Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Brazil: Environmental Activists

Tuesday 13 June 2023 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Foreign Secretary visited Brazil in March to discuss risks faced by environmental activists with Brazilian authorities.
  • UK is investing 300 million in the Amazonian biome to support indigenous communities and tackle deforestation.
  • We are working closely with the Brazilian Government to protect British nationals and support human rights defenders across Latin America.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tan Dhesi Lab Slough
Foreign Affairs Environment
Context

Last week marked the one-year anniversary of the murders of environmental activist and journalist Dom Phillips and Bruno Pereira in Brazil, highlighting the need for international support to protect those at risk.

Question

What diplomatic steps is he taking to support the Brazilian Government on protecting environmental activists in that country. It is vital to bring justice to those responsible for the brutal murders of environmental activists like Dom Phillips and Bruno Pereira. What specific measures are being taken by the UK to protect British nationals involved in environmental activism abroad, especially in Brazil? Additionally, what assessment has the UK Government made of President Lula's initiatives to halt deforestation?

Answer from David Rutley

The Foreign Secretary visited Brazil in May and I visited in March to discuss risks faced by environmental activists with Brazilian authorities. We met police forces and government officials to address the case of Dom Phillips and Bruno Pereira, offering condolences and expressing a desire for justice. The UK is investing £300 million in the Amazonian biome to support indigenous communities and tackle deforestation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps to protect British nationals abroad and detailed assessment of President Lula's initiatives against deforestation

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Q2 Tan Dhesi Lab Slough
Foreign Affairs Environment
Context

Last week marked the one-year anniversary of the murders of environmental activist and journalist Dom Phillips and Bruno Pereira, highlighting the need for international support to protect those at risk.

Question

What steps is he taking to protect British nationals engaged in environmental activism abroad, especially in Brazil? Also, what assessment has been made regarding President Lula's efforts to halt deforestation of the Amazon rainforest?

Answer from David Rutley

We met with Brazilian authorities, police forces, and government officials regarding the murders of Dom Phillips and Bruno Pereira. We expressed condolences and a desire for justice. The UK is investing £300 million in the Amazonian biome to support indigenous communities and tackle deforestation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures to protect British nationals abroad

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Q3 Fabian Hamilton Lab Leeds North East
Foreign Affairs Environment
Context

It is one year since the tragic murder of Dom Phillips and Bruno Pereira, highlighting the need for international support to protect human rights defenders engaging in peaceful activism against deforestation.

Question

What else is he doing to protect British nationals and support human rights defenders across Latin America who engage in peaceful environmental activism?

Answer from David Rutley

We are working closely with the Brazilian Government on these matters. We have invested £300 million in the Amazonian biome, a huge amount of which is focused on Brazil, providing all kinds of support for indigenous communities and helping to tackle environmental crime.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures beyond financial investment

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