Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the current political and security situation in Belarus, (2) the future of the constitutional commitment to Belarusian neutrality, particularly in view of the 22–27 February referendum in that country on an amended constitution.
The political and security situation in Belarus is worsening. The UK condemns the role the Belarus regime is playing in Russia's unprovoked and barbaric attack against Ukraine. On 1 March, the Foreign Secretary imposed a first package of sanctions on Belarusian individuals and organisations who are aiding and abetting the invasion.
The removal of the neutrality clause from Belarus' constitution must not be used to allow further support for Russian aggression. The decision to change the constitution came following a flawed referendum which failed to meet international standards. We urge the Belarusian authorities to end the repression, enter into an inclusive dialogue with the democratic opposition and civil society, and offer the Belarusian people genuine choices.