UK parliament holds Kashmir debate on international human rights day

Place human rights protections at centre of any UK–India trade negotiations

The official Kashmir debate was held in the UK Parliament on the occasion of International Human Rights Day.

The UK Minister, Hamish Falconer – Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office responded to questions raised by MPs.

The debate was secured by Imran Hussain MP, Member of Parliament for Bradford East and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Kashmir.

Around 25 Members of Parliament participated, including Afzal Khan MP, Jeremy Corbyn MP, Andy McDonald MP, Gareth Snell MP, Jim Shannon MP, Adnan Hussain MP, Ayoub Khan MP, Richard Burgon MP, Muhammad Iqbal MP, Tahir Ali MP, Abtisam Mohamed MP, Jim Shannon MP, and others.

The debate called on the UK Government to recognise that Kashmir is not a bilateral issue, but an international dispute. Reaffirm its commitment to UN resolutions. Push for an end to human rights violations in Indian Illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Ensure independent observers have access to Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Place human rights protections at the centre of any UK–India trade negotiations. Encourage renewed international diplomatic efforts to secure a peaceful, just, and lasting solution, rooted in the will of the Kashmiri people.

This debate was part of Hussain’s wider campaign. He tabled EDM 2184 on Kashmir Black Day, which has already gained over 40 MP signatures, and organised a cross-party letter from 50 MPs to the prime minister, calling for a stronger UK position on Kashmir

Fahim Kayani, President of the All Parties Kashmir Alliance UK & President of Tehreek-e-Kashmir UK, attended the debate as an observer.

He thanked all MPs at the end of the session for their continued support, reiterated the right of the Kashmiri people to self-determination, and expressed concern over the situation in Indian Illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.