HC Deb 25 March 1998 vol 309 cc481-2
1 . Mr. Savidge

What plans she has to provide assistance to Sierra Leone. [34626]

The Secretary of State for International Development (Clare Short)

In the last two weeks, we have provided £1 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross for humanitarian and protection work in Sierra Leone.

The Foreign Office has provided substantial funds for peacekeeping. We have also funded £1 million of emergency equipment and technical advice to help President Kabbah's Government become operational as quickly as possible. We will continue to play a full and active part to support the restoration of democracy and help rebuild the shattered economy.

Mr. Savidge

The House will unite in congratulating Her Majesty's Government on acting so swiftly and effectively. What are the Government's plans to provide continuing, long-term assistance to Sierra Leone as it emerges from its dreadful nightmare, and to involve other countries and international agencies in that process?

Clare Short

Britain has historical responsibilities in Sierra Leone, and it was only right that we did everything we could to restore democracy. The fighting has not finished everywhere, and we must be ready to move in quickly with food and medicines to help the Government restore their competence throughout the country. We must particularly help to get seeds and tools into the hands of people so that they can grow their own food. We are talking to the World bank and other donors to make sure we act together.

Sir Alastair Goodlad

Will the Secretary of State join me in congratulating the commanding officer and ship's company of HMS Cornwall on their work in bringing relief to the people of Sierra Leone during the recent troubles? Does she agree that conflict is a serious cause of poverty, and that the work of the Royal Navy and the other armed services has been vital in the humanitarian relief efforts, not only in Sierra Leone, but in other parts of the world? Can she assure the House that those efforts will not be vitiated in future by the outcome of the current defence review?

Clare Short

It was fortunate that HMS Cornwall was in the vicinity and was able to bring in supplies and assistance to Sierra Leone to bolster the returning Government. We were able to use Ministry of Defence helicopters cheaply, because the MoD charged only marginal costs to quickly provide food and supplies to people who otherwise would be in difficulty.

I agree very much that, in the post-cold-war world, war is more a feature of poorer countries and is more likely to break out within poor countries. It is caused by poverty and, in turn, it exacerbates poverty. The strategic defence review must take account of that change, and we must have the capacity to intervene rapidly to serve the UN, where necessary, and to learn the lessons of our dreadful failure in Rwanda. The right hon. Gentleman can be satisfied that the defence review will take account of all these changes and the need for our armed forces to continue to make a contribution.

Mr. Simon Hughes

Does the Secretary of State accept that in addition to the excellent work done so far, some of the needs include making sure that the areas out of the capital become peaceful and stable as soon as possible, and we may be able to help there; that the external borders are secured, so there can be a sense of security within which people can rebuild; and that rebuilding of key buildings and plant is done quickly so that the system can get up and running, and the Parliament—which, I gather, met yesterday—can begin to do its work properly in conjunction with the President?

Clare Short

I know of the hon. Gentleman's long-standing interest, and that of his constituents, in the situation in Sierra Leone. I agree with him. As I said, fighting is not finished everywhere, and we must bring assistance—food and medicines—as rapidly as we can to bring a return to normality. We must get the seed and the capacity to grow their own food into the hands of the people of Sierra Leone, as well as work hard—as we are doing—to get the capacity of the Government up and running, so that the people of Sierra Leone can take charge of their own country and its future. We have to learn from past failure about the demobilisation of those who have been involved in fighting and ensure proper management and civilian accountability of the armed forces, so that there is never again a coup that destroys democracy and does as much harm as has been done to the people of Sierra Leone.