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Bosnia and Herzegovina
09 November 2021
Lead MP
James Cleverly
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
DefenceEmploymentForeign AffairsStandards & Ethics
Other Contributors: 21
At a Glance
James Cleverly raised concerns about bosnia and herzegovina 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 of State, Ministry of Defence, James Cleverly, addressed the House on the current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He highlighted recent political violence there, stressing that Milorad Dodik's threats to withdraw Republika Srpska from state institutions are destabilising acts aimed at avoiding addressing issues like living standards and corruption. The UK fully supports Bosnia and Herzegovina’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, recognising the significant role EUFOR has played in stabilisation efforts since the 1990s conflicts.
Cleverly noted that the High Representative's mandate was renewed for another year after the Security Council authorised it. He also mentioned the upcoming visit of the High Representative to the UK in December and the Foreign Secretary’s push at NATO meetings for more focus on Bosnia and Herzegovina, including resources needed to counter Russian actions.
The minister emphasised that tackling divisive rhetoric and actions from local politicians is a priority, as well as supporting NATO’s efforts there through seconded staff officers. The goal is to assist in building a stable, prosperous state with robust institutions.
Question
Questions the UK’s withdrawal from Operation Althea in December last year, when secessionist pressures were increasing. Cites High Representative's concerns about an existential threat to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Asks whether it is still policy not to redraw borders post-1990s conflicts and to oppose secessionism. Also questions if redeployment of UK forces should be considered for EUFOR and NATO, and suggests sanctions against those undermining peace agreements.
Minister reply
Reflects on the passion in Mangnall's critique, affirming no willingness to redraw borders post-1990s conflicts. Supports EUFOR but declines speculation on future military force composition. Acknowledges Foreign Secretary will raise this issue at NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs meeting. Emphasises ongoing support for NATO Headquarters Sarajevo and the longstanding policy not to speculate on potential sanctions.
Question
Congratulates Anthony Mangnall for securing the urgent question, discussing the serious situation in Bosnia with high risks of fragmentation and conflict due to threats from Republika Srpska. Asks what international pressure is applied against these withdrawals and if representations are made to China and Russia for constructive stances on Bosnia and Herzegovina. Also queries UK-EU cooperation regarding EUFOR’s effectiveness.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the critical points raised, highlights close engagement with EUFOR despite not being part of it post-Brexit. Stresses lobbying support for High Representative Christian Schmidt's work internationally to deter fragmentation and prevent further conflict.
James Grey
Con
North Wiltshire
Question
I call attention to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests with regard to a recent visit to Bosnia as part of the all-party parliamentary group for the armed forces. Is it not extraordinary that the trigger for the current instability in Bosnia and Herzegovina was that the High Representative brought in a law outlawing genocide denial? The last place in the world where genocide can be denied is Republika Srpska; all the High Representative did was say that this is now outlawed. Does my right hon. Friend not agree that behind all this lies Russia, and Serbia itself, and that unless we do something very dramatic, serious and urgent about it, we will face a return to the kind of chaos that we saw in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the late ’80s and early ’90s?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is sadly right that we see the hand of Russia at play here. We need to work with the High Representative and our international partners to ensure that there is not a fragmentation. My hon. Friend is right that it is unacceptable to deny holocaust in whichever arena it occurred, but for many of us, this is an event significant part of our lives, and we have to ensure that it is not repeated.
Alison Thewliss
SNP
Glasgow Central
Question
Remembering Srebrenica tweeted earlier that this day in 1993 saw the destruction of the historic bridge in Mostar, a poignant reminder of the conflict and genocide in living memory. Our thoughts should very much be with the people who live there and who fear a return to the types of horrors they saw in the past. What steps will the Minister take to ensure that the UK plays its part in securing peacekeeping efforts, as needed? We welcome very much that the UN mandate to EUFOR was renewed last week. It must be seen to be fulfilled. Will he tell us a bit more about the discussions he has had with key regional partners in the EU, the US and leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina itself?
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Lady for her questions. Specifically on EUFOR, as I said, the UK and the United States of America were vocal in our support of the mandate renewal and we are very pleased that that happened. Although we are not formally a member of EUFOR, we have seconded staff officers to support capability-building work and we have given direct support to the Bosnia and Herzegovina armed forces, which are an essential part of the security framework.
Bob Seely
Con
Isle of Wight
Question
I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Totnes (Anthony Mangnall) for securing the urgent question. As someone who spent time in Yugoslavia during the wars of the 1990s, I do not underestimate how unpleasant this could get, and how violent and how quickly. We know it has been selling arms to the ethnic Serbian police. Is the Minister aware of the true danger of that situation?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. and gallant Friend for his points. He is right that those of us who remember the headlines and images that came out of the region not long ago are horrified at the prospect that it might slip back into that level of violence. The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Aldridge-Brownhills (Wendy Morton) visited the region extensively earlier this year. She and our officials are well aware—well aware—of the circumstances on the ground.
Tony Lloyd
Lab
Manchester Central
Question
I, too, congratulate the hon. Member for Totnes (Anthony Mangnall). We know how quickly the situation can deteriorate in the Balkans. The bloodshed and the flight of refugees we saw in the past will be with us if we see secession by Republika Srpska. I have to put it to the Minister that he said nothing really about what our red lines are. It is not enough to wait for secession.
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman makes an important point. We recognise that EUFOR is there to do a particular role. We would, of course, all collectively much prefer to prevent, rather than have to deal with, a return to violence. If there is an escalation—we will work hand in glove with our international partners to try to prevent that—that would need to be discussed at the NATO Foreign Ministers meeting.
James Sunderland
Lab
Workington
Question
As a Bosnia veteran, I am very familiar with that country. I went there recently and I know for a fact that fears about security are justified. Britain signed the Dayton agreement in 1995, so we are part of the solution. Is it perhaps time for another ministerial visit to Sarajevo?
Minister reply
My hon. and gallant Friend makes an important point about the need for visible support for the institutions that have helped to keep the peace for such a long time. As I said, the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Aldridge-Brownhills, went to the region recently. I am not in a position to commit to exactly when a future ministerial visit will be, but the Foreign Secretary will bring this up at the NATO Foreign Ministers meeting in Riga in the near future.
Naseem Shah
Lab
Bradford West
Question
I thank the hon. Member for Totnes (Anthony Mangnall) for securing this urgent question. The world cannot make the same mistakes again. In the 1995 genocide, more than 8,000 Muslim men and boys were killed in a single day. The US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Gabriel Escobar, told Congress last week that the US is working with the EU to 'make sure there are consequences for any illegal or any destabilising actions' in Bosnia. Given what happened in Afghanistan when the Government were asleep at the wheel, my concern—I think rightly and fairly—is whether the Government are asleep at the wheel again on this one.
Minister reply
I think the hon. Lady is frankly wrong in her assessment. This is not a question about Afghanistan, but she will know that we started the evacuation process in Afghanistan in spring this year, long before the fall of Kabul. I have already said that in conjunction with our European partners and the United States of America, we made representations at the Security Council to renew the EUFOR mandate.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
Question
I thank the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary and the Defence Secretary for their time on this issue, as well as colleagues, because there have been many ongoing conversations over the past few weeks. Dodik has one goal: the destruction and failure of the Bosnian state. As chair of the all-party group for Bosnia and Herzegovina, I have invited the High Representative to visit Parliament, and I hope that you will join us, Mr Speaker, when we meet him as parliamentarians from across the House.
Minister reply
My hon. Friend again speaks with great passion, but perhaps more importantly, with authority and experience on this issue. I pay tribute to the work that she and the other members of the APPG do. I assure her that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is looking seriously at what administrative structures need to be in place for us to respond to an escalation of the situation.
Jamie Stone
Lib Dem
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Question
Highlights the work of Paddy Ashdown and questions whether the UK's defence focus should be on the Indo-Pacific or more focused on European issues. Also raises concerns about cuts to the size of the Army.
Minister reply
Acknowledges Lord Ashdown’s influence, emphasises that the tilt towards the Indo-Pacific is not exclusive but additional, and stresses diplomatic efforts to address security in Europe.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
Question
Highlights his role as trade envoy to Bosnia-Herzegovina, stressing the importance of economic ties for peace and prosperity.
Minister reply
Agrees that international trade is a force for good and peace, reiterates commitment to increased trade with the western Balkans.
Sarah Champion
Lab
Rotherham
Question
Expresses shock at community segregation in Bosnia-Herzegovina and questions the shift of development money away from stability. Suggests embedding atrocity prevention in embassies.
Minister reply
Acknowledges thoughtful ideas, promises to address curriculum issues and support diplomatic efforts for peace.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Sussex Weald
Question
Calls for a stronger response from the UK Government against secessionist threats in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Urges recognition of genocide.
Minister reply
Commits to working with international partners to ensure Republika Srpska understands unacceptable actions and consequences.
Question
Discusses the downsides of the Dayton agreement and asks how the Government can support multi-ethnic voices in Bosnia.
Minister reply
Acknowledges issues with the Dayton accords but focuses on current diplomatic efforts and future political structure.
Question
Highlights potential regional instability if Bosnia-Herzegovina breaks up, asks about engagement with Belgrade.
Minister reply
Confirms active bilateral conversations with countries in the region to prevent instability.
Question
Asks for details of close co-operation with EUFOR and UK’s involvement in Sarajevo.
Minister reply
Explains current support through NATO headquarters but future support will depend on circumstances.
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
Question
Calls for opposition to border redrawing attempts, supports use of soft power to pressure those who threaten peace.
Minister reply
Commits to resolving the situation through diplomatic efforts and persuasion.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Gorton and Denton
Question
Highlights Dodik’s threats against Bosnian army, calls for strengthening of Office of the High Representative and a clear stance from NATO.
Minister reply
Agrees completely with the need to bolster the High Representative's office and ensure a unified NATO response.
Carmarthen East and Dinefwr
Question
Diolch yn fawro, Mr Speaker. The situation is very worrying. If it deteriorates into conflict, a refugee crisis may result, putting enormous pressure on neighbouring countries. All Governments internationally are between a rock and a hard place, but we can start preparing contingency plans with neighbouring countries for dealing with a potential refugee crisis.
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman is right that any resolution to the attempted break-up of Bosnia and Herzegovina or a potential refugee crisis will need to be achieved in conjunction with countries in the region. My hon. Friend the Member for Aldridge-Brownhills has been active in speaking to all countries in the region.
Margaret Ferrier
SNP
Rutherglen and Hamilton West
Question
The Srebrenica massacre was a horrific genocide that cannot be repeated. Dodik has alluded to alliances with China, Russia, and Hungary, which could provide support should conflict break out. What assessment has the Secretary of State made of the likelihood and impact of those countries intervening in the region?
Minister reply
We are aware of the likely hand of Russia in the matter. We will continue a dynamic assessment of the situation on the ground. Ultimately, we will work with member states of the European Union and the United States to ensure that the situation does not escalate once again to violence as seen in the 1990s.
Shadow Comment
Anthony Mangnall
Shadow Comment
MP Anthony Mangnall criticised the UK's withdrawal from Operation Althea just before secessionist pressures began rising, citing concerns raised by High Representative Christian Schmidt about the existential threat Bosnia faces. He questioned if it is still government policy to oppose border redrawing and secessionism in the Balkans post-1990s conflicts. Mangnall also pointed out that EUFOR's 700 troops are insufficient against potential security threats, suggesting redeployment of UK forces could help bolster stability alongside NATO and sanctions on those undermining peace agreements.
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