London, first july, We had a constructive meeting with the Department for Transport organised through the Cohesion and Faiths Division of the Dept of Communities and Local Government. All sides agreed that a solution needed to be found that maintained high standards of airport security while respecting the religious beliefs of the Sikh Community and maintaining the dignity of the turban. While these discussions continue the Department confirmed that the pre-April security procedures will remain in place. All parties committed themselves to finding an acceptable way forward as quickly as possible. The Department will also consider raising issues of training standards for security staff at UK Airports with regard to further understanding the sensitivity of religious headwear.
The Department for Transport agreed to put up a statement on the wearing of kirpans on their website as consistent with current European regulations.
The Sikh representatives asked the Department to communicate the importance of the Kirpan to UK Airports and also stated that further meetings are sought on exploring the options on the Kirpan.
The Department will communicate solutions reached within the UK with Sikhs to other European countries. The British Sikh Consultative Forum and the Sikh Federation have undertaken to consult the community widely and to report their findings by Friday 16th July 2010 and continue communications with the Department and DCLG to reach satisfactory solutions.

For further comments please contact
Dr Sadhu Singh Vice Chairperson British Sikh Consultative Forum on 09958378776
Dabinderjit Singh , Advisor to Sikh Federation : 07919166163
Amrik Singh  Heathrow Airport chaplaincy:  07877955104