Liberal Democrat MP for Bradford East David Ward has successfully applied for a debate to be held in the House of Commons on the issue of Kashmir and human rights.

David Ward applied to the House of Commons Backbench Business Committee for a debate in the House of Commons with support from David Nuttall MP (Labour) Andrew Stephenson MP (Conservative), in order to discuss a motion on the political and humanitarian situation in Kashmir.

Following a national petition that gained thousands of signatures, David Ward and over 20 MP’s requested a debate on the below motion:

“That this house believes that the ongoing Kashmir dispute is a threat to regional and global

peace; further that the dispute is causing insecurity, instability and human rights violations; and further that the State of Jammu and Kashmir should be given the right to self-determination.”

A date for the debate has yet to be allocated by the Commons Backbench Business Committee but it is hoped that a suitable slot with be available in September or October following the Houses of Parliament’s Summer recess.

David Ward said:

“The issue of Kashmir, its right to self-determination and concerns with human rights in the country has not been debated for some time in the House of Commons, and with the change of Government in India, it seemed that now is the right time for us in Parliament to have a full and frank debate about Kashmir.

“The debate has cross party support with many MP’s giving their support to the holding of the debate. With many local people having families in Kashmir, this is a very live issue for many Bradfordians and I hope that this will act as a spur for further Government action.”

Commenting Raja Najabat Hussain Chairman Jammu Kashmir Self Determination Movement Europe said:

“I would like to thank David Ward for his efforts & support in securing a debate on Kashmir in the House of Commons on behalf of the Kashmiri Nation especially from Bradford Kashmiris who he represents.

“David Ward is a genuine supporter of Human Rights & oppressed people. JKSDMEU will support his future activities on Kashmir in Bradford & in the Parliament. We hope to achieve a constructive Kashmir debate soon.”