Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Sharma and Bob Blackman

Tuesday 28th March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con)]

The Pakistani Government have announced their intention to annexe Gilgit-Baltistan, a sovereign part of India that Pakistan illegally occupies. What representations has my right hon. Friend made to the Pakistani Government to say that this act is illegal and the UK Government will oppose it?

[Alok Sharma]

As my hon. Friend knows, we have very good relations with both India and Pakistan, but on issues of a bilateral nature it is for those two countries to reach a settlement; it is not for us to prescribe a solution or act as a mediator. Of course we encourage both sides to maintain good relations and we will continue to talk to them.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Sharma and Bob Blackman

Tuesday 22nd November 2016 Commons Chamber

[Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con)]

Following the decision of the Indian Government to withdraw the 500 and 1,000 rupee notes, what efforts has the Minister made to ensure that British citizens of Indian descent are able to exchange their money?

[Alok Sharma]

As my hon. Friend will know, it is for the Indian Government and the Reserve Bank of India to define what is Indian legal tender. However, I can say that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has updated its travel advice, advising British nationals travelling to India how to act in this matter, and we advise those nationals to monitor the situation closely.