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International Human Rights Day 2025
10 December 2025
Lead MP
Markus Campbell-Savours
Penrith and Solway
Ind
Responding Minister
Chris Elmore
Tags
ImmigrationUkraine
Word Count: 8501
Other Contributors: 10
At a Glance
Markus Campbell-Savours raised concerns about international human rights day 2025 in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The lead MP urges the Minister to reaffirm the UK’s leadership in defending universal human rights and to ensure consistent use of tools such as arms export licensing criteria and targeted sanctions.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Human rights are under attack worldwide, with repressive actions in countries like Russia, Sudan, China, Iran, and others. Established democracies also face the threat of strongman politics, undermining democratic norms.
Brian Mathew
LD
Melksham and Devizes
Asked the hon. Member to comment on the UK's moral responsibility regarding arms trade with the UAE, particularly in relation to Sudan.
David Smith
Lab
North Northumberland
Smith focuses on religious freedom as a core aspect of British identity and foreign policy, emphasizing the importance of championing freedom of religion or belief internationally. Referred to the UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief role.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Abrahams highlights ongoing global conflicts and emphasizes the need for a rules-based system and human rights to foster peaceful societies, noting specific conflicts in various regions including Palestine-Israel, Syria, Yemen, South Sudan, and Ukraine. Asked whether the shadow Minister's position has changed markedly from when they were in government.
Chows
Con
North Herefordshire
Mentioned Claudia and her niece's murder as a human rights defender.
Ellie Chowns
Green
North Herefordshire
Stressed the importance of supporting environmental and indigenous rights defenders, noting that 146 such defenders were killed in 2025, with Colombia having the most killings globally for three consecutive years.
Fabian Hamilton
Lab
Leeds North East
Highlighted the importance of human rights defenders who take great risks to spotlight abuses and seek redress. Emphasised the need for international support and protection for these individuals.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Talked about freedom of religion or belief and violations in debates over years.
Bournemouth East
Thanked colleagues for their participation and mentioned specific contributions from MPs like Jim Shannon, David Smith, Fabian Hamilton, Dr Chowns, Debbie Abrahams, Rachel Blake.
Tom Gordon
LD
Harrogate and Knaresborough
Discussed the importance of human rights, highlighting the work of the Joint Committee on Human Rights.
Wendy Morton
Con
Aldridge-Brownhills
She thanked the hon. Member for Penrith and Solway for securing this debate, emphasising the importance of human rights in daily lives amid global challenges such as authoritarian states undermining international order. Emphasized the theme 'our everyday essentials' for International Human Rights Day.
Government Response
Chris Elmore
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
Government Response
He thanked Members for their contributions and reassured them that the UK Government is reviewing the overseas security and justice assistance guidance to ensure it is effective, up to date, and clear. He also stated that the UK does not support sanctioning individuals or organisations associated with the International Criminal Court. Reported on declining global freedom, addressed issues in Sudan with £125 million aid, condemned settler violence in the West Bank, pledged to match public donations to middle east appeal, supported efforts against war crimes in Ukraine, and raised concerns about Russian deportation of children.
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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.