PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
India: British Nationals Abroad (23 November 2017)

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, following reports of the torture of Jagpar Singh Johal in the Punjab, what representations he has made to the Government of India about the safety and fair treatment of British citizens.

Asked by:
Christine Jardine (Liberal Democrat)

Consular staff in India were made aware of allegations of mistreatment through Mr Johal's legal representation. Our priority is to inquire about these specific allegations with Mr Johal in private. The Foreign Secretary raised the case with the Indian Minister of External Affairs on 23 November and Consular officials continue to reiterate our request for a private meeting with Mr Johal with the Indian Government. I raised this with the Indian​ High Commissioner in telephone conversation on 29 November. We take all allegations of torture of mistreatment extremely seriously and we will press for action appropriate to the situation, with the consent of the individual, avoiding any action that may put the individual concerned at risk.

Answered by:
Mark Field (Conservative)
1 December 2017