Speaking in a parliamentary event marking Thai Pongal, British MPs and councillors celebrated the contribution of Tamils to life in the UK and renewed their commitment to justice. The event was organised by the British Tamil Forum.

Ed Davey MP

Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Ed Davey, noted in his speech the “amazing contribution” of British Tamils and emphasised the need to bear in mind the continued persecution of Tamils and the lack of self-determination.

Davey also spoke out against the genocide of 2009 and paid tribute to the Canadian government for its imposition of sanctions on Sri Lanka’s former presidents Mahinda and Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Their “appalling behaviour brought hardship to so many” Davey stated.

He concluded reiterating his call for the arrest warrant of Gotabaya and Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Stephen Timms MP

Stephen Timms MP shared Davey’s sentiment stressing the need for an international independent investigation into war crimes.

Timms highlights that thus far there is “not even the beginnings of a credible reconciliation process”

Sarah Jones MP

Sarah Jones MP reiterated her support for Tamils stating, “we stand with you”.

Louise French MP

Louise French MP also noted his appreciation for British Tamils stating that “it is a privilege to represent Tamils”.

Dawn Butler MP

Speaking to British Tamils, Dawn Butler MP noted that she understood the struggle and remembered the protests outside parliament.

“We have to do more politically to resolve the issue […] I am by your side every step of the way” she maintained.

Paul White Councillor

White renewed his call for justice stressing that it is important that we get justice and this must not be forgotten.

Theresa Villiers MP

Speaking during the conference, Villiers detailed how the catastrophic decisions by the Rajapaksa’s led the island into ruin and how it is important to support Tamils in their search for justice.

Catherine West MP, Asia and Pacific Shadow Minster

Speaking to the committee West noted the "terrible pain and suffering" Tamils have been forced to endure and maintained that she continues to stand by the Tamil community.
 

Ben Everittmp and James Grundy MP

Speaking during the conference, MPs Ben Everitt and James Grundy stressed the need for “equal rights for all communities” on the island.

Lord Mann, peer in the House of Lords

Lord Mann spoke on his engagement with the late Bishop of Mannar and noted how they had to meet in secrecy.

“It says an awful lot about the collapsing regime in Sri Lankaand how they have treated the Tamil people” he noted.

Sharmila Varatharajah, Councillor

In her statement, Varatharajah, highlighted that British Tamils are “productive, hardworking and driven”. She further speaks to the persecution and genocide Tamils have faced and urges for Britain, along with America and India, to push for a permanent political solution for Tamils and to impose Magnitsky style sanctions on Sri Lankan war criminals.