Sudan: Protection of Civilians

Debate between Baroness Brown of Silvertown and Baroness Chapman of Darlington

Tuesday 4th November 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Brown of Silvertown (Lab)]

We all know that part of the problem in Sudan is that what is going on is being funded by outside actors who have their own skin in the game and their own political and economic motivations. Can the Minister assure me that we are using our position to put pressure on those who are funding this outrageous war on the people of Sudan by these generals, and that we are doing everything possible to diminish that funding?

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

It is the people of Sudan who are paying the price for this. I can assure the noble Baroness that we use every lever we can to put pressure where it is needed. Anybody who has any influence over either side has a duty and responsibility to use it to bring about a negotiated solution.

Chagos Islands

Debate between Baroness Brown of Silvertown and Baroness Chapman of Darlington

Thursday 6th February 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

It is precisely because we need to ensure the legal certainty of the Chagos archipelago and the ability of the base to operate and function fully. That is so important to security, as I am sure the noble Lord agrees, and is not something that our adversaries would wish to see established. This deal strengthens our presence and arrangements in Chagos.

I am aware that the Chaggosians in this country do not, in large part, agree with this deal and, as the noble Lord says, they do not feel an identity or affinity with Mauritius. These things happened during decolonisation, and that is why we find ourselves in our present legal situation. However, it is also true that there are Chaggosians living in Mauritius who take a different view. There is not one view of this deal from the global Chaggosian community.

[Baroness Brown of Silvertown (Lab)]

My Lords, have our NATO allies commented on this deal?

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

We are working very closely with our allies in the United States. Jonathan Powell, our National Security Adviser, is in Washington at the moment working through the deal with the Americans. It is right and understandable for any new Administration to want to know every precise detail of this, because it has a profound impact on security and the stability of the base on Diego Garcia.