‘India record’ of Indian-origin MPs in UK

LONDON:There were 10 Indian-origin MPs in Britain’s last Parliament, but there is increasing unease in the community over the low participation by most of them on issues related to India, amid mixed views on whether they should “defend” India or not.

The 10 MPs (five each from Conservative and Labour parties) are for all purposes British MPs, but there is an expectation that they have a greater understanding of India’s interests.

An analysis of parliamentary records since the May 2015 election shows that except for Keith Vaz and Virendra Sharma (both Labour), India figured low in their engagements. Alok Sharma was minister for Asia, which led to his making the most contribution on India.

The most disappointing occasion from India’s perspective was the January 19 debate on Jammu and Kashmir, when more than 20 MPs came down on India’s record there, but the only Indian-origin MP present and defending the country was Sharma.

“The so-called Indian origin MPs are expected to have a better understanding of the ground situation, and ensure that vested interests do not distort Britain’s relations with India. But perhaps many of them have to prove they are not Indian,” a senior community leader said.

Dibyesh Anand of the University of Westminster said many Indian-origin MPs focus on domestic matters. “Expecting them to defend India’s interest when the Indian government may be pursuing policies seen as majoritarian or Hindu nationalist in recent years will be expecting them to betray values of British democracy. They represent Britain and not India,” he said.

Sunil Chopra, councillor and former mayor of Southwark, said: “Perhaps they don’t want to upset some voters in their constituencies, and don’t defend India openly. Prime Minister Narendra Modi should also reach out to them on his global tours.”

Community leaders say the “India record” of the 10 MPs is in sharp contrast to the proactive group of MPs of Pakistani origin.

None of the 10 MPs signed an early day motion in March moved by Bob Blackman (Conservative), criticising Pakistan’s plan to declare Gilgit-Baltistan as its fifth province. Blackman told HT: “The pro-Pakistan lobby in the UK is extremely effective and they make sure their MPs turn up in their support via all possible parliamentary contributions.”