Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Indian counterpart following the decision to grant bail to Jagtar Singh Johal; and what steps he is taking to help ensure that restrictions imposed as conditions of bail do not prevent his return to the United Kingdom and that freedom of religion or belief is protected for Sikh detainees in India.

We welcome the demonstration of due process represented by the granting of bail to Mr Johal, and we remain committed to pushing to the Government of India for faster progress in the remaining cases against him. Consular staff are in contact with Mr Johal and with his family. Bail conditions are a decision for India's courts. The UK Government raises Mr Johal's case at every appropriate opportunity. Most recently the Foreign Secretary raised the case with his Indian counterpart on 24 September at the UN General Assembly. We are firmly committed to promoting and protecting the right to freedom of religion or belief, and in being a strong voice internationally in defence of this fundamental right. This includes promoting and protecting the rights of British Sikhs.