Written question asked by Lord Patten (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Malloch-Brown (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 February 2009.

Cuba: Prisoners

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Lord Malloch-Brown on 21 January (WA 204), whether they are pressing the European Union to schedule the next round of political dialogue with Cuba at an early date; and whether the conditions and welfare of political prisoners of all religious faiths will be on the agenda.

Answer: Discussions to schedule the next meeting of the political dialogue are ongoing between the EU and Cuba. As human rights is a central element of the EU common position on Cuba and the dialogue itself, we will push for it to be included at the next meeting. The UK/EU takes every opportunity to raise human rights concerns with the Cuban Government. During Cuba's universal periodic review, at the UN Human Rights Council on 5 February 2009, the UK made a statement expressing concern about the continued detention of more than 50 political prisoners and called on Cuba to end restrictions on freedom of expression and association.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 708 c39WA; 1245
Session: 2008-09
Related items: Cuba: Prisoners
Wednesday, 21 January 2009
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Human rights Political prisoners EU external relations Cuba
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk