Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Clarke-Smith inquired about the impact of the 2020 presidential elections in Belarus on the country's political stability.
What recent assessment has been made regarding the effect of the 2020 presidential elections in Belarus on its political and security situation?
The Government do not accept the fraudulent presidential elections' results in Belarus. They condemn violence by authorities towards peaceful protestors and journalists, including BBC representatives. Morton raised concerns with the Foreign Minister of Belarus and at international forums like OSCE and UN Security Council. She called for an independent investigation through OSCE and supported sanctions, emphasizing dialogue between Belarusians and their government.
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Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Hanvey questioned the UK's support of military and police training for regimes with human rights concerns, including Belarus.
Between 2018-2020, UK armed forces provided training to countries with FCO human rights issues. Hanvey asked for comprehensive detail on specific training given to Belarusian forces and full details on training provided to Turkey, Bahrain, and the Philippines.
UK had a co-operative relationship with Belarusian armed forces, including mutual learning, winter survival training, language tuition, and peacekeeping. However, due to recent events, all defence engagement has been suspended. Morton did not provide specific details on training provided to Turkey, Bahrain, and the Philippines.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific training details for Turkey, Bahrain, and the Philippines were not addressed.
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
McCarthy raised concerns about the EU's plans to freeze assets and ban travel for Belarusian officials.
McCarthy asked if the UK is planning similar actions against Belarusian officials, noting protests outside Parliament and the need to meet members of the diaspora community.
Morton confirmed that at minimum, the UK would match any list of Belarusian officials subject to asset freezes and travel bans by the EU.
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Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
Collins raised concerns over internet shutdowns and removal of accreditations for BBC journalists.
Does Collins agree that internet shutdowns and revocation of journalist accreditation are unacceptable violations? What representations have been made to Belarus?
Internet access has indeed been blocked in Belarus. Morton stated that the democratic values and rights of citizens, including freedom of expression and media freedoms such as access to information, must be respected by Belarusian authorities.
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Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
Clarke-Smith inquired about Morton's commitment to continue pressuring the Belarusian regime.
Does Clarke-Smith seek assurance that Morton will work with international partners to stop violence against journalists, protesters, and opposition candidates? Does he share concern over forced deportations?
Morton supports an independent OSCE investigation into the fraudulent election and human rights abuses. She has engaged with Germany, US, France, Baltic states, Finland, Sweden, and Poland on these issues.
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Q6
Direct Answer
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Context
Smith proposed specific measures such as targeted sanctions, military cooperation suspension ramifications, humanitarian aid exploration, and sanctions on companies facilitating oppression.
Smith urged Morton to support sanctions under the Magnitsky regime, provide explicit statement on suspended military co-operation, explore humanitarian aid, and consider sanctions against companies involved in oppression facilitation.
Morton supports sanctions against those responsible for election fraud and human rights abuses. She will work with international partners to sanction such individuals and hold Belarusian authorities accountable. The UK has doubled support to independent media, human rights organizations, and community groups in Belarus.
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Q7
Direct Answer
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Context
Smith invited Morton to meet Belarusian activists in the UK facilitated by his office.
Will Smith facilitate a meeting between Morton and Belarusian activists?
Morton committed to get in touch with Smith's office to see if a meeting can be arranged.
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Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
Activists are outside Portcullis House during a crisis, raising concerns about election monitoring funding cuts and the UK's behaviour towards European allies.
I have specific questions around election monitoring in Belarus. Have the Government cut funding for that function? Is there a desk officer on Belarus who speaks Belarusian? The Government are turning up the heat on European allies with leaked briefings about breaking internationally binding treaties, which is not responsible behaviour. Could we have great tweets but also specific action to pull together with Europe to solve this problem?
We are working very hard with our international partners, through the OSCE, and supporting sanctions. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has a team of officials working on this area.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific funding cuts for election monitoring and the existence of a desk officer who speaks Belarusian were not addressed.
Response accuracy