Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Georgia Elections

Tuesday 26 November 2024 · 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 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Blair McDougall raised concerns about pressure on civil society and stigmatisation of minorities in Georgia during parliamentary elections.
  • The Minister acknowledged the concerns and highlighted the UK's support for the preliminary findings of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
  • Thomas Tugendhat inquired about actions to counter Russian influence through BBC World Service broadcasts in local languages.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Blair McDougall Lab East Renfrewshire
Democracy & Elections Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP is concerned about reported irregularities in Georgia's recent parliamentary elections and the impact on civil society.

Question

Whether he has made representations to his counterpart in Georgia on reported irregularities in parliamentary elections held in that country on 26 October 2024. The member for East Renfrewshire highlights concerns about pressure on civil society and stigmatisation of minorities.

Answer from Stephen Doughty

Ahead of the elections, I expressed my concerns directly to Foreign Minister Darchiashvili about pressure on civil society and stigmatisation of minorities. Following the elections, I publicly supported the preliminary findings of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe regarding election irregularities and called for investigations.

Answered
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Q2 Blair McDougall Lab East Renfrewshire
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP is concerned about the impact of election irregularities on civil society in Georgia, particularly LGBT groups.

Question

I thank the Minister for his actions. Activists are terrified that Georgia is at a turning point. Will the minister join me in calling for new elections under international oversight and an end to attacks on civil society? If not addressed, will sanctions be considered?

Answer from Stephen Doughty

I recognise my hon. Friend's long-standing interest in this issue. On 28 October, His Majesty's ambassador called on the Central Election Commission to investigate election fraud transparently. We reiterated concerns about violations and need for independent investigations. The right to peaceful protest must be respected.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Calls for new elections under international oversight and sanctions were not directly addressed

How: Reiterated Previous Statements

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Q3 Thomas Tugendhat Con Tonbridge
Foreign Affairs Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The MP is concerned about Russian interference in Georgia and across Europe.

Question

I pay tribute to the hon. Member for East Renfrewshire, focusing on free elections in Georgia and Putin's influence in Europe. What actions is the Minister taking to push back on Russia's influence using BBC World Service broadcasts in sub-national languages inside Russia?

Answer from Stephen Doughty

The right hon. Gentleman is correct about the important work of the BBC World Service, especially its language services. We have met staff who do this crucial job. People need access to free, accurate and impartial information in their own languages.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions against Russian influence were not detailed

How: Reiterated Previous Statements

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