UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy made a statement in Parliament this week on India’s counter-terrorism Operation Sindoor against Pakistan and pledged support for tackling the scourge of terror in the wake of the Pahalgam attacks last month.
“Let me be clear that the horrendous terrorism we saw — 26 nationals stripped and shot — was horrific, and we condemn it. We will continue to work with close partners to deal with this terrorist threat.
“All of us have to lean in and ensure that we are supporting efforts on both sides to deal with horrendous terrorism. That is what, in the end, will maintain an enduring peace.”
Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel once again raised concerns in the House of Commons over the “ongoing presence of terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan” and questioned the minister on Britain’s role in combating the threat.
She said: “We all welcome the easing of tensions between India and Pakistan over the weekend, and our thoughts continue to be with those affected by this shocking terrorist atrocity. The House will be aware of the ongoing presence of terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, and that should be a concern for all of us.
“What further discussions have taken place to secure commitments from the Pakistani Government that they will dismantle terrorist infrastructure, and what role will Britain play in supporting the removal of terrorist threats within Pakistan, because that is what will improve stability and security in the region?”
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Lammy responded to assure her that dealing with terrorism remains at the heart and that the UK will “lean into that”.
He stated: “We do need proper communication between India and Pakistan, and that must happen not just on military channels but on political channels. She will recognise that on this occasion, those communications are poor. We do need confidence-building measures and to ensure that we are dealing with terrorism where it acts, and of course the United Kingdom will lean into that.
“Above all, we need dialogue. The international community can play a role, particularly where countries have relations with both countries. That is why we have been talking to the United States, that is why we have been talking to Saudi, and that is why we are working with the UAE.”
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