§ Baroness Coxasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will raise with the Government of India the case of Davinder Singh Bhullar, who reportedly has been sentenced to death. [HL2080]
§ The Minister for Trade (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean)We are aware of the case of Davinder Singh Bhullar and share concerns over the use of the death penalty in India. We understand that Mr Bhullar's appeal to the sentence to the Indian Supreme Court is ongoing. We will continue to follow this case closely and are discussing with EU partners what action we can take.
§ Baroness Coxasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will urge the Government of India to abolish the death penalty. [HL2081]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe British Government oppose the death penalty in all circumstances. We and our EU partners have repeatedly made clear to the Indian Government our concerns over the use of the death penalty. EU Troika representatives recently conducted a demarche to the Indian authorities on 23 July 2001 in order to raise the question of Indian capital punishment. We will continue to use every appropriate opportunity to press the Indian Government to abolish the death penalty.