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Human Rights in Kashmir
07 July 2026
Lead MP
Imran Hussain
Bradford East
Lab
Responding Minister
Taiwo Owatemi
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Word Count: 8072
Other Contributors: 15
At a Glance
Imran Hussain raised concerns about human rights in kashmir in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government is asked to directly appeal to the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Government of Azad Kashmir to end the lockdown and communications blackout immediately, ensure free movement of food and medical supplies, allow access for mediators, resume meaningful negotiations with grassroots groups, and prioritize respect for human rights in any discussions.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Over a decade of persecution, oppression and injustice faced by Kashmiris in Indian-occupied Kashmir has led to the violation of their fundamental human rights, including the denial of self-determination. In August 2019, India's Modi Government unilaterally revoked articles 370 and 35A, leading to mass detentions and a communications blackout. More recently, serious concerns have arisen in Azad Jammu and Kashmir regarding ongoing bloodshed, arbitrary arrests, and restrictions on communication.
She confirmed concerns about internet blackouts impacting communications with family members in Kashmir and highlighted reports of a two-year-old child being shot. She stressed that food shortages and lack of medicines are major issues and urged immediate cessation of blockades to ensure children's survival. She intervened to express concern about constituents being labelled as terrorists for speaking out against the situation, calling for an end to such abuse of law.
Andrew Snowden
Lab
Bradford West
Kashmir remains a sensitive dispute with profound implications for regional stability and diaspora communities in the UK. The Conservative party believes that India and Pakistan should find a lasting political resolution through peaceful dialogue, while the UK raises credible human rights abuses without geopolitical bias.
Ayoub Khan
Lab
Oxford West and Abingdon
The issue in Indian-occupied Kashmir is one of oppression for decades with frequent torture, rape, and extra-judicial killings. The British Government should adopt a multilateral or international position rather than considering it a bilateral matter between nuclear powers India and Pakistan. There are about 1.4 million British Kashmiris in the UK who have family and heritage ties to Azad Jammu and Kashmir, causing great anxiety due to communication blackouts. Khan suggested that where UN resolutions on human rights violations are not followed, trade sanctions could be considered through UK-India trade agreements.
In response to Richard Burgon's intervention, he mentioned that residents of Stoke-on-Trent North have been contacting him regarding shortages of food, medical supplies, and baby milk in Kashmir. He called for the UK Government to open all possible humanitarian routes.
Kairee Gardner
Lab
Stoke-on-Trent South
The MP intervened to express support for the concerns raised by Imran Hussain regarding the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Gareth Snell
Lab
Stoke-on-Trent Central
Snell questioned why the UK Government takes a position on other disputed territories but not on Kashmir, specifically asking about UN resolution 47.
Jeremy Corbyn
Lab
Islington North
He thanked the Members for Bradford East and Leeds East for their work on Kashmir. He discussed the unresolved colonial responsibility regarding Kashmir's partition and current issues such as shortages of essential goods, high food prices, and suppression of civil and political activity in Azad Kashmir.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Jim Shannon expressed his concern about the human rights situation in Kashmir, noting Amnesty International's documentation of arbitrary detention, torture, and restrictions on freedom of assembly. He emphasized the moral obligation for the UK to speak up against such violations and highlighted the impact on religious minorities and communities seeking safety and freedom.
Nadia Whittome
Lab
Nottingham East
Whittome expressed concern about communications blockades in Kashmir that prevent constituents from contacting their loved ones and asked for assurances that the Government will put pressure on Pakistan to stop such blockades.
He recounted witnessing a relative in Kashmir being shot by Pakistani authorities while visiting, who was too scared to seek medical help due to fear of reprisals. He argued that shooting unarmed civilians and peaceful protesters should not be tolerated.
Rachel Hopkins
Lab
Luton South
She highlighted the strong ties between Luton and Kashmir, mentioning a fundraising effort that raised over £300,000 to build a new paediatric operating theatre in Kotli. She expressed concern about recent unrest, including arrests of activists and journalists, mobile and internet blackouts, and travel restrictions.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
He expressed concern about the prolonged internet blackout in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, noting that his constituents have relatives there. He urged for peaceful resolution and suggested that the UK Government should play a role in initiating peace talks with Pakistan.
Tahir Ali
Lab
Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley
The BJP Government in India is oppressing the Kashmiri people through arbitrary arrests, torture, and house demolitions. Social media accounts of journalists are suspended, and media blackouts imposed to hide crimes. There are 36 points agreed upon with Pakistan-administered Azad Jammu and Kashmir; two remain unresolved, including issues related to Kashmiri migrants. The direct shooting of civilians, internet blackouts, and harassment of families due to raised concerns must stop.
Tan Dhesi
Lab
Slough
My constituents are concerned about the safety of their loved ones in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The persistent tensions, communications blackouts, and obstructions demand peace negotiations for ending violence and ensuring stability.
Will Forster
Lib Dem
Woking
Will Forster condemned the excessive use of force in Kashmir and called for a return to civil liberties. He highlighted that more than half of his local Asian population have ancestry from or links with Kashmir, making it a fundamental issue for his constituents. Forster expressed concern over the communications blackout and estimated that 200 people may have been killed in recent protests. He urged the Government to champion democratic mechanisms such as a free referendum and reject unilateral changes to Kashmir's status. The Government have had the policy for 50 years, but it has not worked. Does she think it is time to change course?
Government Response
Taiwo Owatemi
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Mrs Harris. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Bradford East (Imran Hussain) for securing the debate, and all Members who contributed. The UK has strong relationships with both India and Pakistan and has consistently encouraged dialogue towards lasting political solutions supporting regional stability and security. The Government's position is that it is for India and Pakistan to find a resolution taking into account the wishes of Kashmiri people; this remains the stance since the 1970s. Concerns were raised regarding recent events in parts of Pakistani-administered Kashmir, known as Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including unrest and loss of life during protests. The FCDO met with the Pakistani Government to raise concerns about communications restrictions affecting British nationals and members of the British-Kashmiri diaspora seeking contact with friends and family; safety and welfare remain a priority leading to updated travel advice against all but essential travel to the region. Allegations of human rights violations should be thoroughly investigated promptly and transparently by both sides, and effective engagement with affected communities is crucial. The UK encourages de-escalation, restraint, diplomacy, and supports individuals' rights to freedom of assembly, expression, and peaceful protest. The Minister for the Middle East met with Pakistani Government officials in June to discuss these issues. The Prime Minister raised concerns with the Pakistani Prime Minister in April. In conclusion, the Government remain committed to supporting human rights, encouraging dialogue, and supporting British nationals while monitoring developments closely.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.