The United Kingdom’s Labor party’s deputy leader, Tom Watson has criticized the elevation of an Indian-origin lawyer, Shami Chakrabarti to the post of UK peerage from the Labor party to the House of Lords.     

While criticizing the timing of the promotion, Watson said, “The timing is not great for the Labour party. I wasn't aware, I wasn't consulted whether Shami was going in. I didn't know that we'd provided citations for this particular round, and I do think it's a mistake.”

Earlier, while sending Chakrabarti into the House of Lords, Labor party leader Jeremy Corbyn, in a statement, said, “Shami Chakrabarti shares Jeremy's ambition for reform of the House of Lords. Her career has been one of public service and human rights advocacy. Her legal and campaigning skills, and the trust that she has gained from many ordinary Britons, will be a considerable asset to the House of Lords. Brexit will put many hard-fought rights at risk, so it is crucial that those equipped with the right skills are given the opportunity to hold this government to account.”

However, party leader Jeremy Corbyn as also criticized by the Watson for nominating Indian-origin lawyer into the House Of Lords to represent the Labor party.

The director of one of UK’s Human Rights organizations, Liberty Shami Chakrabart, 47-year-old said, “I’m honored to accept the challenge and the opportunity to help hold the government to account. This is a dangerous moment for our country and we share vital human rights values that need defending more than ever before in my lifetime.”

Various other political parties also nominated various party members as UK peerage to the House of Lords. The new additions into the House will take its total to 813, making it one of the world’s biggest legislative chambers.

By Prajakt K