← Back to House of Commons Debates

Sudan Government Support 2025-11-04

04 November 2025

Lead MP

Brian Mathew

Debate Type

Adjournment Debate

Tags

Foreign Affairs
Other Contributors: 9

At a Glance

Brian Mathew raised concerns about sudan government support 2025-11-04 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

How the Debate Unfolded

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

Lead Contributor

Opened the debate
We are in Remembrance Week, when we remember the dead of past wars. Right now in Sudan, a war as murderous and horrible as anything the world has faced is shattering the lives of civilians, of children, of women and of men, in ways we can scarcely countenance. I have secured this debate because what is going on in Sudan cannot continue. The fall of the city of El Fasher, after a brutal 18-month siege, is the latest disaster in what the Foreign Secretary accurately described at the weekend as 'the largest humanitarian crisis in the 21st century.' Over the past week, reports have been coming in of executions, forced expulsions and organised massacres—the evidence of which is literally visible from space. Conditions in El Fasher have been described as apocalyptic. However, this was not unexpected. Tragically, it was very much predicted, with warnings from numerous sources. Descriptions of El Fasher as another Srebrenica are not misplaced, although they are in many ways worse. Humanitarian workers are under threat, and I commend the work being done by groups like Doctors without Borders—MSF—and the International Committee of the Red Cross... The Government need to be bolder, more direct and proactive in their work to support Sudan and the Sudanese people. As UN Security Council penholder on Sudan and lead in the core group on Sudan at the UN Human Rights Council for the protection of civilians, it is our duty to try every possible avenue to push for peace and change.

Government Response

Foreign Affairs
Government Response
I am very grateful to the hon. Member for Melksham and Devizes for securing this debate at such a critical moment for Sudan, which I know will be a matter of concern not only to this House and to his constituents, but to all our constituents across the country. The conflict has left more than 30 million people in need of urgent help in what is the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Supporting Sudan remains a vital and top priority for this Government. We have recently seen advances by the Rapid Support Forces into El Fasher, accompanied by shocking reports of mass murder and rape. Last week, we mobilised £23 million in emergency aid for El Fasher, and on 1 November announced a further £5 million to help get food, clean water and medical supplies to over 100,000 people in north Darfur. Our special representative to Sudan, Richard Crowder, remains in contact with the RSF and its political alliance, Tasis, pressing for restraint and reminding it of its obligations under international law. We are also talking to international partners, calling on those who have influence over the parties to use it to urge restraint and bring them to the table. Our approach to Sudan is based on three pillars: pushing for a permanent ceasefire and supporting a civilian-led transition; securing unimpeded humanitarian access in order to deliver lifesaving aid; protecting civilians and ensuring accountability. We continue to emphasise that external support for warring parties only fuels the conflict, and we urge all actors to press for that vital political solution. The UK remains one of the largest donors to Sudan, with funding to protect funding for the next three years. In April, at the London Sudan conference, we announced £120 million in new funding to reach more than 650,000 people with food, cash, water, sanitation and nutritional support this year.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy

About House of Commons Debates

House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.