Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to support the de-escalation of violence between military groups in Sudan.

Our immediate objective is to stop the violence through securing ceasefires, humanitarian corridors and protection of civilians. We are pursuing all diplomatic avenues to end the violence and de-escalate tensions. The Foreign Secretary and I [Minister Mitchell] are regularly in touch with international partners to engage all parties in Sudan.We strongly support the US-led 72 hour ceasefire initiative. Statements from across the international community continue to call for an end to hostilities, including a UK-led UN Security Council statement. The Foreign Secretary and I [Minister Mitchell] have held calls with key partners to discuss the situation and coordinate international response - including the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, regional groupings and the UN Security Council. We are working closely with officials on the ground to establish facts and call on all sides of the conflict to protect civilians and allow humanitarian access.