British minister lauds Modi's demonetisation decision (Special to IANS)

Priti Patel, Secretary for International Development, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his "bold initiative to tame black money and corruption in India."

Patel, the former Indian Diaspora Champion under prime minister David Cameron, told this correspondent that the move was "a right step to tackle the root causes of corruption."

She said "too much black money was circulating in the world which funds terrorism and illegal trade," adding that Prime Minister Modi should be commended for giving "a strong message to the whole world that the era of illegal deals and trade is over."

Patel, the UK's most influential British Indian politician, said she was quite happy with the Brexit outcome despite the rise in racist attacks on British Asian communities. Indian-origin parliamentarians like Lord Karan Bilimoria are campaigning to stem racially aggravated attacks.

"I don't subscribe the allegations of Lord Bilimoria," said Patel "This country is harmonious and tolerant. British people voted for Brexit and we are committed to deliver that."

Patel had campaigned in favour of Brexit.

(Anasudhin Azeez is the editor of London-based Asian Lite daily. He can be contacted at md@asianlite.com)

--IANS

Azeez/hs/bg