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Sudan
24 April 2023
Lead MP
Andrew Mitchell
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
EmploymentForeign Affairs
Other Contributors: 32
At a Glance
Andrew Mitchell raised concerns about sudan 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:
Government Statement
With permission, I am making a statement on behalf of the Government regarding the situation in Sudan. Fierce fighting broke out in Khartoum ten days ago and has spread to other cities, leading to over 427 deaths and more than 3,700 injuries. Before the violence began, approximately 16 million people required humanitarian assistance, a figure expected to increase significantly due to the ongoing conflict. Despite the RSF's ceasefire announcement, it did not hold. The Government evacuated all embassy staff and dependants as part of their duty to protect them, involving over 1,200 personnel from various military units. The minister commended the efforts of international partners in aligning rescue responses and expressed admiration for the crisis centre working 24/7 to coordinate the UK's response. British nationals are advised to stay indoors wherever possible due to dangerous circumstances. Evacuated team members will continue operating from a neighbouring country, maintaining contact with remaining Britons and pushing for a ceasefire. The Prime Minister and other officials have been in continuous contact with allies and regional partners to address evacuation and de-escalation needs. All MPs received a 'Dear colleague' letter addressing frequently asked questions.
Naz Shah
Lab
Burnley
Question
What steps are being taken by the UK Government to ensure that all British nationals currently in Sudan can be brought home safely?
Minister reply
The safety of British nationals is paramount. The Government has evacuated embassy staff and dependants, and continues to support those remaining through communication updates. A clear plan is in place, focusing on safe passage for Britons while maintaining pressure for a ceasefire.
David Linden
Lab
Glasgow East
Question
What assessment has the Foreign Office made of the role that Wagner Group mercenaries have played in this conflict?
Minister reply
The Government is aware of reports regarding Wagner's involvement and continues to assess their actions. We are working with partners to address any security threats they pose, ensuring ongoing support for civilians and stability.
David Lammy
Lab
Tottenham
Question
What assurances can the Government provide that British nationals will be treated humanely by all parties involved in this conflict?
Minister reply
The Government is working tirelessly to ensure the safety and humane treatment of all Britons. We are engaging with all relevant parties, advocating for a ceasefire, and providing updates to those affected.
Lyn Brown
Lab
Question
I thank the Minister for advance sight of his statement and for keeping me informed over the weekend. The shadow Foreign Secretary, my right hon. Friend the Member for Tottenham (Mr Lammy), is returning from Kenya this evening; he continues to discuss developments with African leaders there... (Full Question Provided)
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Lady very much for her comments, particularly about the work of the armed forces. She is entirely right about the bravery with which they executed this operation so well, and about its incredible difficulty. The hon. Lady asked about the British nationals who are trapped in Khartoum and in Sudan more widely, and I can tell her that we are looking at every single possible option for extracting them... (Full Answer Provided)
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
Question
I echo the thanks that have been expressed to the staff from the Foreign Office and the Ministry of Defence who evacuated our diplomats and their families. The central tenet of the contract between British nationals and their Government, or indeed the nation state, is trust, and at this point trust is being stretched: trust that we will evacuate those people and convey them to a place of safety when they are in need... (Full Question Provided)
Minister reply
I thank the Chair of the Select Committee for her comments, and I am grateful to her for thanking the crisis centre, which is working night and day. I can assure her that while the United States made it clear that it was taking its diplomats out in the early operation that both it and we conducted, it has also made it clear that, as things stand, it is not planning to take any of its citizens out... (Full Answer Provided)
Dave Doogan
SNP
Angus and Perthshire Glens
Question
Questions the Government's slow response to evacuating citizens from Sudan, citing other countries' quicker actions. Asks about the cause of this inertia, whether there is a tension between Foreign Office and MOD, and if risk assessments factored in food, water, sanitation, and violence.
Minister reply
States that diplomats were targeted specifically leading to evacuation decision. Highlights danger faced by British embassy staff.
Question
Welcomes the statement and evacuations but emphasises need for extending care to all UK citizens in Sudan, including Rita Abdel-Raman. Suggests using elite forces to create a land corridor to Port Sudan for evacuation.
Minister reply
Acknowledges difficulty of considering safety options but confirms that all possibilities are being evaluated.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Question
Congratulates the armed forces and diplomats, asks about the number of British citizens in Sudan (2000 vs 4000), and requests clear communication channels for MPs to assist their constituents.
Minister reply
Confirms registration numbers are around 2000 with public speculation at 4000. Assures lessons learned from past evacuations and improved communication methods.
Question
Compliments FCDO, MOD, and armed forces for their efforts. Discusses RSF's role in starting violence and its links with Wagner. Questions if food is reaching Khartoum.
Minister reply
Acknowledges difficulties in humanitarian aid due to attacks on workers and lack of food supply to Khartoum.
Brendan O'Hara
SNP
Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Question
Inquires about the status of rumours regarding Royal Navy heading to Port Sudan for evacuation purposes. Asks how Jennifer McLellan's family will be evacuated.
Minister reply
Cannot comment on rumours regarding Royal Navy but advises registration with Foreign Office and daily communication updates.
Question
Questions the decision-making process for evacuating staff vs protecting citizens. Asks for more specific numbers of dual nationals, mono nationals, and those who wish to stay in Sudan.
Minister reply
Clarifies that registered communications are from 2000 people with 400 being mono nationals and 4000 being dual citizens.
Dan Jarvis
Lab
Barnsley North
Question
May I associate myself with the comments made by the Minister and the shadow Minister about the professionalism and bravery of those members of our armed forces who have been involved with this operation? I know from my own time at PJHQ that non-combatant evacuation operations can be particularly complex, so well done to everybody who has been involved. As we have heard from the Minister, the situation on the ground is that 2,000 British nationals are registered with the FCDO, potentially out of a total of 4,000. Given that Sudanese telecommunications are collapsing, can the Minister set out a bit more about what his Department is doing to explore contact with those British nationals who do not have access to either a reliable phone signal or the internet?
Minister reply
First, I thank the hon. and gallant Gentleman for his comments, which come from very considerable experience. When I say that the published figure for dual nationals is 4,000, we may be talking about more or less than that—I am only giving him the published figure. On how we communicate with people in very difficult circumstances, we are indeed extremely resourceful, but he himself set out the limitations for what is possible. We work within those, but I hope we do so creatively.
Question
I, too, congratulate our armed forces on their success thus far. At a more strategic level, given that the removal of Bashir was key to stemming the threat of Islamist extremism in the region, what conversations has my right hon. Friend had with colleagues in like-minded countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to ensure that whatever the political outcome is in Sudan, it does not rekindle the threat of Islamist extremism, which would have an impact on regional security and, potentially, our own?
Minister reply
My right hon. Friend, the former Defence Secretary, is absolutely right in what he says. There is a real danger of the cross-border spread of terrorism that he describes. He asked me specifically about conversations with the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I can assure him that those conversations go on at all levels of Government, and, indeed, went on over the weekend.
Question
When the Minister came to the House last week, I asked him what reassurance he could give to those Sudanese nationals who are already here in the UK. This morning, I got an email from my constituent, Mohamed, who applied for asylum 16 months ago because he was being persecuted in Sudan. He is still waiting for some kind of decision from the Home Office, so can the Minister speak to his colleagues to offer some reassurance to those who have sought sanctuary here that they will not be returned to a country in conflict?
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Lady for her comment. I do indeed recall what she said last week. I will refer the matter that she has raised to the Home Office, but I can assure her that no one will be sent home to Sudan at the moment.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
Question
May I add my thanks to all those involved in this crisis? Last week, I thought that the Minister rather swerved my question when I asked how much the overseas development assistance budget had been reduced in Sudan, so I looked online and saw that, starting at the beginning of the 2021-22 financial year, it had virtually disappeared. Does the Minister, who was in the same Lobby as me when we voted on 0.7%, continue to believe that spending in these fragile and conflict-afflicted countries is a really powerful way of preventing conflict across the region?
Minister reply
I would never purposefully try to swerve my hon. Friend’s questions. She and I were indeed in the same Lobby, and I just point out to her that collective responsibility, as I have mentioned to the House previously, is not retrospective. In respect of the funding in Sudan, she will know that the one area of the budget where there is a degree of flexibility, even in these straitened times, is in the humanitarian area. Clearly, what is happening in Sudan now will inform the decisions that we make in that respect.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
Question
May I, on behalf of the Democratic Unionists, commend our armed forces for their significant efforts in what is a most challenging and complex situation? I invite the Minister to recognise that it may be a stretch to suggest that having no diplomatic or military footprint in Sudan has no effect on our ability to rescue and evacuate British citizens. Having listened to a Northern Ireland resident last Wednesday who was doing an interview ensconced in his basement with his family in Sudan, highlighting that he was having to siphon water from a tap in his neighbour’s home and had little recourse to food at that point, how do we assure him that he has not just been left alone?
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Member for his comments about the armed forces. As I mentioned in the statement, we do not think that our diplomatic reach is diminished in these circumstances by diplomats being withdrawn. That is because, when they were holed up in great jeopardy in Khartoum, they were not able to operate, and most of the work was being done from the crisis centre in London, and that is the position today. I can tell him that our teams in surrounding states are moving to the point where they can help anyone who comes in across the border, and the diplomatic mission that was resident in Khartoum will be relocating shortly to a neighbouring country.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
According to the Ministry of Defence, the Sudanese armed forces have been reasonably helpful on evacuation issues, but surely the best possible protection for any future evacuation would be under the auspices of the United Nations where blue berets still count for a lot. Can my right hon. Friend assure the House that the Government are in the closest contact with the UN to see whether that extra degree of protection can be obtained for any future extraction operation?
Minister reply
I can assure my right hon. Friend that not only is the role of the UN under constant examination, to be progressed in any way we possibly can, but that, as Britain holds the pen—in the jargon of these things—at the UN on Sudan, we are leading the efforts to ensure that all possible opportunities through the United Nations are pursued.
Question
With a large Sudanese community in Westminster, it is no surprise that I have a number of constituents currently trapped, terrified, in Khartoum. I must tell the Minister that at least one of them says that he has registered but has yet to hear anything from the Foreign Office. I appreciate the difficulties with the internet and I recognise that the Minister might not want to be too specific about what the future communications might be as the hours and days unfold. However, can he tell us whether he will be able to advise MPs such as me, and my constituents, that they will receive guidance on how any future evacuation plans will be communicated to them, so they are not left in this interim period worried that the minute the internet goes down, they are totally abandoned?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady is entirely right about the importance of communication. I hope my second “Dear Colleague” letter will be of assistance to her and her office in handling those extremely difficult cases. On the communications difficulties she cited, which I mentioned in response to other hon. Members, we are looking at all possible ways of delivering guidance. I hope we are extremely creative in working out ways of doing so, but she may rest assured that the full intellect and abilities of the Foreign Office are engaged in exactly that.
Question
There was already a significant humanitarian issue in east Africa, which I know the Government have been working to help to address, but this situation will significantly increase the humanitarian pressures on the region as well as being potentially disastrous for the people of Sudan. Can the Minister set out what resources we already have in east Africa dealing with humanitarian issues, and what ability we have to scale them up to meet the inevitable challenge that will follow this dreadful conflict?
Minister reply
My right hon. Friend is right about the scale of issues that we face in east Africa, with something like 72 million people already in need of substantial help because of them. What is happening in Sudan will make that infinitely worse, not least because there are 16 million people who, before this awful crisis struck, were profoundly food insecure and in need of assistance. We will scale up when there is a ceasefire and we are able to do so, as he will understand. The United Nations agencies, which are extremely good at moving quickly to do that when the opportunity arises, will certainly come into play, with organisations such as the World Food Programme and many others, but he will realise that the indubitable requirement is that there should be a ceasefire so that they can operate on the ground. As I have said, five humanitarian workers have been murdered during the last week.
Richard Foord
Lib Dem
Honiton and Sidmouth
Question
I add my congratulations to those involved in this NEO, or non-combatant evacuation operation, and I would like to pursue the question from the hon. Member for West Worcestershire a little further. The British Government have supported many Governments in developing countries over the years with education in the civil oversight of defence, which includes educating senior military personnel in developing countries as part of our programme of defence diplomacy. Last year, a Liberal Democrat question served to find that no training has been provided by the MOD to counterparts in Sudan since 2020 because it would be regarded as military aid. Does the Minister think that education of the civil oversight of defence is worth categorising separately from military aid in those cases where a partner Government might be considering receiving it?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman makes an interesting case. Of course, through the pooled funding arrangements that we have, often that sort of work with the military can take place. I can tell him why he got that answer about Sudan last year: because all our efforts were bent towards trying to support the peace process and the negotiations that were going on to achieve a return to civilian rule. Sadly, all that is now very much on the back foot. But the aim, if we can get a ceasefire, is that those political negotiations should start so that there can be a civilian Government in Sudan.
Question
The Government advise nationals in difficulties to stay indoors, but what if they run out of food or water, or there is fire in the local area? What advice do they offer then?
Minister reply
My right hon. Friend's point is well taken. The only advice from the Foreign Office remains to remain indoors due to security risks outside, although individuals can make their own decisions given the context on the ground.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Question
How many FCDO staff are responding to the crisis in Sudan and why is the UK slower in helping citizens compared to other countries?
Minister reply
The crisis centre has 200 staff working on shift basis since the start of the crisis a week ago, and the UK was one of the first to initiate any evacuation efforts.
Question
What arrangements are in place for those who have their passports locked up at NGO buildings during an eventual evacuation?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend's point is important. Individuals should contact the Foreign Office team to make a note of this specific issue.
Question
Was the British ambassador in Sudan on leave when the conflict started and if so, who was in charge?
Minister reply
The second most senior person in the embassy—the development director—was present when the crisis began.
James Wild
Con
North West Norfolk
Question
Is Cobra meeting regularly to consider all evacuation options, including risky operations using UK armed forces?
Minister reply
Cobra has met six times so far, with five chaired by the Prime Minister and one at 3:15 am on Saturday.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Question
Can you provide a step-by-step outline of what plans are being made for international relations to achieve a ceasefire or evacuation?
Minister reply
A wide range of options is being pursued with vigour, but more details will be provided as soon as they do not compromise security.
Question
Can those fighting in Sudan ensure safe passage for doctors and others wishing to leave?
Minister reply
Humanitarian law is being breached, but it is clear that they should call a ceasefire and provide safe passage.
Question
What concrete steps are being taken to ensure food and water supplies and get people back home?
Minister reply
We are doing everything possible since the start of this crisis, operating within constraints but ensuring everyone gets home safely.
Tan Dhesi
Lab
Slough
Question
Why was there no senior leadership in Sudan when British nationals needed help and were stranded?
Minister reply
The ambassador was out of the country, but the development director was second most senior person present.
Question
What specific efforts are being made to provide food and water to those staying indoors?
Minister reply
The situation is complex, but all options are explored rapidly to bring help to people caught in jeopardy.
Samantha Dixon
Lab
Chester North and Neston
Question
The Minister has very kindly set out the arrangements in the crisis centre run by the FCDO. It is clear from listening to colleagues across the House that the FCDO and Members of Parliament are going to be inundated with requests for help, so will the Minister consider stepping up and adding further support to the crisis centre? It clearly seems to be needed.
Minister reply
The hon. Lady is right to identify the considerable amount of work that is being done through, and by, the crisis centre. As I mentioned earlier, there are 200 people engaged in that work, working night and day. I assure her unequivocally that if any more people are required, we will provide them.
Shadow Comment
Lyn Brown
Shadow Comment
The shadow Foreign Secretary, my right hon. Friend, has been discussing developments with African leaders in Kenya. Labour party thanks the UK personnel involved in the evacuation mission. Concerns remain for British nationals still trapped in Sudan amid growing violence. The Labour party urges a clear plan to support those at risk and communicate effectively. Partner countries have evacuated significant numbers of their nationals; questions arise about why the UK has not done so similarly. Further details requested on evacuations by partners, embassy staff's completion of shutdown procedures, and coordination for a second phase evacuation. Questions raised regarding lessons learned from Afghanistan withdrawal and assessment of Wagner’s role in supporting RSF. Immediate priority is to give British nationals safe escape options while addressing looming humanitarian crises with international partners.
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