tel: 01736 339526 | email: andrew.george.mp@parliament.uk

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Andrew George

Promoting the Politics of Courage

Sudan Crisis

The violence in Sudan is horrific and has been largely ignored by the UK media and government. Civilians in the country are facing extreme hardship, fear, suffering and starvation. The humanitarian catastrophe unfolding there is among the worst of our lifetimes. As you rightly point out, 14 million children are in urgent need of support. The situation continues to deteriorate.

I welcome the Government’s announcement of £120 million in new funds to support Sudan in April, as well as the London Conference hosted by David Lammy to build a path to peace. However, this is minimal compared to the magnitude of the crisis. As the conflict intensifies, so too will the suffering of the Sudanese people. For the UK, the strategic implications are dire; regional instability abroad contributes to weakened security at home.

Famine conditions are being exacerbated by systematic aid obstruction by both the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF); greater support for local Sudanese groups who are often better placed than international NGOs is required. The UK Government has so far failed to act decisively, and the ability of government to respond to this crisis is now extremely hampered by its decision to drastically slash our international aid budget.

My Liberal Democrat Parliamentary colleagues and I urge the Government to:

  • Use the UK’s role as penholder at the UN Security Council to implement practical measures to protect civilians, including designating education and health facilities as safe zones.
  • Make all diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire and enable humanitarian aid to move freely, working with neighbouring countries and preventing external actors from perpetuating or profiting from the conflict, including consideration of UK secondary sanctions.
  • Establish a UK-wide no-fly zone over Sudan, including drones, building on the one in place in Darfur.
  • Build consensus among international partners, including the US, to resist legitimising the warring parties and insist on civilian governance for Sudan’s future.
  • Raise the public profile of the conflict in the UK, including making representations to the Disasters Emergency Committee to launch a UK-wide appeal, and commit to matching the generosity of the British public.
  • Alleviate the humanitarian crisis by:
    • Properly funding the UN Appeal and regional refugee response.
    • Restoring the ODA budget to 0.5% of national income and using it to support Sudan and neighbouring countries.
    • Prioritising the protection and empowerment of Sudanese women and girls through increased funding for education and support services.

We also call on the Government to ensure safe and legal routes to the UK for those fleeing the conflict, including family members of British nationals and those with legitimate UK visas who are currently being denied boarding on evacuation flights.

The Prime Minister must show leadership and speak to President Trump about how to bring about a lasting ceasefire. The UK must use its influence to push for peace.