Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Arrest of Sudanese Prime Minister

25 October 2021 · 11 other contributors

Opened by Vicky Ford Con Con

Foreign Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Vicky Ford raised concerns about arrest of sudanese prime minister in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • UK strongly condemns arrest of civilian members of Sudan's transitional Government by the military
  • UK reports of shooting at protesters and calls actions an unacceptable betrayal of democracy
  • Minister urges Sudan's military leadership to release detained politicians including the Prime Minister

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Vicky Ford

The UK strongly condemns the arrest of civilian members of Sudan’s transitional Government by the military and reports of shooting at protesters. The UK has been a consistent advocate for democratic transition since the 2019 revolution, but today's actions represent an unacceptable betrayal of democracy. The Minister was in Khartoum last week and stressed the need to support the civilian-led Government. She urges Sudan’s military leadership to release detained politicians including Prime Minister Hamdok and allow peaceful protests without fear of violence. UK officials are working to establish full details, updated travel advice reflects the unrest. The UK will work with international partners for a public statement later today.

Other contributors (11)
  • Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central

    Question

    The last military coup in Sudan caused severe human rights abuses, the armed forces must not take control. UK met General al-Burhan recently but questions productive discussions and if strategic dialogue meetings are cancelled or assistance planned. Urges military to ensure protestors aren't harmed like before and condemns suspension of investigations into 3 June 2019 massacres.

    Minister reply

    Discussions included support for constitutional arrangements, economic matters, urging respect for the International Criminal Court process and ending port blockades in eastern Sudan. UK supports holding those responsible to account including past crimes and today’s actions.

  • Thomas Tugendhat Con Tonbridge

    Question

    Welcomes Minister's words, situation over which we have little control. Asks about conversations with regional Governments who support Sudanese military, neighbouring states such as Egypt, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Somalia and Somaliland and Saudi Arabia.

    Minister reply

    Working with international partners for a public statement later today, welcomes African Union’s response and will work with all of Sudan's friends to apply pressure. Calling for a briefing at the UN Security Council ensuring highest levels of attention.

  • Stephen Doughty Lab Co-op Cardiff South and Penarth

    Question

    Expresses deep concern over Sudan's military coup, including arrest of Prime Minister Hamdok and impact on civilians. Questions the success of recent meetings with Sudanese officials and asks about immediate action being taken by the UK and international community.

    Minister reply

    Reiterates support for civilian-led government and democratic transition. Acknowledges ongoing humanitarian aid despite coup, including projects such as school food provision through WFP. Emphasises need to reassess financial support in light of recent events.

  • Andrew Mitchell Con Sutton Coldfield

    Question

    Asks if debt relief discussions will be halted until military returns to barracks and a lawful regime is established, proposing consideration of sanctions including Magnitsky sanctions.

    Minister reply

    Agrees with concern. Confirms that the UK used its G7 presidency for an ambitious financing package but now reassesses support in light of coup.

  • Alyn Smith

    Question

    Asks about UK arms exports and military support to Sudan, inquires if current support is being suspended.

    Minister reply

    Reassures that phased defence engagement will be reassessed considering the current situation.

  • Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

    Question

    Inquires about ideological affiliations of coup plotters and their relationship with Sudan’s Islamist movement.

    Minister reply

    Notes communications black-out but emphasises that military leadership must support civilian-led government and democratic transition.

  • Margaret Ferrier

    Question

    Asks if the UK will call for a special UN Human Rights Council session on Sudan’s situation.

    Minister reply

    States that the UK is already calling for a briefing at the UN Security Council to address the situation.

  • Rehman Chishti

    Question

    Raises concerns about impact of coup on religious minorities in Sudan, asks if Minister will work with International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance.

    Minister reply

    Agrees that actions are a setback for freedoms and democracy, emphasising the importance of ensuring people can meet to protest and pray without fear.

  • Hilary Benn Lab Leeds South

    Question

    Welcomes the Minister’s response to the urgent question and expresses hope that no harm will come to those arrested. Asks about the impact of these events on the wider political situation in the region.

    Minister reply

    Agrees with Hilary Benn, stating that those arrested should be immediately released. Emphasises continued work with Sudan’s international friends and African Union to pressure the military to return Sudan to a democratic path.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    Thanks the Minister for her response, expresses concern over violent situations in Sudan and human rights violations against minorities. Asks about steps to ensure additional support and assistance is offered to vulnerable groups.

    Minister reply

    Confirms that peaceful demonstrations were seen on a recent visit to Khartoum and reiterates importance of allowing protests without fear of violence, including for minority groups.

Shadow Comment

Chi Onwurah

The last military coup in Sudan caused severe human rights abuses including war crimes and genocide, the armed forces must not take control. The Minister met General al-Burhan recently but the UK needs to be assertive in supporting democracy. She questions what productive discussions included and if strategic dialogue meetings are cancelled or assistance planned. Urges military to ensure protestors aren't harmed like before and condemns suspension of investigations into 3 June 2019 massacres.

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