Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Preventing Future Mass Atrocities Around the World

19 January 2023 · 8 other contributors

Opened by Sarah Champion Lab Rotherham

UkraineForeign Affairs

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Sarah Champion raised concerns about preventing future mass atrocities around the world in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Ms Sarah Champion welcomes the publication of the Government's response to the International Development Committee's inquiry and report on atrocity prevention
  • She acknowledges ongoing atrocities in Ukraine, Bosnia, Syria, Yemen, Ethiopia, China, and Myanmar
  • The statement highlights the UK's potential role as a democracy and major economy in preventing such crimes

How the debate unfolded

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

Government Statement

Sarah Champion

Ms Sarah Champion welcomes the publication of the Government’s response to the International Development Committee’s inquiry and report on atrocity prevention. She acknowledges the ongoing atrocities in Ukraine, Bosnia, Syria, Yemen, Ethiopia, China, and Myanmar. The statement highlights the UK's potential role as a democracy and major economy in preventing such crimes. It commends the establishment of a mass atrocity prevention hub within the Government post-integrated review of 2021 and acknowledges changes driven by her committee’s inquiry. However, she questions the lack of adoption for a national strategy to prevent and respond to mass atrocities. She emphasises the need for cross-Government collaboration, including dedicated budget lines and political leadership from key Ministers to ensure consistency in atrocity prevention efforts.

Other contributors (8)
  • Fiona Bruce

    Question

    Does the hon. Lady agree that adopting the road map outlined in her Committee's report would not only fulfil this recommendation but mean that, when we say ‘never again’ on Holocaust Memorial Day next week, the Government can match their words with concrete action?

    Minister reply

    I fully support the hon. Lady’s comments and highlight the importance of early warning mechanisms to prevent de-escalation of violence.

  • Lyn Brown

    Question

    What could be more important in our foreign policy than working to prevent mass atrocity? The Government's failure to recognise and address uncomfortable truths, like supporting armed groups causing atrocities, undermines their consistency in atrocity prevention efforts.

    Minister reply

    I am appalled by the ongoing atrocities in Congo and support the need for a national strategy that is ‘legal not political’ to address these issues consistently.

  • Iain Duncan Smith Con Chingford and Woodford Green

    Question

    The report is remarkable, commending the hon. Lady for her leadership in addressing issues such as sanctioning architects of abuse in China where genocide may be occurring.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges the issue in Xinjiang and urges the Government to use every tool at their disposal under atrocity prevention.

  • Dave Doogan SNP Angus and Perthshire Glens

    Question

    Discusses the need for early-warning mechanisms against genocide and crimes against humanity, using Bosnia as an example.

    Minister reply

    Congratulates those who have raised these issues and urges the Government to continue diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions.

  • Andrew Mitchell Con Sutton Coldfield

    Question

    Commends the Committee's report and mentions that they have condemned all violence in DRC and Kivu, contributing £500,000 to support peace efforts.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges condemnation of violence but expresses concern for stronger public statements against Rwandan involvement.

  • Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth

    Question

    Welcomes the report and questions if the Government's decision not to accept recommendations for a cross-departmental strategy adequately addresses inflammatory rhetoric from Republika Srpska.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges the current work but calls for international condemnation to prevent further escalation.

  • Navendu Mishra Lab Stockport

    Question

    Asks if preventing mass atrocities is not only a moral imperative but also delivers security benefits for Britain.

    Minister reply

    Agrees, noting that early intervention prevents terrorism and reduces human cost.

Shadow Comment

Fiona Bruce

Fiona Bruce thanks Sarah Champion for her Committee’s report and supports its road map as a fulfillment of the Government's manifesto commitment. She urges the Government to match their words with concrete action on Holocaust Memorial Day next week by adopting the Committee’s recommendations.

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