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Sudan
17 April 2023
Lead MP
Andrew Mitchell
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
DefenceForeign Affairs
Other Contributors: 22
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
The Minister condemned the violence in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces, expressing concern over civilian casualties and a deteriorating humanitarian situation. He outlined the UK's diplomatic efforts to address the crisis, including calls with international partners and support for mediation by regional bodies such as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. The statement highlighted the urgent need for both sides to de-escalate tensions and return to negotiations leading towards a civilian-led transitional government.
David Lammy
Lab
Tottenham
Question
What is your assessment on the risks that Russia, the Wagner Group, or Eritrea might take advantage of the situation by backing the RSF? Additionally, how will the new UK Integrated Security Fund engage with the conflict in Sudan?
Minister reply
The Minister stated that the UK was actively engaging international partners to ensure stability and prevent any external powers from exploiting the crisis. He emphasised the importance of regional mediation efforts and highlighted that the UKISF would focus on supporting diplomatic initiatives aimed at peace and security.
David Lammy
Lab
Tottenham
Question
Lammy expressed his condolences for the humanitarian workers who have lost their lives. He questioned whether Russia or other regimes may exploit the situation in Sudan, specifically mentioning Darfur and regional instability.
Minister reply
Andrew Mitchell thanked David Lammy for his comments and stated that the UK is closely monitoring responses from other members of the international community regarding Russia and other regimes. Mitchell also mentioned the legacy of atrocities committed in Darfur.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
Question
Kearns inquired about steps being taken to monitor, prevent, and collect evidence of atrocities. She questioned if sanctions would be lifted as planned despite the lack of a power transfer.
Minister reply
Andrew Mitchell assured that there will be no lifting of sanctions at this time due to the ongoing situation. He also confirmed that the UK is committed to collecting evidence and ensuring accountability for any atrocities.
Question
Smith questioned the need for a concrete plan from the UK as penholder to bring parties together in Sudan. He asked about the risk of refugee camps becoming conflict areas.
Minister reply
Andrew Mitchell stated that there are significant risks to those in refugee camps and emphasised the need for de-escalation efforts through IGAD.
Question
Duddridge asked about consideration given to South Sudan, which is unstable due to its reliance on revenue from oil pipelines.
Minister reply
Andrew Mitchell acknowledged the instability and noted that events in Sudan have increased regional instability.
Tan Dhesi
Lab
Slough
Question
Dhesi questioned whether UK aid allocations for Africa would be reversed to support the crisis situation in Sudan.
Minister reply
Andrew Mitchell stated that £250 million has been spent over five years on humanitarian efforts, with £27.7 million spent specifically in 2021-22.
Vicky Ford
Con
Chelmsford
Question
Encourages the Minister to continue working with all regional and international partners to stop violence in Sudan, highlighting the importance of bringing General Bashir to court.
Minister reply
Commits to continuing efforts to ensure there is no impunity for war crimes and will work with the international community.
Layla Moran
Lib Dem
Oxford West and Abingdon
Question
Urges the Minister and Government to explore all possibilities, including an African Union peacekeeping force backed by the Quad, to stop violence in Sudan.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the support and highlights that the situation requires careful consideration with partners.
David Mundell
Con
Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Question
Asks about steps to ensure the ongoing conflict in Sudan does not further destabilise neighbouring countries.
Minister reply
Emphasises the need to watch the humanitarian situation closely with partners.
Question
Raises concerns about young women and girls at risk of being forced into child marriages due to conflict.
Minister reply
Commits to prioritising support for women and girls in vulnerable situations.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
Question
Asks about UK funding reductions in Sudan and the sources of funding for the Rapid Support Forces.
Minister reply
Promises to look into funding details but cannot provide specifics.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South
Question
Enquires about the AU chair's mission to broker a ceasefire and expresses support for UK assistance.
Minister reply
Commits to supporting any initiative launched by the African Union.
Question
Highlights that conflict destroys economic development and humanitarian situations, asking the Minister to make this point effectively.
Minister reply
Agrees with the sentiment and commits to using diplomatic avenues for resolution.
Question
Asks about support for refugees in Sudan, particularly those from Eritrea who are at risk of violence.
Minister reply
Commits to supporting UN agencies and their work on the ground.
Question
Urges the Government to press all sides to respect international laws and human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.
Minister reply
Agrees to pressing for these issues.
Alex Sobel
Lab Co-op
Leeds Central and Headingley
Question
Asks about efforts to ensure medical aid reaches casualties in conflict zones, including work with the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Minister reply
Commits to using relationships with organisations like the ICRC to help those in need.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
Is there any ideological basis for the rift between the two warring military leaders? What attitude do we believe that Egypt is taking to the conflict? What assessment have the Government made of the risk of Islamist extremism re-emerging in Sudan as a result of the conflict?
Minister reply
There is every danger of Islamist extremism re-emerging due to disorder and chaos. The conflict is characterised by two powerful men fighting for power.
Kim Johnson
Lab
Liverpool Riverside
Question
Given that more than 100 civilians have already lost their lives, including three aid workers, and the conflict shows no sign of easing, will the Minister set out what steps the UK will take as the penholder for Sudan at the UN Security Council?
Minister reply
The United Nations is meeting today. The UK is pressing all parties to lay down weapons and working with IGAD, Quad, and Troika to de-escalate the situation.
Question
World heritage sites in Sudan are at risk due to conflict. What steps are the Government taking to work with UNESCO and other bodies to protect these ancient constructions?
Minister reply
The cultural heritage of Sudan is recognised as important, but today's focus is on the bravery of citizens trying to restore democracy.
Question
What conversations has the Minister had with the Home Secretary and the Minister for Immigration to ensure that Home Office officials take account of up-to-date advice about Sudan, and what plans are there to swiftly reunite those already in the UK?
Minister reply
Britain will shoulder its responsibilities regarding asylum seekers and refugees according to clear rules.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Freedom of religious belief is a matter of concern. What assessment has been made of the outlook for human rights of religious minorities if violence continues?
Minister reply
The prospects tonight in Sudan are extremely gloomy regarding the dangers to those seeking freedom for their faith.
Shadow Comment
David Lammy
Shadow Comment
The shadow minister expressed deep concern over the violence in Sudan, highlighting the death of civilians and aid workers. He called for urgent action from the UK as the penholder for Sudan at the UN Security Council to address worst-case scenarios such as famine and regional destabilisation. Lammy questioned the risk of Russia exploiting the situation and urged the Minister to clarify how the new UK Integrated Security Fund would engage with Sudan's conflict.
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