An early-day motion (EDM) to mark the unveiling of a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Parliament Square here was tabled in the House of Commons on Friday by Britain’s longest-serving Indian-origin MP Keith Vaz.
“People from around the world will be reminded of Mahatma Gandhi’s incredible legacy on the 14th March, as one of the most influential political figures of all time,” said the Labour MP and chair of the Commons’ Home Affairs Select Committee.
“The ceremony will be deeply symbolic of the cultural and political bonds shared by the United Kingdom and India, as our increasingly interlinked countries continue to forge a close and deeply important relationship. The strength of this symbolism is demonstrated by the hundreds of generous donors across the U.K. and India, who made this ceremony possible,” he said.
The EDMs allow MPs in Britain to draw attention to an event or cause and register their support by signing individual motions. There is generally no debate held on such a motion.
Mr. Vaz welcomed Finance Minister Arun Jaitley’s visit to the U.K. to be present at the high-profile ceremony to be attended by British Prime Minister David Cameron.
“I am very proud that we will be joined at the ceremony by the Indian Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley. It is marvellous that somebody so senior is coming to unveil the statue,” he said.
Mr. Jaitley is expected to arrive in London late on March 12.
