§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations have been made to the Government of Turkey concerning the imprisonment of some of their Members of Parliament; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggAs stated in the written answer by my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of 15 December to the hon. Member for Tooting (Mr. Cox),Official Report, column 761, we joined our EU partners in a statement of protest to the Turkish Government at the harsh prison sentences imposed on elected members of the Turkish Parliament. He subsequently raised the subject directly with the Turkish Foreign Minister when they met in Brussels on 19 December. The deputies concerned have exercised their right to appeal. We await news of a further hearing.