British Foreign Minister William Hague and Chancellor of Exchequer George Osborne have announced plans for a statue of Mahatma Gandhi, the inspiration for non-violent civil rights movements around the world, to be installed  in Parliament Square in London.

"A monument in a location of symbolic value for our democracy is a fitting tribute to this great man, which will inspire us all to uphold his ideals and teachings ahead of important anniversaries of key moments in his extraordinary life. Gandhi has a particular connection to London, having studied here like so many of the talented young Indians we welcome today.        

"Our ambition is for the monument to be in place early next year. Once installed, the statue will provide a focal point for commemoration next summer of the 100th anniversary of Gandhi's return to India from South Africa to start the struggle for self-rule, as well as the passing of 70 years since his death in 2018, and the 150th anniversary of his birth in 2019," said William Hague.

The Foreign Minister and Chancellor made the announcement while visiting Gandhi Smriti, the Gandhi Memorial in New Delhi, on the second day of their visit to India (8 July).

The memorial is located on Tees January Marg at Gandhi's home and the site of his death on 30 January, 1948.

Pic: William Hague outside the Gandhi memorial in Delhi