Leeds Sikh leaders urge unity after Southampton killing: what residents need to know

By the Beehive Web newsroom

Leeds Sikh organisations and city leaders have issued condolences after the killing of Henry Nowak in Southampton, calling for unity, peace and mutual respect across communities.

In a public statement shared by Leeds City Council, signatories said their thoughts were with Mr Nowak’s family and friends, as well as others affected by the incident.

Condolences after Henry Nowak’s death

The statement, issued on behalf of the Sikh community of Leeds, described deep sorrow following the murder in Southampton and said violence in any form was condemned.

It said times of tragedy should be met with compassion and solidarity, with communities standing together rather than allowing fear or division to take hold.

The message also thanked Leeds and the wider British public for support, friendship and goodwill shown towards Sikh communities across the UK.

Leeds faith and civic leaders sign the statement

The response was signed by Leeds City Council leader Councillor James Lewis, Councillor Mary Harland and Councillor Emma Flint, alongside Bishop Arun Arora, Bishop of Kirkstall and chair of Leeds Faith Forum.

Several Sikh organisations in Leeds were also listed, including representatives of The Sikh Temple, Ramgarhia Board Leeds Committee, GNNSJ Leeds UK, Sri Guru Nanak Sikh Temple in Armley, Guru Kalgidhar Sahib and Gurdwara Hargobind Sahib.

Community work framed around service and respect

The statement linked the response to Sikh values of service, equality and respect for all humanity.

It said the Sikh community of Leeds remained committed to working with local authorities, community organisations and residents to build a safer and more united society.

The statement ended by reaffirming the relationship between Leeds City Council and the Sikh community, and by extending thanks to the wider British public for continued support and goodwill.

Source: Leeds City Council

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This brief is based on a public statement attributed to Leeds City Council and named Leeds Sikh organisations.

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• Checked the named person at the centre of the condolences against the source text.
• Matched the signatories and organisations to the statement supplied by Leeds City Council.
• Kept the Southampton incident described only as far as the source text supports.
• Used Leeds as the geographic focus because the statement is from Leeds civic and Sikh comm...

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Leeds City Council

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Leeds

Updated

2026-06-10 08:16

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Article contextPeople & topics3#7

Henry NowakJames LewisArun Arora

#community solidarity#Henry Nowak#interfaith relations#Leeds City Council#Leeds Faith Forum#Sikh community of Leeds#Southampton killing

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