← Back to House of Commons Debates
Belarus: Interception of Aircraft
24 May 2021
Lead MP
Dominic Raab
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Other Contributors: 30
At a Glance
Dominic Raab raised concerns about belarus: interception of aircraft 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
Yesterday, a Ryanair flight from Athens to Vilnius was forced to land in Minsk under the pretext of an alleged bomb threat. The Belarusian authorities arrested Roman Protasevich, a prominent independent journalist, on spurious charges. The UK condemns this incident as a violation of international law and calls for the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to convene urgently. The minister has summoned the Belarusian ambassador and is working with allies to explore sanctions and diplomatic options at ICAO, UN Security Council, OSCE, and G7. Additionally, UK airlines have been instructed to cease overflights of Belarusian airspace, suspend BELAVIA's operating permit, and UK Civil Aviation Authority will not issue further ad hoc permits for flights between the UK and Belarus. The minister emphasises support for civil society and media freedoms in Belarus through financial aid.
Thomas Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge
Question
Welcomes the minister's statement and describes the incident as air piracy turning into a kidnapping. Questions the impact on international civil aviation safety, calls for further sanctions against Belarus, including suspending Nord Stream 2 pipeline and Yamal energy pipeline to cut off funding. Emphasises reinforcing this incident as an attack on NATO capitals.
Minister reply
Agrees with the shadow's concerns about threats posed by the Lukashenko regime to civil aviation safety, confirms actions taken by the UK regarding overflights and sanctions. Acknowledges ongoing consultations with partners for further action.
Lisa Nandy
Lab
Wigan
Question
After yesterday’s acts of modern piracy, it is clear that Lukashenko must now be recognised as an international threat. The Foreign Secretary has summoned the ambassador and demanded the release of Roman Protasevich and other political prisoners. Will he consider sanctions against state-owned enterprises with UK subsidiaries, such as BNK (UK), block BELAVIA from operating in and out of the UK, and ensure that the London stock exchange is not used by Belarus to raise finance?
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Lady for her support and agree with her characterisation of the Lukashenko regime's actions as an assault on freedom of speech and civil aviation. We have sanctioned 99 individuals and entities, including those under the global human rights sanctions regime. If she has evidence or suggestions for further designations, I encourage her to share them.
Question
What action is being taken to secure the release of all political prisoners in Belarus?
Minister reply
We are pouring millions of pounds into supporting civil society and journalists in Belarus. We have called for the release of all political prisoners since day one, including through the Moscow mechanism as part of the OSCE, and continue to engage with leading democratic figures such as Mrs Tikhanovskaya.
Question
Will the Foreign Secretary commit to engaging with the European Council on agreed responses? Will he also support Belarusian activists and journalists seeking asylum in the UK and assess Russian involvement?
Minister reply
We are coordinating closely with our EU partners, as we did after the rigged election when we imposed Magnitsky sanctions. We do not have clear details on Russian involvement but it is difficult to believe this action could have been taken without at least the acquiescence of Moscow.
Question
What support is being provided for a peaceful democratic transition in Belarus and when will he meet Svetlana Tikhanovskaya?
Minister reply
I have had positive discussions with opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya. We will continue to make the case for free and fair elections according to international standards, support civil society, and use every mechanism at our disposal to encourage a democratic transition.
Question
Can we apply pressure on Belarus subsidiary companies operating in the UK and coordinate with EU allies?
Minister reply
We will look carefully at applying further pressure, including tightening restrictions on access to UK or other financial markets for what passes through London. We are considering all measures that can be applied.
John Howell
Con
Builth Wells
Question
Today I issued a media statement on behalf of the entire UK delegation to the Council of Europe condemning the actions of the Belarusian Government and of President Lukashenko. We call for the immediate release of Raman Pratasevich and all political prisoners in the country. Some of us have already befriended such prisoners to provide them with hope and comfort. Is it not time to consider that an international warrant should be issued for the arrest of President Lukashenko on charges of terrorism?
Minister reply
To mount a case of that nature, we would need quite specific and clear evidence; of course, that is for the Crown Prosecution Service and other law enforcement authorities to consider. I commend my hon. Friend: among the international bodies that we must press to hold the Lukashenko regime to account, I did not mention the Council of Europe, but although Belarus is not a party to it, it is an important European forum for us to apply pressure among the wider European international community.
Layla Moran
Lib Dem
Oxford West and Abingdon
Question
May I begin by joining those who are welcoming the Foreign Secretary’s statement and the actions taken so far? From the violent crackdowns on protestors last summer, to the terrible repression of journalists, which has now escalated to state-sponsored air piracy that has put civilians at risk, it is clear that the Belarusian authorities have no regard for democracy, human rights or the rule of law. They act with impunity because they know Russia has their back. Although we would all love to believe that this will be the last we hear of this, we all know that that is unlikely. The UK hosts the G7 soon, which is an opportunity to raise the issue of the events in Belarus and co-ordinate further international action, so will the Foreign Secretary consider putting Belarus on the agenda of the G7?
Minister reply
We are already doing it, but the hon. Lady is right to say that the G7, amid the other forums, is where something like this should be considered, not least because of the attack on the international system, via the Chicago convention, and ICAO.
Liam Fox
Con
Woodford
Question
This is not just a state-sponsored hijack of a civilian aircraft going between two NATO capitals; we know from the Belarus media that it was ordered by Lukashenko himself. This is an international crime that requires the strongest response, and although I welcome the stopping of overflight and a UK lead on this, increasingly both Belarus and Russia do not care what the international community thinks. Therefore, all our allies need to act in synchrony, including some of the weakest links, or tyrannies all over the world will see that air passengers are increasingly put at risk.
Minister reply
I agree with my right hon. Friend’s instincts. I was in Estonia and then Oslo recently, precisely because of the importance among our Nordic and Baltic partners—key NATO allies—of strengthening and reinforcing the stance they take in relation both to Russia and to the emanation of those threats that we have seen in Ukraine and now in Belarus.
Chris Matheson
Lab
Glyndr
Question
I welcome this statement on what was clearly an act of piracy by an illegitimate Government that puts them firmly in the rogue nations bracket. Does the Foreign Secretary share my concern that this now becomes a tactic that these rogue nations may use again, unless there is a firm response? No air crew could ignore a threat of a bomb or some other threat to their aircraft, and would have to divert to the nearest airfield. This is putting at risk not only this flight, but potentially many more and the safety of their passengers, unless we can come down much harder on the perpetrators.
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right, which is why we have taken the actions we need to take in relation to flights to and from the UK, and why we have called for an urgent meeting of the ICAO Council to address these issues in the most appropriate forum.
Gagan Mohindra
Con
South West Hertfordshire
Question
I welcome the Foreign Secretary’s statement and thank my hon. Friend the Member for Henley (John Howell) for the excellent work he is doing in the Council of Europe. Does the Foreign Secretary agree that Lukashenko must accept that his recent actions are a step too far and that the only way forward for Belarus is for the dictator to halt his campaign of oppression, release political prisoners and hold free and fair elections with international observers?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right; I agree with that list. Ultimately, it is difficult to see how Belarus, under the Lukashenko regime, can take any steps out of its pariah status unless those things happen, including free and fair elections, which would inevitably lead to a change of leadership.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North
Question
The European Federation of Journalists has called this kidnapping from a civilian airline an ‘act of air piracy and state terrorism.’ It is difficult to disagree. As we know, basic freedoms and human rights are being eroded in Belarus, where 29 journalists are now detained. Along with having the most robust and effective sanctions targeting this rogue regime, what action will the Foreign Secretary be taking to investigate the possible involvement of other states in this criminal incident?
Minister reply
The right hon. Lady is absolutely right that sanctions are a part of the strategic approach, but not the only aspect that we need to look at. We will, of course, look carefully at the involvement of anyone else, although gleaning evidential standards of information is often very difficult.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
May I underline what the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee said about the dangers of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline in this context? When adopting this aerial adaptation from the Putin playbook of how to deal with dissidents, Lukashenko was clearly expecting an outcry, but already we are hearing suggestions that we must not be too harsh against Belarus, otherwise we will be driving him further into the Russian embrace. Will the Foreign Secretary ensure that no such argument of appeasement will be accepted by him and his fellow Ministers?
Minister reply
I can give my right hon. Friend exactly that assurance. The fact is that Lukashenko is already ensconced in the embrace of Moscow.
Patricia Gibson
SNP
North Ayrshire and Arran
Question
We can all agree that the most robust international response to this shocking act of aviation piracy is essential, otherwise Lukashenko’s methods could embolden other despots in the view that democratic nations lack the will to back up their outrage with meaningful action. As well as the co-ordinated international action against Belarus that the Secretary of State has spoken about today, what other support does he think can be offered to protect and assist human rights defenders in Belarus?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady asks a timely question. In reality, we have a number of levers, but let us not pretend that they are a silver bullet.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Sussex Weald
Question
I congratulate my constituency neighbour, the Chair the Foreign Affairs Committee, on securing this urgent question. I welcome the Foreign Secretary’s very swift statements on how to respond to this hijacking, but I want to push him a little bit further. I am anxious that the tactics used recently will encourage other curious countries. What confidence can the Foreign Secretary give to journalists, activists or other individuals who are sanctioned for spurious reasons, in case their lives may now be under threat; what work can be done to strengthen western allies to ensure that their safety is met?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is understandably worried about the wider international implications of this action.
Cat Smith
Lab
Lancaster and Wyre
Question
Does the Foreign Secretary recognise criticism by many in the Belarusian diaspora that the response to last year's stolen elections was too soft? Will he impose sanctions on Belarusian individuals and companies, including BNK UK Ltd?
Minister reply
The UK has engaged swiftly after the rigged election and imposed sanctions on 99 individuals. The minister is open to suggestions for further measures.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Question
What serious measures will be taken against Belarus, considering it as a rogue state with Lukashenko as a criminal?
Minister reply
The minister acknowledges the need to look at every possible lever but notes that the regime is deeply entrenched.
Bury South
Question
Does the Foreign Secretary agree that standing up for our values by imposing sanctions on human rights abusers such as Lukashenko must be a key part of global Britain's new foreign policy approach?
Minister reply
Standing up for our values is not only should but is, as set out in the integrated review.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Question
What actions will be taken to send a message that this behaviour will not be tolerated?
Minister reply
The minister shares disgust and outrage and agrees with taking every measure possible, including diplomatic and sanctions approaches.
Question
Does the Foreign Secretary agree that we need to send a strong message to Belarus about this attack on democracy and legitimate free speech?
Minister reply
The minister agrees with sending a strong message and raised this at the G7 Foreign Ministers meeting.
Question
What new measures will be considered for granting asylum to those suppressed by the Lukashenko regime?
Minister reply
The criteria in the UK’s asylum regime are reflective of international law, and those who want to apply for asylum can do so.
Question
Will the Foreign Secretary call for ICAO to look at Belarus's continued membership in an esteemed international organisation?
Minister reply
The minister agrees that ICAO must discharge its duties and will take a rigorous approach with partners.
Claire Hanna
SDLP
Belfast South and Mid Down
Question
What action is being taken to co-operate with other countries committed to a free press?
Minister reply
The minister highlights the media freedom coalition's initiatives and financial support given to journalists who are detained.
Question
What changes will be made to affect Belarus’s behaviour in the longer term?
Minister reply
The minister agrees that we need to use every lever, but he is realistic about how dug in Lukashenko is and emphasises ruling out nothing going forward.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
Question
The MP inquired about any reticence from other countries regarding a tough response to the act of air piracy and suggested that such hesitance might be due to concerns over winning round the Belarusian regime. He also asked for details on the UK's diplomatic efforts with European partners.
Minister reply
Dominic Raab thanked Clive Efford for his support, noted the variety of views across Europe, but stated that the UK would continue to provide strong support to vulnerable allies in NATO and the EU, particularly through initiatives like hosting discussions at Chevening.
Question
The MP expressed concern about ensuring this incident does not happen again due to potential actions by Belarus or other countries. He asked what steps are being taken to preemptively address similar threats and strengthen deterrents.
Minister reply
Dominic Raab confirmed that the UK would use all available sanctions against Belarus, highlighting the importance of a robust response despite increased reliance on Russia. He noted that such actions serve as a strong deterrent for future incidents.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Question
The MP welcomed the diplomatic stance but also emphasised the human rights aspect, particularly regarding Roman Protasevich's detention and potential death penalty. He sought assurance that consular staff would do everything possible to keep this case in public focus.
Minister reply
Dominic Raab acknowledged Alistair Carmichael’s points, promising to signal international disapproval should Belarus apply the death penalty and emphasising the role of consular officers in supporting British nationals abroad.
Question
The MP congratulated fellow members for mentioning Nord Stream 2 and asked about additional steps against President Lukashenko, including further sanctions.
Minister reply
Dominic Raab confirmed that the UK would look at all available sanctions on individuals and sectoral measures, coordinating closely with international partners to address threats posed by Belarus.
Dave Doogan
SNP
Angus and Perthshire Glens
Question
The MP expressed outrage over the breach of international norms and asked for a commitment from the UK to effect strong sanctions against the Lukashenko regime, emphasising the need for a deterrent example.
Minister reply
Dominic Raab agreed on the importance of deterrence and asset freezes, noting that 99 individuals and entities are already sanctioned, but stated that further action will be considered in collaboration with international allies.
Shadow Comment
Thomas Tugendhat
Shadow Comment
The shadow welcomes the minister's statement on air piracy, describing it as an outlandish attack that violates human rights. He supports the decision to suspend travel and overflights to Belarus but calls for further measures such as suspending the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and Yamal energy pipeline to cut off funding to Lukashenko’s regime. The shadow also stresses the importance of reinforcing this incident as an attack on NATO capitals, emphasising the need to ensure security for all UK citizens.
▸
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.