Oral Answers to Questions

Nusrat Ghani Excerpts
Tuesday 18th October 2016

(8 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Sharma Portrait Alok Sharma
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The UK of course has very good relations with both India and Pakistan, but our long-standing position, held by successive Governments of all hues, is that it is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting resolution to the situation, taking into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people. It is not for the UK to prescribe a solution or act as mediator.

Nusrat Ghani Portrait Nusrat Ghani (Wealden) (Con)
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There are no winners in Kashmir. The recent clashes have impacted on thousands of people and the economy is struggling, with over £1 million or 10,000 crore being lost in 100 days. A military solution is not working. I urge the Minister to encourage a political solution that involves not only India and Pakistan, but the Kashmiris themselves.

Lord Sharma Portrait Alok Sharma
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We should of course do all we can to promote trade and prosperity in the region, and that of course follows stability.