EALING Southall MP Virendra Sharma has submitted a motion to Parliament in protest at the brutal gang rape and murder of a young woman in India.

The Labour MP spoke at a vigil outside the Indian High Commission in London on Monday (January 7), which was attended by more than 500 people including film director Gurinder Chadha OBE and London Assembly member Dr Onkar Sahota.

Mr Sharma submitted his motion to the UK parliament on the same day, and it has already been signed by four MPs. It calls on the House to condemn the "brutal gang rape and murder" of the 23-year-old - whose death has made headlines around the world including in the UK, and asks the Commons to supports calls for greater protection for women across the world.

Virendra Sharma said: "I am disgusted by the views held by anyone who has no less than condemned the barbaric attack against Jyoti Singh Pandey. I feel that Indian women’s oppression is not only because of religious or cultural reasons, but that it emanates from the innately sexist society which disregards and excuses violence against females from birth through to adulthood.

"It is not an isolated case and women are facing violence throughout the world. Women should be able to live without fear and not be thought of as targets as they carry out their daily lives."

He also criticised community and political leaders who may attempt to excuse the crime by suggesting the victim was too blame.

On January 5 Mr Sharma hosted a vigil with the Ealing Labour Party Women outside Southall Town Hall, and another event is planned at the Vishwa Hindu Temple in Lady Margaret Road, Southall, on Sunday January 13, 2-3pm.