Jammu and Kashmir: Human Rights and Political Situation

Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle Excerpts

Thursday 23rd July 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

I hear the noble Baroness, but the first priority of the FCDO is the safety of British nationals, which we ensure through regular consultation with our missions. Our advice is based on that principle, and our travel advice is reviewed regularly. Sometimes it is amended and it can be nuanced but, at the end of the day, it is up to individuals to consider that advice and take it seriously.

[Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (GP)]

My Lords, I am sure I am not the only Member of your Lordships’ House whose inbox has been filled by a significant number of cries of great concern about what is happening in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir. I note that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has put out a statement focusing on the individuals being detained solely for exercising their democratic and peaceful rights to free speech. Are the Government aware of any British nationals affected by that? It is obviously a concern; are the Government monitoring it closely?

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

As I think I said in my initial Answer, we are monitoring the situation very carefully and we strongly support individuals’ rights of 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. Our overseas network continues to monitor these issues on an ongoing basis.