South Sudan

Baroness Uddin Excerpts

Monday 1st December 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

It is certainly true that humanitarian access is incredibly challenging and, sadly and devastatingly, we are seeing some of the dynamics of the conflict in Sudan showing themselves in South Sudan as well. The UK has spent £100 million in the last year and over £1 billion since the peace agreement on exactly the kind of work the noble Lord is talking about. While access is undoubtedly challenging, we will continue to work alongside others to try to get the help where it is desperately needed. Our support for the UN peacekeeping mission will be vital in securing that access.

[Baroness Uddin (Non-Afl)]

My Lords, we had a wonderful and very productive debate last week on Sudan. These issues will continue to impact the people of South Sudan and Sudan. Will the Minister ensure that in any work Britain is doing, we are never again accused of interfering in what the people of Sudan are able to do in any democratic processes? What are our Government doing to ensure that they are talking to regional partners, especially the African Union, as well as the OIC?

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

This really matters, and it is good that there is regional leadership to help try to improve the situation. There is no lasting answer to this that does not involve regional and national leadership, which is why we are insistent that the humanitarian and peacekeeping work goes alongside the work on democracy and inclusivity that will, in the end, be what makes the peace in South Sudan. We need a full return to the power-sharing agreement to make sure that the situation can be improved, because in the end, it is the people of South Sudan who suffer the worst of this.