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Lachin Corridor and Nagorno-Karabakh
24 January 2023
Lead MP
Tim Loughton
East Worthing and Shoreham
Con
Responding Minister
David Rutley
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Word Count: 13427
Other Contributors: 12
At a Glance
Tim Loughton raised concerns about lachin corridor and nagorno-karabakh in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Mr Loughton urges the Government to use their leverage to facilitate the immediate opening of the Lachin corridor, sanction Azerbaijani elite responsible for humanitarian crisis, deter future atrocities, send aid, demand Russian forces allow international aid access, support self-determination rights, join EU sanctions threats, and participate in fact-finding missions.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Mr Tim Loughton is concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh, caused by Azerbaijan's blockade of the Lachin corridor. He mentions over 120,000 Armenian residents are under siege, deprived of essential supplies like medicine and food. The situation has worsened with each passing day due to brutal winter conditions, resulting in a closure of nurseries and schools affecting thousands of children.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Mr Blackman highlighted that the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia began in the 1990s with a three-year war, resulting in frequent skirmishes along the line of control. He mentioned that over 1.5 million Azeris were displaced and are still living in camps, desiring to return home but being denied by Armenians. Mr Blackman also noted more than 300 deaths along the line of control since the 2020 ceasefire agreement, including many civilians on both sides. Asked a question but his intervention was brief and did not include substantive content beyond seeking to speak.
The MP expressed concern about the humanitarian impact of the blockade in Nagorno-Karabakh, citing reports of up to 1,000 stranded individuals and families. She urged for more detailed action from the UK Government regarding trade relations with Azerbaijan.
Chris Law
SNP
Dundee Central
Mr Law addressed the use of hate speech and rhetoric by Azerbaijan, highlighting the potential for ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh. He questioned the UK Government's stance on these issues and criticised its lack of action following UN Security Council meetings. Mr Law also inquired about reports that UK diplomats had sought to prevent a condemning resolution from being approved.
Giles Watling
Con
Clacton
The Soviet Union created the Nagorno-Karabakh autonomous region in 1924, and since then it has faced aggression from Azerbaijan. Since December 12th, Azerbaijan has blocked the Lachin corridor, a vital route for Armenia's survival. Russia's peacekeepers are failing to uphold their role as guarantors of Armenian security, raising concerns about Russian expansionism.
Jessica Morden
Lab
Newport East
Jessica Morden expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, particularly the blockade by Azerbaijan and the cutting off of vital supplies. She highlighted that 120,000 Armenians are now encircled and isolated due to the road blockade initiated on December 12th. Schools and nurseries have been forced to close, hospitals struggle to operate, and there is a shortage of medical supplies.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
The Armenian Christian community in Nagorno-Karabakh is suffering from an economic blockade and food shortages. Over 120,000 Armenians are at risk of a humanitarian emergency. Multiple organisations warn that the Azerbaijani aggression could be consistent with ethnic cleansing as defined by the genocide convention.
Suggested that the role for the OSCE and European Union should also be considered in addressing the urgent international action needed, despite focus on Ukraine.
Maldon
The MP visited Nagorno-Karabakh and witnessed the impact of Azeri aggression. He criticized Azerbaijan for sanctions against MPs who have visited the region and emphasized the need to address the humanitarian crisis caused by blockades on the Lachin road.
Martyn Day
SNP
Linlithgow and East Falkirk
He expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh due to the closure of the Lachin corridor, noting that food and medical supplies cannot reach the 120,000-strong Armenian population. He cited warnings from NGOs that conditions for ethnic cleansing are present.
Matthew Offord
Con
Hornchurch and Upminster
Mr Offord congratulated the British Government for providing more than £1 million towards de-mining in the area, allowing people from both sides of the conflict to repopulate their former residences.
Rupa Huq
Lab
Ealing Central and Acton
She discussed the human suffering in Nagorno-Karabakh, highlighting that food, fuel, and medical supplies are blocked from reaching the majority-Armenian population. The corridor blockade since December 12th has stranded over 1,000 people, many of them children. Huq emphasised the lack of electricity and gas supply, along with restricted communication due to periodic disconnection of television and internet services. She also presented demands from a petition including condemning the blockade, reopening the corridor and airport, airlifting emergency supplies, and replacing Russian peacekeepers with OSCE international peacekeepers under UN mandate.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
He expressed deep concern about the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, highlighting a humanitarian crisis due to the blockade of the Lachin corridor. He mentioned that 120,000 people are trapped without access to essential supplies and raised issues regarding education disruptions and healthcare challenges. Doughty also called for an end to the blockade and emphasized the importance of diplomatic engagement with European and regional partners.
Government Response
David Rutley
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve with the Chair, Mr Hollobone. The Minister congratulates Tim Loughton on securing the debate and recognises his work as chair of the Armenia all-party parliamentary group. He acknowledges contributions from Stephen Doughty and other MPs who raised important issues around the conflict, medical evacuations, humanitarian aid, and peace talks. David Rutley notes that the UK Government supports US Secretary Blinken's efforts to secure a lasting peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and reopens the Lachin corridor. The Minister highlights the complex nature of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and emphasizes the need for peaceful negotiations. He mentions that the UK was among few countries to directly call on Azerbaijani Government to ensure unimpeded humanitarian aid movement. David Rutley outlines measures taken by the UK, including engagement with both Governments since 2020, issuance of statements on reopening the corridor, and allocation of £350,000 through the Start Fund for humanitarian assistance. The Minister expresses concern over the humanitarian situation and commitment to working with NGOs and international organisations to address civilian needs. He addresses questions on prisoner returns, genocide risk, and Russia's role, reiterating that military means cannot solve conflicts and that constructive dialogue is essential. David Rutley concludes by thanking Members for their contributions and reassures them of the UK Government's active involvement in resolving regional issues.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.