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International Tribunals (Sierra Leone) Bill [Lords]

Absolutely; that is an important point. In fact, the hon. Gentleman mentioned, as did my hon. Friend the Member for Crosby, the hope that Sierra Leone’s neighbours would help with the vital tasks of building capacity in governance. That is very important. If the forthcoming elections in July do not succeed, Sierra Leone faces great problems. We view credible elections as crucial in consolidating post-conflict peace and stability. The United Kingdom has committed £4 million to the UN Development Programme fund, which finances the national election commission. In addition, the UK is implementing a £2.5 million programme of electoral support that will, among other things, strengthen the capacity of national and local media to cover the elections. That is very important, too. We are supporting election monitoring, which must be in place for those elections. I cannot comment on the plea by the hon. Members for North Southwark and Bermondsey and for Banbury that a life sentence should mean a life sentence. We cannot get ahead of ourselves. This must be seen to be a proper and fair election, and it is up to the court to make those decisions. I know what my own preferences are, but I will not air them here. As we have heard from Members on both sides of the House, it is not sufficient for us to speak of our support for international justice—we must act in support of it. That is what the Bill does, and I strongly commend it to the House. Question put and agreed to. Bill accordingly read a Second time. Bill immediately considered in Committee of the whole House, pursuant to Order [this day].