British PM Boris Johnson on Wednesday was asked about the farmers’ protests in India in the House of Commons. To the shock of MP Tanmanjeet Singh who had highlighted the concern, Johnson said the issue as one between India and Pakistan to resolve between themselves.
PM Boris Johnson was asked during Prime Minister’s Question Time by Labour MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi if he could convey anxieties in the UK about images of police action against the protesting farmers to Indian PM Narendra Modi.
UK PM @BorisJohnson says issue of farmer protests is a matter of serious concern between India and Pakistan. ?♂️ pic.twitter.com/TUBCLW4Sww
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) December 9, 2020
Dhesi said: “Many constituents, especially those emanating from Punjab and other parts of India, and I were horrified to see footage of water cannons, teargas, and brute force being used against peacefully protesting farmers.”
“However, it was heart-warming to see those very farmers feeding those forces who had been ordered to beat or suppress them…what indomitable spirit…it takes a special kind of people to do that”.
“So will the prime minister convey to the Indian prime minister our heartfelt anxieties, our hopes for a speedy resolution to the current deadlock, and does he agree that everyone has the fundamental right to peaceful protest”, he asked.
Johnson responded: “Of course, Mr. Speaker, and our views as the honorable gentleman knows well, of course, we have serious concerns about what is happening between India and Pakistan but these are pre-eminently matters for those two governments to settle and I know that he appreciates that point”.
Many were horrified to see water cannon, tear gas and brute force being used against farmers peacefully protesting in India about #FarmersBill2020.
Everyone has the fundamental right to protest peacefully.
But it might help if our PM actually knew what he was talking about! pic.twitter.com/EvqGHMhW0Y
— Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP (@TanDhesi) December 9, 2020
Singh later tweeted: “The world is watching, the issue is a huge one with hundreds of thousands protesting globally (including in London, reported on by BBC) and the usual Boris Johnson bluff and bluster heaps further embarrassment onto our nation. Absolutely clueless! So disappointed with his response…But it might help if our PM actually knew what he was talking about!”
