Did UK ‘divide India into two countries’?

A still from the BBC adaptation of A Suitable Boy
BBC/Lookout Point
22 July 2020
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Like many people I am greatly looking forward to the BBC’s version of A Suitable Boy. The fact that it has Indian actors and an Indian director adds to its appeal.

However, Rachel McGrath’s article about it quotes Nisha Parti, a BBC producer, on the background to the series, saying: “Britain basically divided India into two countries.” This is debatable. I would argue that Britain never wanted to divide India. Mountbatten still pushed for a united India but even he knew it was pointless. Two countries emerged.

The Indians recognised this and remained in the Commonwealth and recognised the King as head of that body. They also signed a defence treaty with Britain.

I can only hope the accurate version of events is reflected in the television series.
Alan Sked, Professor Emeritus of international history, LSE

Editor's reply

Dear Alan

It is impossible to distil the events of Partition into one phrase, like my quote from Nisha, or one letter, as you have tried to. What is undeniable though is that Britain’s exit from India left destruction in its wake. The details of what happened are not something for us to debate — it’s time to listen.

A Suitable Boy does a tremendous job of portraying India’s bid to find its way and I’m hopeful that the series will serve to educate as well as entertain.
Rachel McGrath, Digital TV Editor

Trade Bill is risk to NHS and food

It is very disturbing that the Government is pushing through a Trade Bill which puts at risk both our high standards of food safety, and ownership of our NHS. A dozen brave Tory MPs defied their whip. Given that the majority of people do not want parts of the NHS sold off to US interests, nor to lower our food standards, it is essential that the Government be urged to reverse these policies.
Alan Pavelin​

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