Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have imposed a requirement for unhindered humanitarian access and the cessation of hostilities prior to increasing the number of UK trade deals with the Republic of Sudan.

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.