Taking fresh impetus from the election of Keir Starmer, the Executive Team of Labour Friends of India (LFIN) met with the new Leader to discuss rebuilding trust with the British Indian community, shared values and promoting UK-India ties.

Keir also pledged to work closely with LFIN to encourage more people from an Indian background to stand for elected positions both in Westminster and local government.

Keir Starmer MP, Leader of the Labour Party, said:

“Britons of Indian origin contribute so much to the UK and to the Labour Party. I’m committed to working closely with Labour Friends of India to rebuild trust with the community. We must not allow issues of the sub-continent to divide communities here. Any constitutional issues in India are a matter for the Indian Parliament, and Kashmir is a bilateral issue for India and Pakistan to resolve peacefully. Labour is an internationalist Party and stands for the defence of human rights everywhere.

“A Labour Government under my leadership will be determined to build even stronger business links with India and to co-operate on the global stage on issues such as climate change. I look forward to meeting the Indian High Commissioner in due course to open a renewed dialogue between the Labour Party and the people of India.”

Rajesh Agrawal, Co-Chair of Labour Friends of India & Deputy Mayor of London for Business, said:

“I congratulate Keir Starmer on his election as Leader. I really welcome his commitment to rebuilding strong links between the Labour Party and the Indian community. This has been a great start and Keir has achieved a lot in the short span of couple of weeks. Labour Friends of India will work closely with him and will continue to promote UK-India ties as well as continuing to raise any issues from the community to the leadership.”