Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Kashmir

Tuesday 13 May 2025 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • British Government has secured a ceasefire and is engaging with India and Pakistan to support peace efforts.
  • UK condemns terrorism and is working with partners to deal with the threat of terrorist bases.
  • UK reaffirms the importance of self-determination for Kashmiri people while urging all parties to condemn terrorism.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 James Frith Lab Bury North
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP met constituents with family roots in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir who are anxious about the conflict's escalation. There is concern over water access under the Indus waters treaty.

Question

I met constituents concerned about their families' safety in the current crisis, including relatives in Mirpur, Kotli, Bhimber, Lahore, and Gujrat. The British Government has secured a ceasefire but must ensure lasting peace, including protection of water access under the Indus waters treaty.

Answer from The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)

We recognise the anxiety among British nationals with family ties to India and Pakistan. The UK has been actively engaging with both countries since this crisis began, staying in close touch with international partners such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to support peace efforts.

Answered
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Q2 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Context

Following a terrorist attack, India and Pakistan engaged in military activity. The House is concerned about the removal of terrorist bases.

Question

India has hit nine terrorist bases since the conflict began after a terrorist attack on 22 April. Now that there is a fragile peace, what efforts will be made to ensure the removal of these bases?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)

We condemn the terrorism that led to the military activity. The UK will continue working with close partners to deal with this threat and support efforts on both sides to maintain peace.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions or commitments for base removal were not provided.

How: Condemning Terrorism, Promising General Support

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Q3 Imran Hussain Lab Bradford East
Context

The revocation of articles 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir led to mass arrests, political repression, and a militarised zone. The international community's failure is highlighted.

Question

From the revocation of special status to mass arrests and political repression, Kashmiris face intolerable attacks on their rights. Will the Secretary of State reaffirm our commitment to self-determination for Kashmir?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)

Our long-standing position is that India and Pakistan must find a lasting resolution in Kashmir, taking into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people. However, all should condemn terrorism wherever it occurs.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment to self-determination was not given.

How: Reiterating Uk Position, Condemning Terrorism

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Q4 Will Forster Lib Dem Woking
Context

Residents in Woking with Indian and Pakistani heritage welcome the ceasefire. The MP seeks assurance on support for self-determination as a solution.

Question

My constituents, including those of Indian and Pakistani descent, welcome the ceasefire but urge acceptance that the solution to Kashmir is self-determination, not further violence.

Answer from The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)

It is for India and Pakistan to find a resolution in Kashmir taking into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people. But all must condemn terrorism wherever it occurs.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific affirmation of self-determination support was not given.

How: Reiterating Uk Position, Condemning Terrorism

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Q5 Priti Patel Con Witham
Context

There is concern over the ongoing presence of terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and its impact on stability. The MP seeks information on discussions with Pakistani counterparts.

Question

The ceasefire is welcome, but there are concerns about terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. What further discussions have taken place to secure commitments from Pakistan for dismantling these threats?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)

We need proper communication between India and Pakistan on both military and political channels. The UK is engaging with international partners like the US, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to support dialogue and confidence-building measures.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific role in dismantling infrastructure was not provided.

How: Promising Engagement, Emphasizing Communication

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