16-09-04

New Inquiry into Sudan crisis to include local MP

John Barrett, Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, has today been announced as part of a major new inquiry into the crisis in Sudan.
 
The western region of Darfur in Sudan is now described as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.  The actions of rebel groups in Darfur have resulted in over 1 million people being forced to leave their homes. It is estimated that over 50,000 people have been killed so far in attacks that some have described as genocide.
 
The House of Commons International Development Committee, which includes John Barrett, has decided to conduct an in depth inquiry into how the international community, including the UK Government, has responded to the crisis.  However, the inquiry will also look into the causes of the situation inSudanand what lessons can be learnt for the future.
 
In inquiry will take oral and written evidence from a series of witnesses, including the Secretary of State for International Development, Hilary Benn.  
 
Commenting, Mr Barrett said:
 
“The crisis in Sudan is one of the most pressing matters facing the international community.  It is absolutely right that Parliament investigates these matters and I am delighted that I will be part of that inquiry.
 
“It is clear that the pictures we have seen on our television from the Sudan, pictures of violence, illness and starvation, have really affected people here in the UK. I have lost counts of the number of letters I have received from my own constituents, appalled by what they have seen.
 
“Hopefully, this inquiry can focus on what our Government has done, what more it can still do and what can be done better.”
 
ENDS