Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Sudan and Eastern DRC 2025-01-28

28 January 2025 · 21 other contributors

Opened by David Lammy Lab Foreign Secretary

UkraineForeign Affairs

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

David Lammy raised concerns about sudan and eastern drc 2025-01-28 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Minister makes statement on situation in Sudan and eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Sudan conflict has lasted 21 months with Rapid Support Forces causing civilian casualties and displacement
  • M23 rebel offensive in DRC has seized parts of eastern territory including Goma, leading to humanitarian crisis

How the debate unfolded

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

Government Statement

David Lammy

Today I am making a statement on the situation in Sudan and eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The latest conflict in Sudan has now lasted 21 months, with attacks by the Rapid Support Forces leading to significant civilian casualties and displacement. Attacks such as those on hospitals and refugee camps show callous disregard for international humanitarian law and innocent civilians. In DRC, an M23 rebel offensive has seized parts of eastern territory, including Goma, leading to humanitarian crises due to food insecurity and violence against women and children. The impact of these conflicts includes increased irregular migration to Britain and economic instability in the region. The UK condemns these attacks and is working with African partners on broader UN reform. Doubling aid to Sudan supports 1 million displaced people, while additional funding for DRC aims at humanitarian assistance such as clean water and medical treatment. Diplomatic efforts will focus on securing a ceasefire and facilitating an international commitment to a sustained political process.

Other contributors (21)
  • Priti Patel Con Witham

    Question

    The shadow Foreign Secretary asks for an update on what actions are likely to follow at the UNSC and about recent discussions with other countries that could leverage their influence. She also inquires about the work of Saudi Arabia in the Jeddah process, potential further sanctions, and discussions regarding UN reform and aid programmes.

    Minister reply

    The Foreign Secretary responds by stating that he will continue to press for a ceasefire and accountability for atrocities, considering further actions at the UNSC. He discusses ongoing diplomatic efforts with partners like Saudi Arabia in the Jeddah process and mentions recent calls with US officials to coordinate on sanctions and aid programmes.

  • Laura Kyrke-Smith Lab Aylesbury

    Question

    What measures is the Foreign Secretary taking to ensure both warring parties and their international backers are allowing vital aid to get through?

    Minister reply

    Efforts have been made by regional partners such as Egypt and Chad, but there remain significant obstacles. The US has also tried leading efforts in this regard. Despite these challenges, we must ensure that aid reaches the millions suffering on the ground.

  • Calum Miller LD Bicester and Woodstock

    Question

    Why was £117 million cut from the integrated security fund? Can he explain the impact of Trump's suspension of US aid programmes?

    Minister reply

    The UK aims to eventually meet the 0.7% target for development spend but faces a significant budget shortfall due to the cost of living crisis and inflation. An assessment of changes under the new Administration is ongoing, with an 85-day process advised.

  • Harpreet Uppal Lab Huddersfield

    Question

    How are we supporting organisations on the ground in Sudan to deliver aid?

    Minister reply

    There remains a lively civil society in Sudan with NGOs and aid organisations actively working despite barriers. The World Food Programme has facilitated some deliveries, though challenges persist including hijacked trucks and restricted access.

  • Robert Jenrick MP

    Question

    Did the Foreign Secretary make it clear to the President of Chad that the use of his private airport by foreign powers to arm and assist the RSF is completely unacceptable?

    Minister reply

    My bilateral conversation with the President of Chad was extensive, during which I underlined the UK’s clear position on the conflict, including the action of the parties and the need for regional partners to support a political process to end the bloodshed.

  • Zarah Sultana MP Ind Coventry South

    Question

    Given serious concerns about the UAE’s role in exacerbating conflict and suffering in Sudan, will the Government commit to ending all arms sales to the UAE unless it can be verified that they are no longer supplying the RSF?

    Minister reply

    We hold regular discussions with regional partners including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and African partners about the conflict in Sudan. Any sustainable process for peace requires the support of all those in the region and beyond.

  • Stephen Gethins MP SNP Arbroath and Broughty Ferry

    Question

    Will he review conflict budgets for international NGOs? On genocide accusations, what implications does this have for UK foreign policy? What action is being taken regarding those who facilitated the DRC conflict?

    Minister reply

    We think there is an important role for conflict mediation and we want to work with partners such as Norway on conflicts. We are bringing the UN resolution with Sierra Leone and rallying support globally.

  • Steve Race MP Lab Exeter

    Question

    Can you provide updates on discussions with regional actors? How is aid currently getting in across the Adré border, especially ready-to-use therapeutic food?

    Minister reply

    We are doubling our aid to Sudan and increasing it for Chad. We have been discussing collective action with G7 and Arab Quint to push for improved humanitarian access, protection of civilians, and increased aid.

  • Andrew Murrison MP Con South West Wiltshire

    Question

    What assessment has he made of the effectiveness of the United Nations in Sudan? Would it be better to look at an African solution instead?

    Minister reply

    We are disappointed that Russia continues to block progress in the UN Security Council. However, the fact remains important for a UN presence in Sudan and its agencies working unfettered there.

  • Lauren Sullivan MP Lab Gravesham

    Question

    How is the UK supporting progress in securing humanitarian access to life-saving treatments for infectious diseases such as malaria?

    Minister reply

    We are doing all that we can to support the work against these issues, but aid access in Sudan makes it extremely difficult.

  • Olly Glover MP LD Didcot and Wantage

    Question

    Will he ask for the Prime Minister’s support to ensure that the conflict is on President Trump’s agenda?

    Minister reply

    The US will take a big interest in what is happening because failed countries become havens of jihadist extremist activity that washes back up on our shores.

  • Adam Jogee MP Lab Newcastle-under-Lyme

    Question

    Will he touch on the specific discussions had with the African Union and whether he plans to go to Addis to make the case in person?

    Minister reply

    We are working with the African Union. New leadership is about to take up post, and we will continue to push these issues with it.

  • Lammy

    Question

    The minister's statement about deadly weapons entering the conflict in Sudan. Who is providing those arms and what are their vested interests?

    Minister reply

    I met African ambassadors to discuss these issues, noting that regional powers have different interests including natural resources like gold or port access.

  • Florence Eshalomi Lab/Co-op Vauxhall and Camberwell Green

    Question

    Will the Foreign Secretary commit to standing by the victims in Sudan for as long as it takes to get stability?

    Minister reply

    We must step up. This House has come together this week to remember those massacred in genocide during the Holocaust, and we must call out horrendous acts against humanity now.

  • Carla Denyer Green Bristol Central

    Question

    Does the Foreign Secretary agree that safe and legal routes for Sudanese refugees is a key part of our response?

    Minister reply

    We continue to work upstream. I hope to be in Africa shortly to look at more work upstream.

  • Apsana Begum Ind Poplar and Limehouse

    Question

    What diplomatic efforts is the Government pursuing to ensure accountability and adherence to international law?

    Minister reply

    The UK pursues all diplomatic avenues to press for a permanent ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access, and a sustained peaceful process.

  • Jeremy Corbyn Ind Islington North

    Question

    What can the Secretary of State do to reduce the flow of arms into Sudan?

    Minister reply

    We urge everyone to step back and get to a ceasefire. This cannot go on forever; there has to be a ceasefire now because of the women and children who are suffering.

  • Melanie Ward Lab Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy

    Question

    Can we use our position on the UN Security Council as the lead on protection of civilians to bring together countries to protect healthcare?

    Minister reply

    We cannot live in a world where rules are disregarded. I will take up the call for renewed effort using our position on the UN.

  • Gregory Campbell DUP East Londonderry

    Question

    What detailed talks has he had with other nations outside of Russia and the UN?

    Minister reply

    I have spoken to north African countries, met Sudanese refugees in Egypt, raised these issues in Chad, and talked about the Quint and G7.

  • Alice Macdonald Lab/Co-op Norwich North

    Question

    How will we make this year protect women’s rights in conflict?

    Minister reply

    We cannot go backwards. For all these reasons, I urge parliamentarians to secure debates and raise these issues with colleagues from other parliamentary democracies.

Shadow Comment

Priti Patel

The shadow Foreign Secretary expresses concern over the intensification of fighting in eastern DRC, urging all parties to deliver on commitments through the regional peace process. She highlights previous work done by her party for civilian protection and humanitarian assistance but stresses the need to learn more about root causes and how to bring greater stability and peace to the region. The UK must press warring parties into a ceasefire and hold those responsible accountable, including considering further sanctions and identifying hard-hitting ways to put pressure on leaderships involved in these conflicts.

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