Arrest of Sudanese Prime Minister

Debate between Baroness Bertin and Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park

Wednesday 27th October 2021 Lords Chamber

[Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park (Con)]

The noble Lord makes an important point. It is clear, as everyone would agree, that the actions of the military are unacceptable. We are reassessing our commitment to restart a phased defence engagement in light of what has happened. The noble Lord also mentioned the impact particularly felt by women and girls. It is worth acknowledging, as the Minister for Africa said yesterday, that women were a major driver of the 2019 protest and fought so bravely for democracy. Last week in Khartoum, Minister Ford from the other place met a number of those inspiring individuals who have shown the vital role that women and girls have to play in the country’s future, and the UK solidly stands with them, both from over here in the United Kingdom and through our humanitarian assistance and overseas development programmes.

[Baroness Bertin (Con)]

My Lords, I beg leave to move the amendment in my name—