House of Commons · Westminster Hall
22 July 2025 · 20 other contributors · 13,324 words
Opened by Harpreet Uppal Lab Huddersfield
Responding minister: Catherine West
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Harpreet Uppal raised concerns about humanitarian situation in sudan in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The Government must do more to support diplomatic efforts and ensure targeted assistance for the Sudanese people facing severe hardships.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The war in Sudan has created the largest humanitarian crisis in the world today, with nearly 13 million people displaced from their homes. Half of Sudan’s population, about 25 million people, now need humanitarian assistance and protection due to acute shortages of food, water, medicine, and fuel. The situation includes widespread famine, a cholera outbreak, and significant malnutrition among children.
Advises engaging with the Sudanese diaspora community to utilise their knowledge of the crisis for shaping policies. Discussed the role of the diaspora community in the UK supporting Sudanese people.
Raises concerns about displaced Sudanese in neighbouring conflict-ridden countries such as Uganda, South Sudan, Eritrea, and Rwandan militias in the DRC. Emphasises the need for adequate nutrition support in these areas.
Supports investing a large percentage of aid in women’s rights organisations that can lead the charge and find solutions for the crisis.
Provided perspective on displacement and hunger statistics in Sudan, urging the UK Government to take urgent actions to stop violence and provide aid.
Proposes an international military peace force to help residents and citizens in Sudan.
Spoke about health risks in the region and the importance of addressing them.
Highlights additional health crises in Sudan, including malaria and mycetoma, which are impacting the population severely due to looted medical facilities.
Questions whether cuts to overseas development aid impact our ability to help displaced Sudanese people in Chad.
Brought the debate to Westminster Hall, highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Acknowledges the contributions to the debate and commends the Minister for her commitment. Emphasises the need for sustained leadership from the international community in addressing Sudan's humanitarian situation.
Asked if there is a justification or excuse to prevent any human being from practising their faith, regardless of the region. Described the atrocities in Sudan, including deliberate blocking of aid and attacks on civilians. Urged for immediate action against war crimes and crimes against humanity.
As chair of the APPG for international freedom of religion or belief, Jim Shannon highlights the persecution and human rights abuses faced by Christians in Sudan. He also raises concerns about sexual violence against women and girls. Emphasised that his APPG protects freedom of belief for all individuals and stands up for them. Urged for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan. Asks about the UK's role in championing religious freedom, referencing the reported killing of Father Luka Jomo and bombings of churches.
Details systematic violations of international humanitarian law by the RSF, including mass atrocities and sexual violence against women, urging the Government to release the remaining £120 million aid pledge.
Discussed the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan, highlighting casualties, displaced people, and urgent needs for aid access, diplomacy, and accountability. Agrees with her hon. Friend that Sudan is a test of international diplomacy's ability to stabilise conflict and hold perpetrators accountable for war crimes.
Mr Dhesi agrees with Harpreet Uppal's emphasis on gender-based violence, highlighting the urgent need to address this issue within any peace process in Sudan.
Highlights the need for a balanced approach involving defence, diplomacy, and development to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, calling on the Government to restore the 0.7% ODA target.
Called for immediate action to address the humanitarian crisis and ensure that aid reaches those in need.
Urges the United Nations to enforce resolution 2736, which mandates lifting the siege and facilitating aid delivery in El Fasher.
Highlights the unprecedented severity of food insecurity and malnutrition in Sudan, with half the population facing high levels of acute food insecurity. Calls for additional UK efforts to ensure sustained delivery of essential aid and unhindered access across borders.
Agrees that displacement at a large scale poses not just a humanitarian crisis but a direct threat to innocent civilians and the long-term prospects for peace.
Agrees that parliamentary and political attention is not proportionate to the scale of the humanitarian crisis, especially regarding violence against women and girls.
Government Response
Catherine WestThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
I acknowledge the deep historical ties between Britain and Sudan and the importance of engaging with civil society and diaspora communities. The UK is committed to addressing the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, which includes providing significant funding such as £36 million for refugees in eastern Chad. Reports suggest war crimes and crimes against humanity are being committed, highlighting the need for all parties to comply with international law and cease targeting civilians and aid workers.