Belarus: Presidential Elections

Baroness Anelay of St Johns Excerpts
Friday 25th September 2020

(4 years, 1 month ago)

Lords Chamber
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Baroness Anelay of St Johns Portrait Baroness Anelay of St Johns (Con)
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My Lords, in welcoming this important Statement of support for the people of Belarus and help for those who have been targeted by their Government’s attack on media freedom, I first ask my noble friend whether that help will also cover members of the arts and culture community who have been affected. Secondly, do the Government plan to appoint another UK special envoy on media freedom now that Amal Clooney has resigned?

Baroness Sugg Portrait Baroness Sugg (Con)
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I thank my noble friend for her question. On her second question, we are currently reviewing the position of the special envoy on media freedom. In the meantime, of course, the UK remains fully committed to supporting media freedom and standing up for the rights of journalists. On her first question, as I said, we are currently considering how best to support all members of society protesting in Belarus at the moment. I agree with her that we need to make sure that we continue to see free arts and culture, which is such an important part of society.