Cuba: Humanitarian Situation

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon Excerpts

Tuesday 9th June 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

On the latter point, my honourable friend the Minister in the other place, Chris Elmore, has been in touch with the Cuban authorities. He has also spoken to the Cuban ambassador about these issues. We have been clear in our long-standing bilateral relationship, which has provided the opportunity for frank and constructive dialogue and allows us to continuously raise these human rights issues. The noble Lord is absolutely right, but we continue to press for the release of political prisoners by directly engaging, as I say, with the ambassador. We welcome also the release last year of prisoners under a Vatican-mediated agreement, so we are absolutely clear that these things must be properly raised with the Cuban authorities.

[Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Con)]

My Lords, the Minister will be aware that in 2023, the previous Government signed the PDCA, which was a political agreement that looked at humanitarian areas and covered human rights. What is the status of that agreement? My understanding is that it is yet to be ratified. In that light, are we also engaging with the direct discussions taking place between the US and leaders of the opposition within Cuba?

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

As I said in answer to previous questions, we are engaged with the United States and with Cuba. We are encouraging the dialogue taking place between the US and the Cuban Government. In relation to the PDCA, ratification of the agreement was delayed to give the Government an opportunity to consider the position, particularly in relation to the global situation that we find ourselves in. What we have considered is that now is not the right time to enter into a new agreement and undertake new areas of our work. I think our priority is to address the immediate concerns, particularly in relation to the points that the noble Lord, Lord Alton, raised, but also the humanitarian situation to ensure that we can support those United Nations agencies that are getting aid in for the people who need it most.