Tag Archives: darfur

How would you react if four million people had been killed in the UK?

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Four Destroyed health post in Darfurmillion deaths – that’s the shocking figure for how many people would have died in the UK if we’d suffered the same proportion of our population being killed as has been killed in Darfur.

It makes ‘just’ asking another question or speaking at another rally seem rather inadequate in the face of this monstrous brutality. Which is why – I’m setting up a local group to help take more action. It’s the subject of my latest newspaper column (for the Ham & High this time):

Two and a half years ago, Tony Blair took a stand saying that ‘international focus on Darfur will not go away while the situation remains outstanding’. But that stand was only temporary – for last year, Salah Gosh – the Sudanese security chief who orchestrates the violence in Darfur – was twice “welcomed” to this country.

You can read the rest of the Darfur article on my website.

UPDATE: If you are on Facebook, please come and join my Darfur group.

International issues: water and Darfur

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Water, water everywhere – but not where it’s needed. Speaking for the Liberal Democrats in the Water and Sanitation in Developing Countries debate in Parliament yesterday, I went on two main themes: firstly that at some point in the future there will be a major war (or wars) over water. Water wars will dominate the next decades as scarce supply send millions into migratory patterns in the developing world.

There are 263 rivers that cross borders – and as the supply shortens the temptation for countries to divert a river their way and cut off the river from another country will become greater and greater.

Back in 1997 the UK sponsored a UN Convention on the Non-Navigational Waterways – which basically put rules around this tinderbox issue to prevent the looming disasters that would arise as countries fought for access to scarce supply. Ten years on – the UK has not ratified the Convention. I asked Hilary Benn when it would be done. He failed to answer – albeit he said that I raised a truly important point. One has to wonder if it was that important – why has Labour failed to see this through?

Second issue I pursued was on the funding we give to the PPIAF (a public private group that is supposed to deliver infrastructure projects in the developing world). I had previously question Benn in Parliament as to why we were funding this organisation as Norway had withdrawn because its projects kept failing. Benn had answered that some projects fail and some succeed – and he would take a look at it. Clearly – no progress had been made by the debate today as he once again simply re-iterated that some projects succeed some fail.

Personally, given the level of funding with tax from our hard-earned wages you would think he would be a little more careful and caring about the effectiveness of that spend. Italy too has now withdrawn.

Later same day – we had a debate on Darfur. For the most part all speakers wrung our hands and demanded instant deployment of the AU / UN troops, a no-fly zone, targeted sanctions, travel bans, asset freezes and some suggestions that China is being pretty damn brave – propping up and supporting the Sudanese Government (thereby perpetuating and paying for the killing fields) when the Beijing Olympics are coming down the track!

We will see what action is taken at the G8 as we are all fed up with fine words as genocide continues unabated.

Brown on Darfur

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I notice that Gordon in his hustings yesterday defended the principle of overseas military intervention in Darfur – saying that he wanted to see a joint UN / African Union force in the country almost immediately. Well – yes – don’t we all? But we are being taken for fools by the Khartoum government who clearly think they can play with us with no consequences. So – this is a test for Gordon: is he an action man or is it just talk, talk?

Darfur: time is running out

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Speaking Lynne Featherstone MP speaking at the rally for Darfur outside Downing Streetat Darfur Rally today so get tube up to Westminster. Thank goodness the sun is shining – as the turnout is pretty impressive. Many, many refugees from Darfur. Key message from the attendees (according to the frequent chant) is to get the UN / African Union troops deployed on the ground to protect the people.

This is a terrible and deteriorating situation. Whilst there is a lot of dodging around the word ‘genocide’ for a variety of reasons – to me if it walks like genocide, talks like genocide – it’s genocide. And the frustration is that so little is happening. The theme (exemplified by a giant hour-glass filled with blood) is that time is running out.

There are lots of speakers (including me) and generally a lot of passion and anger and desperation – as despite so many people saying after events like Rwanda ‘it must never happen again’, it is happening again.

As I said:

The Sudanese regime is one of the most brutal and destabilising in the world today. Some 400,000 black Darfuris have perished in the past three years due to the measures taken against them by the Government of Sudan and allied militias. If we are not against this genocidal regime, we are with them.

You can read the rest of the speech on my website. But please don’t just read the speech – help do something about it too by contacting your MP to add to the pressure on the Government to act. (Even if you are a constituent of mine, please do still write – the more the messages I receive, the more I can impress on the Government the strength of feeling on the issue).

Darfur demonstration

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Ahead of joining the demonstration at Downing Street tomorrow on Darfur, this morning’s Independent has a piece including my views on the issue:

It is clear that what we are witnessing in Darfur is genocide. The British Government and the international community cannot continue to watch as this catastrophe unfolds in front of them. A no-fly zone, a proper and extensive arms embargo, targeted travel bans and asset seizures as well as meaningful sanctions are all essential yet the Government has so far done nothing. What will it take before this country takes the effective action that is so desperately needed?

Darfur, doctors and debt

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Hurrah! My glasses were found in the back of the car that brought me back from The Westminster Hour – thank goodness. Tuesday has been a busy, busy day and I hate it when there isn’t even breathing space between events.

To highlight the best of the bunch: met with an interesting organisation called Waging Peace about the ever-deteriorating situation in Darfur. My take is that the world is standing by and letting genocide take place. The Sudanese Government is playing us for fools and toying with us suggesting that they are on our side against Al Qaeda when really they are not. The Arab militias continue to kill rebels and the suffering is spreading into Chad and Central Africa. We need action from the EU and the UN. Sanctions, travel bans and arms embargos would be a start and for goodness sake – China is applying more pressure than we are.

I also met constituents about the mess that the changes to the way junior doctors are employed have caused. It’s a terrible tale of diving in without a clue where it will end up – and now peoples’ lives and careers are being ruined. And are they stopping it? No. This is a nightmare for those caught up in the changes. This should have been thought about, piloted and rolled out in a measured way rather than being steamrollered through across the board.

More Maxitech good works as they start teaming up with Age Concern to deliver free computers and training to our older citizens. The event to mark this is held in the Lords and really it is quite clear that Maxitech has solved the problem of big corporations like HSBC, John Lewis and British Airways (all in attendance) who want to be good and give their old computers for good causes – but need to know that the computers will be properly wiped clean and they won’t be caught by legal liability issues.

Then onto Spurs to see the launch of the Bounds Green United football team – set up and initiated by the (police) Bounds Green Safer Neighbourhood Team. Spurs are doing their community bit – hurrah – and some of the wards in the borough are getting teams together to compete. The first match will be on Tuesday. It’s a great project and I get to stand one inch from the pitch – the hallowed turf. It is a tremendous feeling. Thanks to the police Safer Neighbourhood Team – without whom this just would not have happened.

Then on to the CASCH AGM (a Crouch End residents’ association). Nice to be able to get here tonight – as Monday and Tuesday nights are usually impossible but I try to get to all local events that I can. The new Met volunteer organiser is there – and talks to the members about perhaps joining the team. It is so great to see what feels like my ‘baby’ growing up. The re-opening of the front counter at Muswell Hill police station was fantastic and the volunteers who run it are fantastic – and now it’s the second generation organiser is in place. Very rewarding. As they go on to the business of the Association, it is time for me to run as I have a radio car coming to my house at 10pm to interview me on vulture funds.

Vulture funds are these companies that feed off the debt of the third world. The High Court ruled today to cut Zambia’s debt repayments to them:

A “vulture” fund seeking more than $55m (£27.5bn) from Zambia had its wings clipped in the high court yesterday by the judge who limited its claim to $15.5m and cut its award of costs because of its “dishonesty”.

(From The Guardian)

Debt relief was a good move – and it is horrifying to think that anyone would prey on these countries and exploit a legal loophole. We need a government that takes action – not just wrings its hands ineffectually as this one is doing.

Then get a message that there is no radio car available to come to where I live – so go home to bed!

A busy day

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I went to the Save Community Hospitals’ lobby in Westminster Hall yesterday. In Haringey we are not so much trying to save a hospital and get a new one on the site of the old one – which wasn’t saved!

I also had Question 4 on the order paper in Foreign Affairs Questions.

Lynne Featherstone (Hornsey & Wood Green, Liberal Democrat)
What recent assessment she has made of developments in the situation in Darfur; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett (Secretary of State, Foreign & Commonwealth Office)
President Bashir has now accepted UN support for AMIS—the African Union Mission in Sudan—and has allowed the first UN military personnel into Darfur. That is important, but it is only the first step. We urge the Government of Sudan, the UN and the African Union to work for full implementation of the joint support package and an urgent resumption of the political process. All sides need to observe the ceasefire, too, particularly the Government of Sudan, who have been bombing the rebels, as that is vital for progress on the humanitarian front.

Lynne Featherstone (Hornsey & Wood Green, Liberal Democrat)
I thank the Secretary of State for her reply, but has a timeline been developed for the United Nations and the African Union to be on the ground? At what point will that protection start to be provided for people in Darfur?

Margaret Beckett (Secretary of State, Foreign & Commonwealth Office)
There are three stages to the deployment: first, light support, in which 180 personnel, 34 of whom have already arrived, are expected to be involved; secondly, heavy support; and, finally, the establishment of a full hybrid African Union and United Nations force. There is no specific timescale, but everyone who wishes the position in Darfur to improve is anxious that as many of those people as possible should be deployed as soon as possible, and that is something for which we are all working.

Ironically, had had to move my meeting with Secretary of State for International Development from 3pm because of the question. It’s like a ballot – so until a couple of days before you have no idea that the question you have tabled has been selected. Anyway – Hilary Benn’s office were very accommodating and moved the meeting which had been initiated by Hilary as a meet and greet me in my new role.

I went to DFID unarmed. Having heard tell that Hilary Benn doesn’t have an enemy in the world, I judged it safe. Which meant I found myself not just with Hilary as I had expected – but with four of his key aides. Five to one! The first thing you notice is that it is nothing like the Home Office – they are nice and civilised. I think in the year and a half I was on the front bench for Home Affairs – Tony McNulty (Labour’s equivalent) only said hello about twice!

Anyway – we had a chat about the Department and the work they carry out. I look forward to working with him – as we say.

Then it was straight on to Haringey Civic Centre for the presentation by the four bidders for the new school to be built in my constituency. This is one of those insane Government forced bids to bring in an Academy. Boroughs of all political persuasions have seen these privately sponsored new schools take over. I suppose the original idea was enabling the Government to intervene where schools were failing and the LEA was appalling (understandable).

However, this is about businesses really getting hold of Government funding. Listening to the four bids – from a variety of sponsors – it was clear that there was very little to guide one as to which one would deliver exactly what. The crying shame – and actually complete travesty – was the lack of real people at the meeting. There were the bidders, the councillors, some heads, the press – but only six (other) members of the community.

So one has to wonder about Haringey’s efforts to publicise the event (not much). Gail Engert (Lib Dem Education Spokesperson) asked that they consider a better-advertised second meeting. The consultation period needs to be longer and there is a problem with the timing of the decision – which is going to be in the Easter holidays. That is not good – as people can come and present to the decision making meeting – but at that time lots of people are away.

And of course – home to watch Big Brother. This has turned political as a Labour member has tabled an EDM. I am not sure that is the way forward in this case. If there is anything that has broken our laws – then it is really a police matter. However, I am not sure whether it is that clear that it would result in a successful prosecution. It is more the bullying by a gang of girls on one who is different. I can only assume they were jealous of her and because she is posh and classy (as well as non-white) they focused their nastiness on her difference.

I wonder if their punishment won’t be ending up pariahs when they come out. If only the world was that fair!!!

Introducing Father Christmas

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Off to the YMCA Annual Christmas Show at St Mary’s in Hornsey earlier today. Children of all ages perform ballet, tap, modern and gymnastics – and it is so gorgeous. Watching the little ones beaming outwards into the darkness that is the audience – hoping to catch sight of their parents. And when they do – a little shy wave. All ranges of ability – all shapes and sizes – and every faith or culture imaginable. That is integration in action – far more effective than any legislation. When people have a common bond – differences fade into the background.

I get to go up at the end and make a speech. Given there were about 150+ children standing on the stage behind me having taken their bow – I thought brevity might be appreciated! Especially as at the end of my speech I was introducing and welcoming Father Christmas.

I just congratulated everyone and then basically – given our good fortune in Hornsey & Wood Green where we of different backgrounds can live together in peace – sent our thoughts to the people of the Middle East – of Palestine, of Lebanon, of Israel, Iraq and Afghanistan and of course, Darfur, to wish them peace on earth at this time of peace and goodwill.

Darfur and Incitement to Religious Hatred

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International Development Questions – and I have Oral Question Number 4. I am asking the Minister about Darfur. The Chamber – at 11.55 when I get called to ‘put’ the question – is heaving as Prime Ministers’ Questions follows.

I ask the Government if they do not now recognise the need for the United Nations Security Council to increase the presence of the African Union and strengthen their mandate so that the level of protection is increased in Darfur. The situation there is so insecure and unstable that refugees and internally displaced persons are still unlikely to return. The Minister is nice about it – but basically says no.

Then it is Prime Ministers’ Questions – always a blast!

Then I am into the second session of the Committee Stage on the Incitement to Religious Hatred Bill. I know that the following day, for the two Thursday sessions, Alistair (my Lib Dem colleague on the committee) is going to have to leave me on my own as he has to return to Orkney for a prior commitment. However, by the time he leaves just before the end of today’s session, all our amendments on which we have to lead will have been moved. So I will only have to interject on the Tory amendments and general arguments.

Best laid plans of mice and men … Dominic Grieve (for the Conservatives) makes a brilliant argument on one of the amendments – but it takes an hour – so Alistair has to leave and I am left to introduce amendments myself.

And I do. And it is absolutely terrifying. And it goes fine. I make the points – albeit briefly in comparison to my learned other members – and get out alive. I have always been thrown in the deep end – seems to be my destiny. I remember becoming Leader of the Opposition on Haringey Council when I had only visited one meeting in my life. I became Chair of Transport on the London Assembly – when I had never chaired anything in my life!

It’s always terrifying – but it is the best way on this earth to learn. So I guess I was grateful – but it was (even for me) a testing experience.