In a compelling speech in the UK Parliament on Thursday, Member of Parliament Priti Patel asserted India’s right to take action against terrorism emanating from Pakistan, following the recent Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor.
Patel emphasized the precariousness of the moment and called for de-escalation between India and Pakistan. However, she firmly stated, “We’re also clear that India has the right to take reasonable and proportionate steps to defend itself and to dismantle the vile terrorist infrastructure that has caused death and continues to threaten them.”
Patel also highlighted the threat that Pakistan-based terror groups pose to Western interests, stating, “And we know that terrorists based in Pakistan threaten India and Western interests.”
Expressing her condolences for the victims of the Pahalgam attack, Patel described it as a “barbaric and savage act of violence” where most victims were killed at point-blank range. She drew a parallel between Pahalgam and other Indian cities scarred by terrorism, such as Mumbai and New Delhi.
Patel stressed the importance of the UK’s security cooperation with India, given Pakistan’s history of harboring terrorists, including Osama bin Laden. “It was the country that Osama bin Laden was hiding in. And because of the long history of violence inflicted by terrorists on India, the UK has in place longstanding security cooperation agreements with India,” she reminded the Parliament.
Patel urged the UK government to take a more proactive role in countering global terrorism, calling for collaboration with allies. She questioned the extent of intelligence sharing between the UK and India regarding the recent incidents and sought confirmation of support for India’s investigations.
Patel drew attention to the links between Lashkar-e-Taiba, a prescribed terrorist group with a history of attacks against India, and other global terror networks, including Hamas. “Lashkar-e-Taiba are a prescribed terrorist group who have a clear history of committing acts of terror against India and have reported links to Hamas, including reports that Hamas representatives have met with them earlier this year,” she stated. She asked the UK government to acknowledge these links and confirm its awareness of any cooperation between the two.
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
Patel also raised concerns about UK aid to Pakistan, asking the government to ensure that it does not fall into the wrong hands. She sought assurances that sufficient measures are in place to prevent British aid from being used to support terrorism.
Furthermore, Patel questioned the UK government’s assessment of the perpetrators of the Pahalgam terror attack, asking, “Will the minister now be more forthcoming with the House about the government’s assessment as to who carried out the terror attack in Kashmir, whether they were working with any other malign actors and whether he is working through the security implications for the UK?”
10 FAQs on Priti Patel’s Speech and India-Pakistan Tensions
What was the main focus of Priti Patel’s speech?
Priti Patel’s speech focused on defending India’s right to defend itself against terrorism emanating from Pakistan and urging the UK to acknowledge the threat posed by Pakistan-based terror groups.
What was Patel’s view on Operation Sindoor?
Patel supported India’s Operation Sindoor, stating that India has the right to take reasonable and proportionate steps to defend itself and dismantle terrorist infrastructure.
What was Patel’s reaction to the Pahalgam terror attack?
Patel expressed her condolences for the victims of the Pahalgam attack, describing it as a “barbaric and savage act of violence.”
What is Patel’s view on the UK’s security cooperation with India?
Patel emphasized the importance of the UK’s security cooperation with India, given Pakistan’s history of harboring terrorists.
What did Patel say about Lashkar-e-Taiba?
Patel highlighted Lashkar-e-Taiba’s history of committing acts of terror against India and its reported links to Hamas.
What questions did Patel raise regarding UK aid to Pakistan?
Patel asked the UK government to ensure that British aid to Pakistan does not end up supporting terrorism.
What did Patel request the UK government to do?
Patel urged the UK government to be at the forefront of working with allies to tackle terrorist threats and to be more forthcoming about its assessment of the Pahalgam terror attack perpetrators.
Why did Patel bring up Osama bin Laden?
Patel mentioned that Osama bin Laden was hiding in Pakistan to emphasize Pakistan’s history of harboring terrorists.
What “malign actors” is Patel referring to?
The article does not specify which actors Patel considers “malign”. This would require further clarification from the original source.
What is the significance of Patel’s speech? * Patel’s speech is significant because it reflects the views of a prominent UK MP on the complex issue of terrorism in the India-Pakistan region and the UK’s role in addressing it.