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Murderous, violent act of terrorism: UK MP Priti Patel condemns Pahalgam attack
Patel pressed the British government to stand in solidarity with India and take practical steps in support of counterterrorism efforts.
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Malvika Choudhary - Thu, 01, May 2025
- 14:33 EDT
- 103
Priti Patel / GOV.UK
British Indian MP Priti Patel on May 1 strongly condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, calling it a “murderous, violent” act of terrorism.
Addressing the UK House of Commons, Conservative Party Shadow Foreign Secretary and Member of Parliament for Witham, Patel urged the British government to stand in solidarity with India and take practical steps to support counterterrorism efforts.
Also Read: US leaders express solidarity with India after Pahalgam strike
“My condolences, thoughts and prayers are also with all those affected by this murderous, violent terrorism that has taken place in Pahalgam,” Patel said in the House of Commons. “This was an act of terrorism and we should call it out exactly for what it is. It is part of a long-standing pattern of attacks on civilians, visitors to the region and also minority communities.”
My thoughts continue to be with those affected by the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. We must stand with our Indian friends at this time. In the House of Commons I pressed the UK Government on what they are doing to support the Government of India in response, and how we can work… pic.twitter.com/3ksQ2eUe4Y
— Priti Patel MP (@pritipatel) April 30, 2025
Patel, a former UK Home Secretary, highlighted the strategic depth of India–UK counterterrorism cooperation, referencing the New Delhi Declaration (2002), the Strategic Partnership (2016), and the India–UK 2030 Roadmap. “Security arrangements have been absolutely watertight, which is why we must always be in lockstep with our friends in India,” she said.
Raising pointed questions, Patel asked whether the UK government believed the banned group Lashkar-e-Taiba was responsible and whether there were cross-border links to Pakistan. She also inquired about any specific support provided to India in the aftermath of the attack.
“We know the Prime Minister spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week, but has the UK provided any specific support in response to this terror attack and taken any practical steps to assist our friends in India?” she asked.
Patel also pointed to the timing of the attack, which coincided with a visit by U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his family to India, and questioned whether it was a targeted act. She further raised concerns about potential ties between terrorist groups operating in Kashmir and others threatening global security, including links with Hamas.
Calling for vigilance at home, she urged the UK government to assess the impact of the attack on domestic communities and ensure the protection of the Indian High Commission in London.
“We must stand with our Indian friends at this time,” Patel posted earlier on X (formerly Twitter), reiterating her call for joint efforts to tackle shared terrorist threats.
The attack has significantly escalated tensions between India and Pakistan. India has blamed Pakistan-based terrorist for orchestrating the violence, leading to diplomatic strains, including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and closure of airspace. Pakistan has denied involvement and warned of potential military retaliation.
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