India Slams UK Lawmakers Farm Row Debate

A debate held in British Parliament on Monday on safety of farmers and press freedom in India has evoked a sharp response from the Indian High Commission in London Concerns were raised by several MPs of the Labour party, Liberal democrats and the Scottish National Party over Indian government's reaction to the protests.

The high commission said, we deeply regret that rather than a balanced debate, false assertions without substantiation or facts were made casting aspersions on the largest functioning democracy in the world and its institutions. Foreign media, including the British media are present in India and have witnessed the events under discussion first-hand. The question of lack of freedom of the media in India does not arise. The High Commission of India would normally refrain from commenting on an internal discussion involving a small group of Honourable Parliamentarians in a limited quorum. However, when aspersions are cast on India by anyone, irrespective of their claims of friendship and love for India or domestic political compulsions, there is a need to set the record straight.

The UK government responded saying that the concerns will be raised with India when both Prime Ministers meet in person.

The debate was a response to a petition initiated by Maidenhead Liberal Democrat leader Gurch Singh of Indian origin. The petition received signatures from over a lakh UK residents within weeks.

Scottish National Party's Martin Day opened the debate with the remarks, the UK government has already stated that the farm reforms are a matter for the Indian government's decision. So we are not debating the reforms now. We are debating for the safety of the protesters. Water canons and tear gas and repeated clashes between police and farmers and interruption in internet connectivity have been matters of concern. Several farmers have reportedly committed suicide.

In a response to several opposition MPs raising concerns over safety of farmers and journalists in India, UK Minister of State for Asia Nigel Adams said Britain's close ties with India doesn't hinder the nation from raising concerns.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said, the unprecedented protests should make one think about why so many are turning up. The arrests of journalists is a matter of serious concern.

Conservative MP Theresa Villiers, however, shared support for the Indian government's response. We receive complaints against policemen here in the UK too when there are mass protests. That doesn't mean the UK is against democracy.