Three Indian-origin MPs have joined 20 others from Commonwealth backgrounds to issue an open letter today calling for the UK to leave the European Union (EU) in the June 23 referendum, claiming that Brexit would allow better India-UK trade deals.
UK employment minister and British Prime Minister David Cameron's Indian Diaspora Champion Priti Patel, Rishi Sunak, the UK-based son-in-law of Infosys chief Narayana Murthy and Suella Fernandes have all signed the letter.
They claimed that Brexit would allow better India-UK trade deals.
"Britain's trade policy is controlled by the EU. That means we are unable to sign bilateral free trade agreements with countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Australia, New Zealand or for that matter any other non-EU state. Commonwealth countries like India have been in talks with the EU about doing a trade deal since 2007 - to no avail," the letter reads.
It adds: "As well as damaging our economy, membership of the EU has left Britain vulnerable to the pressures of mass uncontrolled levels of immigration from Europe. The pressures this causes means that we have to turn away qualified doctors, teachers, and entrepreneurs from non-EU countries who would make a positive contribution to this country.
"The ancestors of many people we represent fought alongside the British in two world wars, but are now forced to stand aside in favour of people with no connection to the United Kingdom. This is unfair."
The opposing camp, favouring Britain's membership of the EU, has dismissed claims of better India-UK ties in the event of Brexit.
UK foreign office minister in charge of India, Hugo Swire, reiterated in his statement today that Britain would be "stronger, safer, and better-off staying in a reformed EU, benefiting everyone in the UK, including India and other Commonwealth citizens living here".
"We help secure huge amounts of EU development funding for both these countries and many others like South Africa, Sri Lanka and Nigeria. And we continue to push the EU for free trade deal with many Commonwealth countries like Australia and India," he said.
Making a direct appeal to Indian-origin voters, he added: "Many of you have spent years living, working and contributing to the UK. And most of you still have deep ties with India; whether through family, property, or returning to live there again one day.
"So the outcome of this referendum will affect not only your life, but your loved ones back in India for decades to come.
"Whatever side you come down on, the most important thing is that you have your say. Don't miss the opportunity to vote in this historic moment."
British government officials will be entering a four-week so-called "purdah" period from Friday, which prevents any official activity that could be perceived as an attempt to sway the outcome of the June 23 vote.
It means civil servants will no longer be able to publish reportsin the run-up to referendum day under Electoral Commission rules.
