Sudan: Operational Restrictions on Humanitarian Actors

Lord Polak Excerpts

Wednesday 15th July 2026 Lords Chamber

[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.

[Lord Polak (Con)]

My Lords, there are children in danger and children dying. Save the Children UK has got into doing gimmicks. What does the Minister say to it? Why is it not saving children, as it says in its title?

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

For those who do not know what the noble Lord is getting at, and I agree with him, there has been an unfortunate use of social media by Save the Children which is divisive, provocative and factually inaccurate. I am happy to debate with any charity, NGO or anybody else the decisions that this Government have made regarding any conflict at any time. What this country does not need right now are contributions that exacerbate divisions on topics that are incredibly divisive and sensitive. We should all conduct ourselves in a way that is respectful and grounded in substance. I encourage every campaigning organisation to do that.