Stephen Pound MP, Chairman of the Labour Friends of India, outlined the group's vision for a third Labour Term in Office at the House of Commons on 25 May 2005. The new proposals include reforming the UN Security Council, real partnerships between Britain and Indian in trade, investment & finance cooperation, support for India on Environment, Climate Change & Science and support for growth infrastructure and security including an "open skies policy" on commercial flight routes and internal services within India.

He said "On this historic occasion, as Labour Friends of India we reaffirm our commitment to strengthen our comprehensive strategic partnership for the benefit of both our peoples and the international community based on universal values of democracy and respect for the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms. Let this third term be used to develop ties based on mutual respect, shared benefit and prosperity for all."

Given below is the full transcript of his speech:

"I begin by thanking you for your support of Labour Friends of India and for the Labour Party during the election. On the whole, the Indian vote held up for the Labour Party, which demonstrates the recognition the community give to us for our work and achievements on key issues like education, economy and health. It was quite clear that you voted for a progressive Britain going forward and not back to the divisive politics associated with Conservative rule.

We believe that this historic victory provides us with an opportunity to put in place changes that are irreversible, which we perhaps have not had since the introduction of the NHS by the Labour Government belonging to that era. However, the key consideration for us is what this third term victory means for international relations and in particular between Britain and India, what is it that we should be seeking to embed that hasn't already happened"

We begin by congratulating both governments on the Joint Declaration signed in 2004 titled "Towards a new and dynamic partnership" and add that we will actively campaign to see the implementation of the proposals as outlined in the document.

In particular we seek to campaign on the following five areas:

REFORM OF THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL

Whilst we recognise that the subject of UN reform is akin to opening up a "Pandora's box", we will continue to pursue the UK government's pledge of campaigning for a seat on the UN Security Council for India (UNSC).

Labour Friends of India will encourage that the playing field is further levelled by campaigning for veto rights for India on the UNSC. Alternatively, the removal of veto powers altogether.

We believe this is fundamentally important as all other scenarios result in "gesture politics". We want real and fundamental change that gives a sixth of this world's humanity that resides in India a real possibility of influencing international relations.

REAL PARTNERSHIPS IN TRADE, INVESTMENT & FINANCE

We are all familiar with the story about our growing trade and investment links with India that is increasingly being reported in the media. Indian companies have made significant investments in Britain in many sectors. Take Tetley Tea owned by Tata, software and call centres by leading edge Indian companies like NIIT, Satyam et al, financial services by ICICI Bank and the number of British companies like P&O, BG, BT et al now taking advantage of India has also increased.

However, after consulting with others, we get a sense that more could be done. Take the example of America, whose companies are investing in significant numbers in India, we surely can't use the excuses normally presented such as red tape, inefficient bureaucracy etc because it follows that the Americans must also experience these problems.

Labour Friends of India seeks to promote India to British companies but in parliamentary terms shall call for an examination into the root causes why Britain's companies are holding back when everyone else seems excited. In addition, we will welcome the formation of a private sector alliance called "The India Group" comprising of India's biggest companies in Europe headed by Sonjoy Chatterjee of ICICI Bank.

ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE & SCIENCE

We have to applaud the role that India has played in the fight against climate change. It's a known fact that the Kyoto protocol would not have been ratified without India's active support.

The consequences of failure to mitigate the effects of climate change, or adapt to them are too great. Stresses on water and biodiversity would have a dire effect on India's ability to lift its poor out of poverty. For this reason, Labour Friends of India hails the degree of cooperation between our two nations but asks for the involvement of civic society and businesses to exchange best practice and the promotion of greener technologies and applied science.

SECURITY

We congratulate the Indian & Pakistani Governments for creating an atmosphere in which both sides can confidently engage in dialogue concerning the future shape of their bilateral relationship. We have seen the strengthening of relations during the recent India - Pakistan cricket series and commend both nations for taking the necessary steps for promoting diplomacy and better ties.

Suffice to say, Labour Friends of India continues to campaign for the dismantling of infrastructure and the halt to state sponsorship of terrorism. 60,000 people have died at the hands of terrorists in Jammu & Kashmir; many thousands displaced and live in dire poverty and squalor in refugee camps waiting for the day when they can return to their own homes.

Given these difficult circumstances and context, we therefore applaud the Indian polity in engaging in the composite dialogue with Pakistan and support the British government's position which recognises that any progress between the two stands the best chance of success when direct communication between the parties exists. In our view, the process of politics and diplomacy and not the killing of innocent lives will in the end bear fruit.

GROWTH INFRASTRUCTURE

Given that we are committed to the growth of the bilateral relationship, it is necessary to identify the blockages that reduce the pace of increasing ties. Labour Friends of India will campaign in this third term to:

1. Encourage the adoption of an "open skies policy". If trade and investment is to grow at a faster pace, the simple fact is that more people will need to visit India and Britain. We welcome the recent increases in air frequencies but believe that an open skies agreement is in order.

2. Almost 500,000 Indian people will visit Britain this year. In 2004, 15,645 student visas were issued in India. Migrants make a overwhelmingly beneficial contribution to the wealth of the UK, accounting for 8% of the population but 10% of the gross domestic product - and are 20% more likely to be self-employed. Without doubt, the UK will continue to welcome economic migration within strict criteria. Visitors, students and migrant workers make a huge contribution to the UK economy. Labour Friends of India will campaign to ensure that any future immigration system is clear and flexible and builds on our existing success in this area.

3. Too much focus is given to the pursuit of wealth. India has a lot to learn from Britain and vice versa. If we are to define our whole relationship in terms of Pounds or Rupees, we will have failed to see the bigger picture. Labour Friends of India is an advocacy group in the UK Parliament, which seeks to promote greater linkages between the peoples of the two nations. In the end any relationship ultimately boils down to people. For this reason, we seek to promote linkage at every level of British society with their counterparts in India. Let primary schools connect through pen-pal schemes, let NGOs and voluntary groups connect and share experiences, let boroughs twin with Indian towns and cities. Through increased interaction we will learn and become confident of each other. This we hope will lead us in becoming a vibrant and engaged society. We call upon the UK & Indian Governments to examine ways in which civic society can play a part in the strengthening of our comprehensive strategic relationship.

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