Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and Member of Parliament for Ilford North visited BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Chigwell, on Sunday 26 April 2026.
Mr Streeting was warmly welcomed with a customary garland of fresh flowers by the Head Swami of Neasden Temple, Yogvivekdas Swami, as well as trustees of the local Mandir.
During his visit, Mr Streeting was given a tour of the Mandir where he offered his personal respects to the deities inside the inner sanctum.
Mr Streeting also took the opportunity to meet with various volunteers from the Temple’s core volunteer team. He also met with many of the children and teenagers, discussing with them about what values they learn at the Mandir, and what future careers they were interested in.
In his speech to the main assembly, Mr Streeting said: “I hope that together we can rebuild politics as a force of good… and that we can unite around the common good.
The Hindu community has always been one that has always contributed and given in Britain’s past, Britain’s present and Britain’s future. It’s a community that’s always stood strong… a community I’m very proud of representing in Parliament.”
Devotees at the Mandir appreciated the visit from Mr Streeting noting his desire for an integrated and harmonious society to which everyone can contribute.