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India-Pakistan Escalation 2025-05-07
07 May 2025
Lead MP
Hamish Falconer
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
No tags
Other Contributors: 34
At a Glance
Hamish Falconer raised concerns about india-pakistan escalation 2025-05-07 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs provided a statement on the recent developments between India and Pakistan following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. He emphasised that Indian forces launched missile strikes against nine sites in Pakistan after the terrorist attack in April which killed 26 tourists. The Government's consistent message to both nations has been to show restraint, engage in dialogue for diplomatic resolution, and ensure regional stability.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Ms Patel expressed concern over the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. She supported India's right to defend itself against terrorist threats originating from Pakistan but also called for de-escalation. She asked about intelligence sharing, security co-operation agreements with India, direct discussions between Indian and Pakistani Governments, assessments of terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, and assurances that British aid does not end up supporting malign actors.
Imran Hussain
Lab
Bradford East
Mr Hussain criticised the recent military strikes by India as aggressive actions that risk war between two nuclear powers. He highlighted mass arrests in Kashmir, unilateral withdrawal from the Indus treaty, and emphasised the need for addressing the central issue of Kashmir through self-determination.
Calum Miller
LD
Bicester and Woodstock
Mr Miller acknowledged the tragic terrorist attack last month but expressed deep concern over the escalation between India and Pakistan. He urged both Governments to work towards de-escalation, recognising the global risks associated with their status as nuclear powers.
Falconer
UK Government Minister
The Minister provided updates on the ongoing situation, confirmed that the UK is actively engaged in discussions with both Governments to promote de-escalation and stability. He stated that consular support for British nationals was being prioritised and urged individuals to follow Foreign Office travel advice due to rapidly changing conditions.
Tahir Ali
Lab
Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley
Mr Ali criticised India's human rights record in Kashmir, emphasising the historical significance of the region. He called for de-escalation but also stressed the need to ensure that promises of a plebiscite are fulfilled.
Andrew Mitchell
Con
Sutton Coldfield
He underscored the importance of Britain’s historical relationship with India and Pakistan, emphasising the necessity for Pakistan to take action against terrorist organisations within its borders. He expressed understanding regarding the outrage felt by Indians over recent events.
Valerie Vaz
Lab
Walsall and Bloxwich
Asked about when the UK last met with ambassadors of India and Pakistan, expressing a desire for continued dialogue to address regional instability.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
He questioned whether Pakistan would remove terrorist bases along the line of control as per India's demands. He highlighted recent military actions by India targeting these sites, expressing concern over continued tensions.
Naz Shah
Lab
Bradford West
Asked for evidence from India to substantiate claims against Pakistan regarding a terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Emphasised the need for de-escalation and sharing of information between nations.
Ayoub Khan
Ind
Birmingham Perry Barr
Highlighted distrust between India and Pakistan due to territorial disputes, especially over Kashmir. He called on the UK to leverage diplomatic influence for open dialogue and peaceful negotiations.
Slough
Expressed concern for Slough constituents of Indian and Pakistani heritage worried about family safety due to escalating tensions. He called for the UK Government's active involvement in de-escalation efforts.
Louie French
Con
Old Bexley and Sidcup
Expressed distress over terrorist attacks affecting Indian tourists, urging the Minister to ensure similar security measures are provided to Hindu temples as offered to mosques. Asked for reassurance that no escalation will occur in the UK.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Weaver Vale
Concerned about the escalation of violence in Kashmir, Nusrat Ghani asked for assurances that the UK government would push for de-escalation and a long-term solution to ensure peace and security.
Emphasised the importance of regional stability, stressing that the UK's focus is on de-escalation but also engaging with both India and Pakistan on broader interests. Assured that the UK remains committed to international humanitarian law and the rules-based order.
Stephen Gethins
SNP
Arbroath and Broughty Ferry
Condemned terror acts, noted nuclear tensions between India and Pakistan, and asked for assurances that the UK would stress the importance of international humanitarian law in mediating disputes.
Paul Waugh
Lab/Co-op
Rochdale
Critiqued the use of airstrikes by both countries leading to civilian deaths, urging the Minister to assure constituents that everything possible is being done to de-escalate and ensure water cannot be used as a weapon.
Simon Hoare
Con
North Dorset
Asked about the role of the Commonwealth in mediating discussions between India and Pakistan, expressing concern over potential conflicts of interest due to recent trade deals.
Jas Athwal
Lab
Ilford South
Referenced personal heritage linking India and Pakistan, urging for assurance that the UK will do everything possible to bring both superpowers to negotiations for peace in the volatile region.
Ellie Chowns
Green
North Herefordshire
Asked if assurances had been sought that UK-manufactured weapons were not used against civilians and requested a ruling out of supplying any weaponry, to increase pressure on dialogue.
Mohammad Yasin
Lab
Bedford
Called for the core issue of Kashmir's resolution to be addressed alongside immediate de-escalation efforts, stressing the right to self-determination under UN resolutions.
Mark Pritchard
Con
The Wrekin
Welcomed the Minister’s stance on de-escalation and dialogue between India and Pakistan, inquiring about UK actions as a UN Security Council member to engage international allies.
Harpreet Uppal
Lab
Huddersfield
Highlighted concerns of constituents with heritage ties to both countries, asked about the role of FCDO in assisting British nationals in the region.
Iqbal Mohamed
Ind
Dewsbury and Batley
Expressed concern over military escalation between nuclear-armed neighbours and requested reassurance that UK's diplomatic steps would be impartial, prioritising peace and stability.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Called for de-escalation and condolences to all affected families. Inquired about international allies involved in de-escalating tensions including the UN Military Observer Group.
The Indus river system is of enormous importance to both India and Pakistan, and it will be vital that all actors and international partners work towards its long-term sustainability. The Prime Minister spoke to Prime Minister Modi yesterday before these events and we have been in touch overnight and throughout the day with the Indian Government.
Naushabah Khan
Lab
Gillingham and Rainham
Thinks it is deeply concerning that the Indus water treaty has been suspended. Asks for reassurances that conversations with both countries will be conducted in a friendly manner and details of conversations already had or planned with international allies to de-escalate the situation.
Will Forster
LD
Woking
Urges the Government to do all they can to de-escalate the situation. Asks when our Prime Minister will speak to the Indian and Pakistani Governments, in particular Prime Minister Modi.
Sojan Joseph
Lab
Ashford
Highlights that India has a right to defend itself but war is not good for both sides and it is time for de-escalation and for Pakistan to work with India to eradicate terrorism from the region.
Ben Lake
PC
Ceredigion Preseli
Commissions the Minister and the Foreign Secretary for their efforts to maintain dialogue with both countries and, in conjunction with international allies, to de-escalate the situation. Asks if this matter can be taken to the UN Security Council.
Yasmin Qureshi
Lab
Bolton South and Walkden
Refers to her entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests as chair of the all-party parliamentary group on Pakistan. Condemns India’s decision to launch strikes without providing clear evidence of Pakistan’s involvement.
Adnan Hussain
Ind
Blackburn
Asks the Minister to confirm the UK’s unwavering and unconditional commitment to international law, and to condemn the Indian state’s offensive against its sovereign neighbour. Emphasises the importance of settling the long-standing issue of Kashmir through multilateral means.
Jacob Collier
Lab
Burton and Uttoxeter
Expresses concerns about further military escalation and asks for assurances that the UK is actively engaging with all international partners to support de-escalation, protect wider regional stability and protect civilian lives.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Asks if we can successfully intervene and negotiate peace. Questions what assessment of nuclear capacity has been carried out to ensure global security.
Matt Turmaine
Lab
Watford
Asks for detailed actions that the Government are taking to help reduce tensions and de-escalate risks in the situation.
Government Response
Government Response
Mr Falconer reiterated the Government's condemnation of terrorism in all forms. He stated that regular contact is maintained with counterparts from both India and Pakistan to promote de-escalation and stability. He confirmed discussions about terrorist threats within Pakistan, emphasising UK efforts to address such issues. The Government is actively engaged with both India and Pakistan to promote de-escalation, ensuring consular support for British nationals, urging adherence to Foreign Office travel advice, and emphasising the need for direct dialogue between the nations. Emphasised regional stability, adherence to humanitarian law, non-favoured diplomatic neutrality and engagement with multiple nations for de-escalation. The UK’s goal is de-escalation to try to ensure that we return to regional stability. The UK continues to stand by the importance of international humanitarian law and a rules-based international order.
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