Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Jammu and Kashmir

Tuesday 2 December 2025 · 2 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK raised concerns with the Indian Government about human rights and self-determination in Jammu and Kashmir.
  • The UK supports freedom of assembly, expression, and peaceful protest in the region.
  • The UK champions freedom of religion or belief, including faith promotion in Kashmir.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 David Williams Lab Stoke-on-Trent North
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP noted Stoke-on-Trent has one of the largest Kashmiri communities in the UK, with constituents concerned about civil liberties restrictions, arbitrary detentions, and lack of political determination.

Question

What specific human rights and self-determination concerns has the UK raised with the Indian Government regarding Jammu and Kashmir? What tangible progress can my constituents expect?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Seema Malhotra)

We strongly support individuals’ rights to freedom of assembly and expression, and peaceful political protest. We have consistently emphasised that any human rights violations should be fully investigated in line with international human rights law. We continue to monitor human rights issues and, where we have concerns, raise those with the Government of India.

Partly answered
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Q2 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Religion & Faith
Context

The MP referenced claims by community leaders and religious freedom groups about harassment, social pressure, threats, discrimination, surveillance, and violence against Christians in Kashmir.

Question

What steps is the Minister taking with international counterparts to support the promotion of faith—especially Christianity—in Kashmir?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Seema Malhotra)

We will always continue to champion freedom of religion or belief across the world. The hon. Member will know that we consistently raise any human rights violations with Governments across the world, and will continue to do so.

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