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Kashmir: Self-determination
10 December 2025
Lead MP
Imran Hussain
Bradford East
Lab
Responding Minister
Mr Hamish Falconer
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Word Count: 11711
Other Contributors: 19
At a Glance
Imran Hussain raised concerns about kashmir: self-determination in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The UK Government should recognise that Kashmir is not a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan but an international one, start upholding past UN Security Council resolutions, and push for greater international diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation and give Kashmiris self-determination.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Kashmir remains one of the world’s most heavily militarised zones and longest unresolved international disputes, with roots in the unfinished business of partition in 1947. Kashmiris were promised a referendum by the UN Security Council 70 years ago which never happened, leading to continuous persecution and oppression under draconian laws.
Abtisam Mohamed
Lab
Sheffield Central
Highlighted the UK's obligations due to historic ties with Kashmir and called for more action beyond silence on human rights abuses.
Andrew Snowden
Con
Fylde
Asks the Minister about recent diplomatic efforts on Kashmir, steps taken since April regarding security, discussions with key allies, and measures to prevent tensions among UK communities.
Andy McDonald
Lab
Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
Congratulates Imran Hussain on securing the debate and acknowledges the work done with the APPG. Questioned whether a monarchical decision to cede territory denies the right of self-determination.
Anna Dixon
Lab
Shipley
Called for greater international diplomatic efforts to bring a resolution to the situation and give Kashmiri people their long-awaited self-determination, reflecting on meetings with British-Kashmiri community members.
Ayoub Khan
Ind
Birmingham Perry Barr
Supported the argument that Kashmir is an international issue rooted in historical, legal and moral commitments. Emphasised the need for the UK to uphold its responsibilities under UN resolutions. Challenged the notion that the Kashmir issue is bilateral rather than international.
Barry Gardiner
Lab
Brent North
The MP addresses the historical context of Kashmir, emphasizing that Pakistan was the primary aggressor in the dispute. He argues that Azad Kashmir is neither a country nor a province but a satrapy with no representation in the Parliament of Pakistan. Suggested pressing Pakistan to close terrorist camps that engender human rights crackdowns in Jammu and Kashmir. Asked to intervene but was denied by Imran Hussain.
Brendan O’Hara
SNP
Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
The SNP supports the right of the people of Kashmir to have a free vote on their future under UN auspices. He highlights human rights abuses including extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and mass incarcerations.
Brian Mathew
LD
Melksham and Devizes
The Liberal Democrats urge the UK to host a peace conference including Kashmiri representatives, advocate for human rights, reverse cuts to official development assistance, and support UN inspections in Kashmir.
David Williams
Lab
Stoke-on-Trent North
Many local councillors raised concerns about human rights violations in Kashmir. The community is deeply concerned and wants tangible action from the UK Government.
Gareth Snell
Lab
Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
He emphasises that Kashmir does not often receive the attention it deserves in Westminster Hall debates, despite its significant impact on constituents and international importance. He calls for the UK to use every lever available to push for human rights in Kashmir. Asked the Minister what practical steps the Government are taking to ensure dialogue happens between India and Pakistan.
Ian Lavery
Lab
Blyth and Ashington
Asked Imran Hussain what actions the UK Government could take to assist Kashmiris in achieving self-determination.
Expressed disappointment with the Minister's response, emphasizing the international nature of the issue and calling for support for UN resolutions. Reiterates concerns about the unresolved questions raised during the debate, noting that an early-day motion has garnered support from over 40 Members of Parliament.
Iqbal Mohamed
Ind
Dewsbury and Spen
The MP highlights the personal impact of the crisis on constituents, noting that many families were gripped by fear as recent violence escalated. He mentions cases where elderly parents became stranded due to travel restrictions.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
The issue of Kashmir is not bilateral but an international matter stemming from the decolonisation process in British India. The militarisation and nuclear arms race in South Asia are consequences of inadequate British behaviour in 1940s leading to thousands of lives lost in conflicts. Inquired about plans to take the issue to the UN to address the lack of a right to self-determination for Kashmiri people.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Supports the principle of self-determination for the people of Kashmir but expresses concern over ongoing repression, including arbitrary detention and extrajudicial killings. Urges the Minister to ensure protection for religious minorities. Inquired about assistance for persecuted Christians and other religious minorities in Kashmir.
Adnan Hussain
Ind
Blackburn
Asked if journalists must always be allowed access to every part of the world.
Salford
Stressed that lasting peace in the region cannot be achieved without dialogue including Kashmiri voices and aspirations, as mandated by UN resolution 47.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Agreed with Imran Hussain's call for the UK Government not to view the matter of Kashmir as a bilateral issue but rather one for international law, and emphasised Britain’s special historic duty regarding self-determination.
Tahir Ali
Lab
Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley
Over half of the constituents in Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley are from south Asia, including many Kashmiris who have been subjected to unlawful killings and human rights violations. The UK should step up to right these wrongs by pushing for a plebiscite as determined by UN resolution 47. Asked why India does not allow international and UN observers unfettered access to Indian-administered Kashmir. Asked why bilateralism applies to Kashmir but not other conflicts such as Ukraine and Russia or Palestine and Israel.
Government Response
Mr Hamish Falconer
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
Government Response
Reaffirmed the UK's neutral stance on Kashmir, urging India and Pakistan to find a resolution respecting human rights. Noted ongoing tensions between the two nations and emphasised the importance of dialogue. Stressed that cross-border terrorism is a blight on South Asia.
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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.