Keir Starmer has said the UK Government is “pushing” India on the release of a Dumbarton man who faces the death penalty in India. West Dunbartonshire MP Douglas McAllister asked during Prime Minister’s Questions if Starmer would do all he could to get Jagtar Singh Johal released from prison.
Johal was arrested in November 2017 in Punjab, northern India, while in the country for his wedding. He had been a campaigner for Sikh rights in India.
Johal is said to have been tortured, including with electric shocks, and faces the death penalty for eight charges in India.
He claims he was forced to sign a blank confession after being tortured and made to record a video which was broadcast on Indian TV.
McAllister asked: “Monday this week marked the seven-year anniversary of my constituent Jagtar Singh Johal’s arbitrary detention in India. Can the Prime Minister assure me that he and his government will do all they can to secure his immediate release and bring him home?”
Starmer replied: “Yes, we’re absolutely committed to pushing the Government of India on this really important case. The Foreign Secretary has raised it and will continue to do so, and we will make sure that we speak to him as we do.”
A group of Scottish Labour MPs had written to the PM earlier this week urging him to act to ensure Jagtar’s release. His brother Gurpreet Johal, has been campaigning for Jagtar’s release.
He met Foreign Secretary David Lammy in London last Wednesday, with West Dumbartonshire MP Douglas McAllister and officials, to discuss potential solutions for the case. He met Scottish Labour MPs in Parliament a day later, where they signed the joint letter.
To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here