Calls by several MPs that Britain should apologise to Sikhs have been resisted by foreign secretary William Hague on the ground that the advice given by a military adviser before Operation Bluestar did not eventually contribute to loss of life or suffering.
Hague’s statement that UK did advise India on Operation Bluestar was followed by a lengthy debate. Thirty-eight MPs including Indian-origin MPs Virendra Sharma and Seema Malhotra participated in the debate. At least six MPs — John McDonnell, Pat McFadden, Chris Williamson, Barry Gardiner, Mike Gapes and Adrian Bailey — suggested that Britain should apologise to the Sikhs.
In a message to the Sikh community here, PM David Cameron said there was “absolutely no” involvement of British government in Operation Bluestar itself, and added: “Around four months before the events, at the request of the Indian Government, a single UK military officer provided some advice. But critically, this advice was not followed, and it was a one-off.”