British Conservative MP Bob Blackman spoke out in the House of Commons on Thursday over the "attack" on India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, in London by what he referred to as "Khalistani thugs."
In a Business of the House debate, Backbench Business Committee chairman Blackman condemned the security breach on Wednesday night as a slur on democracy. He called on Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to make a statement to Parliament on Indian visitors' security in the UK.
The debate came after a robust denunciation by the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), whose authorities condemned the attack outside London's Chatham House.
Yesterday afternoon, India's External Affairs Minister, Shri Jaishankar, was attacked on departing a public arena where he spoke to an assembly of Indian citizens in this nation," Blackman said.
“He was attacked by Khalistani thugs. That violates the Geneva Convention, and it appears that the police and security forces failed in their duty to ensure his safety. This is an affront to democracy and to our close friends and allies in India,” he added.
"We should ensure that such things do not happen again. Will the Leader of the House arrange for the Home Secretary or a suitable minister to make a statement on the steps being taken to protect visitors to this nation?" he questioned.
Labour government Leader of the House of Commons Lucy Powell was left outraged by the incident and promised Blackman that there would be a "full response" from the Home Secretary.
"I am deeply sorry to hear about what seems to have been a serious assault on a visitor from the Indian Parliament. Such behavior is unacceptable and not what we wish our visitors to be treated with," Powell stated.
Earlier, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called on the UK to "fulfill its diplomatic obligations" when a protester tried to break security as Jaishankar stepped out of the London venue after a meeting on India's global role. As a response, the MEA also called up UK Chargé d'Affaires Christina Scott to express its serious concerns.
The FCDO reiterated that "any efforts to intimidate, threaten, or disrupt public events are absolutely unacceptable." "The Metropolitan Police responded quickly to deal with the situation, and we continue to be committed to providing security for all diplomatic visitors in line with our international obligations," a spokesperson said.
In the meantime, the Met Police explained that the protester, who had run ahead of Jaishankar's parked car brandishing a flag, was "quickly intercepted by officers and moved aside."
"He did not approach the minister, who was able to depart without incident. No arrests were made," confirmed a police spokesperson.
Jaishankar, who is on a UK and Ireland tour, is to have bilateral talks with Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris in Dublin on Thursday.
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