London, 3 April 2025. A group of British MPs has formally requested a parliamentary inquiry into the Air India disaster that claimed 158 lives last month, following sustained pressure from victims’ families who allege systemic failures in the official investigation. The cross-party motion, tabled by Labour MP David Lammy and co-signed by 47 colleagues, calls for full disclosure of cockpit voice recorder transcripts and independent oversight of the probe by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Relatives of the deceased, many of whom are British citizens of Indian origin, have accused Indian authorities of a lack of transparency. They point to conflicting reports about the aircraft’s maintenance history and the crew’s final communications. The UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch has yet to comment.
Downing Street has said it is monitoring the situation but emphasised that primary jurisdiction lies with India. The Indian High Commission in London declined to respond to specific allegations, stating only that its investigation is thorough and will be published in due course. Critics argue that the six-week delay in releasing basic data undermines confidence.
The crash, which occurred during a heavy monsoon storm in Mumbai, is the deadliest in Air India’s history since 1978. The debate in Westminster is scheduled for next Tuesday.
