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Conflict in Sudan — [Dr Rosena Allin-Khan in the Chair]
08 September 2026
Lead MP
Naushabah Khan
Responding Minister
Kirsty McNeill
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Word Count: 12092
Other Contributors: 12
At a Glance
Naushabah Khan raised concerns about conflict in sudan — [dr rosena allin-khan in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Khan urges the Government to provide humanitarian assistance and support, including extending meaningful funding to organisations on the ground and ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access. She also calls for the UK to use its diplomatic leverage at the UN Security Council to press for a civilian-led political process and for the Government to reaffirm its commitment to the £146 million of humanitarian funding for Sudan. Naushabah Khan calls on the government to continue working constructively to bring an end to the situation in Sudan and to keep up political pressure.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Naushabah Khan is deeply concerned about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, which has entered its fourth year and is now the world's worst humanitarian crisis. The conflict has resulted in 33.7 million people in need of assistance, 90 million displaced within the country, and 4 million refugees, placing significant strain on neighbouring countries like Egypt, which hosts about 1.5 million refugees. The situation is exacerbated by the lack of funding for humanitarian efforts and the potential for mass atrocities, with the UN fact-finding mission concluding that the actions of the Rapid Support Forces meet the legal definition of genocide in certain areas. Sexual violence is also a widespread issue, with at least 13 victims, including a nine-year-old child, dying after brutal gang rapes. Naushabah Khan is concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and the impact of gender-based violence on women. She highlighted the need for more action from the international community to facilitate an end to the suffering in Sudan.
Anneliese Dodds
Lab
Oxford East
Ms Dodds highlighted the escalating displacement crisis in Sudan, with 8.6 million people displaced, and the use of drones causing significant civilian casualties. She raised concerns over restrictions on aid and the impact of poor rainfall on food security. She questioned the UK's efforts in supporting an arms embargo on Sudan and the investigation of chemical weapons allegations. Inquired whether those who received humanitarian support were grateful for it and concerned about future reductions in support.
Brian Leishman
SNP
Glasgow North East
Sudan faces the world's worst humanitarian crisis, largest hunger crisis, and biggest internal displacement crisis due to war and failed politics, resulting in a severe economic crisis with 82.8% of the population living below the poverty line. The war is funded by gold production, and international agreements with countries such as Saudi Arabia and Russia have strategic consequences. The arms pipeline should be cut off and foreign military support to warring factions monitored. There must be accountability for war crimes and a democratic, Sudanese-led civilian transition.
David Mundell
Con
Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Called for more attention to the conflict in Sudan, highlighting the rise in hunger and acute malnutrition, with acute malnutrition cases projected to increase to 4.2 million in 2026. Urged the Minister to ensure civilian protection and unhindered aid access, and stressed the need for a permanent ceasefire and robust civilian protection measures. Advocated for the extension of the UN arms embargo and for the UK to press for a humanitarian truce at the UN General Assembly. David Mundell asked the Minister to commit to being proactive in bringing statements to the House of Commons regarding the situation in Sudan, instead of waiting for urgent questions to arise. He suggested that proactivity would help shine a light on the issue.
The MP highlighted the medical needs of Sudanese refugees, noting that almost every participant at a roundtable event required medical support or had family with medical needs, stressing the importance of aid not only for those in Sudan but also for those displaced to Egypt and other countries.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
Emphasised the need for an internationally coordinated humanitarian response to address the scale of the catastrophe in Sudan, noting that a piecemeal gesture would be insufficient.
Chingford and Woodford Green
He expressed concern over the role of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the Sudan conflict, highlighting the involvement of UAE in supplying weapons, recruiting mercenaries, and the detention of a British citizen, Ryan Cornelius. Duncan Smith urged the UK Government to impose sanctions on key UAE operatives and called for the release of Ryan Cornelius.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Jim Shannon highlighted the devastating impact of the conflict in Sudan on freedom of religion and belief, noting that approximately 2.2 million Christians, around 4.3% of the population, remain in Sudan. He cited 23 Christians killed for faith-related reasons and around 100 churches or Christian buildings attacked or closed. Shannon emphasised the need for freedom of religion or belief for all, including Muslims, Baha'is, Shi'a Muslims, and other small communities. He also pointed to the deterioration of religious protections following the 2021 coup and 2023 civil war. Asked whether Russia, through the Wagner Group, should be seen as a top culprit in the conflict due to its involvement in atrocities and exploitation of Sudan's resources. Jim Shannon welcomed the Minister's response but expressed concern that Christians are not receiving aid equally. He questioned what can be done to ensure the distribution of aid to all ethnic groups, particularly Christians.
Dulwich and West Norwood
Ms Harding expressed concerns about the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan, highlighting the dire situation in Chad, which hosts over 1.5 million refugees, mostly from Sudan. She criticised the Government's aid cuts and the failure to respond adequately to the crisis, urging the UK to use its influence in the UN Security Council to push for a Sudan-wide arms embargo and a ceasefire. She also questioned the Government's reluctance to call out countries like the UAE for their involvement in the conflict.
Nesil Caliskan
Lab
Barking
Nesil Caliskan highlighted the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has resulted in up to 400,000 deaths, displaced more than 14 million people, and left 34 million in need of humanitarian support. She emphasised the disproportionate impact on women and girls, with one in four Sudanese people at risk of sexual violence. Caliskan urged the continuation of the £20 million programme to support victims of rape and called for the UK to maintain its arms embargo and sanctions regime until a ceasefire is achieved. She also questioned the Government's actions regarding credible allegations of a transnational network involving the UAE, and pressed for a review of UK arms licensing arrangements with the UAE.
Torfaen
The MP congratulated the lead Member for securing the debate and emphasised the importance of the quintet's visit to Khartoum, urging the UK Government to continue supporting diplomatic efforts and to sanction individuals involved in the civil war.
Rachael Maskell
Lab
York Central
Rachael Maskell highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan, citing that 33.7 million Sudanese people need assistance, 13 million are displaced, and 19.5 million are food insecure. She called for global accountability and leadership to stop the conflict, which is exacerbated by external actors such as the UAE and Russia. Maskell also questioned the progress made in addressing sexual harm to women in conflict and the role of civil society in de-escalating risks.
Wendy Morton
Con
Aldridge-Brownhills
Ms Morton highlighted the devastating impact of the conflict in Sudan, noting 150,000 deaths, 14 million displaced people, and widespread food insecurity. She emphasised the importance of humanitarian assistance and accountability for atrocities. She also questioned the government's assessment of responsibility for attacks on humanitarian operations and the effectiveness of sanctions against those funding or arming the warring parties.
Government Response
Kirsty McNeill
Government Response
The UK has committed £146 million in aid for Sudan this year, reaching over 1.8 million people. It has launched a £20 million programme to support survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. The UK has more than doubled its support to local Sudanese responders. The minister confirmed that the UK has one of the most robust and transparent export control regimes, reviewing over 3,000 export licences for destinations where there have been allegations of diversion or transit to Sudan, finding no evidence of UK weapons or ammunition being used in Sudan. The UK supports expanding the arms embargo to the whole of Sudan, and it is negotiating with the UN to secure its renewal. The Foreign Office team considers the conflict in Sudan as a diplomatic priority, regularly engaging with the warring parties and advocating for a ceasefire. The UK has lobbied at every level to highlight the risk of atrocities and push for an immediate ceasefire. It has also sanctioned Colombian mercenaries suspected of involvement in atrocities in Sudan and those suspected of supplying weapons to the RSF. The minister confirmed that the UK is supporting documentation attempts to ensure accountability.
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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.