Belarus: Elections Debate
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Lord Foulkes of Cumnock
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Belarus: Elections
Lord Foulkes of Cumnock Excerpts(3 weeks ago)
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Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)
The noble Baroness is completely right in what she says and I thank her for securing this question and allowing us to discuss the matter this afternoon. I agree with everything she said. We are working hard to make sure, as far as we can, that the people of Belarus have the opportunity to elect a government who represent their wishes.
Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Lab Co-op)
My Lords, I welcome the speed with which the Government imposed sanctions on those who were involved in the sham election. Is the Minister aware of the excellent scheme organised by Libereco, whereby parliamentarians become “godparents” to political prisoners in Belarus and keep in touch with them on a regular basis, so they know they are not forgotten? Will the Minister take up the role of godmother to a political prisoner and encourage all members of this House to do so? It really does encourage those who fight against the dictatorship.