Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Jagtar Singh Johal

Tuesday 13 June 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Department has raised concerns about Jagtar Singh Johal's case with the Government of India over 100 times, including issues of torture and the right to a fair trial.
  • The FCDO acknowledged the Scottish Government's support and the SNP's encouragement for further discussions and support with India.
  • Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon raised concerns about the BK16 group and Father Stan Swamy with the Indian Minister for External Affairs in late May.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kirsten Oswald SNP
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question follows multiple failed attempts and concerns over the case of Jagtar Singh Johal detained in India, with reports of torture and lack of fair trial rights.

Question

What recent steps has the Department taken to secure the release of Jagtar Singh Johal?

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

We remain committed to doing what we can to assist Mr Johal. We have raised concerns about his case with the Government of India on over 100 occasions, including his allegations of torture and his right to a fair trial. The case was most recently raised by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon with Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps taken to secure release

How: We Remain Committed

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Q2 Kirsten Oswald SNP
Scotland Foreign Affairs
Context

Scotland's First Minister met with Jagtar's brother and pledged to do everything possible to bring him home. The question seeks engagement details between the UK government and Scottish government.

Question

What engagement has the FCDO had with the Scottish Government on this, and will the Minister pledge to work with them?

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

I thank the hon. Lady for demonstrating the SNP's support for the UK government's discussions with the family and raising concerns with India, encouraging further conversations and support from the SNP.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific engagement details and pledge to work together

How: We Encourage

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Q3 Simon Fell
Foreign Affairs
Context

The BK 16 group has been imprisoned since 2017 for defending rights and values of the poorest people, raising concerns about human rights issues.

Question

What representations are being made to the Indian Government regarding the BK16 group and Father Stan Swamy?

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

We engage broadly with India on human rights matters, raising concerns directly. Lord Ahmad raised these issues with the Indian Minister for External Affairs at the end of May.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific representations and actions taken

How: Where We Have Concerns, We Raise Them

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