Jammu and Kashmir: Human Rights and Political Situation

Debate between Lord Collins of Highbury and Lord Hussain

Thursday 23rd July 2026 Lords Chamber

[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.

[Lord Hussain (LD)]

My Lords, I too am very concerned about the newly developing situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with the standoff between the authorities and protesters on civil rights issues. I have family and friends living on both sides of the line of control. What is His Majesty’s Government’s assessment of the human rights situation on the Indian side of the LoC? According to Genocide Watch’s report of February 2026, Jammu and Kashmir is on the brink of genocide and eight of the 10 stages have already been passed. How seriously do His Majesty’s Government take these reports and what are they going to do to stop this potential genocide taking place in Indian-occupied Kashmir?

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

The noble Lord knows from previous Answers to these Questions that we have been consistent about reports of violence. We express our condolences to families who have lost loved ones, but any allegations of mistreatment by the police and armed forces should be investigated thoroughly and transparently by the relevant authorities. We unequivocally condemn killings that have been carried out by militant groups in Kashmir and extend condolences for those killed, and we certainly convey those issues to all the relevant authorities.

Middle East

Debate between Lord Collins of Highbury and Lord Hussain

Tuesday 24th June 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

I appreciate the comments of the noble Lord. We are determined to actually focus on all those diplomatic tools we have available. We are absolutely focused on that. I also reassure noble Lords that we did not participate in the US or Israeli strikes. We were given due notice, as we would expect as close allies of the US. We have been moving assets to the region to make sure that we are in a position to protect our own interests, personnel, assets and allies. Our first duty is to ensure that our forces and bases in the region are safe and secure. We have been moving assets to the region for that reason.

I agree with the noble Lord. We are cautious and absolutely focused on diplomatic efforts, but we remain committed to protecting our troops and assets.

[Lord Hussain (LD)]

My Lords, I welcome the Government’s Statement on the de-escalation of the crisis in Iran, but my heart bleeds for the people of Gaza who are being killed—men, women and children—while trying to collect food and water. According to Reuters, 44 people were killed by Israeli strikes in Gaza on Friday while collecting aid. Can the Minister assure the House that British weapons supplied to Israel are not used to kill innocent men, women and children in Gaza?

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

The simple answer to the noble Lord is that I can give him that assurance. We have absolutely complied with those licences. We stopped issuing licences for exports to Israel that could be used in Gaza. We are absolutely complying with what he says.