Sudan: Atrocities

Desmond Swayne Excerpts
Thursday 22nd June 2023

(11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Leo Docherty Portrait Leo Docherty
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I join the hon. Gentleman in thanking my right hon. Friend the Member for Chelmsford for her deep expertise and experience, and for tabling this urgent question today.

We did not ignore warnings. We have absolute confidence in our diplomats, our civil servants, and those members of our institution who have deep expertise in Sudan. They do not have a crystal ball; they cannot predict every last machination in a conflict that is highly complex and extremely volatile. Diplomacy is the art of the possible, as is peacebuilding, and that is where our diplomacy, considerable humanitarian investment and expertise will be focused.

Desmond Swayne Portrait Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)
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On the Wagner Group, my hon. Friend said that he keeps matters under constant review and close watch. When will it be time to stop watching and do something?

Leo Docherty Portrait Leo Docherty
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I cannot comment on any timescale; it would be inappropriate for me to do so.