Backbench Business

Mr. Hughes acknowledged the efforts of Mr. Docherty-Hughes, commending his work on behalf of Jagtar Singh Johal and offering support in continuing to fight for freedom.

Mr. Grady congratulated the hon. Member for securing the debate and raising awareness about Jagtar’s arbitrary detention, urging the Government to recognise this fact and call for fair due process leading to his release.

Mr. Bonnar added that there were reports in August 2022 about MI5 and MI6 operatives supplying information which led to the torture of a British citizen in India, calling it an act of treachery by the UK Government.

Mr. Dhesi congratulated Mr. Docherty-Hughes on securing the debate and echoed his calls for the Foreign Office to provide consular support for Jagtar’s legal team, following a UN report that found torture was inflicted based on discriminatory grounds.

Ms. Qaisar supported Mr. Docherty-Hughes’ efforts and highlighted the need to learn from previous cases of UK Government incompetence in dealing with British nationals detained abroad, specifically mentioning Jagtar’s case.

Mr. Western congratulated Mr. Docherty-Hughes on his efforts and raised questions about the learnings from the Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe case in terms of campaigning and how it could apply to securing Jagtar’s release.

I congratulate the hon. Member for securing the debate and his diligent work on behalf of his constituent, Jagtar Singh Johal, who has been detained in India since November 2017. The charges relate to terror conspiracy cases involving an outlawed militant group, the Khalistan Liberation Force, proscribed in India. I agree that justice should proceed as fast as possible, but keeping Jagtar in prison for five and a half years without proper process is unfair. I have raised concerns about his access to legal representation and the high commission's maintenance of contact with him.

Intervened to state that India had five years to bring cases against Jagtar but has only progressed one case using evidence likely obtained through torture. He requested the Minister to confirm consular officers' access to Mr Singh.

Commented on the impact of this delay on Jagtar's wife and family, as well as the wider Sikh community. He expressed distress at the prolonged period and advocated strongly for ongoing support from the UK Government.

Said that Jagtar's case should not focus on what he has been charged with, but rather on getting him home now. She criticised an eight-week review as inadequate support from the UK Government.

Expressed another area of concern that Jagtar is the only non-Indian person in the conspiracy allegations, making him a target for international conspiracy claims. He urged the use of contacts to bring forward witnesses and cases.

Congratulates Martin Docherty-Hughes for his relentless advocacy on behalf of Jagtar Johal. Praises MPs, campaigners, and Sikh communities for their efforts in raising awareness about the case. Calls upon the UK Government to recognise the strength and breadth of feeling regarding Jagtar’s unjust detention and to call for his immediate release based on UN recommendations.

Supports the view that respect is due to India and its independent government while stressing the importance of adherence to due process. Expresses concern about lack of openness, transparency, and fair treatment in Jagtar’s case.

Praises Martin Docherty-Hughes for his tenacious support towards resolving the issue. Acknowledges ongoing pressure from consular services but calls for more clarity on Mr Johal’s treatment. Questions the Minister about UK government involvement in Jagtar's case and asks whether torture is a possibility.

Acknowledges the concerns raised about Jagtar Singh Johal's case, emphasising UK efforts to provide consular support and raise the matter with Indian authorities. He highlights regular engagement at high levels including visits by former Prime Ministers and Foreign Secretaries, and mentions specific actions taken such as raising the case with the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.

Reiterates his disappointment in the UK government's current approach to Jagtar Singh Johal’s case, suggesting a need for more direct and forceful diplomatic engagement with India. He notes that previous assurances of 'extreme action' have not materialized and calls for change in strategy.