Prime Minister Borish Johnson at the Shri Swaminayan Mandir in London on the occasion of 98th birth anniversary of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. (Photo: Loveena Tandon)

On the 98th birth anniversary of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, while addressing the Indian diaspora at Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in London on Saturday, expressed concerns over 'anti-Hindu' and 'anti-India' sentiments in the UK and said that "there can be no place for racism or such sentiments in this country".

In an interview to India Today TV Boris Johnson said that the British Indian community will be protected.

"We will protect the British Indian community. It is very important that we don't import into this country the prejudices, discrimination and anxieties that you see emerging from conflicts and disputes around the world," Boris Johnson said.

Acknowledging the 6.5 per cent contribution to the GDP by the 2 per cent Indian community residing in the UK, PM Boris Johnson said he will end the discriminatory visa rules that give "preferential treatment to European Union" and instead, will bring a point-based Australian style immigration system in the UK by 2021.

"We can introduce the same immigration rules for everyone, whether they are coming from the EU or outside," Boris Johnson said.

Keeping in mind the Indian doctors, nurses and health professionals Boris Johnson said he plans to introduce a "special fast-track visa" that can be processed within two weeks.

Talking about the "good relations" he shares with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the British PM said, "I know PM Modi is building a new India and we in the UK will support him in this endeavour." He added that if he is elected with a majority, he will visit India at the earliest to strengthen the "living bridge" between UK and India.

The upcoming general election in UK that is slated to take place on December 12 is riding on the Brexit agenda. PM Boris Johnson has maintained that the "dither, delay and deadlock" surrounding Brexit will end if is elected.

PM Johnson came with his partner Carrie Symonds, who wore a pink saree and was accompanied by Home Secretary Priti Patel. Other MPs such as Bob Blackman, Lord Popat, Lord Ranger, Sailesh Vara were also present at the event.

The 2019 UK general election is scheduled to be held on is to be held under the provisions of the Early Parliamentary General Election Act 2019, two and a half years after the previous general election in June 2017.