Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Conflict in Sudan: El Fasher

16 May 2024 · 12 other contributors

Opened by Anne-Marie Trevelyan Con Darlington

Foreign Affairs

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Anne-Marie Trevelyan raised concerns about conflict in sudan: el fasher in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • UK published a statement expressing grave concern over violence in El Fasher
  • UK led negotiations at the UN Security Council to urge de-escalation and compliance with international humanitarian law
  • Deputy Foreign Secretary called for protection of civilians from wilful destruction

How the debate unfolded

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

Government Statement

Anne-Marie Trevelyan

Yesterday, the UK published a statement expressing grave concern over violence in El Fasher. In April, the UK led negotiations at the United Nations Security Council to urge de-escalation and compliance with international humanitarian law. On May 2nd, the Deputy Foreign Secretary called for protection of civilians from 'wilful destruction.' The government is pursuing diplomatic avenues for a permanent ceasefire and calls on regional actors to positively engage in peace talks. Sanctions were announced against three entities linked to warring parties on April 15th. Support continues for the Centre for Information Resilience, which documents atrocities. Efforts are ongoing to ensure Sudanese civilians' voices are heard, including support for the Taqaddum coalition.

Other contributors (12)
  • Lyn Brown Lab West Ham

    Question

    More than a million civilians face massacre in El Fasher; need international partners with influence over RSF to act now, stop mass atrocities. Every state must recognise Sudan's ongoing collapse is against its best interests. The US has set a red line for an offensive on El Fasher and promises 'direct consequences.' How will the government back this position?

    Minister reply

    Thanked the hon. Lady for her questions; UK led negotiations at UN Security Council in April, delivered a press statement urging de-escalation and compliance with international humanitarian law. On May 2nd, called on RSF and SAF to protect civilians from 'wilful destruction.' Working closely with countries and bodies like Gulf partners, Intergovernmental Authority on Development, African Union and the UN for ceasefire. Increased humanitarian assistance and access to protect civilians.

  • Allan Dorans SNP Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath

    Question

    The UK Government must accept that what is happening in Sudan is genocide; delivered aid but how are they reacting to the growing number of Sudanese civilians facing famine and starvation?

    Minister reply

    Provided £42.6 million in humanitarian funding in the past financial year, including £12.2 million for UNICEF for life-saving nutrition activities and approximately £23.5 million for the Sudan Humanitarian Fund for a multi-sector response.

  • Ruth Cadbury Lab Brentford and Isleworth

    Question

    UK Government must utilise their position as penholder on Sudan to prevent flow of arms to Rapid Support Forces who continue to flout the UN arms embargo on Darfur.

    Minister reply

    The UK has a long-standing arms embargo for Sudan and continues to use all diplomatic tools at the UN Security Council and with international partners.

  • Andrew Rosindell Con Romford

    Question

    What direct action will His Majesty’s Government take, working with US, UN, AU, etc., to ensure safety of Christians being murdered and forced out of homes?

    Minister reply

    Working closely with NGOs and UN partners on conflict and atrocity prevention; prioritising atrocity monitoring and reporting.

  • Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West

    Question

    The Minister, as Deputy Foreign Secretary's representative, can commit to a meeting with the APPG for Africa on important actions that the British Government can take?

    Minister reply

    Will try to ensure Alison Blackburne, UK special envoy for the horn of Africa, Sudan and the Red sea, meets with the APPG.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    Will the Minister outline what further steps the Government can take when vulnerable groups such as the elderly, ill, disabled and civilians are taking to the streets in an attempt to protect their hospitals and themselves against paramilitaries? How can medical aid be provided given that Sudan’s city is on the verge of falling?

    Minister reply

    The hon. Member highlights the challenge of getting relevant humanitarian access into Sudan where it is needed, with Port Sudan being the primary entry point for relief supplies and limited onward distribution.

  • Diana R. Johnson Lab Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham

    Question

    Has the Government raised concerns about Elon Musk potentially shutting down Starlink satellite internet service in Sudan, as warned by nearly 100 humanitarian groups?

    Minister reply

    The Minister commits to raising this issue with Deputy Foreign Secretary regarding communication lines that are vital for relief efforts.

  • John Martin McDonnell Lab Hayes and Harlington

    Question

    What support is being provided to refugees moving from Darfur into Chad, where 500,000-1 million refugees are expected? At the moment, agencies on the ground seem unable to cope.

    Minister reply

    The Deputy Foreign Secretary recently visited the Chad-Sudan border and saw the humanitarian crisis first-hand. The Government is focused on providing support across every part of this situation.

  • Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton

    Question

    Does the Minister agree that the Government's response to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan does not seem robust enough? What mechanisms are being considered to prevent atrocities, especially ethnic cleansing, from spreading further?

    Minister reply

    The situation is indeed appalling. The Government supports gathering evidence for holding those committing atrocities accountable and continues to monitor and respond.

  • Stuart McDonald

    Question

    Given the escalating atrocity in Sudan, were regional efforts last year to deploy a peacekeeping force rebuffed? Is this option still on the table?

    Minister reply

    Decisions regarding deployment of peacekeeping forces will be taken with international partners and discussed at meetings of the UN Security Council.

  • Olivia Blake Lab Sheffield Hallam

    Question

    With thousands of women being killed in Sudan's war, what measures are the Government taking to protect women in El Fasher where they comprise over 70% of internally displaced people?

    Minister reply

    The UK and other international allies have published a statement urging all parties to prevent violence, particularly sexual violence. The Deputy Foreign Secretary is focused on ensuring immediate humanitarian access for women and girls.

Shadow Comment

Lyn Brown

More than a million civilians face massacre in El Fasher. The US has set a red line against an offensive on El Fasher and promises 'direct consequences.' We need more pressure from the government on warring parties to achieve immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access. Support is needed for resistance committees and emergency rooms.

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