia, and much more besides.”

Reed described the reception as a celebration on behalf of the British government, adding, “I want to celebrate all the work you have done, are doing, and continue to do, showcasing the best of your community and of our great country. This Labour government is a government that will always be on your side.”

Reed highlighted the ancient roots of Tamil culture and said sharing in those traditions enriched British society as a whole. 

“Tamil culture is incredibly ancient,” he told the audience. 

“It goes back much further than our British culture does, so it's incredible for those of us who are not Tamil to be able to share and celebrate with you. One small aspect of such a rich and beautiful culture. So thank you for sharing it with us.”

Uma Kumaran, Labour MP for Stratford and Bow, said the reception symbolised both recognition and renewal.

“The success of the British Tamil community exemplifies the promise of modern Britain, and the resilience and determination of the Tamil diaspora,” she said.

My parents rebuilt their lives here in the UK, working hard to provide me the opportunities that were torn away from them in their country of birth. It’s a story that is familiar to Tamils right across London, Britain, and beyond.”

She said she was proud that, during Tamil Heritage Month, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer had opened Downing Street to the next generation of Tamil changemakers and storytellers. Reflecting on the meaning of the festival, Kumaran said Thai Pongal symbolises both harvest and hope, adding that the Tamil saying “Thai piranthal vali perukuam” speaks to renewal and ambition for the year ahead.

Kumaran also touched on her government’s efforts towards justice for mass atrocities committed by the Sri Lankan state, highlighting sanctions on Sri Lankan war criminals enacted by the British Foreign Office. 

Concluding the reception, Reed welcomed guests to Downing Street as both the home of the Prime Minister and “your home as well”.