House of Commons · Urgent Question
05 November 2025 · 32 other contributors
Opened by Priti Patel Con Witham
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Priti Patel raised concerns about conflict in sudan 2025-11-05 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 Government’s approach to the worsening conflict in Sudan, including measures to protect civilians and secure a lasting ceasefire? The atrocities of recent days, especially in El Fasher, have caused immense suffering for millions of displaced people. What further actions will be taken?
Question
The atrocities, including those in El Fasher, need a robust international response. Can the Minister confirm actions on accountability, sanctions, and support for civilian groups post-ceasefire? What is the plan to deliver aid amidst shifting territorial control?
Minister reply
We continue leading on accountability through the UN fact-finding mechanism. Sanctions are under consideration targeting key operators. We engage with international partners like the quad and Arab League. Aid delivery in El Fasher faces challenges due to frontline shifts, but we work closely with aid organisations for effective assistance.
Question
As penholder on Sudan at the UN Security Council, what additional measures beyond direct aid can the UK take to focus international efforts on ending the conflict?
Minister reply
We continue to work with partners including the quad to ensure a change in behavior from conflict parties. We demand adherence to international law and call for an end to external support to warring sides.
Question
Can the Minister confirm efforts at the UN to secure a country-wide arms embargo? Does the UK consider UAE a party to conflict, and will it ban arms sales to them if they supply arms to RSF?
Minister reply
We seek adherence by all external parties to not support conflict sides. Reports of British arms misuse are inaccurate; items in question were stopped from export in 2017. UK does not provide any arms used in Sudan’s conflict.
Question
How is the UK leading efforts for international justice to bring perpetrators of violence against women and girls in Sudan to account?
Minister reply
The UK has called for a special session of the UN Human Rights Council to ensure accountability and scrutiny in the conflict.
Question
Given the turmoil in Africa, why is overseas aid being cut when it's needed most? Shouldn’t we consider sending displaced men back with support to rebuild their home countries?
Minister reply
The UK remains committed to its development goals and providing humanitarian assistance. We work internationally to address root causes of migration and conflict.
Question
It is estimated that 11.7 million civilians have been forcibly displaced, of which 840,000 are in Chad with its own issues. What support is being provided to Chad and neighbouring countries housing refugees from Sudan?
Minister reply
We have a programme providing support for refugees in the region. We face significant challenges with resource constraints in places like Chad. I will write to him about details concerning Chad.
Question
The Minister is doing a good job, but we need top-level prime ministerial involvement. The conflict is witnessing wholesale slaughter and ethnic cleansing by the RSF. We need to keep strong records for accountability and demand action at the UN.
Minister reply
I will certainly discuss suggestions with the Africa Minister.
Question
The IPC recently discovered conditions of famine in El Fasher and Kadugli. Does the Minister agree that it is unacceptable to deny access for purposes of famine classification?
Minister reply
Absolutely vital that IPC has the access required to make classifications, which are world standard.
Question
Called for a Lancaster House-style conference for all parties in Sudan's conflict. Given urgency of situation, can Minister please see that suggestions are investigated and discussions opened with regional partners?
Minister reply
I take note of the suggestion. Six months ago we hosted a conference mostly privately due to sensitivities. We will continue to do diplomatically both publicly at UN and behind closed doors.
Question
In previous conflicts, concerted efforts were made for peacekeeping forces but unfortunately not popular today. What can we do now to stop civilians from being killed?
Minister reply
First priority must be a ceasefire; previously there have been peacekeeping forces in Darfur with considerable difficulties when conflict parties are not prepared to hold one.
Question
When will the Government publish their Africa strategy covering north and sub-Saharan Africa?
Minister reply
Ministerial team will continue paying Africa attention; I will revert to him on timetable for publishing the Africa strategy.
Question
Despite it being largest humanitarian catastrophe, world has taken moral holiday. Atrocities in El Fasher were entirely foreseeable; does Minister agree that global leaders should follow UK's example?
Minister reply
Agree with the importance of showing moral resolve, moral courage and leadership to end deadly assault.
Question
Are there no other regional powers that could intervene physically to separate warring parties? Would it not be a recognition of anxiety in the House if Government made regular ministerial statements?
Minister reply
Ministerial team is happy to return regularly, Mr Speaker provides opportunities. I will take comments back to responsible Minister.
Question
Sudan facing worst humanitarian crisis with 150,000 killed in past two years and over 14 million displaced. What measures will Government take to stop murder, rape and torture of innocent civilians?
Minister reply
Aid access is important; we have called for emergency session of UN Human Rights Council, supported fact-finding mission.
Question
British-made military equipment found in conflict zones in Sudan, including Cummins engines. Is it clear that our arms export licensing system is not functioning and needs full review?
Minister reply
It is vital that external weaponry does not flow into Sudan at this time; components of the engine may have been licensed but would not apply for getting them into Sudan now.
Question
What can be done to disrupt the smuggling of gold from Sudan to Syria by the Wagner Group?
Minister reply
We are focused on what Russian support is doing in that part of the world, and it continues to play a deeply malign role. We will continue to bear down on those questions.
Question
Can he update us on what conversations he has had with our counterparts in the UAE about arms sales?
Minister reply
We have looked closely at reports by The Guardian and are still looking at this question of the engine and licensing arrangements. We continue to discuss these issues, including discussions on Friday between the Foreign Secretary and her counterpart.
Question
Does the Minister think it was right for the Government to cut our overseas development aid budget?
Minister reply
I must tell the House that restricted access is the single most significant cause of harm, and that is a result of the actions of the participants in the conflict.
Question
Can he set out what is required next at the UN to try to stop the violence?
Minister reply
We are focused on three particular areas: a fact-finding mission, an emergency session of the Human Rights Council, and discussions with partners on the United Nations Security Council.
Question
What engagement do the Government have with the UAE on all this?
Minister reply
We continue to discuss events in Sudan with all members of the Quad and other countries, including the UAE.
Question
Will he press for the expansion of the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court?
Minister reply
As I understand it, the ICC already has the necessary powers and indeed it has secured a conviction for crimes committed in 2003.
Question
What steps is he taking to change and try some new things to make something happen as a matter of urgency?
Minister reply
We have called for an emergency meeting in the Human Rights Council today, and we are extensively engaged in discussions with all those who can influence.
Question
What support has been given to NGOs working on the ground?
Minister reply
We have provided support specifically to deal with sexual and gender-based violence, which includes sending out a special team under the auspices of UN Women.
Question
What assessment has the Minister made of the UK’s ability to support international aid efforts?
Minister reply
We are trying to focus on areas where we can have the greatest impact, but when the primary issue is humanitarian access and the conduct of the parties, it is right for us in the Chamber to focus on those questions.
Question
In what way is the Minister using the strength of the UK to bring parties together?
Minister reply
We do use our role as penholder at the Security Council but also lead the core group on Sudan at the Human Rights Council.
Question
What steps has the Minister taken to ensure that UN agencies can continue to deliver lifesaving assistance?
Minister reply
We are working closely with international NGOs through the Sudan Humanitarian Fund and other partners.
Question
What can be done to protect Christians and religious minorities from violence and false charges of terrorism?
Minister reply
Freedom of religious belief is absolutely vital in the region, and I have raised these questions in the region over the past few weeks. Obviously, in the wider context that we are discussing, almost everyone is facing very serious risks to their human rights, but I will give Jim Shannon a further update on what we have done in Sudan specifically.
Question
How can the Government ensure that aid is reaching grassroots women’s rights-based organisations and ensuring women’s voices are heard at the UN?
Minister reply
We are focused on ensuring that our aid reaches women and on the issues faced by them in particular, including sexual and gender-based violence. That includes work through both UN Women and mutual aid groups.
Question
Have discussions been held with UN colleagues to ensure that Sudan receives ongoing support for a very long time?
Minister reply
I wish we were in a position to talk about longer-term questions but, as the frontlines continue to move rapidly and the conflict remains in such an active phase, our efforts have been most focused on urgent ceasefire issues.
Question
What are the Government doing to ensure that aid workers and health workers are not targeted and what is being done to tackle rape and sexual violence in conflicts?
Minister reply
It is vital that we seek accountability for barbaric attacks like the one on the maternity hospital in El Fasher. The conduct of the Houthis has been appalling, but some detained UN officials have now safely left Yemen.
Question
What steps are being taken to ensure that humanitarian assistance and medicines reach those who need them most?
Minister reply
The Government will continue to do all we can in the way I have described, especially regarding waterborne diseases like cholera which is now endemic in Sudan.
Government Response
I condemn the shocking violence against civilians in El Fasher and across Sudan. The conflict has created a humanitarian crisis with over 30 million people needing aid, 12 million displaced, famine spreading, and cholera widespread. The UK is using all tools to protect civilians, secure humanitarian aid access, and achieve a ceasefire through international diplomacy, including UN Security Council resolutions and the London-Sudan conference. We have allocated £5 million for emergency aid in El Fasher and provided £120 million this year. Additional sanctions on key operators and support for documenting evidence of crimes are being considered.