United Kingdom discusses rising tensions between India, Pakistan in Parliament; appeals for de-escalation

British Parliament debates India-Pakistan tensions post-Pahalgam terror attack, urging U.K. to aid de-escalation efforts in the region.

The rising tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and ‘Operation Sindoor’ targeting terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) were debated at length in the British Parliament on Thursday (May 8, 2025) with members across the parties appealing for efforts by the U.K. to aid de-escalation in the region.

India launched Operation Sindoor early hours of May 7, 2025, hitting nine terror targets in PoK and Pakistan's Punjab province in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack that killed 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.

U.K. Foreign Office Minister Hamish Falconer opened the debate in the House of Commons on May 7, 2025 with a statement reiterating Prime Minister Keir Starmer's earlier remarks over the importance of diplomacy and dialogue.

He also expressed concerns related to the very “personal” aspect of the conflict for a large number of British Indians and British Pakistanis in the country. “Our consistent message to both India and Pakistan has been to show restraint. They need to engage in dialogue to find a swift, diplomatic path forward,” said Mr. Falconer.

“The U.K. has a close and unique relationship with both countries. It is heartbreaking to see civilian lives being lost. If this escalates further, nobody wins. We clearly condemned the horrific terrorist attack last month,” he said, referring to the Pahalgam terror attack and said it was the worst such attack for many years in that region.

“Now, we need all sides to focus urgently on the steps needed to restore regional stability and ensure the protection of civilians,” Mr. Falconer said.

He asserted that the U.K. will continue to work closely with international partners in pursuit of “short-term de-escalation and longer-term stability.” “We now need to see calm heads. Britain will continue to play its full part for de-escalation and diplomacy,” he said.