House of Commons · Urgent Question
24 April 2025 · 17 other contributors
Opened by David Mundell Con Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
David Mundell raised concerns about london sudan conference 2025-04-24 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Will the Minister confirm the details of the London Sudan conference and what specific actions are being taken to address the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Sudan? The urgent question highlights the critical situation in Sudan, including severe food insecurity, mass displacement, and extreme violence, affecting millions of people. It emphasises the need for immediate action to prevent further deterioration and secure a peaceful resolution.
Question
What are the Government doing to encourage a greater role for the African Union in discussions at the United Nations? Additionally, what measures are being taken regarding the involvement of the United Arab Emirates?
Minister reply
The conference was co-hosted with the African Union. While the situation is complex and international efforts continue, there is ongoing diplomatic engagement including direct contact with key actors like the RSF and Sudanese armed forces to support a civilian-led process.
Question
What practical diplomacy are the Foreign Office and the Foreign Secretary doing to help international processes such as Cairo stay on track? Additionally, what is being done to ensure aid delivery actually reaches those in need?
Minister reply
We remain committed to bilateral talks and have been engaging with key participants including Tom Fletcher. We are focused on ensuring open border crossings and humanitarian access throughout Sudan.
Question
What discussions were there regarding the protection of women and girls in Sudan, and what further steps can be taken to ensure their safety?
Minister reply
The UK remains focused on addressing conflict-related sexual violence through international efforts such as UN Security Council briefings. We are committed to protecting women and children who have experienced trauma.
Question
What diplomatic initiatives will be pursued to establish a contact group for the conflict, and how can aid access be assured? Additionally, what steps are being taken to protect women and children from violence?
Minister reply
We will continue bilateral talks and international efforts. We remain committed to addressing gender-based violence and ensuring that British exports are not used in Sudan.
Question
What is happening in Sudan should shock us all, including over 220 cases of child rape since 2024. Can the Minister confirm how much of our aid is being spent on supporting survivors of sexual abuse and violence, and also how we are using our role as penholder on Sudan at the UN to push for action specifically on sexual violence?
Minister reply
I will write to my hon. Friend with a full breakdown on which part of our aid programmes are working with survivors. The Minister for Africa has led efforts at the Security Council, ensuring that the whole international community is focused on atrocities and supporting accountability efforts in Sudan.
Question
Does the Minister agree that this disaster playing out in Sudan is under-reported, and should he take every opportunity to come to the House voluntarily with statements to provide updates on where we are in this awful situation?
Minister reply
I am always happy to come to the House. However, it's important to note that I am not the Minister for Sudan policy; that responsibility lies with the Minister for Africa in the Lords. The Foreign Secretary has shown strong personal commitment to addressing this conflict.
Question
Sudan is the world's biggest humanitarian crisis, with 80% of hospitals in conflict-affected areas not functioning and maternal deaths spiking. Can the Minister say more about how aid will support hospitals in the region?
Minister reply
We are very focused on supporting women and girls in Sudan, working through UN agencies to ensure that necessary aid is in place for hospital functions, survivor support, and protection mechanisms against civilian suffering.
Question
What assessment has been made of the impact of overseas aid cuts to the likelihood of genocide occurring in Chad, which hosts a large number of Sudanese refugees?
Minister reply
Since the conflict began, 3.6 million refugees have fled to neighbouring countries, including Chad. While UK aid to Chad is not centrally at issue, violent displacement from Sudan remains a critical concern for us.
Question
Can the Minister outline what further measures the Government are taking to end deliberate obstruction of food aid by warring parties in Sudan?
Minister reply
The UK condemns serious atrocities being committed against civilians. We have raised awareness, hosted conferences, and engage regularly with both conflicting parties and regional players to ensure humanitarian access is restored.
Question
Could we use our intelligence resources to expose and shame those who are fuelling the conflict through arming antagonists?
Minister reply
We are clear that there should be no external interference in Sudan. We took efforts last week, including holding closed-door sessions, to allow for the frankest exchange of views.
Question
What engagement and support are we providing to the British Sudanese community in the UK who are watching the crisis with horror and sorrow?
Minister reply
The Minister for Africa will be happy to meet with my hon. Friend and his constituents to discuss the issue further, acknowledging the distress felt by those with family ties to Sudan.
Question
Will religious freedom remain a key pillar of UK foreign aid policy, particularly in light of Christian persecution ranking Sudan as one of the worst countries for such freedoms?
Minister reply
Freedom of religious belief remains a priority for the Government. We will continue to focus on this issue through our envoy for freedom of religious belief.
Question
Will the Minister update the House specifically on what assistance is being provided to victims of female genital mutilation in Sudan?
Minister reply
I commit to providing further information in due course regarding which elements of our aid programme are working with survivors.
Question
Will the Minister meet me and the family of Dr Ding Col Dau Ding, a medical practitioner who was shockingly murdered in South Sudan shortly after independence?
Minister reply
I will discuss this case with the Minister for Africa to ensure that the hon. Member gets a proper response.
Question
What steps are being taken to investigate and prevent the transfer of arms to Sudan via third countries who may have been present at the conference?
Minister reply
We were clear in the co-chairs’ statement that we do not want external interference in this conflict. We are taking every step to ensure a diplomatic solution towards civilian rule.
Question
The MP reiterated his concern over the lack of willingness from conflict protagonists to engage in peace talks and asked for more detail on discussions with international allies to coordinate a global response.
Minister reply
The minister acknowledged that the situation is challenging due to the unwillingness of both sides to enter into serious negotiations. However, the government continues to work closely with its partners to build international support and reduce violence in Sudan.
Government Response
The London Sudan conference was co-hosted with key international partners to galvanise coordinated international efforts. It focused on ensuring humanitarian access, protecting civilians, and supporting a Sudanese-led peace process. Although not a pledging conference, over £800 million in support was announced, including an additional £120 million from the UK for 2025-26 to reach 650,000 people with food, nutrition, and emergency assistance. The minister acknowledged ongoing challenges and committed to continued leadership in ending the conflict and securing a civilian-led transition.