Sajid Javid unveils plans for a new UK coin commemorating Mahatma Gandhi

Chancellor Sajid Javid has unveiled plans for a new coin commemorating Mahatma Gandhi.

The coin is to mark the 90th anniversary of the final visit to the UK of the campaigner for Indian independence in 1931.

Mr Javid is being named as the most influential Asian in Britain for the second consecutive year at the GG2 Leadership Awards later today.

While speaking at the event, he is expected to say: ‘When you become Chancellor, you also become Master of the Mint.

‘And being literally in charge of the nation’s coins is not an opportunity I’m going to pass up.

‘So I can announce that I’ve asked the team at the Royal Mint to bring forward proposals for a new, commemorative coin of Gandhi.

‘Tonight we’re rightly celebrating the phenomenal success of the British Asian community.

‘But Gandhi taught us that power doesn’t just come from wealth or high office.

Sajid Javid (pictured outside Downing Street) is being named as the most influential Asian in Britain for the second consecutive year at the GG2 Leadership Awards later today, which is where he is expected to announce his plans

‘We must always remember the values he lived his life by and that our parents brought with them when they arrived here all those years ago.’ 

It is also thought Mr Javid will take the opportunity to urge all sides in Britain’s political debate to learn from Gandhi and reflect on the need for tolerance and humility. 

As Culture Secretary he also initiated the erection of Gandhi’s statue in Parliament Square in 2015.