Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government why, in a video published by the British Embassy in Khartoum on 19 February, to promote UK business and investment in Sudan, the British Ambassador to Sudan did not refer to human rights and genocide charges brought against the regime.

The UK promotes trade with Sudan because this can help open up its political and economic systems. In working towards a peaceful Sudan, progress towards a stable economy is required for long-term stability. However, we are clear that the current conflicts and the poor human rights situation will remain an obstacle to a sizeable increase in interest from British companies. As part of our dialogue with the government of Sudan we continue to urge progress on a cessation of hostilities, allowing full humanitarian access to the conflict areas and improving the human rights situation.