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Zimbabwe

We have heard some powerful speeches today, but I am sad to say that I must begin by questioning whether the Government were entirely wise in letting this debate go ahead. The whole point of holding a debate like this in the House of Commons should have been to send a powerful message to Zimbabwe, Mugabe, the AU and others about the British Government’s determination in this matter. For whatever reason, however, the Foreign Secretary was unable to take part, and that has served to reduce the debate’s value. In addition, the Minister’s opening speech contained nothing new—I do not blame her for that—but what she was unable to say had the effect of putting us back a little. Far from being able to confirm the clear indication given to the press that the Prime Minister would not attend any summit attended by Mugabe, she refused to be drawn on the matter. There may be reasons for that, but given that there will probably be another debate on Zimbabwe later in the year, I have to question whether today’s debate has been in the interests of that country’s people.