MP repeats calls for inquiry into British role in 1984 storming of Golden Temple
Warinder Juss (Wolverhampton West) referred to official documents released by the government in 2014 which showed the UK was aware of the plans by then-Indian president Indira Gandhi for troops to storm the temple to break up a protest by Sikh separatists who wanted an independent homeland to be formed, called Khalistan.
The documents indicated Margaret Thatcher's government sent an SAS officer to help the Indian government plan the attack in 1984.
Thousands of protesters gathered in central London on Sunday to call on the Government to honour previous manifesto commitments, and pledges by Sir Keir Starmer, to hold an independent inquiry.
Will the leader of the House please now agree for a statement to be given to the House for an independent, judge-led public inquiry, to get to the bottom of what happened, in her own words Warinder Juss MP
Speaking at business questions in the Commons, Mr Juss said: 'I was in the House during business questions on January 9 when (Tan Singh Dhesi) referred to the storming of the Golden Temple in Amritsar in June 1984, ordered by the then-Indian government.
'Documents revealed in 2014 said that the Thatcher government had helped their Indian counterpart by providing advice for Operation Blue Star. Since 2014, there have been many calls made and assurances given to establish the extent of the British government's involvement.
'So will the leader of the House please now agree for a statement to be given to the House for an independent, judge-led public inquiry, to get to the bottom of what happened, in her own words.'
After the protest on Sunday, Mr Dhesi, a Labour MP, told Sky News he had been informed by ministers and Downing Street that an inquiry was 'under consideration'.
I have followed up these issues with the Foreign Office. I'm sorry to say I'm still waiting to hear about that from them, but I will ensure that when I do, he and other members are made fully aware of that and the House is updated Commons leader Lucy Powell
After the release of documents in 2014, an internal government review found the UK's role was 'purely advisory' and given months beforehand. Then-foreign secretary William Hague said British military advice was given to India ahead of the deadly attack but said it had only 'limited impact'.
Official Indian figures put the death toll at 575 according to the former Tory leader, who now sits as Lord Hague of Richmond in the House of Lords.
Commons leader Lucy Powell said: 'It was raised with me previously a few months ago and I made clear what I hope would happen on that occasion. I absolutely understand the concerns of members across this House and from those from the Sikh community and many of those he represents as well.
'I did follow up when I was asked that previously, I have followed up these issues with the Foreign Office. I'm sorry to say I'm still waiting to hear about that from them, but I will ensure that when I do, he and other members are made fully aware of that and the House is updated.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Mirror Daily Digest: Top stories from Beckham's knighthood to salad warning
In this Friday's Mirror Daily Digest, we've pulled together the biggest stories of the day from the tragic death of a British toddler to the DWP's new state pension warning Welcome to the Mirror's Daily Digest, where we pull together all the best stories of the day from our News, Showbiz, Sport teams and more. This Friday, we're taking a look at everything from Donald Trump and Elon Musk's big falling out, to the UK Health Security Agency's salad warning. BBC Question Time came to dramatic halt as Donald Trump issues threat at Elon Musk Yesterday evening's BBC Question Time was briefly interrupted for 'breaking news' as the public fallout between Donald Trump and Elon Musk rages on. On the panel on Thursday, June 5 Alex Davies-Jones MP, Darren Millar MS, Llinos Medi MP, Annabel Denham and Mark Serwotka appeared alongside host Fiona Bruce. The panel discussed the new 20mph speed limits in Wales and the rise in the number of illegal boat crossings, but their discussion was dramatically halted for "breaking news" as US President Donald Trump issued a scathing threat to Elon Musk. Trump threatened to end Musk's government contracts and it left Question Time viewers fuming. In the "breaking news update" US President Donald Trump addressed his fall-out with Elon Musk saying he is "very disappointed" in the SpaceX founder. David Beckham at risk of losing knighthood before he's even got it after huge blunder Earlier today, our Showbiz team reported that football star David Beckham is set to finally get his wish for a knighthood, after having made his hope for one very clear over the years. Now closer to his dream than ever, there are rumblings that his impending knighthood might be under threat. David, 50, is due to receive the honour in King Charles ' upcoming Birthday Honours List, which is set to be announced this month by The Gazette. It has been claimed David is set to become a Sir while his wife Victoria Beckham will become Lady Beckham, as David will be reportedly named in the Kings Birthday Honours list next week. However, the early announcement of Beckham's reported knighthood could risk him losing the title before its officially awarded, a source has told the Mirror. New State Pension age set to change next year for people born on these dates Ever a subject for discussion, our Politics team today reported that there is to be a further change to state pension age for some Brits. Brits born between two specific dates need to review their pension age due to upcoming changes. The Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP) is urging individuals with particular birthdates to verify their State Pension timing using their online checker. With plans set to incrementally raise the State Pension age from 66 to 67 beginning next year, it's important that everyone takes note of this imminent shift. By 2028, the transition is expected to be implemented nationwide. Brit boy, 2, dies after his family find him floating in the pool at Ibiza holiday home Our World News team have reported the sad news that a two-year-old British boy has died after getting into trouble while swimming in a pool at a private villa in Ibiza. The tragic incident happened shortly bfore 10.40am on Wednesday, June 5 at a holiday home on the northern part of the popular Spanish island. The young boy was found in the pool without a pulse, according to local news outlet Diario de Ibiza. Emergency services rushed to the villa following a report of an unresponsive child just before 11am local time. First to arrive at the holiday home was the basic life support ambulance (BLS). These ambulances are equipped with essential equipment for providing basic life support, such as oxygen, portable devices for respiratory tract care and defibrillators. Health agency issues urgent UK alert to anyone who buys supermarket salad Our Health team have reported a warning from the UK Health Security Agency about potentially dangerous illnesses contracted from bagged supermarket salads. As the weather heats up in summer, people may want to opt for something lighter for lunch, like a salad. But a fresh health alert from UK authorities warns that these foods could make people ill if one very important step is ignored. It may not always be possible to grab fresh food to whip up a refreshing and healthy salad, so many people instead reach for the premade packs available in most supermarkets. However, people who do this have been warned to take one extra step to avoid falling ill. It might seem like common sense, but some people simply tip their bag out and tuck it in. Experts suggest taking one extra precaution to avoid coming into contact with bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria.
Powys County Times
3 hours ago
- Powys County Times
Playgrounds must be saved to stop children being ‘glued to screens', MPs say
Playgrounds across England must be protected from being 'left to rot' so children can avoid being 'glued to screens', ministers have been told. A cross-party group of MPs are backing plans which would ensure town halls keep play parks in good order, while housing developers would be required to provide 'high quality, accessible, inclusive' areas for play on new build sites. The amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill is expected to be considered when the legislation returns to the Commons on Monday. Some 49 MPs from the Labour Party, the Greens, and the Liberal Democrats, as well independents, have so far signalled their support for the amendment to the Bill, which would introduce a 'play sufficiency duty' in England. Similar measures already exist in Scotland and Wales, and require councils to regularly assess whether there are enough playgrounds and other play facilities in their areas. The amendment, introduced by Labour MP Tom Hayes, would also 'require new developments to provide high-quality, accessible, inclusive play opportunities which incorporate natural features and are integrated within broader public spaces', and could see councils withhold planning permission if new estates lead to a net loss of play areas. Mr Hayes, the MP for Bournemouth East, told the PA news agency: 'When playgrounds are left to rot, and we have the power to put things right, what message is that sending to families? 'New Clause 82 is a common-sense, no-cost way to protect the play spaces we have today and ensure developments in the future focus on children. 'England must join Scotland and Wales in providing a play sufficiency duty, and my amendment does just that.' In January, the Labour MP led a Westminster Hall debate on playgrounds, where he emphasised the importance of play to children's development and said the Government need to be on the 'side of playing children', as well as the 'side of working people' . The debate was the first of its kind in seven years, he said, and the longest in 17 years, when a national play strategy was introduced by the previous Labour government. Mr Hayes added: 'Children sitting GCSEs this year weren't even alive the last time a government, a Labour government, produced a national play strategy and funded playgrounds. 'Today children end up indoors, glued to screens because they don't have safe play spaces. For families on tight budgets, paying for indoor play isn't an option. 'They're left with bare patches of tarmac where a climbing frame should be, or rusted swing frames that only remind them of what used to be. 'Children growing up in cramped flats rely on playgrounds. My amendment supports their right to play and provides inclusive play areas for children with special educational needs and disabilities, too.'
South Wales Argus
3 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
Playgrounds must be saved to stop children being ‘glued to screens', MPs say
A cross-party group of MPs are backing plans which would ensure town halls keep play parks in good order, while housing developers would be required to provide 'high quality, accessible, inclusive' areas for play on new build sites. The amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill is expected to be considered when the legislation returns to the Commons on Monday. Some 49 MPs from the Labour Party, the Greens, and the Liberal Democrats, as well independents, have so far signalled their support for the amendment to the Bill, which would introduce a 'play sufficiency duty' in England. Similar measures already exist in Scotland and Wales, and require councils to regularly assess whether there are enough playgrounds and other play facilities in their areas. The amendment, introduced by Labour MP Tom Hayes, would also 'require new developments to provide high-quality, accessible, inclusive play opportunities which incorporate natural features and are integrated within broader public spaces', and could see councils withhold planning permission if new estates lead to a net loss of play areas. Mr Hayes, the MP for Bournemouth East, told the PA news agency: 'When playgrounds are left to rot, and we have the power to put things right, what message is that sending to families? 'New Clause 82 is a common-sense, no-cost way to protect the play spaces we have today and ensure developments in the future focus on children. 'England must join Scotland and Wales in providing a play sufficiency duty, and my amendment does just that.' In January, the Labour MP led a Westminster Hall debate on playgrounds, where he emphasised the importance of play to children's development and said the Government need to be on the 'side of playing children', as well as the 'side of working people' . The debate was the first of its kind in seven years, he said, and the longest in 17 years, when a national play strategy was introduced by the previous Labour government. Labour MP Tom Hayes, speaking during a Westminster Hall debate in January, where he urged the Government to consider the importance of playgrounds to children's development (Parliament TV/ Houses of Parliament) Mr Hayes added: 'Children sitting GCSEs this year weren't even alive the last time a government, a Labour government, produced a national play strategy and funded playgrounds. 'Today children end up indoors, glued to screens because they don't have safe play spaces. For families on tight budgets, paying for indoor play isn't an option. 'They're left with bare patches of tarmac where a climbing frame should be, or rusted swing frames that only remind them of what used to be. 'Children growing up in cramped flats rely on playgrounds. My amendment supports their right to play and provides inclusive play areas for children with special educational needs and disabilities, too.' The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government was contacted for comment.
