Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Kurdish Political Representation and Equality in Turkey

02 November 2021 · 8 other contributors · 11,510 words

Opened by Lloyd Russell-Moyle Lab Brighton, Kemptown

Responding minister: Amanda Milling

Foreign AffairsWomen & Equalities

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Lloyd Russell-Moyle raised concerns about kurdish political representation and equality in turkey in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • MP raises concerns over political persecution of Kurdish politicians in Turkey, including arrests and prosecutions for alleged connections to terrorism.
  • MP highlights the closure of Kurdish cultural institutions and the ban on Kurdish language education in south-east Turkey.
  • MP asks the Government to demand the release of HDP co-leaders, condemn the closure of the DTK, and support women-led organisations.

Key requests to Government

The MP asks the Government to demand the release of HDP co-leaders, condemn the closure of the DTK, push for acceptance of the revised European charter on young people's participation, and press Turkey to uphold rule of law and democratic principles. He also wants support from the British Council in Kurdish-English cooperation, assistance for women-led organisations, calls for Turkey's rejoining and full implementation of the Istanbul convention, condemnation of media restrictions, and a review of PKK proscription. I ask the government to provide more concrete answers on how they are co-ordinating British aid and support for organisations being repressed or shut down in Turkey. The merger of the Foreign Office and Department for International Development was supposed to allow for better use of aid in diplomatic efforts, but clearer strategies need to be outlined.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Lloyd Russell-Moyle Lab Brighton, Kemptown

The MP is concerned about the political persecution of Kurdish politicians in Turkey, including arrests and prosecutions for alleged connections to terrorism. He cites specific cases such as those involving HDP co-leaders facing indictment despite an EU court ruling demanding their release. The MP highlights that trials are being used to tackle political disagreements, disproportionately affecting MPs from Kurdish backgrounds. Additionally, he mentions the closure of Kurdish cultural institutions and the denial of education in Kurdish language for millions of children in south-east Turkey. Gender-based oppression is also a concern, with a significant increase in femicide since 2016 and the targeting of women's organisations. I am concerned about the withdrawal of Turkey from the Istanbul convention, which predominantly affects Kurds but also impacts all women in Turkey. I regret that stronger language is not used to address this issue. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the co-ordination of British aid and development in Turkey, particularly with regards to supporting women's organisations and journalists facing repression.

Other contributors (8)
  • Alex Sobel Lab Co-op Leeds Central and Headingley

    Thanks the hon. Friend for securing this debate, raises concerns about the Prime Minister's lack of discussion on Kurdish rights during recent international meetings with Turkey, focusing instead on tourism and vaccines.

  • Alyn Smith SNP Na h-Eileanan an Iar

    Smith supported the SNP's stance on democracy and self-determination, criticising Turkey's treatment of Kurdish minorities as a violation of human rights. He mentioned that Turkey is an important ally but falls short in upholding democratic values and respects for minorities. Smith questioned the UK Government's response to political prisoners and arms exports, advocating for increased dialogue and support for Kurdish representation.

  • Catherine West Lab Hornsey and Friern Barnet

    Expressed gratitude for the detailed report by Lloyd Russell-Moyle on Kurdish rights, highlighted concerns about the detention of activists and unfair trials, and raised issues regarding the Istanbul convention and the use of UK-manufactured weapons. Emphasised the discrimination faced by Kurds, especially those supporting opposition parties, mentioned the imprisonment of 48 regional mayors and 154 lawmakers, and asked for specific representations made to President Erdoğan about Mr Demirtaş.

  • Crispin Blunt Con Reigate

    Discussed the need for global Britain to define its values and address Turkey's conduct regarding human rights, journalists' imprisonment, and Kurdish minority policies. Raised concerns about PKK's terrorist designation and called for a review of relations with Turkey. Asked about the Foreign Affairs Committee's recommendation to designate Turkey as a Human Rights Priority Country in its next Human Rights and Democracy Report, questioning why no improvement has occurred since 2017.

  • Feryal Clark Lab Enfield North

    The MP discussed her previous work on Kurdish representation in Turkey and expressed concern about the political crackdown on HDP MPs. She questioned how the UK can hold Turkey accountable for human rights abuses, including targeting of elected officials and closure of civil society organisations. Ms. Clark highlighted the systemic abuse of Kurds in Turkey, citing her parents' forced flight due to discrimination and the ongoing restrictions on speaking Kurdish. She noted that President Erdoğan's regime uses spurious means to prevent Kurdish expression and association, leading to arbitrary detention and prosecution under terrorism charges. She expressed deep concern over allegations of torture and the targeting of HDP politicians and journalists, with Selahattin Demirtaş held in prison since 2016 despite European Court calls for his release. Clark criticised the removal of elected HDP mayors and the lack of meaningful investigations into human rights abuses, urging the international community to put pressure on Turkey.

  • John Spellar

    Congratulates the hon. Friend on securing this debate and highlights that groups such as HDP are being denied their democratic rights in Turkey, suggesting NATO should pressure Turkey to uphold democratic values.

  • Kim Johnson Lab Liverpool Riverside

    Kim Johnson expressed concern over the Turkish Government's escalating human rights abuses and anti-democratic measures against Kurdish communities, highlighting the imprisonment of journalists and elected representatives. He cited statistics showing that Turkey has jailed more than a third of globally imprisoned journalists. Johnson called for Britain to review the PKK's status as a terrorist organisation based on a Belgian Supreme Court ruling.

  • Kimbolton Con South Cambridgeshire

    The MP noted that any support for the PKK's wider beliefs is not helpful in the fight against terrorism. He urged a review of proscription measures and called for accurate listings to combat terrorism effectively.

Government Response

Amanda Milling

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Dame Angela. I congratulate the hon. Member for Brighton, Kemptown on securing this debate and thank other hon. Members for their contributions today. The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs would have responded, but she is in Glasgow attending COP26. We are grateful to the APPG for its work on the report. As NATO allies and G20 economies, the UK and Turkey continue to work closely together on security, defence, trade, the covid pandemic, climate change, and more. The Government take seriously issues of democracy, security, and human rights and urge the HDP to distance itself from terrorist activities. We encourage Turkey to uphold principles of equality and freedom of expression as outlined in its constitution and regret its withdrawal from the Istanbul convention early this year. Our missions regularly engage with minority religious groups and discuss their concerns. The UK raises concerns about human rights in Turkey, urging it to adhere to European Court of Human Rights judgments and implement judicial reform proposals and a human rights action plan fully. We will continue to strengthen our relationship with Turkey while raising human rights issues.

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