Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the political situation in Kashmir; and if he will make a statement.

The UK closely monitors the situation in India-administered Kashmir and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. British High Commission officials in India and Pakistan continue to meet local authorities and others to discuss progress.

The Government of India appointed an interlocutor for Kashmir in October to work with interested parties and individuals in India-administered Kashmir; we understand he has completed two visits to the region. We welcome such efforts to engage in inclusive dialogue.

The long-​standing position of the UK is that it is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting resolution to the situation in Kashmir, taking into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people.