SNP CRITICISE PATHETIC UK DARFUR EFFORTS

SNP CRITICISE PATHETIC UK DARFUR EFFORTS

CLAIMS OF ETHICAL FOREIGN POLICY ‘HOLLOW’

The Scottish National Party (SNP) has criticised the lack of UK participation in the key European Darfur support mission.

Following genocidal attacks on the people of Darfur the European Union authorised a mission in neighbouring Chad in 2007 to protect displaced civilians, facilitate delivery of humanitarian aid and ensure safety for UN personnel.

4,300 troops make up the EUFOR Chad mission under the command of Irish Lieutenant General Pat Nash. According to international sources the UK provides only 4 (four) service personnel.

Westminster SNP Leader and Defence Spokesman Angus Robertson MP raised the issue today (Tuesday) at Foreign Office Questions in the House of Commons:

“The situation in Darfur is one of the worst genocidal campaigns since the Second World War and the EU is right to be involved.

“Given the tendency of some Westminster politicians to criticise the contributions of other countries to international operations, people will be shocked to learn the appalling level of UK engagement in the European mission.

“Out of over 4,300 European troops the UK has committed only 4 service personnel. This is a shocking record and exposes claims of an ethical foreign policy as totally hollow.”