Jeremy Corbyn visits Sikh temple on campaign trail in Southall as other party leaders gear up for TV debate

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is given a turban at the Sri Guru Singh Sabha, during a general election campaign visit to Southhall, London
PA
Hatty Collier18 May 2017
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Jeremy Corbyn was on the campaign trail visiting a Sikh temple as the leaders of five of the main political parties were gearing up for a live prime time General Election TV debate.

Covering his head with an orange patka as required, Mr Corbyn served food to worshippers and made an offering at the Sri Guru Singh Sabha gurdwara in Southall, west London.

At the time of his visit, Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron, Ukip's Paul Nuttall, the SNP's Nicola Sturgeon, Plaid Cymru's Leanne Wood and Green co-leader Caroline Lucas were all arriving in Salford for a two-hour ITV debate.

The Labour leader said he would only take part in the debate if his main rival Theresa May was present but she refused.

Mr Corbyn services food to worshippers at a gurdwara in Southall
PA

After visiting the gurdwara, My Corbyn used a rally near the war memorial in Southall to urge activists help him deliver an election victory "against the odds" and made clear he was targeting Labour gains as well as seeking to hold on to seats.

After being introduced by Virendra Sharma, who held the Ealing, Southall seat for Labour with a majority of 18,760 in 2015, Mr Corbyn said: "I urge all of you to do everything you can in this borough to win every single one of the constituencies in this borough and the ones around because to get a Labour government we need to make gains as well as holding what we have.

"And I ask all of you - do everything you can between now and June 8, put everything you can in to winning this election.

"Let's show that the General Election of 2017 was one that was won against the odds, where those that have been condemned and isolated came together in strength to win the election and win for everybody that needs a government that cares for them."

The Sikh religion forbids drinking alcohol.

General Election 2017 Campaign - In pictures

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Both politicians were looking to boost their parties' popularity among Sikhs, traditionally seen as mainly Labour voters, although the Tories campaigned hard for their backing under David Cameron.

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