Sudan: Operational Restrictions on Humanitarian Actors

Debate between Lord Davies of Brixton and Baroness Chapman of Darlington

Wednesday 15th July 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

The last time I answered a Question on this, I indicated that I would ask for advice on our duty to protect. I have had that advice and have asked for further advice specifically on that responsibility. I understand completely what the noble Lord is saying. I receive regular updates on the number of drones and attacks and the amassing of troops. All I can say for now is please be assured that there is a very strong desire from me, the Foreign Secretary and the Prime Minister to make sure that the United Kingdom does everything it can to protect people in Sudan.

[Lord Davies of Brixton (Lab)]

I thank my noble friend for her answers and the work she is doing on this appalling situation. It is clear from her answers that the obstruction of humanitarian aid accessing the country and being distributed is happening on a tremendous scale. This is clearly a crime. What steps are the Government taking to ensure that, sooner or later, those responsible face sanctions or, even better, judicial action?

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

I am not going to say anything about sanctions that we may implement imminently, because that would reduce their impact, but we look at these things in a way that my noble friend would agree with. We have supported the fact-finding mission as well. We are working with our partners, including international NGOs and local partners, to find ways to support the delivery of the aid that is needed, despite the restrictions imposed by the RSF.

Darfur: Atrocities

Debate between Lord Davies of Brixton and Baroness Chapman of Darlington

Wednesday 24th June 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

I have been on the record in this House on many occasions expressing frustration with the futility, sometimes, of the statements we make. They are hard to get agreed and very carefully worded, as the noble Lord knows. Do they have the real-world impact that we would wish to see? The truth is, not often enough. That does not mean it is wrong to pursue them, because the more light that is shone on these atrocities, the better. It is really important that we do that. I think we all agree that not enough attention is paid to this conflict and to what is happening in Sudan. They are an important tool. Are they sufficient? I agree with the noble Lord that they are not.

[Lord Davies of Brixton (Lab)]

I thank the noble Lord, Lord Alton, for his important Question. I know that my noble friend the Minister is well aware of the nature of the appalling tragedy taking place in Sudan. One of the factors fuelling the extent of that ongoing tragedy is the continued supply of modern weaponry, drones and the training of mercenaries. Does she agree with me that our Labour Government should do all that they can to prevent the supply of such equipment? It is fuelling this disaster.

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

Absolutely. There is no doubt that this conflict is being prolonged and intensified because of the supply of drones and other high-tech equipment to armed groups within Sudan, not just the SAF and the RSF but many others. There are now double digits of countries involving themselves in this conflict. They need to stop. That is the only way we will see any kind of resolution. We need to get on to a ceasefire, some dialogue and a civilian-led process. That is the only way forward here. The arms pumped into Sudan and the illicit gold flows need to stop, because until they do there will be no motivation for the warring parties to get around the table and resolve this.

Ukraine

Debate between Lord Davies of Brixton and Baroness Chapman of Darlington

Tuesday 25th February 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

That is undoubtedly true, but I believe that he is the right person to be in that particular role at this particular time, because making difficult decisions is his job and what he is good at. I think he made a good decision today, and I have every confidence that he will continue in that way.

[Lord Davies of Brixton (Lab)]

My noble friend mentioned the strategic defence review. Clearly, that is important in this context, but it strikes me that we are in a totally new situation that I, for one, did not anticipate within the last year. If necessary, perhaps the review needs to be delayed to take account of this totally new situation and a new form of warfare that we are going to have to pursue.

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

I hear what my noble friend is saying, and things are undoubtedly moving quickly, but I do not think that starting the defence review again would be the right way to move forward with this. The noble Lord, Lord Robertson, will be very well aware of what has happened and the consequences, and I have every confidence that that will be reflected very well in his report when we get it.