Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
Debate between Chris Elmore and Janet Daby(3 days, 7 hours ago)
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Chris Elmore
I reassure the Father of the House that, as I said in my statement, there is no plan for, and our position has not changed on, reparations. I will not comment on any other countries’ part in the slave trade or any other type of offence, whatever the grievance, but this constructive dialogue is a clear way forward to engaging with Commonwealth nations, including African countries. It is about working and moving forward in the best way possible, and in a way that is honest and straightforward. I would argue strongly that those are British values. This is about a hope that this country can look forward, move forward and ensure that the Commonwealth is fit for the future, and does not simply focus on the past.
Janet Daby (Lewisham East) (Lab)
I wholeheartedly thank my hon. Friend the Minister for his statement. If he casts his mind back, he will remember the many conversations we had about Hurricane Melissa. I thank the Minister for the strengthening of partnerships among the 56 Commonwealth countries, but what steps are the Government taking to bolster the climate resilience of Commonwealth partners, particularly those on the frontline of climate change?
Chris Elmore
My hon. Friend is right about the many conversations that we had on behalf of her constituents during Hurricane Melissa and about the response of the UK Government. A succession of Administrations have worked to deliver climate resilient infrastructure that can withstand the impact of multiple hurricanes; I saw that myself when I was the first international Minister to visit Black River following the hurricane in December last year. We will continue that focus on climate resilience investment, and in some cases we can use procurement to offer British firms that work in individual countries. That will always remain a priority, and it is something that we take extremely seriously.
Sudan
Debate between Chris Elmore and Janet Daby(4 months, 2 weeks ago)
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Chris Elmore
In relation to the IDC, I am happy to repeat the point: we reject the claims that have been set out. As the penholder, the last Government and this one were at the forefront of the UN resolutions. In fact, in November 2024 this Government pushed for a further resolution that was vetoed by Russia. The Government have been at the forefront of this work for the best part of four years—whether that is the last Government or this one. The Foreign Secretary and her two predecessors ensured that Sudan remained at the forefront of the multilateral UN agenda.
In relation to the wider processes around the UAE and other countries, as I have just told the House, the Foreign Secretary raised the matter during her visit to Cairo last week, including with the UAE. We continue to raise the matter in order to bring about a peaceful resolution. That position is not going to change. We will keep leading as penholder in the UN.
Janet Daby (Lewisham East) (Lab)
The situation in Sudan is outrageous. The atrocities are unbearable to hear about. On the international Development Committee we have heard about the most vile attacks on women and girls, and sexual violence. It must stop; we must do as much as we can as a Government to end it. What steps is the UK taking with its international partners to protect women and girls from the current offensive?
Chris Elmore
My hon. Friend is right to raise the horrendous levels of sexual violence against women, girls, and indeed boys, across this devastating conflict. Just this week, the UN has published a report on the widespread sexual violence that is taking place, and we will respond to that in due course. In terms of the active work the Government are doing, my hon. Friend will know that the Foreign Secretary has announced an international coalition on tackling violence against women and girls. In Sudan specifically, we have announced a multi-year £20 million programme, starting this year, to support survivors of sexual violence to access psychological and medical support; we are doing work on the border, working with UNICEF, among others, to protect girls who are victims of sexual violence; and we are trying our best to work in-country and support refugees to ensure that they are given support. We are doing more internationally to bring about this international coalition to tackle sexual violence. Sexual violence should not be used as a weapon of war, but it is. We are doing everything we can to stop it.
Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Chris Elmore and Janet Daby(3 years, 5 months ago)
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Janet Daby (Lewisham East) (Lab)
Chris Elmore (Ogmore) (Lab)