Sudan

Baroness Uddin Excerpts

Thursday 27th November 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Uddin (Non-Afl)]

My Lords, my heartfelt gratitude goes to the right reverend Prelate the Bishop of Leeds for his leadership and contribution to this House, and I thank him for initiating this debate.

It is beyond comprehension that, in this century, we are failing to use every means available to us as a nation state to aid Sudan, which is facing this man-made—men-made—war, displacement and inhuman suffering. Thirty million innocent men, women and children are fleeing rape, death and destruction and require urgent aid, with 13 million forced from their homes and lands. Yet those engaged in this brutal war are weaponising starvation, pushing people to the brink in a conflict that is not an occupation but a power grab. Battles for political dominance are driven by power, greed and impunity, for control of Sudan’s wealth and resources.

Cities and villages that I had the honour of visiting across Sudan no longer exist. Health, education systems and societal infrastructures lie in rubble, just as in Gaza. It is as though the perpetrators of this inhuman suffering are beyond reproach and international rules are no longer applicable.

As the UN Security Council penholder for Sudan, the United Kingdom has diplomatic obligations and a unique responsibility to help forge a path toward relief and resolution. I believe that it is our Government who must stand with courage and duty to rally our allies and bring this barbaric war to an end, just as our Prime Minister has led the international coalition of the willing for Ukraine. Does the Minister agree that this excellent model of the coalition of the willing can be applied to confront the catastrophic degradation of Sudan? If such coalitions can be built to defend sovereignty and human rights in Europe, can the UK lead to defend the very same in Africa?

Words are not enough. What actions beyond pledges are His Majesty’s Government taking to ensure the safe, unimpeded delivery of aid across Sudan in partnership with allies such as the African Union and the UN in order to strengthen the humanitarian corridor and speed up the provision of food, emergency medical supplies and shelter to civilians in areas where famine risks are highest and where women and children continue to face the gravest danger?

Impunity has emboldened perpetrators and intensified the war as it continues. For Sudan to have any hope of peace, accountability must accompany rescue and aid. How are the UK Government working to deter further violence while pushing for a sustained ceasefire and a credible political process that places civilians, not armed groups, at the centre of Sudan’s future?

I had the privilege and honour of taking part in women-led peace initiatives in Sudan. I do not know where those women are or whether they are alive. The people of Sudan are not asking for charity; they are entitled to basic food, shelter, safety and dignity.