Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UN Convention against Torture

Tuesday 18 July 2023 · 2 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK is a state party to the United Nations convention against torture.
  • The UK Government works to eradicate the use of torture.
  • The UK has signed the treaty against the use of cluster munitions.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kenny MacAskill
Context

The United Kingdom is a signatory to the United Nations Convention Against Torture. The question arises from recent representations questioning the adequacy of this convention.

Question

Whether his Department has received recent representations on the adequacy of the United Nations convention against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The UK is a state party to the United Nations convention against torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, and works closely with partners to eradicate the use of torture.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address whether recent representations were received or their content regarding adequacy.

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Q2 Kenny MacAskill
Ukraine Defence Foreign Affairs
Context

The UK is a signatory to the convention on cluster munitions. There are concerns about US supplies of these weapons being transported through UK airbases.

Question

War manifests itself not just in today's combat but for future generations. As a signatory to the convention on cluster munitions, the UK is aware of the reprehensible nature of these weapons. Will the Minister assure us that US supplies of those weapons to Ukraine will not be allowed through US airbases in the UK?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The hon. Member makes a point about cluster munitions, and the position of the British Government is very clear: we have signed the treaty against their use. Other countries' position is a matter for them, but that is the very clear position of the British Government.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide assurance about US supplies transiting through UK bases.

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