§ 30. Dr. IddonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on recent disturbances in the Indian state of Gujarat. [54399]
§ Mr. BradshawWe remain very concerned by the communal violence in Gujarat, and especially by recent reports that the scale of the violence was much worse than originally thought. We have been in close and regular contact on this issue with the Government of India, who have strongly condemned the violence in Gujarat, and have given assurances, which we welcome, that they will take action to bring to justice the perpetrators of the attacks.
33. Ms Dad TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on assistance provided to UK citizens affected by the Gujarat riots.[54402]
§ Mr. BradshawWe remained in close contact with the Indian authorities, who were responsible for the safety of British nationals, during the riots.
We immediately impressed upon the Indian authorities the need to protect British nationals, both in the cities and outlying areas. A number of requests made for assistance by British nationals were answered by the authorities, who offered escorts for those stranded.
A 24 hour emergency number was made available at our deputy high commission in Mumbai offering advice and assistance.
Our travel advice was also amended to report on the crisis as it developed.
The deputy high commission maintained and added to their list of all British nationals who had registered with them. This was added to by names supplied from communities in the UK. Our staff in Mumbai did all they could to assist those in difficulty, and to seek information on those reported as missing.