Oral Answers to Questions

Kenny MacAskill Excerpts

Tuesday 18th July 2023 Commons Chamber

[Leo Docherty]

No.

[Kenny MacAskill (East Lothian) (Alba)]

10. Whether his Department has received recent representations on the adequacy of the United Nations convention against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

[The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Mr Andrew Mitchell)]

The UK is a state party to the United Nations convention against torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, and works closely with partners to eradicate the use of torture.

[Kenny MacAskill]

War manifests itself not just in today’s combat but for future generations. As a signatory to the convention on cluster munitions, the UK is aware of the reprehensible nature of these weapons. Will the Minister assure us that US supplies of those weapons to Ukraine will not be allowed through US airbases in the UK?

[Mr Mitchell]

The hon. Member makes a point about cluster munitions, and the position of the British Government is very clear: we have signed the treaty against their use. Other countries’ position is a matter for them, but that is the very clear position of the British Government.