Westminster Hall Scrutinises Rights and Risks; Status Quo Prevails

High-Level Summary

Westminster Hall hosted a sequence of debates on Kashmir, small‑scale fracking, AI safety, village schools and International Human Rights Day. Members pressed Ministers on policy stances, human rights concerns and next steps, while Ministers largely reiterated established positions with limited new commitments. Several debates concluded with formal resolutions that the House had considered the topic. Across the day, speakers used case examples, cited statutory frameworks and sought clearer Government engagement and oversight.

Detailed Summary

Kashmir: Self‑determination

Imran Hussain urged the UK to back Kashmiri self‑determination under UN resolutions, arguing Kashmir is an international, not bilateral, issue and detailing alleged abuses since India’s 2019 constitutional changes. He said, “only the Kashmiris themselves can determine their own destiny. It is not a matter for India, for Pakistan or for any other country” [ref: a124.0/1], and asked whether the Government supports a UN‑mandated plebiscite and would ensure trade talks with India do not come at the expense of human rights [ref: a125.2/11]. Jeremy Corbyn and others supported a UN‑framed process, while Barry Gardiner argued the 1947 accession and unfulfilled preconditions for a plebiscite complicate the picture, saying Pakistan “was the primary aggressor in the dispute” and that the plebiscite was conditional on withdrawal that “never happened” [ref: a135.0/2, a135.0/3].

The Minister, Hamish Falconer, reaffirmed the longstanding position that “it is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting resolution to the situation, taking into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people” [ref: a139.0/4]. He said the Government is monitoring human rights concerns and “wish to see any remaining restrictions lifted as soon as possible and any remaining political detainees released” [ref: a140.1/1], did not commit to referring the issue back to the UN given disagreement between the parties [ref: a141.1/1], and offered further diaspora engagement while noting the UK “do[es] not advocate a specific mechanism for self‑determination” [ref: a142.2/2]. Outcome: “Resolved, That this House has considered Government support for self‑determination in Kashmir” [ref: a145.1/3, a145.1/5].

Small‑scale fracking ban

Alison Hume called for a comprehensive ban on all forms of fracking, highlighting that “small‑scale hydraulic fracturing” (or “proppant squeeze”) can proceed under the current volume‑based statutory definition, despite the moratorium. She argued the “volume‑based definition has created a legal loophole… to evade the Government’s ban on fracking” [ref: a146.6/4] and cited seismic and environmental risks, noting it is “not yet possible to accurately predict the seismic response to hydraulic fracturing” [ref: a147.2/3]. She asked Ministers to tighten the statutory definition and address existing licences [ref: a147.2/10; a147.2/12–a147.2/13].

Energy Minister Michael Shanks said the Government will legislate to “end new onshore oil and gas licensing in England,” with the moratorium on high‑volume shale fracking continuing to apply [ref: a150.0/5–a150.0/7]. On low‑volume activities, he said policy is “based on evidence” and that “the evidence base is not there at the moment to suggest that low‑volume hydraulic fracturing activities have the same associated risks,” though he would “continue to review new evidence” and the definition [ref: a150.0/8–a150.0/10]. He confirmed existing licences will not be revoked [ref: a150.0/11]. Outcome: No policy change announced; definitions and evidence will be kept under review.

AI safety

Iqbal Mohamed led a wide‑ranging debate on AI’s benefits and risks—spanning healthcare advances, cyber‑attacks, mental health harms, deepfakes and existential concerns—and called for a UK AI Bill and stronger oversight. He cited “the first documented large‑scale cyber‑attack driven almost entirely by AI” [ref: a153.1/8] and urged cross‑party legislation and scrutiny [ref: a156.1/10]. Members raised bias, misinformation, education and chatbot safety.

Responding, the Minister, Kanishka Narayan, set out a twin focus on growth and safety, including backing a “sovereign AI unit, with almost £500 million in investment, to help build and scale AI capabilities on British shores” [ref: a174.0/5], an “AI growth lab” for safe experimentation [ref: a174.0/7], and regulating “at the point of use, where the risk relates” [ref: a174.0/8]. He did not pre‑announce an AI Bill but said the Government will “look at what more can be done to manage the emergent risks of AI chatbots,” urging Ofcom to use existing powers [ref: a176.0/3–a176.0/5]. Outcome: “Resolved… That this House has considered AI safety” [ref: a177.0/7].

Village schools

Manuela Perteghella highlighted the role of village schools in rural communities and concerns over a proposed closure of Great Alne Primary in Warwickshire, citing transport challenges and community impact. She argued that “a quiet admissions year should never be misinterpreted as evidence that a school lacks potential” [ref: a178.2/5] and criticised local policy assumptions on ‘safe’ walking routes and public transport in rural areas [ref: a180.0/2].

Education Minister Georgia Gould noted funding support for small rural schools via the national funding formula and the “sparsity” factor—“primary schools eligible for sparsity funding attract up to £57,400, and all other schools… up to £83,400” [ref: a182.1/1]. On Great Alne, she said it has 21 pupils (20% of capacity) and that the local authority is consulting on potential closure [ref: a182.1/3–a182.1/5]. She emphasised a “presumption against the closure of rural schools” in guidance [ref: a183.2/2] and said the Secretary of State had “responded very strongly against” proposals to extend walking distances in Warwickshire [ref: a183.2/3]. Outcome: No central decision; the Department will work with the council while local consultations proceed.

International Human Rights Day 2025

Markus Campbell‑Savours led a debate marking International Human Rights Day, warning that “Human rights are under attack” [ref: a185.1/4] and urging consistent use of UK tools such as OSJA guidance, targeted sanctions, export controls and support for the ICC [ref: a185.1/9]. He criticised attempts to intimidate the ICC—“ICC officials have been placed under US sanctions” [ref: a185.1/8]—and highlighted abuses across multiple regions.

Minister Chris Elmore reaffirmed support for the ICC—“We support the independence of the ICC… We do not support sanctioning individuals or organisations associated with the court” [ref: a196.2/4]—and set out actions on Sudan, Gaza/West Bank and Ukraine. On Sudan, the UK has provided “£125 million in lifesaving aid this year” and backed investigations [ref: a196.2/14]. On the Middle East, the UK condemned settler violence and funded shelter for civilians in Gaza [ref: a196.2/16]. On Ukraine, the UK supports accountability efforts and is working to address the “abominable” deportation of children [ref: a196.2/17–a196.2/18]. Outcome: “That this House has considered International Human Rights Day 2025” was agreed [ref: a201.1/3–a201.1/4].