Ranbir Singh Suri, having been created Baron Suri of Ealing, was introduced to the Upper House on October 13 2014, supported by Lord Popat and Lord Leigh of Hurley.
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| Ranbir Singh Suri who has been welcomed into the House of Lords |
Jan 21, 2015: A successful business man has become the second ever turbaned Sikh to be elevated to the house of lords.
Ranbir Singh Suri, having been created Baron Suri of Ealing, was introduced to the Upper House on October 13 2014, supported by Lord Popat and Lord Leigh of Hurley.
The leading UK businessman and philanthropist delivered his maiden speech in the House of Lords on January 15 as part of the debate on Mental-Healthcare provision.
Lord Suri who has lived in Ealing for 36 years has been a resident of Hanger Lane for the last 36 years. During that time he has been a magistrate (Justice of the Peace) at Ealing and Acton Magistrates Courts, (1991-2005), a probation liaison committee member at Ealing Magistrates Court (1991-1993), executive committee member with Hanger Lane Residents Association, (1988-Present), Hanger Lane (Ealing) ward committee member (1979 - Present), area co-ordinator neighbourhood watch scheme for Ealing, (1981-1982) and executive committee member for the Ealing branch of the British Heart Foundation from (1991-2012).
He said: “I had established my business in the Central London W1 in 1977, which is still running strongly from there. At that time I was living in Hounslow, Middlesex. I decide upon moving to Ealing as it was closer to the West End and made the daily commute more manageable. Ealing has always been very well connected in terms of public transport and major roadways. I found Ealing very friendly and got on well with people whether working with them in political, social and cultural fields. I’ve participated in civic and local charities, including donating £5,000 to the first Sikh Temple built in Ealing.”
“I feel humbled and honoured on being elevated to the House of Lords. With my vast experience in voluntary, public services and business, the Peerage will give me a good opportunity for serving the country through this exciting role.
“Little did I know back in 1974 when I emigrated from Kenya to the UK, that I would be bestowed with this great honour to work alongside your Lordships to continue contributing towards building a cohesive multicultural society in this country. I am the second turbaned Sikh who has been elevated to the Upper House. This great British institution has taken a praiseworthy step by bringing into its fold people of different faiths.”
He is very keen to see more people involved in the UK political system and has worked with the Conservative Party to improve its engagement with members of all minority communities.
Lord Suri started his career in Kenya as an importer of educational supplies serving the needs of schools, colleges and students in the coastal city of Mombasa.
He has held posts such as Justice of the Peace, General Commissioner of Income Tax, Middlesex Probation Committee, Home Office Advisory Council of Race Relations, Member of Board of Visitors of HM Prison Pentonville and Mentor to The Prince’s Youth Business Trust.
As a Voluntary Associate at HM Prison Wormwood Scrubs, prior to commencing his voluntary career in Probation and Magistracy Lord Suri became passionate about the importance of mental health care provision.