In the House of Commons on Thursday (23), British MPs raised concerns about the recent vandalism carried out by pro-Khalistan extremists at the Indian High Commission. The MPs demanded action against the "Khalistani hooligans" responsible for the violence and expressed concerns about the safety of India's diplomatic staff.
Conservative Party MP Bob Blackman called for a parliamentary debate to discuss measures to ban the groups behind the violence, while Opposition Labour Party MP Gareth Thomas asked about the steps being taken to prevent any future incidents of this nature.
Responding to these concerns, Cabinet minister Penny Mordaunt, addressing the Business of the House, reiterated foreign secretary James Cleverly's earlier statement announcing a review of the protection measures around the Indian mission in London.
Mordaunt strongly condemned the vandalism and violent acts, describing them as completely unacceptable and directed towards the High Commission and its staff.
Blackman pointed out that the attack on Sunday (19) was the sixth time in as many years that the Indian High Commission has been attacked in a similar way. "The hooliganism of Khalistani hooligans outside the Indian high commission on Sunday is a disgrace to this country,” he said.
He added, "Khalistani militants are operating across the world; Canada, the US and Australia saw similar attacks over the weekend. We are harbouring Khalistani terrorists in this country right now. Can we have a debate in government time on what action we can take to ensure that these terrorists are held to account and banned in this country."
Meanwhile, the Indian High Commission in London is countering disinformation on social media alleging that the objects hurled during Wednesday's pro-Khalistan demonstration came from India House.
The High Commission clarified that only a small minority of protesters threw water bottles, ink balloons, eggs, and flares at the High Commission, and that nothing was thrown by mission staff at their own people.
The Commission tweeted videos as proof and urged people not to believe the disinformation aimed at disrupting harmony. The UK government has condemned the attacks and pledged to “robustly respond” to incidents of violence.
(With inputs from PTI)
Moglai Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap perform at Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury
BRITISH police said they were considering whether to launch an investigation after performers at Glastonbury Festival made anti-Israel comments during their shows.
"We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon," Avon and Somerset Police, in western England, said on X late on Saturday (28).
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan made anti-Israeli chants in separate shows on the West Holts stage on Saturday. One of the members of Bob Vylan chanted "Death, death, to the IDF" in a reference to the Israel Defense Forces.
"Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation," the police statement said.
The Israeli Embassy in Britain said it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival".
Prime minister Keir Starmer said earlier this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap to appear at Glastonbury.
The band's frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November. He has denied the charge.
A British government minister said it was appalling that the anti-Israel chants had been made at Glastonbury, and that the festival's organisers and the BBC broadcaster - which is showing the event - had questions to answer.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he was also appalled by violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
"I'd also say to the Israeli Embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank," Streeting told Sky News.
"I wish they'd take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously," he said.
(Reuters)