Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has stated that the UK government takes the "unacceptable" acts of violence by pro-Khalistan protesters at the Indian High Commission seriously and will conduct a review of the security.
He assured that the government will respond "robustly" to such incidents.
On Wednesday (22), around 2,000 protesters carrying Khalistan flags gathered at the Indian mission for a planned demonstration, despite heightened security presence and barricades, and proceeded to hurl objects and chant slogans.
In contrast to the violent disorder that occurred on Sunday (19) when the India House was attacked, the protesters were kept barricaded across the road while uniformed officers stood guard and patrolled the area throughout.
The protesters, which included turbaned men, women, and children, were brought in from various parts of the UK and chanted pro-Khalistan slogans.
Cleverly issued a statement on Wednesday (22) stating that the British government is working with the Metropolitan Police to make the necessary changes to ensure the safety of the mission's staff.
As an example of the action already taken, the minister cited the heightened security measures in place at India House during a planned demonstration on Wednesday. This included several police officers guarding the building, mounted officers patrolling the area on horseback, and helicopter surveillance.
“Acts of violence towards staff at the Indian High Commission in London are unacceptable and I have made our position clear to the High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami,” Cleverly said.
Cleverly stated that the police investigation is ongoing and the government is in close contact with the Indian High Commission in London and the Indian government in New Delhi.
Cleverly also expressed that the India-UK relationship is thriving and that they want to build deeper ties between the two countries for the future.
The British government's statement came after the Indian government protested against the lack of security measures at its mission in London.
(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)