Keir Starmer says UK Government ‘pushing’ India on release of Jagtar Singh Johal

Keir Starmer, the Labour Party leader, has affirmed that the UK Government is actively engaging with the authorities in India to secure the release of Jagtar Singh Johal, a man from Dumbarton facing the death penalty in India. The issue was raised by West Dunbartonshire MP Douglas McAllister during Prime Minister’s Questions, urging Starmer to make all efforts to free Johal from prison. Johal was detained in Punjab, northern India, in November 2017 while visiting the country for his wedding. He has been a vocal advocate for Sikh rights in India and has reportedly been subjected to torture, including electric shocks, with the possibility of facing the death penalty on eight charges.

Johal claims that he was coerced into signing a blank confession after suffering torture and was compelled to record a video that was broadcast on Indian television. The seven-year anniversary of his detainment was marked recently, prompting calls for urgent action to secure his release and bring him back to the UK. Starmer assured that the UK Government is dedicated to pressuring India on this critical case, with the Foreign Secretary already raising the issue and committing to continued efforts.

A group of Scottish Labour MPs has also urged the Prime Minister to intervene to ensure Johal’s release, following a meeting with his brother, Gurpreet Johal, along with officials and MPs. Efforts have been made to explore potential solutions for the case, including meetings with Foreign Secretary David Lammy in London. The commitment to securing Johal’s release has been reiterated by Starmer, emphasising the importance of ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the situation.

In summary, Keir Starmer has affirmed the UK Government’s commitment to advocating for Jagtar Singh Johal’s release from prison in India, where he faces the death penalty. The case has garnered significant attention and calls for action to address the human rights issues involved in Johal’s detainment and treatment in India. Efforts are underway to engage with Indian authorities and apply diplomatic pressure to secure Johal’s freedom and bring him back to the UK.