Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make representations to the Saudi Arabian government on the public flogging of Raif Badawi on 9 January 2015.

We condemn the use of torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment in all circumstances.

The UK is a strong supporter of freedom of expression around the world. We believe that people must be allowed to discuss and debate issues freely, challenge peacefully their governments and speak out against violations of human rights wherever they occur.

We maintain a close dialogue with the Saudi Arabian government on these issues and will continue to do so.