TANMANJEET Singh Dhesi MP has been elected as chair of the Defence Select Committee following a ballot in Parliament on 11 September.
Dhesi, Britain’s first turbaned Sikh MP, received 320 votes, defeating fellow Labour MP Derek Twigg, who secured 243 votes.
Dhesi, who has represented Slough for over seven years, expressed his gratitude to his colleagues, stating, "I would like to thank my colleagues across the House for placing their confidence in me."
He added that national security threats are growing in complexity and that he will focus on ensuring the UK is prepared to meet these challenges.
As chair, Dhesi aims to be a strong advocate for armed forces personnel and veterans. "I will be a voice in Parliament for armed forces personnel and veterans – brave individuals who make an invaluable contribution to our safety and security," he said.
The Defence Select Committee oversees the government’s defence policies, scrutinising their effectiveness in keeping the country safe.
(With inputs from PTI)
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session. (Photo: Hertfordshire Police /Handout via REUTERS)
Man pleads not guilty to murder of BBC presenter's family
A 26-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to charges of murdering the wife and two daughters of BBC sports commentator John Hunt in a crossbow and knife attack.
Kyle Clifford, who also faces charges of rape, appeared via video link at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday.
Clifford, arrested in July after a manhunt, is charged with three counts of murder, one count each of rape and false imprisonment, and two counts of possessing offensive weapons – a 10-inch knife and a crossbow.
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session.
He is expected to enter a plea for that charge at a later date.
The victims were Carol Hunt, 61, wife of horseracing commentator John Hunt, and their daughters Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28.
An earlier hearing revealed that Louise had been found tied up and that both she and her sister had been shot with a crossbow, while their mother had been stabbed with a knife.
The fatal attack occurred at the family’s home in Bushey, a commuter town near Watford, northwest of London.
(With inputs from AFP)