British MP Bob Blackman tabled a cross-party motion marking Jammu and Kashmir Accession Day. It reinforces support for India's sovereignty while highlighting terrorism, diaspora ties and peaceful dialogue.Stock photo used for illustrationLondon,Oct 22, 2026 18:16 ISTA British MP has tabled a parliamentary motion reaffirming India's sovereignty and territorial integrity over Jammu and Kashmir, news agency Press Trust of India reported.Conservative Party MP Bob Blackman tabled the Early Day Motion in the House of Commons last week to mark Jammu and Kashmir Accession Day, observed on October 26.
The motion has been signed by three other MPs from different parties.An Early Day Motion is used by British MPs to draw Parliament's attention to a particular issue. “That this House notes the continued observance on 26 October of Jammu and Kashmir Accession Day by residents of the UK of Jammu and Kashmiri heritage,” the motion states.The motion notes that Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession on October 26, 1947. It “reaffirms the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of India over the State of Jammu and Kashmir” and underlines the importance of strong and constructive relations between the UK and India.
Jammu and Kashmir lost its statehood in 2019 when it was reorganised as a Union Territory, while Ladakh was made a separate Union Territory.According to PTI, the motion expresses sympathy for civilians killed or injured in acts of terror in Jammu and Kashmir, including those in “Pakistan-occupied regions”. It also raises concern over the continued impact of terror incidents that have caused casualties among civilians and security personnel.
The motion “notes with sadness the continued targeted killings of Kashmiri Pandits, who remain vulnerable to acts of terror and intimidation in parts of Jammu and Kashmir” and recognises the significance of October 26 for communities that mark it as the constitutional accession of Jammu and Kashmir to the Indian Union.It also acknowledges the contribution of British Jammu and Kashmiri communities to the UK's cultural, social and civic life. It welcomes peaceful commemorations that promote historical awareness, cultural exchange and civic participation, while calling for “constructive dialogue, community cohesion, and respect for international norms and sovereign boundaries in discussions about Jammu and Kashmir”.The other signatories are Democratic Unionist Party MP Jim Shannon, Labour MP Gill Furniss and Liberal Democrat MP Luke Taylor.
The motion marks Jammu and Kashmir Accession Day, reaffirms India's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and addresses terrorism, community ties and peaceful dialogue.With PTI Inputs- Ends