UK Leadership on Sudan

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What is the Government's assessment of the impact of Russia’s veto on humanitarian aid delivery in Sudan?

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Can you provide more information on how the additional £113 million will be distributed across different sectors in Sudan?

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What steps are being taken to address human rights abuses, including sexual violence and torture reported in Darfur?

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The shadow minister thanked the minister for her statement, highlighting the humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan with figures indicating that half of its population requires urgent assistance. She urged further details on partnerships with trusted organisations and assurance that aid can be effectively distributed. She also expressed concerns about regional impacts and called for a ceasefire.

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The MP questioned the commitment to involve civil society in debates, noting that 61,000 people have been killed and 11 million displaced since April 2023. She urged assurances of ongoing involvement and leadership.

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The MP thanked the Minister for her statement on Sudan and highlighted concerns about Russia's veto power at the UN Security Council. He asked what actions the Government was taking to protect civilians in Sudan, proposed a UK-wide no-fly zone, questioned bestowing legitimacy on warring groups like the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and sought updates on conversations with US counterparts and representations against the division of Sudan.

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The MP inquired about steps taken to support South Sudan, Chad, and Egypt due to the regional impact of the conflict. She asked about engagement with grassroots groups in South Sudan.

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The MP welcomed the statement on increased focus on Sudan and suggested local groups are more effective for aid delivery. He inquired about UK engagement with the United Arab Emirates.

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The MP questioned if Sudan is a foreign policy priority alongside a humanitarian one and inquired about diplomatic actions against warring parties.

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The MP welcomed the Minister’s statement and support for ending hostilities in Sudan. He asked about actions taken to ensure those responsible for human rights abuses are brought to justice at international courts.

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I commend my right hon. Friend’s statement, as well as the work done by the Foreign Secretary at the United Nations, despite the failure of the resolution. Eleven million displaced people is a staggering number; some 2 million have gone to neighbouring countries and, specifically, 1 million have been displaced to Egypt. The regional and global consequences of that displacement are huge, so how can the UK assist those countries, particularly Egypt, which may also face the prospect of refugees from Gaza?

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I thank the Minister for coming to the Chamber today to make this important statement. Unspeakable atrocities have taken place and are taking place in Sudan, and the humanitarian disaster that has followed is horrific, both in its nature and its scale. In that light, my SNP colleagues and I welcome the additional £113 million in aid that the Minister has promised. However, I must press her on three specific points. First, can the Minister tell us whether the overall aid budget will increase accordingly, or is this simply moving money from one budget heading to another? Secondly, although this aid is welcome, it is insufficient. The Liberal Democrat spokesperson, the hon. Member for Melksham and Devizes (Brian Mathew), called for a no-fly zone; can the Minister say what specific measures and actions she is taking to prevent these atrocities in Sudan, beyond the provision of aid? Finally, only moments ago, the Minister said that she was appalled by Russia’s veto of a Security Council resolution, and that that veto is a disgrace. On that, she is absolutely right, but will she commit to consistent UK leadership in condemning UN Security Council members who veto humanitarian resolutions going forward?

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Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Many members of the Select Committee, myself included, have heard of the role that online disinformation and hatred have played in some of the atrocities in Sudan. What leadership can the UK demonstrate in helping to quell some of this digital fuel on the fire in the war against Sudanese civilians?

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The war in Sudan is plainly appalling. I heard that 14 million people had been displaced, but 11 million is also an appalling figure. As I understand it, this started out as a war between the general in charge of the armed forces and the general in charge of the Rapid Support Forces militia. That makes me think that we need to get upstream of such situations, to try to prevent them happening again. The UK used to be involved in defence engagement: we were delivering courses such as managing defence in a wider security context at the Kofi Annan international peacekeeping training centre, teaching things like democratic oversight and democratic control of the armed forces. Will the Government look again at that training, and see whether we might deliver more such training for military officers and officials in those developing countries that are receptive to it?

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I welcome the statement and the leadership that the UK has shown, particularly in the UN Security Council. When we look at Sudan, the complexities can make us feel as though we cannot act, but it is really important that we do. Having spoken to NGOs on the ground, I know that they continue to push for access. Can we ensure that the UK is pushing the UN on sustainable access on that border, and that it is not time-bound or unnecessarily conditioned?

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I, too, welcome the Minister’s statement on the dire situation in Sudan. Why does the Minister think it has taken us so long to give this conflict due consideration? I would like to push her on what negotiations we are having with our proxy nations that are playing a role in this conflict, with some of which we have excellent relations. Finally, what tangible actions are we taking to get aid into the country and to distribute it to those who most need it?

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I welcome the Minister’s statement on this harrowing humanitarian catastrophe. I especially welcome the fact that the UK is committed to giving an additional £113 million in aid to the people in Sudan. How realistic is it that this aid will actually get to the people still in Sudan? Secondly, given the large number of countries hosting huge numbers of refugees, have they indicated how long they are willing to continue hosting refugees?

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With an estimated 25 million people looking for food and 14 million displaced, Sudan is fast becoming the crisis point of the world. Can we do more to offer safe and secure camps for women and children with access to education and clean water?

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Will the Minister speak specifically about how the Department is engaging with the Sudanese diaspora in the UK and what practical steps are being taken to tackle the cost of remittances?

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Sudan is also a place where minority faiths are persecuted. When we are thinking about distributing aid, will the Government take account of all human rights as well as the need to save lives?

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Does the Minister agree that Russia’s veto of the joint UK-Sierra Leone UN Security Council resolution on protecting civilians is indefensible and will only extend human suffering in Sudan?

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Keeping the Adre crossing open is extremely important. What diplomatic pressure are the Government bringing to bear to ensure that this crossing remains open for longer than three months? Will the Government commit to investing in scaling up production of RUTF ahead of next year’s nutrition for growth summit?