← Back to House of Commons Debates
Backbench Business
02 December 2021
Lead MP
Alicia Kearns
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
No tags
Other Contributors: 34
At a Glance
Alicia Kearns raised concerns about backbench business in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
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
Moves that the House notes the concerning political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, expresses support for institutions set out in the Dayton Peace Agreement, supports continued efforts by the UK Government and its allies to ensure peace and stability, and upholds provisions of the agreement. Emphasises the need for deterrence diplomacy and multilateral engagement to prevent conflict.
Supports the hon. Member's call for unity in preventing redrawing boundaries established by Dayton, suggests building up civil society as a way to evolve the agreement.
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
Agrees on putting pressure on American allies and standing up to those who use Bosnia's situation as a pawn or bargaining chip, emphasises the importance of international diplomacy in maintaining stability.
Endorses the hon. Member’s points about the need for timely intervention, stressing the importance of promptness and urgency to prevent conflict from escalating.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Thanks the hon. Member for her speech, suggests facilitating Bosnia's NATO membership as a way to help mitigate threats it faces.
Wayne David
Lab
Caerphilly
Welcomed the Government’s announcement of Sir Stuart Peach as special envoy to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Emphasised the need for proactive international efforts to prevent similar conflicts from happening again, citing his visit to Sarajevo in 2013 where he met a survivor of the civil war. Stressed the importance of reinforcing peacekeeping commitments through EUFOR and considering modifications to the Dayton agreement, highlighting Russia’s destabilizing influence.
Bob Stewart
Con
Beckenham
Recalled his deployment in Bosnia during 1992-1993 to save lives amidst the conflict. Criticised the Vance-Owen plan for dividing Bosnia, leading to destruction and loss of life. Praise the Dayton peace accords for ending the war but highlighted its weaknesses in creating a stable government. Raised concerns about Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik’s threats to split Republika Srpska from Bosnia. Stressed the need for robust international action, including support for EU Special Representative Miroslav Lajčák and consideration of another peace agreement (Dayton II). Emphasised the UK's role in leading efforts to stabilize the situation.
Tony Lloyd
Lab
Manchester Central
Mr. Lloyd emphasised the importance of a multi-ethnic state in Bosnia and stressed that the current structure around Dayton is temporary, advocating for long-term commitment to ensure stability. He highlighted the need to support moderate voices among Bosnian Serbs and suggested incentives such as NATO membership could be offered, although it may not interfere directly in internal conflicts. Mr. Lloyd also mentioned the need for clear statements from European nations regarding their continued support for Bosnia's multi-ethnic society.
Bob Stewart
Con
Beckenham
Intervened to stress that if Dayton II cannot be achieved soon, there must be total support for the High Representative and his actions.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Agreed with Mr. Lloyd's points and highlighted a major issue where people's daily lives are spent in separate silos, which is pulling them apart rather than bringing them together into a multi-denominational society.
Paid tribute to the hon. Member for his role as shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and suggested similarities between Dayton and the Good Friday agreement, advocating for civil society building and integration in areas such as education and healthcare.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Welcomed points made by Tony Lloyd, congratulated Alicia Kearns for securing the debate. Emphasised past mistakes during the Balkans crisis in the early 1990s due to complacency, differing voices within the EU, and precipitate actions such as German recognition of Croatia. Suggested reinforcing EUFOR significantly if requested by Bosnia and advocated for international agreement including NATO and US involvement. Highlighted the importance of deterring separatists and stopping acts of revolution like Dodik’s mandate, suggesting proactive military intervention could prevent war.
Yasmin Qureshi
Lab
Bolton South and Walkden
Declared interest as co-chair of the all-party parliamentary group on Srebrenica. Recounted personal experience working in Kosovo post-NATO bombing, highlighting atrocities committed by Serbian forces. Emphasised the importance of preventing a return to violence after the Dayton agreement, condemning inflammatory language from former Bosnian Serb President Biljana Plavšić. Advocated for conflict centre activation and an atrocity prevention framework to ensure stability in Bosnia and protect vulnerable groups like Srebrenica survivors. Called on the Government to proactively engage with the Bosnian-British community and Remembering Srebrenica.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Afzal Khan expressed significant concern over the recent political violence in Bosnia under Dodik's leadership. He recalled his personal involvement with the Bosnian community and emphasised the UK's duty to protect peace, given its role as a signatory of the Dayton agreement. Khan also highlighted the need for international support against Russian, Chinese, and Serbian interference in Bosnia.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Melton
Acknowledged the work done by Martin Vickers in promoting trade opportunities with Bosnia and Herzegovina. She thanked the Bosnian ambassador to the UK, Vanja Filipović, for his efforts in ensuring discussions about partnership, opportunity, and friendship take place.
Focused on the humanitarian aspect of the current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. She expressed concern over divisive rhetoric that threatens peace and stability, reminding the House of past atrocities like the Srebrenica massacre. She called for a strategy to prevent further escalation of divisive discourse and protect civil society groups.
Expressed gratitude towards the Member of Parliament for Rutland and Melton, Alicia Kearns, for securing the debate. Emphasised the importance of visits to Bosnia and Herzegovina for understanding the country's issues better. Mentioned a visit to Bosnia where they met members of parliament and assured them of future trade and diplomatic links. Highlighted the need to understand tensions in the country while acknowledging past atrocities such as genocide at Ahmići and Srebrenica, and the denial of Mr Dodik regarding these events. Discussed the impact of the 1992 war on civilians, particularly the segregation of schools and naming them after Serbian war criminals. Stressed that a new conflict would be destabilising for the region and threaten UK national security due to Bosnia’s strategic location as a centre for criminal activities including drugs and people trafficking. Advocated for fast-tracking Bosnia’s entry into NATO and the EU and highlighted the importance of supporting civil society, particularly women working towards inter-religious relationships.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
Responded to Flick Drummond's speech by highlighting the issue of systematic rape during the Bosnian war. Emphasised that it is important to discuss this issue openly without shaming the survivors.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
Anderson underscores the need for immediate action to prevent a return to violence, advocating for support for peacebuilding efforts and women's voices in Republika Srpska. She calls for an atrocity prevention strategy similar to that of the United States, with early warning systems and diplomatic engagement.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Jenkin emphasises the role of women in conflict prevention, citing examples from Northern Ireland where women's peace movements played a crucial role. He supports Anderson's advocacy for empowering women in Bosnian civil society.
Stewart shares his personal experience near an atrocity and expresses scepticism about the effectiveness of early warning systems, noting that sometimes no signs precede such events. He questions the practicality of preventing atrocities without clear indicators.
Randall congratulates the initiators of the debate and discusses the potential for Bosnia to become a strong southern European country while acknowledging its current challenges. He expresses concern over attempts to undermine central structures and calls for UK support for the High Representative's role in maintaining peace.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Commemorates the efforts of Members leading today's debate and highlights the importance of human rights globally, specifically in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Criticises ongoing political and ethnic tensions in the country which could lead to a resurgence of war. Emphasises the need for constitutional amendments to ensure equal representation regardless of ethnicity or religion. Raises concerns over domestic violence rates and media freedom restrictions in the region, stating that journalists face verbal and physical attacks. Advocates for government intervention and support from international allies such as NATO and the EU.
Responds to an earlier comment made by Bob Stewart regarding curiosity about his troops' loyalty during a sedentary interjection, ensuring that this quip is recorded in Hansard.
Richard Graham
Con
Gloucester
Reflecting on the wide range of contributions made during the Bosnian conflict, Richard Graham emphasises the need to maintain peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He highlights the work of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, which was established following the events of 1995 with cross-party support from various parliamentarians. Thirty years later, Graham underscores the importance of preventing a return to nationalistic and secessionist events that could jeopardise peace. He praises ongoing efforts by the High Representative and international organisations to prevent unrest and conflict. Moreover, he discusses the encouraging progress in building more inclusive societies in Bosnia, noting an increase in female councillors elected at local government level since 2020. Graham also warns of the potential consequences if current tensions lead to civil unrest or war, including a mass exodus to Europe. He calls for clear goals and unity among international actors to ensure peace is maintained.
Ruth Cadbury
Lab
Brentford and Isleworth
In her contribution, Ruth Cadbury acknowledges the powerful opening of Alicia Kearns and expresses concern about the current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina based on messages from constituents. She praises the Dayton agreement for ending bloodshed and providing nearly three decades of peace, despite its imperfections. Emphasising the importance of remembering historical atrocities like Srebrenica, Cadbury stresses that the UK has a moral duty to uphold peace as a force for justice. A constituent's letter highlights the impact of concentration camps on children during the conflict. She calls on the Government to take urgent action and work with European partners to support EU peacekeeping operations in Bosnia. Cadbury concludes by affirming that citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina deserve happiness, freedom, and prosperity.
Anthony Mangnall
Con
Fylde
Mentioned the importance of recognising the genocide in Bosnia, highlighting the need for a robust response to any actions by Dodik. Emphasised short-term focus on reaffirming territorial integrity and implementing sanctions and travel bans, as well as long-term reforms to ensure democratic accountability.
Tom Hunt
Lab
Castle Point
Stressed the importance of raising awareness about Bosnia’s situation. Highlighted personal visit to Bosnia and mentioned the need for political parties transcending ethnic lines in Bosnia. Discussed ongoing issues such as denial of genocide and presence of revisionist history in schools, emphasising the need for concrete actions.
Alyn Smith
SNP
Glasgow North West
Emphasised the importance of international solidarity in defending the rules-based international order and the Dayton accords. Called for vocal support to the high representative, imposition of Magnitsky sanctions on individuals within the region, establishment of a counter-disinformation centre in Sarajevo, and an atrocity prevention strategy.
Catherine West
Lab
Hornsey and Friern Barnet
Stressed the importance of united action to prevent further conflict. Asked for condemnation of arms sales to Serbian police forces and Russia's role, assessment of Russia’s danger, and support for Sir Stuart Peach's mission in Bosnia. Highlighted the need for proactive work at civil society and economic levels to promote trade and civic society.
Wendy Morton
Con
Aldridge-Brownhills
Morton discussed the threats to peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including Dodik's plans for Republika Srpska. She highlighted the UK's commitment to supporting democratic institutions, tackling organised crime, and addressing legacy issues such as war crimes. Morton also mentioned the appointment of a special envoy for the western Balkans and the ongoing work of EUFOR in the region.
Sunderland raised concerns about the current size of EUFOR and suggested that more resources are needed to act as a real deterrent against destabilising activities. He emphasised the importance of ensuring EUFOR has sufficient presence to deter further conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Stewart proposed inviting Russian forces to join NATO units deployed in Bosnia, suggesting this might be a way forward to ensure stability. He highlighted the ongoing encouragement of destabilising activities by Russia and the need for a deterrent force to prevent further conflict.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
Kearns apologised for not declaring her role as chair of the all-party parliamentary group for Bosnia and Herzegovina. She praised the unified voice with which Members have spoken, expressing gratitude towards the Minister's comments and commitments. She emphasised that the UK should continue to support peace in Bosnia and increase its NATO HQ deployment in Sarajevo.
Nigel Evans
Con
Crewe and Nantwich
Parliament has been at its best during this debate, according to Mr. Evans. He mentions that the UK Parliament is remembering Srebrenica today and every day. The motion he supports expresses concern about the political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, supporting institutions set out in the Dayton Peace Agreement, the office of High Representative Christian Schmidt, and continued efforts by the UK Government and its allies to ensure peace and stability.
▸
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.