“I love India … I am a proud child of British Empire” Indian origin UK MP Suella Baverman says at Day 2 of ABP Network’s at ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0

In interaction with Indian Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, Suella counters sharp questions with elan, while Dr. Tharoor points out many Indians would feel more than a tinge of pain at the reality of empire having been essentially denied on hearing that Indian is a proud child of an empire 

“Israel has the right to defend itself as per International law. But those who call for immediate ceasefire are naïve and dangerous,” Suella makes her stand on Israel Hamas war.  

The second day of ABP Network’s flagship event, ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0, commenced with Suella Braverman, Conservative Member of Parliament for Fareham and Former Home Secretary, UK, taking some sharp questions while sharing her views on ‘The World in Ferment Closing Borders, Brutal Wars’. 

Opening the discussion, Suella Braverman, Conservative Member of Parliament for Fareham and Former Home Secretary, UK, “I love India. I am proud to be part of the Global Indian diaspora. I am also a proud child of British Empire.”

Giving a context of the global geopolitics in 2024, Suella remarks, “With over 60 general elections around the world, including India, US, and UK, there is opportunity for democracies like UK and India to collaborate on the world stage.” 

Commenting on India UK trade potential, Suella remarks, “Post BREXIT, UK heralds a great opportunity for UK India trade deal to double-trade worth 86 billion pounds, doubling India’s exports and increasing UK investment in India, particularly in sectors infrastructure, renewable energy, healthcare, education. We hope to secure a mutually beneficial of a UK India trade deal.”  

Sharing about the new espionage laws in UK, Suella said, “UK has overhauled outdated espionage and national security laws. We have made framework more nimble and agile to counter emerging threats from hostile countries like China, Russia, and Iran”

Making hers stance about immigration clear, Suella Braverman, explained, “We are challenged by unprecedented illegal migration. In 2022, we had 45,000 people crossed the English channel illegally. They were leaving a safe country like France, undermining border security. It’s a humanitarian challenge. The British people are frustrated to see that in the southern borders.”

She further added, “We have an enviable track-record of welcoming migrants. We welcomed 500,000 people from Ukraine, Syria, and other nations extending sanctuary to those needy. Last year, net migration into UK was 700,000 that was an increase of 200,000 in 2019 legally. This migration pace is not sustainable considering the resources. Our NHS, school education system are under strain due to rapid increase in population.” 

“The UK Conservative Party is facing a challenging time. But the Labour party winning would be a disaster with regards to economics and national security in UK,” she remarked about the upcoming elections. 

Sharing her perspective about institutional racism, she added, “I don’t believe that Police in UK is institutionally racist, which would otherwise smear a lot of good people.  Black Lives Matter and Left Wing activism” 

“Israel has the right to defend itself as per International law. But those who call for immediate ceasefire are naïve and dangerous.”, Suella Braverman, says talking about Israel and Hamas war, “if Hamas disarms, frees all hostages, and commits to peace, that’s how we get a ceasefire. Israel cannot unilaterally declare ceasefire when faced with an imminent threat by Hamas.   

Braverman’s origins trace back to India, where her parents migrated to the UK in the 1960s. While her mother, originally from Mauritius, had a Hindu Tamil background, her father, hailing from Kenya, is of Goan descent. A Conservative Party leader and legal expert, she entered the UK Parliament in 2015 and is known for her controversial views on an array of subjects. 

The ABP Network’s ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 spotlighting the ‘The People’s Agenda’ brought a confluence of ideas and ideators to a common platform celebrating the country’s people and its plurality. The two-day summit hosted policymakers, cultural ambassadors, industry experts, celebrities, business leaders, economists, and leading luminaries to delve into the fundamental ideas of liberty, justice, equality, and diversity that define India, its society, culture, and politics. The meaningful deliberations on diverse topics had the brightest minds across sectors providing insights about the nation’s trajectory and its journey to become Viksit Bharat.