Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UK-India Relations

Tuesday 30 July 2024 · 4 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 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Trade Secretary announced intentions to continue trade talks with India to reduce barriers between the two countries.
  • The Foreign Secretary noted that previous Government set a timetable without achieving progress, and negotiations now have new priorities.
  • The Foreign Secretary raised concerns with Indian counterparts about allegations of torture and fair trial rights in the case of Jagtar Singh Johal.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Gregor Poynton Lab Livingston
Foreign Affairs Business & Trade
Context

The question arises from discussions with Indian counterparts to strengthen UK-India ties.

Question

What recent discussions has the government had with India to strengthen UK-India relations, including the launch of a tech and security initiative?

Answer from David Lammy

The Trade Secretary announced intentions to continue trade talks with India, aiming to reduce barriers between our two countries.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific agreement on the signing of the technology and security initiative's significance

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Q2 Gregor Poynton Lab Livingston
Foreign Affairs Business & Trade
Context

The question stems from discussions with Indian counterparts and a constituency meeting with the growing Indian population in Livingston.

Question

Following meetings with constituents, the MP asks if progress on UK-India trade talks is being made to benefit both countries over the next four or five years.

Answer from David Lammy

The Trade Secretary announced intentions to continue trade talks with India, aiming to reduce barriers between our two countries.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific agreement on the signing of the technology and security initiative's significance

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Q3 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Foreign Affairs Business & Trade
Context

The question is based on the progress of a free trade agreement between UK and India, which was previously stalled due to elections in both countries.

Question

After visits to India, does the Foreign Secretary have updates on discussions to remove sticking points preventing a free trade deal?

Answer from David Lammy

The hon. Gentleman has great experience, but the previous Government set a timetable without achieving progress; negotiations continue now with new priorities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details of specific sticking points and discussion outcomes

How: Disagreement, Referencing Past Failures

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Q4 Alicia Kearns Con Rutland and Stamford
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question relates to the inclusion of human rights in a UK-India trade deal and the case of Jagtar Singh Johal.

Question

Will the Foreign Secretary confirm that he secured an agreement on human rights during his India visit? Will he call for the release of Jagtar Singh Johal, who is arbitrarily detained?

Answer from David Lammy

The case of Jagtar Singh Johal is serious; the Minister raised concerns with Indian counterparts about allegations of torture, fair trial rights. Meeting the family over coming weeks is planned.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details on securing human rights in trade deal agreement

How: Commitment To Raising Concerns, Future Plans

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