Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anelay of St Johns on 28 November (HL3232) concerning the Foreign Secretary’s remarks encouraging demonstrations outside the Russian Embassy, whether it is their policy that such demonstrations should not be encouraged; and, if so, whether they have given assurances to that effect to the government of Russia.

The words of the Foreign Secretary, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip (Boris Johnson) in Parliament on 11 November reflected overwhelming concern at Russia’s actions in Syria, which are contributing to the appalling humanitarian situation. The UK will continue to urge Russia to work with the international community to establish a credible ceasefire, and begin working for a political transition that represents the only long-term solution. There is of course a well-established right for citizens in the UK to conduct peaceful demonstrations on issues of concern. The UK is scrupulous about fully meeting and respecting its obligations under the Vienna Convention. We discuss these shared obligations with the Russian Government on a regular basis.