HUMAN rights issues in Kashmir will be debated in the House of Commons as a result of efforts by Bradford East MP David Ward.

He applied to the Backbench Business Committee, supported by other MPs, for a debate on the political and humanitarian situation in that region.

His actions were in response to a national petition supported by thousands of people and the motion stated: "That this house believes that the ongoing Kashmir dispute is a threat to regional and global peace; further that the dispute is causing insecurity, instability and human rights violations; and further that the State of Jammu and Kashmir should be given the right to self-determination.”

No date has yet been set for the debate, but it may take place in the autumn.

Mr Ward said: “The issue of Kashmir, its right to self-determination and concerns with human rights in the country has not been debated for some time in the House of Commons, and with the change of Government in India, it seemed that now is the right time for us in Parliament to have a full and frank debate about Kashmir.

“The debate has cross party support with many MP’s giving their support to the holding of the debate. With many local people having families in Kashmir, this is a very live issue for many Bradfordians and I hope that this will act as a spur for further Government action.”