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British MP supports India's claim for permanent UN membership

Sandesh Prabhudesai in Panaji

Keith Vaz, a British MP of Goan origin, says India should be given permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council.

“A country like India which has one-sixth of the world's population is justified in becoming a permanent member," said Vaz, who belongs to the ruling Labour party. He was in Panaji with a nine-member delegation from the Commonwealth Association of England.

The British MP also reiterated that the Labour party would end the discrimination against blacks and Asians in England. Towards this end, he said, British Prime Minister Tony Blair proposes to introduce new laws shortly.

"Today, there is a glass partition (in British society) which Asians can’t penetrate," he said.

Vaz's visit is aimed at strengthening trade ties with India. He said his government plans to send delegations to New Delhi to explore the possibilities of joint partnerships, especially in the field of information technology.

"With all schools in the country having access to the Internet, our country is progressing speedily," he said, "The UK can play a major role in this field."

India will be a dominant force before the 21st century and Britain's business with her was certain to increase tremendously, Vaz predicted.

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