UK MP calls Jammu & Kashmir terror strike a ‘murderous act’, urges Britain to support India
Indian-origin UK Member of Parliament, Priti Patel, has strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed the lives of 26 people. In a powerful address to the House of Commons on Thursday, Patel labelled the incident an “act of terrorism” and demanded the UK government extend meaningful support to India during this difficult time, reported gujaratsamachar.com.
“We must stand with our Indian friends,” Says Patel, calls for joint action against terror.
Patel took to X to share her remarks, writing: “We must stand with our Indian friends at this time. In the House of Commons I pressed the UK Government on what they are doing to support the Government of India in response, and how we can work together to tackle the terrorist threats to our freedoms that we all face.”
Addressing the Parliament, she expressed condolences to the victims and their families, stating, “My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this murderous, violent terrorism. This was an act of terrorism and we should call it out exactly for what it is. It is part of a long-standing pattern of attacks on civilians, visitors, and minority communities.”
Strategic partnerships and seeks accountability
Patel reminded the Parliament of the UK’s long-standing counterterrorism cooperation with India through a series of strategic frameworks — including the New Delhi Declaration (2002), the 2016 Strategic Partnership, and the 2022 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, leading up to the UK-India 2030 roadmap.
She further pressed the government to clarify if the proscribed terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was involved, or if there were any known cross-border links to Pakistan. “Has the UK provided any specific support in response to this terror attack and taken practical steps to assist our friends in India?” she questioned.
Patel also raised concerns about the timing of US Vice President JD Vance’s recent visit to India, asking if British officials had inquired whether the attack coincided deliberately with the visit.
Deep personal ties to India and commitment to UK-India relations
Priti Patel has long-standing ties with India, having visited the country multiple times since 2013 in various official capacities. She has accompanied UK Prime Ministers and Chancellors during key diplomatic engagements, attended the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, and held meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior Indian officials. Her continued advocacy for stronger UK-India ties and joint action against terrorism reflects both her personal and political commitment to the bilateral relationship.
