British MP Priti Patel calls for closer UK-India security cooperation post-Pahalgam terror attack, warns of Pakistan-based groups and questions UK aid oversight.
London | May 8, 2025:
UK Member of Parliament Priti Patel voiced strong support for India’s counter-terror operation, Operation Sindoor, during an address in the House of Commons, following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. She urged the UK government to recognize and respond to the threats posed by Pakistan-based terror groups and to strengthen counter-terror cooperation with India.
“Pahalgam now joins Mumbai and New Delhi as another Indian city scarred by barbaric acts of terror,” said Ms Patel, extending her condolences and solidarity with the victims’ families.
Ms Patel called for a measured de-escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan but firmly stated that India had every right to act in self-defence, highlighting the UK’s long-standing security agreements with India.
Also Read: Loud Explosion Reported in Lahore Day After India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ Strikes
Today in the House of Commons I reiterated my condolences for those impacted by the atrocity that took place in Pahalgam. We must stand with those affected by terrorism. The UK must work with our friends in India to tackle terrorist threats and engage with India, Pakistan and key… pic.twitter.com/8RXezaJHx0
— Priti Patel MP (@pritipatel) May 7, 2025
She reminded the House that Osama bin Laden was found hiding in Pakistan, and that history necessitates robust cooperation against the terror infrastructure nurtured across the border.
Also Read: Centre Calls All-Party Meeting at 11am to Brief Leaders on Operation Sindoor
“Terrorists based in Pakistan not only threaten India but also the West. Lashkar-e-Taiba’s links to global networks like Hamas must not be ignored,” she said, urging the UK government to investigate and clarify any intelligence on this front.
She further pressed the UK government for answers on the following:
- Whether British intelligence had coordinated with India post-Pahalgam attack
- What support or consular assistance was offered to British nationals in India and Pakistan
- Whether UK aid to Pakistan is being closely monitored to avoid misuse
- If any direct engagement between India and Pakistan has taken place to ease tensions
- And whether the UK government has assessed the terror threat landscape inside Pakistan
“The diaspora in Britain has deep ties to both countries. The UK must ensure local tensions don’t spill into community divisions here,” she emphasized.
Ms Patel concluded with a demand for transparency, urging the Foreign Office to clarify who exactly was behind the April 22 attacks and whether any foreign actors were involved.
Meanwhile, India’s Operation Sindoor, launched in retaliation to the Pahalgam massacre, saw precision missile strikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoJK. The Indian Army continues to monitor ceasefire violations and escalation risks closely, as per Defence Ministry sources.
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Priti Patel, UK Parliament, Operation Sindoor, India Pakistan tensions, Pahalgam terror attack, Lashkar-e-Taiba, UK-India relations, British aid to Pakistan, counter-terrorism, House of Commons, Pakistan terror groups, UK intelligence, India defence news, OperationSindoor,