← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
Humanitarian Situation in Sudan
22 July 2025
Lead MP
Harpreet Uppal
Huddersfield
Lab
Responding Minister
Catherine West
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Word Count: 13324
Other Contributors: 20
At a Glance
Harpreet Uppal raised concerns about humanitarian situation in sudan in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government must do more to support diplomatic efforts and ensure targeted assistance for the Sudanese people facing severe hardships.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
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.
Adam Jogee
Lab
Newcastle-under-Lyme
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.
Alex Sobel
Lab/Co-op
Leeds Central
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.
Alice Macdonald
Lab/Co-op
Norwich North
Supports investing a large percentage of aid in women’s rights organisations that can lead the charge and find solutions for the crisis.
Anneliese Dodds
Lab/Co-op
Oxford East
Provided perspective on displacement and hunger statistics in Sudan, urging the UK Government to take urgent actions to stop violence and provide aid.
Ayoub Khan
Ind
Birmingham Perry Barr
Proposes an international military peace force to help residents and citizens in Sudan.
Gravesham
Spoke about health risks in the region and the importance of addressing them.
Lauren Sullivan
Lab
Gravesham
Highlights additional health crises in Sudan, including malaria and mycetoma, which are impacting the population severely due to looted medical facilities.
West Dorset
Questions whether cuts to overseas development aid impact our ability to help displaced Sudanese people in Chad.
Harpreet Uppal
Lab
Huddersfield
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.
Iqbal Mohamed
Ind
Dewsbury and Batley
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.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
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.
Kate Osamor
Lab/Co-op
Edmonton and Winchmore Hill
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.
Haltemprice and Howden
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.
Rachael Maskell
Ind
York Central
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.
Shabana Mahmood
Lab
Birmingham, Ladywood
Called for immediate action to address the humanitarian crisis and ensure that aid reaches those in need.
Shockat Adam
Ind
Leicester South
Urges the United Nations to enforce resolution 2736, which mandates lifting the siege and facilitating aid delivery in El Fasher.
Steve Race
Lab
Exeter
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.
Slough
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.
Uma Kumaran
Lab
Stratford and Bow
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 West
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
Government Response
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.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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.