Labour MPs have called for an immediate ceasefire, improved humanitarian access and stronger international action during a dedicated Westminster Hall debate on the conflict in Sudan.
The debate, held on Tuesday 8 September, was opened by Labour MP Naushabah Khan and chaired by Dr Rosena Allin-Khan MP. Kirsty McNeill MP, the Minister for International Development, responded on behalf of the Government.
MPs from across Parliament highlighted the scale of Sudan's humanitarian crisis, including famine, displacement, conflict-related sexual violence, attacks on humanitarian workers and the lack of sufficient international funding.
Naushabah Khan urged the Government to use the United Kingdom's position as the United Nations Security Council penholder on Sudan to press for humanitarian access, the protection of civilians and a credible political process.
Drawing on a parliamentary visit to Egypt, Khan also spoke about the experiences of Sudanese refugees and the wider regional consequences of the conflict. She warned that the international community must do more to support those affected and ensure that Sudan does not remain neglected.
Calls for humanitarian access
Anneliese Dodds MP raised concerns about the encirclement of El Obeid, continuing violence in Blue Nile and the Nuba Mountains, and the spread of diseases including cholera and dengue.
She also criticised restrictions on humanitarian assistance imposed by both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, stressing that aid must be allowed to reach civilians regardless of which areas they live in.
Brian Leishman MP argued that there could be no military solution to the conflict. He called for an end to external military support and for those responsible for abuses to face accountability.
Leishman also said that Sudan's future should be shaped by civilian forces, including resistance committees, trade unions and organisations representing displaced people, rather than by the armed factions responsible for the conflict.
The debate saw broad agreement on the need for an immediate humanitarian truce, followed by a permanent ceasefire and a Sudanese-led political settlement.
Protecting women and girls
Nesil Caliskan MP placed particular emphasis on the experiences of Sudanese families and members of the Sudanese community in her Barking constituency.
She highlighted the devastating impact of conflict-related sexual violence on women and girls and called for continued humanitarian assistance and support for survivors.
Caliskan pressed the Government on its £20 million programme providing medical and psychological support to people affected by sexual and gender-based violence. The minister confirmed that the programme would continue.
Tom Hayes MP also raised concerns about Sudanese women and girls who have fled to Egypt, including the risks of abuse and exploitation following displacement.
MPs stressed that women must play a central role in Sudan's future political settlement and that women's organisations and civil-society groups should be directly involved in peacebuilding efforts.
Accountability and civilian government
A number of speakers called for evidence of atrocities to be preserved and for those responsible for violations to be held accountable.
Jim Shannon MP raised concerns about attacks on places of worship and religious communities, while other MPs referred to alleged abuses committed by both major armed factions.
Contributions also focused on the need for stronger sanctions, closer scrutiny of weapons transfers and action against financial networks supporting the conflict.
MPs called for the United Nations arms embargo to be extended across the whole of Sudan and for international efforts to target commanders, arms suppliers, mercenaries and those involved in illicit financial activity.
Government response
Responding to the debate, Kirsty McNeill MP said the scale of the crisis required compassion to be matched by action.
She confirmed that the UK had committed £146 million in humanitarian support for Sudan, which the Government expects to reach more than 1.8 million people.
The minister also confirmed continued funding for medical and psychological support for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence; increased support for Sudanese local responders, including emergency response rooms; UK backing for extending the UN arms embargo across the whole of Sudan; continued diplomatic engagement with the African Union, regional states and the parties to the conflict; support for documenting atrocities and extending the mandate of the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan; sanctions against commanders, arms suppliers, mercenaries and networks linked to the illicit gold trade; and continued engagement with Sudanese civil society and members of the diaspora.
McNeill also told MPs that more than 3,000 arms-export licences involving destinations linked to alleged diversion or transit had been reviewed. The Government had found no evidence that UK-manufactured weapons were being used in Sudan.
Following a request from David Mundell MP, the minister agreed that the Government should be proactive in making statements to Parliament about developments in Sudan.
The debate concluded with strong cross-party support for an immediate ceasefire, civilian protection, humanitarian access, accountability and a Sudanese-led political process.
Although Westminster Hall debates do not result in legislation or a binding vote, the discussion placed the concerns of Sudanese communities and humanitarian organisations firmly on the parliamentary record.
