Written question asked by Luke Taylor (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 29 January 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 3 February 2025. It was answered by Catherine West (Labour) on Thursday, 6 February 2025 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Japan: SS Tilawa

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take diplomatic steps to encourage the Japanese government to formally (a) acknowledge and (b) apologise for the sinking of the SS Tilawa in 1942.

Answer: The sinking of the S.S. Tilawa is a tragedy which has touched the lives of so many. Alongside the Prime Minister, I reiterate my heartfelt condolences to all the victims and families affected. The Government of Japan has apologised several times for its wartime actions in recent decades. Since the Second World War, the UK and Japan have worked hard to promote our shared values and respect for human rights, in the hope that we never see a repeat of these events anywhere in the world. I will continue to champion these efforts.

Secondary information