Keith Vaz involvement in overseas politics

The request was partially successful.

Dear Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority,

This FOI request was originally sent to the Prime Minister's Office but they do not hold the information and haven't specified who would. I am assuming that as it involves an MPs activities, then you will be best placed to respond. I would be grateful for information on the following:

In February 2012 Keith Vaz, MP for Leicester East, appeared onstage in Goa to assist with electoral campaigning on behalf of the Alemao family who were running for election in the March 2012 Goan polls. This caused upset among many as it was perceived that an overseas politician was involving himself in Indian politics which is not permitted.

Mr Vaz responded to complaints by stating that his visit and campaigning was in a personal rather than an official capacity. However, according to Mr Vaz's own website, his visit during February 2012 was an official one (http://www.keithvazmp.com/keith-visits-i.... It states:

"Keith visited India last week to promote UK-India relations. He was particularly keen to encourage Indian students to study in the UK and strengthen trade relations between the two countries.

Keith met with the family of Anuj Bidve, in Mumbai to hand over donations from the Anuj Bidve Memorial Fund. He also met with a number of Ministers in Delhi, including the Home Minister P. Chidambaram, and discussed ways in which the people of India and the UK can work together. He focused particularly on the way in which India can connect with her British Diaspora.

While in Goa, he took the opportunity to see the diabetes charity he founded, Silver Star, which has a mobile testing unit based in Goa, in action."

Letters of complaint were apparently sent off to the British Prime Minister at Downing Street regarding Mr Vaz's involvement in Indian politics, as well as the British High Commission in New Delhi. However, following my original request, the Prime Minister's Office state they have no record of having received a letter.

Please would you provide the following information:

1. Did IPSA receive a complaint in 2012 regarding Mr Vaz's conduct in India? If so, please would you provide a copy (redacted if necessary)?
2. Did IPSA liaise with the British High Commission in India regarding this matter?
3. Did IPSA investigate this matter and also speak with Mr Vaz? If so, please would you provide a copy of correspondence (redacted if necessary)?
4. Are MPs allowed to involve themselves in overseas political campaigning whilst on official visits in certain countries - particularly ones aimed at 'strengthening relations'?
5. Should any overseas political campaigning be declared in the register of interests?
6. In newspaper reports Valanka Alemao claimed Mr Vaz's visit was paid for by Mr Vaz. Please confirm if any expenses (ie, flights, accommodation) were declared on official expenses?
7. One of those who travelled with Mr Vaz was Mr Daniel Dragusin - recently named as an ambiguous 'assistant' to Mr Vaz - as well as Mr Vaz's family. How many others travelled with Mr Vaz in February 2012, who were they and who paid for their travel and expenses?
8. Who was the British High Commissioner in New Delhi at the time?

Yours faithfully,

Claire Pearce

Dear Claire,

 

Thank you for your email, reference CAS-75802.

 

IPSA was established in May 2010, and responsible for administering and
regulating the system of business costs and expenses provided to MPs, to
assist with their parliamentary functions. As such. I’m afraid IPSA
doesn’t hold any information relating to this trip.

 

The [1]Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards (who is separate from
IPSA, and based within the House of Commons) is responsible for the [2]MP
Code of Conduct and for the [3]Register of Interests, and so may be able
to assist with the information that you are seeking.

 

You can find out information about the British High Commission in India on
their website at the following address:
[4]https://www.gov.uk/government/world/orga....
According to their website, the High Commissioner at the time was [5]Sir
James David Bevan.

 

I hope this assists.

 

Kind regards,

 

Chris Veck

Policy & FOI Adviser

 

Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA)

4th Floor

30 Millbank

London, SW1P 4DU

 

Tel: 020 7811 6400

Email: [6][email address]

[7]www.theipsa.org.uk

Follow us on Twitter: [8]@ipsauk

 

 

 

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