Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Sudan

03 September 2024 · 18 other contributors

Opened by Anneliese Dodds Labour (Co-op) Oxford East

Foreign AffairsWomen & Equalities

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Anneliese Dodds raised concerns about sudan in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The Minister for Women and Equalities welcomed a newly appointed Member of Parliament.
  • She expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Sudan due to ongoing conflict.
  • The Minister highlighted famine conditions and significant starvation casualties in camps.

How the debate unfolded

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

Government Statement

Anneliese Dodds

The Minister for Women and Equalities welcomed the newly appointed Member of Parliament, expressing concern over the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan caused by the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces. She highlighted that famine conditions exist across Sudan with significant casualties due to starvation in internally displaced people camps such as Zamzam. The Minister emphasised the need for unrestricted aid access and condemned the use of starvation as a weapon of war. She welcomed the reopening of Adre border crossing for humanitarian assistance but urged both warring parties to facilitate movement into their controlled areas. The UK has increased its ODA funding to Sudan to £97 million this financial year, with a recent additional pledge of £15 million to support those displaced by violence and refugees in neighbouring countries. The Minister also highlighted the UK's commitment to supporting peace talks but expressed disappointment at the failure of previous attempts.

Other contributors (18)
  • Harriett Baldwin Con West Worcestershire

    Question

    The MP asked about progress on peace talks after unsuccessful attempts last month, UK’s role as a UN penholder, and plans to convene regional players. She also raised concerns about Russia's involvement in fomenting conflicts.

    Minister reply

    The Minister acknowledged the significant displacement crisis in Sudan and praised the efforts of staff from the British embassy operating out of Ethiopia due to safety concerns in Sudan. She highlighted UK’s role as a UN penholder, continuously urging warring parties for peace talks, ensuring civil society voices are heard, and engaging regional actors like African Union to push forward peace initiatives.

  • Dan Carden Lab Liverpool Walton

    Question

    The MP asked about plans to send UK personnel back to Sudan when it is safe, perhaps based in Port Sudan initially.

    Minister reply

    The Minister praised the bravery of embassy staff who were placed under siege at the start of conflict and confirmed their eagerness for a safe return. She stressed the need for ensuring their safety before any decisions are made regarding personnel deployment.

  • Layla Moran Lib Dem Oxford West and Abingdon

    Question

    Congratulates the shadow Minister on securing an urgent question; highlights the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, with over 25 million people suffering from acute food insecurity; asks what extra support the new Government will provide given that the conference raised only half of what is needed. Also asks about actions to prevent arms supply by neighbouring countries and human trafficking.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges the severity of the crisis and has doubled official development assistance contributions, announcing an additional £15 million on 22 August, bringing total aid up to £97 million; urges neighbouring countries not to engage in destabilising activity and condemns conflict-related sexual violence.

  • Sarah Champion Lab Rotherham

    Question

    Highlights the war's impact on women, with reports of rape and sexual abuse. Asks what specifically is being done to protect women from such abuses and gather atrocity prevention data.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges 262 reported rape cases from April to August; condemns atrocities against women and girls within the UN Human Rights Council and Security Council.

  • Gavin Williamson Con Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge

    Question

    Asks about actions taken by the Government to open channels for countries like South Sudan to export goods in order to feed their populations.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges the humanitarian crisis in South Sudan; discusses impact of conflict on oil pipeline and need for economic reform.

  • Jessica Morden Lab Newport East

    Question

    References a community centre event by Newport's Sudanese community, emphasising their concerns about the conflict and famine. Asks for reassurance that international attention will be sustained.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges impact of the conflict on UK-based communities with Sudanese heritage; emphasises commitment to raise profile of crisis.

  • Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

    Question

    Questions why the conflict in Sudan is not receiving more media coverage despite its severe humanitarian toll.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges need for increased awareness; praises committed journalists covering the crisis.

  • Harpreet Uppal Lab Huddersfield

    Question

    Asks about commitment to galvanise international response and hold partners accountable regarding human rights abuses.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges increase in human rights abuses; highlights UK's leadership role at the UN Human Rights Council.

  • Stephen Gethins SNP Arbroath and Broughty Ferry

    Question

    Asks about concrete actions being taken to enforce an arms embargo.

    Minister reply

    Urges warring parties to cease involvement in the conflict; emphasises negative impact on population.

  • Nadia Whittome Lab Nottingham East

    Question

    Asks about steps being taken by the new Government to help those fleeing Sudan to reunite with loved ones and find safety.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges pattern of forced displacement; highlights commitment on ensuring refugees are protected in the region.

  • Liz Saville-Roberts PC Dwyfor Meirionnydd

    Question

    Groups such as the Zaghawa are facing genocide in Sudan. Many young Zaghawan men have fled to Europe and wish to come to the UK due to historical ties. Will the Government look again at allowing safe passage for these individuals?

    Minister reply

    We condemn demonisation of individuals from any background. The situation is worsening with forced recruitment by warring parties, separating fathers from their children and uncles from grandfathers. We focus on human rights for all, including young men, but the critical step is securing a ceasefire in Sudan.

  • Laura Kyrke-Smith Lab Aylesbury

    Question

    Given challenges with international aid delivery to Sudan, what measures are being taken to ensure funding reaches local community-led emergency response teams?

    Minister reply

    We support neutral community responders who face impediments and are targeted. The UK funds the Centre for Information Resilience and the Sudan witness project investigating attacks against civilians and infrastructure.

  • James MacCleary Lib Dem Lewes

    Question

    What efforts are being made to gather evidence of war crimes, breaches of international humanitarian law, and ethnic cleansing in Sudan?

    Minister reply

    The UK supports the Centre for Information Resilience gathering ground-level evidence. Funding is provided for projects investigating attacks against civilians and infrastructure.

  • Gordon McKee Lab Glasgow South

    Question

    Sudan’s civil war impacts seven bordering nations with a combined population of 280 million people. What assessment has the UK Government made regarding the humanitarian crisis in these neighbouring countries?

    Minister reply

    The conflict exacerbates existing crises in South Sudan and other neighbours, leading to significant humanitarian need. We appreciate open borders but recognise the strain on countries like South Sudan with already dire conditions.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    With 10 million displaced people and 25 million suffering from food insecurity in Sudan, how are steps being taken to support religious minorities, particularly Christians, and the vulnerable, ill, women, and children?

    Minister reply

    We raise awareness about human rights abuses, including those affecting religious minorities. The UK will continue efforts politically, diplomatically, economically, and through humanitarian aid.

  • Adam Jogee Lab Newcastle-under-Lyme

    Question

    European nations have colonial ties with this part of Africa like the UK does. What specific conversations has the Minister had with European colleagues to address the crisis?

    Minister reply

    We work multilaterally and bilaterally, discussing issues with counterparts from Norway, Germany, and others within the EU.

  • Alice Macdonald Lab Co-op Norwich North

    Question

    Children are on the frontline of conflict in Sudan. Can the Minister expand on measures being taken to protect children’s rights and provide immediate humanitarian aid?

    Minister reply

    We raise children's rights internationally, having met with children who escaped from Sudan facing dire conditions. We call for adherence to international humanitarian law and a ceasefire.

Shadow Comment

Harriett Baldwin

The Shadow Foreign Secretary urged the Government to focus urgently on resolving the conflict in Sudan, where millions have been displaced and require food aid. She questioned the progress made since last month’s unsuccessful effort to bring warring parties to peace talks and sought clarity on UK’s role as a penholder at the UN Security Council. The MP emphasised the need for convening influential regional players like the African Union, UAE, and Saudi Arabia to counteract Russia's growing influence in fomenting conflicts in the region.

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