Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Belarus

Tuesday 30 November 2021 · 6 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Foreign Secretary will discuss Belarus with NATO partners.
  • The UK supports mechanisms through the UN and NGOs to investigate human rights violations.
  • The UK deployed a small team of armed forces for engineering support to Poland.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Daniel Kawczynski Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

The recent conflict on the Polish-Belarusian border has raised concerns about human rights and security in the region.

Question

What diplomatic steps is the Government taking to address the recent situation at the Polish-Belarusian border?

Answer from Vicky Ford

The Foreign Secretary will be discussing Belarus with NATO partners today. The UK is deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Belarus and has imposed over 100 sanctions designations. The Prime Minister emphasised our commitment to Poland's security when he met the Polish Prime Minister last Friday.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps being taken at the border are not detailed

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Q2 Maria Miller Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

Over 30,000 people have been detained since the 2020 presidential elections in Belarus with many facing torture and ill-treatment. Mikita Zalatarou is one of those arrested.

Question

What specific actions can be taken to support political prisoners such as Mikita Zalatarou who was arrested at age 16, allegedly tortured and kept in solitary confinement?

Answer from Vicky Ford

We are appalled by reports that there are now over 850 political prisoners in Belarus, and we strongly urge their unconditional release. We support mechanisms through the UN, OSCE and NGOs to investigate human rights violations and hold those responsible accountable.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions for Mikita Zalatarou are not detailed

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Q3 Daniel Kawczynski Con
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

Lukashenko is using refugees as a weapon in hybrid warfare against Poland at the Polish-Belarusian border.

Question

Will the Government ensure that we are doing everything possible to assist our Polish allies against this egregious conduct by the Belarus authorities?

Answer from Vicky Ford

The UK is standing side by side with Poland, a NATO ally. A small team of UK armed forces have been deployed for engineering support upon agreement with Poland. The UK also led a G7 statement condemning Belarus's orchestration of irregular migration.

Answered
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Q4 Tony Lloyd Lab
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

Past sanctions regimes have been eroded with little return, leaving Lukashenko's stranglehold intact.

Question

Will the Government work with EU and world community to maintain sanctions until they are genuinely effective in changing the regime?

Answer from Vicky Ford

We have imposed over 100 sanctions designations, including on Lukashenko himself. We are committed to supporting Belarusians and imposing costs on the regime for its disregard of international commitments. Sanctions are under review with partners.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details on effectiveness and maintenance criteria are not provided

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Q5 Stewart McDonald SNP
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

Lukashenko has stated Belarus will not remain neutral if there is a furthering of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Question

What assessment has been made regarding Lukashenko's statement on potential involvement in any future Russian-Ukrainian conflict?

Answer from Vicky Ford

Russia is uniquely placed to exert pressure on Belarus to end repression. We want a reformed Belarus with good relations but insist that violence, harassment and arbitrary detention must stop.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Implications for neutrality stance are not detailed

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Q6 Philip Hollobone Con
Immigration Migrants & Borders Foreign Affairs
Context

Belarus is weaponising vulnerable refugees seeking to escape conflict in the Middle East.

Question

What actions are being taken to raise and express international concern about this gross abuse?

Answer from Vicky Ford

We support humanitarian partners at the border, including through contributions to the disaster relief emergency fund by IFRC. We also led a G7 statement calling for immediate unhindered access so that humanitarian aid can be delivered.

Answered
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