With over 100 MPs signing a cross-party letter to PM about their shared anxieties regarding the Indian farmers protests, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (MP for Slough) asked Dominic Raab MP about the intimidation peaceful protesters and activists have experienced in India.
Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP asked:
“More than 100 Members of this House signed a cross-party letter to the Prime Minister about our anxieties for the peacefully protesting farmers in India, and we eagerly await his response. Does the Secretary of State agree that it is extremely concerning to hear alarming reports of harassment and intimidation by the authorities there, which have started issuing notices to peaceful protesters, union leaders and human rights activists?”
Dominic Raab MP (Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs):
“I understand the hon. Gentleman’s concerns. I discussed the protests with Foreign Minister Jaishankar when I visited India in December. Of course, this is a major, Government-led reform that reduces subsidies as part of the liberalisation process, but the hon. Gentleman makes some important points about freedom of protest and sensitivity. Of course, India’s politics is very much our politics, but we need to respect its democratic process.”
