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Backbench Business
19 January 2023
Lead MP
Martin Docherty-Hughes
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Justice & CourtsStandards & Ethics
Other Contributors: 16
At a Glance
Martin Docherty-Hughes raised concerns about backbench business 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
Mr. Docherty-Hughes moved that the House has considered the imprisonment of Jagtar Singh Johal, highlighting his repeated efforts to bring up the case over five years and urging for the Government's recognition of the arbitrary detention and immediate release of Jagtar. He emphasised the lack of transparency and due process in the arrest and detention, citing a UN report indicating unlawful abduction and unreasonable pretrial detention. He urged the UK government to provide clear information on its involvement in the case and called for fair treatment under Indian law.
Eddie Hughes
Con
Walsall North
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.
Patrick Grady
Lab
Glasgow North
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.
Steven Bonnar
SNP
Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill
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.
Tan Dhesi
Lab
Slough
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.
Anum Qaisar
SNP
Glasgow Central
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.
Matt Western
Lab
Warwick and Leamington
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.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
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.
Martin Docherty
Lab
West Dunbartonshire
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.
Eddie Hughes
Con
Newport West
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.
Amy Callaghan
Con
Crewe and Nantwich
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.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
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.
Deidre Brock
SNP
Edinburgh North and Leith
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.
John McDonnell
Lab
Hayes and Harlington
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.
Catherine West
Lab
Hornsey and Friern Barnet
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.
Leo Docherty
Con
West Dorset
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.
Martin Docherty
Lab
West Dunbartonshire
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.
Government Response
Describes the UK government's ongoing efforts to support Jagtar Singh Johal through consular visits, legal aid access, and high-level diplomatic engagement with India. Acknowledges concerns raised by UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention but emphasises the need for continued focus on welfare assistance and raising concerns directly with Indian authorities.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
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