British Member of Parliament Bob Blackman has publicly denounced the deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where 26 civilians—mostly tourists—were brutally killed. In an emphatic speech delivered at the House of Commons, the Conservative MP urged the UK government to back India’s counter-terror operations and take concrete action against terrorist infrastructures operating in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Blackman’s statement came amid growing international scrutiny following India’s launch of Operation Sindoor, a precision airstrike campaign targeting nine identified terrorist bases across PoK. The attack in Pahalgam, later claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF)—a shadow outfit of the proscribed terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)—has intensified the global conversation on cross-border terrorism and the safe havens allegedly provided by Pakistan’s intelligence agencies.
Blackman’s Strong Parliamentary Intervention
Speaking at the House of Commons, Blackman called for urgent diplomatic and strategic action. “Following the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, India launched Operation Sindoor: precision air-strikes on nine terrorist bases. As peace talks continue, I asked what steps the Foreign Secretary is taking to ensure the terrorist bases are removed from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir,” Blackman told fellow lawmakers.
He also posted a clip of his address on social media platform X, reaffirming his stance against extremist activities emanating from Pakistani territories and reiterating support for India’s security responses. The remarks triggered renewed calls among some UK parliamentarians for a reassessment of Britain’s diplomatic posture towards Islamabad in light of its alleged complicity or negligence in curbing terror outfits.
UK Government’s Response: Balancing Support and Diplomacy
Responding to Blackman, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the Pahalgam massacre as “horrific,” expressing condolences and a resolute stand against terrorism. Lammy underscored Britain’s commitment to working with both India and Pakistan in combatting the terror threat.
“Let me be clear: the horrendous terrorism that we saw, where 26 nationals were stripped and shot, was horrific. And we condemn it, and we will continue to work with close partners to deal with these terrorist threats,” Lammy stated, indicating an emphasis on long-term diplomatic efforts rather than immediate punitive measures against Pakistan.
Lammy added that sustained engagement with both countries was critical to maintain regional peace and stability, a sentiment that reflects the UK’s traditionally balanced approach in South Asia, despite growing pressure to adopt a more assertive position against state-sponsored militancy.
Context of the Pahalgam Attack
The brutal incident that unfolded in Pahalgam shook the Kashmir Valley and prompted strong reactions globally. Initial reports revealed that the attackers had targeted a group of civilians—primarily non-Muslim tourists—in a carefully planned ambush. Security agencies later confirmed that the operation bore the signature of TRF operatives, indicating a direct nexus with Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Indian intelligence assessments also suggested logistical support from across the Line of Control (LoC), a claim that Indian officials say justifies Operation Sindoor’s targeted airstrikes. The Indian Defence Ministry confirmed that all the terrorist camps targeted during the operation were located in PoK and had active links with LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammed operatives.
This strategic offensive marked one of the most significant cross-border operations since the Balakot airstrikes in 2019 and has rekindled debate over Pakistan’s counter-terror credibility.
UK’s Internal Debate on Pakistan’s Role
Bob Blackman’s consistent advocacy in Parliament for India’s position on Kashmir-related terrorism has placed him among a small but growing faction of UK lawmakers pushing for policy recalibration. In his April 29 speech at the Commons, he characterized the Pahalgam attack as a “coordinated and ideologically driven massacre,” noting that the attackers specifically targeted “either Hindu or Christian” individuals.
Such claims have prompted questions in British political and policy circles about the ideological motivations behind recent attacks and the broader implications for community relations in the UK, where large diaspora populations from both India and Pakistan reside.
Blackman argued that the UK must not turn a blind eye to systematic religious targeting, stating that such actions should be designated as acts of terror under international law without political caveats.
India’s Strategic Response Under Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor, launched shortly after the Pahalgam massacre, involved coordinated air and drone strikes on at least nine known terror hubs, according to Indian military briefings. These strikes, Indian officials claim, were carefully calibrated to avoid civilian casualties while maximizing strategic damage to terrorist logistics and leadership.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has since issued diplomatic communiqués to key global players, including the UK, United States, and European Union, emphasizing the necessity of cross-border operations in the absence of credible action from the Pakistani side.
Indian security analysts believe that the effectiveness of Operation Sindoor lies not only in its tactical execution but also in its symbolic assertion of India’s right to defend its citizens beyond conventional warfare parameters.
Rising Diplomatic Pressure on Pakistan
While Pakistan’s official response to the airstrikes and the international fallout has been one of denial, citing alleged violations of sovereignty, global reactions have been less sympathetic. The United Nations Security Council convened an informal session to review the regional security implications, although no binding resolutions have yet emerged.
Countries like France and Australia have echoed the UK’s condemnation of the Pahalgam attack, with many reiterating their support for India’s counter-terrorism agenda. Nonetheless, direct censure of Pakistan remains diplomatically sensitive, especially within forums where Islamabad has allies like China and Turkey.
Within the UK, however, voices like Blackman’s continue to challenge the long-held policy of parity, arguing that “equidistance in policy only serves to embolden terror sponsors.”
While Blackman’s push for stricter action against Pakistani terror camps resonates with certain quarters, the UK’s broader foreign policy remains entwined with geopolitical, economic, and diaspora considerations. With the Labour government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer aiming to balance Commonwealth relations, trade partnerships, and human rights commitments, a sudden shift in tone is unlikely.
Nevertheless, the increased visibility of Pakistan’s alleged role in cross-border terrorism has nudged policymakers to revisit intelligence-sharing frameworks, counter-terror dialogues, and funding oversight of South Asia-focused NGOs.
The Road Ahead: India-UK Cooperation and Global Implications
As India steps up its security measures in Jammu and Kashmir, and with its airstrike doctrine once again on display, observers believe that international partners like the UK will play a pivotal role—not necessarily through military support, but by reinforcing diplomatic, economic, and intelligence-based deterrence.
Calls from MPs like Blackman signal a growing impatience with perceived inaction and may push the UK government to adopt more stringent counter-terror evaluations, especially regarding aid and developmental cooperation with Pakistan.
For India, such support may be seen as vital validation of its right to self-defence and an international acknowledgment of its long-standing concerns over Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. The aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack has intensified the geopolitical currents across South Asia and extended ripples to global diplomatic centres such as London. Bob Blackman’s sharp criticism and demand for accountability mark a shift in parliamentary discourse around Kashmir and Pakistan’s role in fostering extremism. While the UK government continues to navigate a balanced foreign policy line, increasing political and public pressure could alter its tone in the coming months. For India, these developments reinforce the strategic importance of global solidarity in its ongoing battle against cross-border terrorism.
