Human Rights and the Political Situation in Turkey 3

DEBATE PACK Number CDP 2017-0067 | 6 March 2017

Compiled by: Human rights and the Tim Robinson

political situation in Subject specialist: Arabella Lang Turkey

Contents

1. Background 2 Westminster Hall 2. Press Articles 4 3. PQs 6 Backbench Business 4. Other Parliamentary material 26 Thursday 9 March 2017 4.1 Urgent Questions and Statements 26 Debate initiated by Joan Ryan, David 4.2 Early Day Motions 29 Lammy, Tommy Sheppard and Sir Peter 5. Press releases 33 5.1 Gov.uk 33 Bottomley 5.2 European Union 38 6. Further reading 40

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The House of Commons Library prepares a briefing in hard copy and/or online for most non-legislative debates in the Chamber and Westminster Hall other than half-hour debates. Debate Packs are produced quickly after the announcement of parliamentary business. They are intended to provide a summary or overview of the issue being debated and identify relevant briefings and useful documents, including press and parliamentary material. More detailed briefing can be prepared for Members on request to the Library.

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1. Background

Turkey’s 16 April referendum is likely to pass, changing the constitution to give President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan significantly greater powers. Erdogan has been in power (first as Prime Minister and then as President) since 2002, and has made no secret of his ambition. The reforms have already been passed by Turkey’s parliament, with the support of the governing AK Party and the smaller nationalist MHP, but amid angry scenes. The referendum comes in the wake of the July’s failed coup. The Government blamed the coup on followers of the exiled Turkish Islamic cleric Fethullah Gülen, and imposed a State of Emergency (renewed most recently in January 2017) which suspends some of the normal functions of the constitution and derogates from many provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights. Under this, the Government has conducted a widespread campaign of media clampdowns, arrests and dismissals: over 40,000 people have been imprisoned and over 120,000 public sector workers – police, prosecutors, judges, civil servants, academics – dismissed (though some were later reinstated). Among those imprisoned are ten MPs from the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), including the party’s two co-leaders (Turkey’s parliament voted to remove legal immunity from them and dozens of other MPs in May 2016). The Government considers the HDP to be linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which is recognised as terrorists by the EU, US, and UK. Fighting between the Government and the PKK resumed in the summer of 2015: some of the actions of Turkey’s security forces have been criticised on human rights grounds, while the PKK and its offshoots have been targeting state employees and institutions. The increase in tension between the Turkish government and Kurdish militants is related to developments in Syria’s war. Turkish forces have backed Syrian opposition fighters in taking a large area of northern Syria from ISIL, so as to deny it to the Kurds. Meanwhile Kurdish militia – backed by the US – have significantly expanded their control across northern Syria. Turkey and Russia – who back opposing sides in Syria – joined Iran to organise a peace conference for Syria in January 2017, and both were involved in negotiating the surrender and evacuation of Aleppo. This thaw in relations follows several setbacks, including Turkey shooting down a Russian bomber in December 2015, and the assassination of the Russian ambassador in Ankara in December 2016.

Human rights and the political situation in Turkey 3

Meanwhile, EU-Turkey relations, recently focused on security cooperation and restricting the flow of migrants, have deteriorated. Turkey resented a perceived lack of sympathy from the EU after the attempted overthrow of its government. The EU – already suspicious of perceived authoritarianism in Turkey – was critical of the post-coup purges and the resumption of fighting with the PKK. In November 2016 the European Parliament passed a non-binding vote to suspend Turkey’s EU accession process, after which Turkey’s Foreign Minister said that the EU was ‘wasting Turkey’s time’ and its EU Minister said that Turkey would not change its terrorism laws (a key point of contention with the EU). However, the UK and Turkish governments continue to emphasise their strong friendship. In particular, Turkey has thanked Britain for being the first country to send a senior envoy to Turkey in the aftermath of the failed coup (Sir Alan Duncan, on 20 and 21 July). The Foreign Secretary visited Turkey in September 2016, and Prime Minister Theresa May visited in January 2017, agreeing a strategic security partnership and a large defence contract for BAE systems to help Turkey develop its fighter jets. Meanwhile optimism over the reunification of Cyprus has been rekindled following the election in April 2015 of Mustafa Akinci as President of the unrecognised ‘Turkish Republic of North Cyprus’. Peace talks resumed in May 2015, and a UN Conference on Cyprus was convened in Geneva on 12 January 2017 with some progress but no final agreement. Challenging issues remain the role of Turkish troops and of the three Guarantor Powers (Turkey, Greece and the UK), details of internal borders, repatriation and property issues.

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2. Press Articles

The following is a selection of press and media articles relevant to this debate.

Please note: the Library is not responsible for either the views or accuracy of external content.

Financial Times Turkey: heads he wins, tails they lose 6 March 2017 Dan Bogler

Daily Telegraph Erdogan accuses Germany of behaving 'like Nazis' after Turks banned from political rallies 5 March 2017

The Guardian As Erdoğan turns the screw, we must stand up for human rights in Turkey 2 March 2017 Timothy Garton Ash

Financial Times Donald Trump will need to choose between Turkey and the Kurds 2 March 2017 David Gardner

Middle East Eye Turkish opposition MPs sit in jail as president seeks more power Jonathan Steele 22 February 2017

Middle East Monitor Turkey’s Erdogan: Muslim Brotherhood is ideological, not terrorist organisation 17 February 2017

Daily Telegraph Theresa May secures multi billion pound fighter jet deal with Turkey before challenging President Erdogan on human rights 28 January 2017 Peter Dominiczak

The Economist Turkey’s President Erdogan is grabbing yet more power 21 January 2017

The Guardian What I’ve witnessed in Turkey is an assault on democracy itself 18 January 2017 Owen Jones Human rights and the political situation in Turkey 5

BBC News Online Turkey violence: How dangerous is Turkey's instability? 5 January 2017 Paul Kirby

The Guardian Record number of journalists in jail globally after Turkey crackdown 13 December 2016 Roy Greenslade

BBC News Online Turkey v Syria's Kurds v Islamic State 23 August 2016

Mail Online (Peter Hitchens’s Blog) Where are the strong voices calling for Due Process in NATO Turkey? 21 July 2016 Peter Hitchens

Financial Times Recep Tayyip Erdogan: the most powerful man in Turkey 17 July 2016 Vincent Boland

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3. PQs

Turkey: Selahattin Demirtas 02 March 2017 | 779 cc948-950

Asked by: Lord Balfe To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Turkey following the sentence of imprisonment imposed on Selahattin Demirtas, co-leader of the HDP party.

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper and draw attention to my membership of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Turkey.

Answered by: Baroness Anelay of St Johns | Foreign and Commonwealth Office My Lords, we expect Turkey to undertake any legal processes against MPs fairly, transparently and with full respect for the rule of law. We follow developments in Turkey closely and underline the importance of the rule of law and the protection of freedom of expression. The Prime Minister raised human rights at the highest level when she visited Turkey in January, as have the Foreign Secretary and the Minister for Europe during their visits there.

Asked by: Lord Balfe I thank the Minister for her reply. Many of us of course have deep concern about the coup that occurred last year. In the events that followed, it appears that the Turkish Government have considerably overreacted, with mass dismissals and interference in the judiciary; and now a number of opposition politicians are in prison. Noting the concern of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and of the Venice Commission, will the Government do their best to work internationally to bring home to the Turkish Government the need to abide by international norms in the way that they treat their opposition?

Answered by: Baroness Anelay of St Johns | Foreign and Commonwealth Office I can indeed give my noble friend that assurance. I welcome the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe’s continued engagement on Turkey. I pay particular tribute to my noble friend’s work, both on PACE and on the Venice Commission. I can update noble Lords on something that happened yesterday, when Her Majesty’s permanent representative to the Council of Europe had an exchange of views with the Turkish Minister of Justice at the Committee of Ministers and stressed that, although we welcome Turkey’s moves to address the Council of Europe’s concerns on the state of emergency procedures, including the establishment of its own commission to review dismissals, it is important that that operates on the basis of the European Convention on Human Rights and that Turkey should continue to co- operate with the Venice Commission.

Human rights and the political situation in Turkey 7

Asked by Lord Kinnock Does the Minister agree that the accession of Turkey to the European Union has always been decades further away from reality than was claimed, falsely, by Brexit campaigners last year? Will she tell us what the reply was from President Erdogan when the Prime Minister raised the issue of human rights in her conversations with him?

Answered by: Baroness Anelay of St Johns | Foreign and Commonwealth Office I have given answers several times at the Dispatch Box about the accession of Turkey to the European Union and made it clear that, since progress toward accession means abiding by international and European standards of human rights, Turkey has much progress to make. My right honourable friend the Prime Minister indeed raised the matter of human rights with President Erdogan. Given that that was a private conversation I cannot report it, but I assure the noble Lord that the conversation was amicable—and it was a conversation.

Asked by: Baroness Hussein-Ece My Lords, Turkey is such an important partner to this country in terms of trade and the relations that we have had for hundreds of years, and is an important member of NATO. Is the Minister aware that, after what happened last year in the Brexit debate—as the noble Lord, Lord Kinnock, just referred to, Turkey as a country was demonised because of its aspirations to join the European Union—the majority of the public there do not now want to join the EU? In fact, any taxi driver one comes across will have a photograph of the poster claiming that 78 million Turks—all criminals—are coming to this country. What we have done, really, has made Turkey drift further away. What possible influence can we have to ensure that Turkey’s internal structures and democracies are much sounder and, for example, that Mr Demirtas, the leader of the third-largest political party, should not face 20 years’ imprisonment?

Answered by: Baroness Anelay of St Johns | Foreign and Commonwealth Office My Lords, our influence is directly related to our ability to gain access to the highest levels in Turkey, which is exactly what has happened with the visits of my right honourable friends the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary and Sir Alan Duncan—he has paid three visits there—as well as to our work through the European Union, where we joined in a joint statement at the end of last year expressing our concerns about the way in which the judicial processes had gone forward against certain Members, such as Mr Demirtas. With regard to the wider issue of accession, it really is a matter for the people of Turkey to determine whether they wish to join. The noble Baroness has pointed out her perceptions of the current state of mind of some of the Turkish people.

Asked by: Lord Alton of Liverpool My Lords, given that the HDP is in alliance with the Kurdish Democratic Regions Party and is a pro-minority party, can the noble Baroness reflect for a moment on the implications of this arrest for the position of minorities inside Turkey? Can she also reflect on the way that Turkey deals with minorities in places such as Sinjar and Nineveh in neighbouring Iraq when it comes to determining its policy towards a self-governing area? 8 Number CDP 2017-0067, 6 March 2017

Answered by: Baroness Anelay of St Johns | Foreign and Commonwealth Office My Lords, as the noble Baroness just mentioned, we are talking about a country that faced a significant threat to its democracy last year. We have to recognise that this was a violent attempt at a coup. Against that background, one has to have a proportionate response, which is something that we have stressed, and judicial processes may have to be followed. However, the noble Lord is right to point out that, in carrying out responses to violent assaults on the Government, one has to consider very carefully the implications of one’s actions on minorities and how they can fester further violence in the future.

Cyprus: Politics and Government 28 Feb 2017 | 64424

Asked by: Edward Argar To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, when the talks on a Cyprus settlement are scheduled to reconvene.

Answering member: Sir Alan Duncan | Foreign and Commonwealth Office The leaders of the two Cypriot communities are continuing to hold talks on-island, facilitated by the UN. No date has yet been set for the continuation at political level of the Conference on Cyprus, convened in Geneva on 12 January under the auspices of the UN Secretary General, with the participation of the two leaders and representatives of Greece, Turkey and the United Kingdom (as Guarantor Powers). It is for the two leaders to decide when to reconvene the Conference, in consultation with the UN and the Guarantor Powers. The UK stands ready to participate at the appropriate level.

Turkey: EU Accession 27 Feb 2017 | 64061

Asked by: Joan Ryan To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his EU and Turkish counterparts on the potential effect of the UK leaving the EU on the Ankara Agreement.

Answering member: Sir Alan Duncan | Foreign and Commonwealth Office The 'Ankara Agreement’ is the common name for the ‘Agreement Creating an Association Between The Republic of Turkey and the European Economic Community’, made in 1963. As the UK prepares to the leave the EU, we are considering the implications for it. The UK remains committed to strong cooperation and partnership with Turkey, including on trade and investment.

Human rights and the political situation in Turkey 9

Cyprus 21 Feb 2017 | 621 c852

Asked by: David Burrowes Does the Minister agree with the view of the all-party parliamentary group, which visited Cyprus last week, that the best hope for a solution is the dedication and courage of both Cypriot leaders, freely negotiating, and a realisation in the communities that the status quo of a divided Cyprus is untenable? Does he agree that we need to ensure that Turkey gets that when it comes to security and guarantees?

Answered by: Sir Alan Duncan | Foreign and Commonwealth Office My hon. Friend is absolutely right, and I think we all applaud the good faith and dedication of the two leaders, who are working tirelessly towards a solution. There are other ingredients that are necessary, such as the co-operation of the two main countries next door, Greece and Turkey, and—this is very important—successful referendums in each community.

Turkey: Arms Trade 09 Feb 2017 HL5084

Asked by: Lord Hylton To ask Her Majesty’s Government what was the value of British sales to Turkey of weapons and military equipment in (1) 2015, and (2) 2016; and how many forward contracts are outstanding.

Answering member: Lord Price | Department for International Trade The value of UK defence export orders to Turkey for 2015, as included in the 2015 Official Defence and Security Export Statistics, was £11 million. The figures for 2016 will be released in due course.

The Department for International Trade does not hold information on outstanding forward contracts.

Turkey: Kurds 09 Feb 2017 | 63199

Asked by: Catherine West To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Turkish counterpart on the arrests of Kurdish members of the Turkish parliament.

Answering member: Sir Alan Duncan | Foreign and Commonwealth Office We continue to raise the importance of the rule of law and fundamental rights with Turkish counterparts. I did so most recently with Turkey's Minister for Europe, Omer Celik, when I visited Turkey on 4 January and the Prime Minister also raised human rights during her visit to Turkey on 28 January.

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Turkey: Political Prisoners 08 Feb 2017 | HL5083

Asked by: Lord Hylton To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many elected members of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey are now detained or imprisoned; and what discussions they have had with the government of Turkey about the sentences imposed on the leaders of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP).

Answering member: Baroness Anelay of St Johns | Foreign and Commonwealth Office Twelve MPs from the Peoples' Democratic Party (Halk Demokratik Partisi) are currently in detention in Turkey. They include the two co- leaders, who are on trial but have not yet been sentenced. Ministers have raised the issue of human rights and the rule of law in meetings with their Turkish counter-parts.

Islamic State: Military Intervention 08 Feb 2017 | 62701

Asked by: Robert Courts To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his international counterparts on progress in the campaign against Daesh.

Answering member: Tobias Ellwood | Foreign and Commonwealth Office We are in frequent contact with our coalition partners, as we reach a key phase in the campaign against Daesh.

The Prime Minister, the member for Maidenhead (Mrs May) discussed Daesh with President Trump during her visit to Washington DC on 27th January and with President Erdogan and Prime Minister Yildrim during her visit to Turkey the following day, reaffirming our commitment to work together to fight Daesh.

Engagements 01 Feb 2017 | 620 c1021 Asked by: Deidre Brock Many were surprised that immediately after those cosy images with Donald Trump were taken the Prime Minister chose to meet the Turkish President, who has been running an increasingly repressive regime since the failed coup last summer. Will she confirm whether she raised any human rights concerns with President Erdogan, or, as we turn our face from Europe, will it be the policy of post-Brexit Britain to put arms deals before human rights abuses?

Answered by: Theresa May | Prime Minister First, the hon. Lady should recognise that Turkey is an important country in relation both to our security and the issue of migration into Turkey and potentially into Europe. She will also recognise that Turkey has, and continues to host, 3 million refugees from Syria, and I commended the Human rights and the political situation in Turkey 11

Turkish Government on the welcome they have given them. I suggest that she should just have looked at the press conference I gave after my discussions with President Erdogan and Prime Minister Yildirim, in which I made it clear that we had condemned the coup but expected the Turkish Government to support their democratic institutions, international human rights and the rule of law.

Aerospace 31 Jan 2017 | 620 c796 Asked by: Nigel Evans Does my hon. Friend see the signing of the contract in Turkey last week by the United Kingdom and Turkey on the new Turkish fighter jet as an endorsement of the skills and expertise of BAE Systems in this country, and does he foresee future deals with other countries?

Answered by: Jesse Norman | Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy I think that everyone concerned with the aerospace sector will welcome that transaction. It shows how BAE continues to be a global leader in this sector, and we must hope that it goes on to do further such work around the world.

Turkey: Politics and Government 31 Jan 2017 | HL4708

Asked by: Lord Alton of Liverpool To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their response to the suspension of Garo Paylan, a member of the Turkish parliament, for making a reference to the Armenian Genocide; and what representations they have made to the government of Turkey concerning his suspension.

Answering member: Baroness Anelay of St Johns | Foreign and Commonwealth Office This specific case has not been raised with the Turkish Authorities.

Topical Questions 30 Jan 2017 | 620 c658

Asked by: Mark Menzies Will the Secretary of State join me in welcoming the Heads of Government agreement signed at the weekend between the UK and Turkey, securing over 400 jobs in Lancashire? Does that not send out a signal that Britain post-Brexit is open for business?

Answered by: Sir Michael Fallon | Defence It does. I, too, am delighted that the agreement has now been signed in principle on the TFX programme, which will combine Turkish and British technology and brainpower into the development of a new fighter aircraft. I hope that that will lead to many more jobs being created both here and in Turkey.

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Turkey: Kurds 30 Jan 2017 | HL4718

Asked by: Lord Hylton To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to call upon the government of Turkey to hold an independent inquiry into the deaths of Seve Demir, Pakize Nayir and Fatma Uyar in Silopi on 5 January.

Answering member: Baroness Anelay of St Johns | Foreign and Commonwealth Office The ongoing violence in the predominantly Kurdish areas of south-east Turkey is extremely concerning. The UK Government wants to see an end to Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) violence and a resumption of the peace process. It is for the government of Turkey to ensure the rule of law is upheld and show respect for human rights, and to consider if an independent inquiry is appropriate.

Turkey: Politics and Government 30 Jan 2017 | HL4717

Asked by: Lord Hylton To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to summon the Turkish Ambassador to make representations concerning the three state of emergency decrees issued on 6 January; and what representations they have made, or intend to make, concerning the dismissal of public employees and academics and the closure of civil organisations in Turkey.

Answering member: Baroness Anelay of St Johns | Foreign and Commonwealth Office The UK Government has condemned the attempted coup on 15 July 2016 and ongoing terrorist atrocities in Turkey and acknowledges the legitimate right of the Turkish Government to take lawful and proportionate action against the perpetrators. The Government does not intend to summon the Turkish Ambassador to make representations concerning the three state of emergency decrees published on 6 January. The Government has engaged with the government of Turkey to make clear our position that its response to the coup and terrorist acts should be proportionate and that the rule of law and human rights, including freedom of expression, must be respected.

Engagements 25 Jan 2017 | 620 c296

Asked by: David Burrowes May I welcome the Prime Minister’s meeting with the President of Turkey on Saturday, when we can show our solidarity in the fight against terrorism and deepen our trading relationship? Will she also seek support for a united and independent Cyprus, free from Turkish troops?

Human rights and the political situation in Turkey 13

Answered by: Theresa May | Department: Prime Minister I thank my hon. Friend for raising that matter. There are important issues that I will be discussing with President Erdogan and with the Prime Minister of Turkey when I meet them on Saturday. On Cyprus, I am hopeful that the talks will continue and that we will come to a solution—we are closer to a solution now than we have been before. I have already spoken to Prime Minister Tsipras and to President Erdogan about the need to ensure that we are creative in the thinking and in the finding of a solution. I had a further telephone call with Nicos Anastasiades over the weekend about this very issue. We stand ready as a guarantor to play our part in ensuring that we see a successful conclusion of these talks and the reunification of Cyprus that people have been working towards for some time.

Turkey: Politics and Government 16 Jan 2017 | 58983

Asked by: Sir Nicholas Soames To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the objectives of the Government's diplomatic and political policy on Turkey are for 2017; and if he will make a statement.

Answering member: Sir Alan Duncan | Foreign and Commonwealth Office The UK’s objectives are to strengthen our partnership with Turkey to help keep the UK safer and more prosperous - including working together for regional stability and security, ensuring the safety of British tourists, and improving markets for British exporters and growing inward investment.

Topical Questions 10 Jan 2017 | 619 c159

Asked by: Dr Julian Lewis Does the Foreign Secretary share the concern on both sides of the House at President Erdogan’s latest power grab, following the retrograde steps he has already taken to Islamise a formerly secular Turkish society?

Answered by: Boris Johnson | Foreign and Commonwealth Office It is very important to recognise that the Turkish state—the Turkish Government—was the victim of a violent attempted coup in which hundreds of people died. It was entirely wrong of many Governments in the EU instantly to condemn Turkey for its response rather than to see that, again, there is a balance to be struck. Turkey is vital for our collective security; the last thing we need to do is to push it away and push it into a corner.

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Turkey: Assassination 09 Jan 2017 | 58631

Asked by: Catherine West To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to his (a) Russian and (b) Turkish counterpart on the shooting of the Russian Ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov, in Ankara on 19 December 2016.

Answering member: Sir Alan Duncan | Foreign and Commonwealth Office The murder of Russia's Ambassador to Turkey, Mr Andrei Karlov, on 19 December was a cowardly attack condemned by the Foreign Secretary, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip (Boris Johnson) in a statement the same day. Immediately following the shooting, I telephoned the Russian Ambassador to London to offer my own condolences. The Prime Minister has written to President Putin to offer her condolences and the Foreign Secretary signed the book of condolence at the Russian Embassy.

The Foreign Secretary and I have both offered the UK's support to Turkey as they investigate the shooting.

Turkey: Migrant Workers 06 Jan 2017 | HL4299

Asked by: Lord Hylton To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they plan to join with the Turkish Federation of Employers Associations in making representations to the government of Turkey about the exploitation of Syrians working in Turkey and the restrictions on work permits; and whether they plan to discuss those concerns with the International Labour Organisation.

Answering member: Baroness Anelay of St Johns | Foreign and Commonwealth Office The UK Government regularly raises human rights issues with Turkish counterparts. The UK Government is supporting work in Turkey to strengthen the Turkish clothing and textile sector's ability to implement the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The project will bring together business, trade unions and civil society to raise awareness of business's role on human rights, promote workplace social dialogue and address the root causes of human rights issues in the sector, including issues relating to Syrian workers.

Turkey: Military Coups 21 Dec 2016 | HL4143

Asked by: The Marquess of Lothian To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the failed coup in Turkey on 16 July on the participation of Turkish military personnel in NATO commands.

Human rights and the political situation in Turkey 15

Answering member: Earl Howe | Ministry of Defence Her Majesty's Government agrees with the position of the NATO Secretary General who has acknowledged the consequences of the attempted coup in the Republic of Turkey, but has also stated that routine changes in personnel within the NATO command structure continue. It is his expectation that these will continue to be filled. How this is done, is for the Republic of Turkey to decide.

Turkey is a NATO ally and a valued UK partner. We enjoy a strong bilateral relationship based on trust and shared interests. We have an open, constructive dialogue on a range of issues, and this will continue.

Ahmet Türk 19 Dec 2016 | HL3832

Asked by: Lord Hylton To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to make representations to the government of Turkey about the imprisonment in Silivri Prison of Ahmet Turk, a co-founder of the HDP party.

Answering member: Baroness Anelay of St Johns | Foreign and Commonwealth Office The UK has raised the detention and treatment of Kurdish politicians with the Turkish authorities at Ministerial level, and will continue to do so where we have human rights concerns.

Syria: Military Intervention 19 Dec 2016 | HL3828

Asked by: Lord Hylton To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anelay of St Johns on 1 December, what discussions they have had with the government of Turkey about the area of Northern Syria now occupied by the Turkish army; what proportion of the occupied area was previously controlled by Daesh; whether Afrin Canton is now under Turkish attack; and whether Turkey gives advance warning of its plans to the United States and British commanders.

Answering member: Baroness Anelay of St Johns | Foreign and Commonwealth Office As members of the Global Coalition, the UK and Turkey regularly discuss operations in Syria. The majority of the area in northern Syria currently held by Turkish-backed opposition was previously dominated by Daesh. We are not aware of any recent clashes between the Turkish- backed opposition and the People's Protection Units in Afrin Canton. We call on all parties to work alongside the Global Coalition to achieve our shared objective of defeating Daesh.

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Turkey: EU Accession 15 Dec 2016 | HL3721

Asked by: Lord Stoddart of Swindon To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they continue to recommend the accession of Turkey to the EU in the light of the decision that the UK should leave it; and if so, why.

Answering member: Baroness Anelay of St Johns | Foreign and Commonwealth Office As and when the requirements for accession are met in full, it will be for Turkey and European Union members at the time to decide on membership. That point remains some way off.

Turkey: Military Coups 15 Dec 2016 | HL3708

Asked by: Lord Hylton To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the actions of the government of Turkey in arresting and detaining people and dismissing judges, prosecutors and academics following the coup d’état earlier this year.

Answering member: Baroness Anelay of St Johns | Foreign and Commonwealth Office In the aftermath of the coup attempt we have emphasised the need for Turkey to respect human rights, including press freedom, and the rule of law. It is vital that the Turkish Government’s response to the coup attempt be demonstrably lawful and measured, and undertaken in line with Turkey’s international obligations. The Foreign Secretary, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip (Boris Johnson), raised these issues at the highest level during his visit to Turkey on 25- 27 September. The Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Rutland and Melton (Sir Alan Duncan) reiterated these messages to senior Turkish interlocutors during his visit to Turkey on 19 October and with Turkey’s Minister for Europe, Omer Celik, most recently in a telephone call on 7 November. We will continue to engage with the Turkish Government at all levels over these issues and monitor the situation closely.

Turkey: Press Freedom 02 Dec 2016 | 54852

Asked by: Helen Goodman To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the government of Turkey on the imprisonment of journalists and curtailment of the free press in that country.

Human rights and the political situation in Turkey 17

I raised these issues during my visit to Turkey on 19 October, and most recently with Turkey's Minister for Europe, Omer Celik, in a phone call on 7 November. HMG also regularly discusses such issues in international fora.

The EU issued a statement on 8 November expressing concern at recent events in Turkey, including the detention of MPs.

Serena Shim 01 Dec 2016 | HL3384

Asked by: Lord Hylton To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will call on the governments of Turkey and the USA to establish an independent investigation into the death of the US journalist Serena Shim in Turkey in 2014.

Answering member: Baroness Anelay of St Johns | Foreign and Commonwealth Office We have no plans to call on the government of Turkey or the USA to investigate the death of Serena Shim in Turkey.

Turkey: Non-governmental Organisations 29 Nov 2016 | HL3286

Asked by: Lord Hylton To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they are making to the government of Turkey following reports of the shutting down of non-governmental organisations and associations, including women's groups, lawyers' associations and cultural societies; and what justifications, if any, they have received for such action.

Answering member: Baroness Anelay of St Johns | Foreign and Commonwealth Office We are aware that a number of Non-Governmental Organisations and other organisations in Turkey have had their operations halted for three months by the authorities on the grounds of suspected terror links. Civil society is an extremely important component of any democratic society and we are monitoring developments closely, as well as regularly raising our human rights concerns with the Turkish authorities.

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Turkey: Political Prisoners 29 Nov 2016 | HL3250

Asked by: Lord Patten To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Turkey concerning the arrest and detention of Turkish MPs, including the co-chairs of the opposition HDP party.

Answering member: Baroness Anelay of St Johns | Foreign and Commonwealth Office We continue to follow developments in Turkey closely and underline the importance of the rule of law and the protection of freedom of expression. The Foreign Secretary, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Uxbridge and South Ruislip (Boris Johnson) raised these issues during his visit to Turkey on 25-27 September, as has the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Rutland and Melton (Sir Alan Duncan) with Turkey’s Minister for Europe, Omer Celik, most recently in a telephone call on 7 November.

Turkey: Press Freedom 29 Nov 2016 | HL3218

Asked by: Lord Hylton To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations, if any, they are making to the government of Turkey following the arrest of the Chairman and nine journalists of the Cumhuriyet newspaper, and the closing of some 170 media outlets.

Turkey: Students 24 Nov 2016 | 53304

Asked by: Tom Brake To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the Turkish government on students who are being held in prison for lengthy periods without charge.

Answering member: Sir Alan Duncan | Foreign and Commonwealth Office The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has raised concerns with the Turkish Government over the period of pre-charge custody under the current State of Emergency. We have urged a proportionate response to Human rights and the political situation in Turkey 19

the coup and respect for freedom of expression, including academic freedom.

Turkey: Capital Punishment 23 Nov 2016 | 52957

Asked by: Chris Elmore To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has made to the Turkish government on the death penalty.

Answering member: Sir Alan Duncan | Foreign and Commonwealth Office We regularly discuss a range of human rights issues with the Turkish Government including, where appropriate, the death penalty. Suggestions that the death penalty may be reinstated in Turkey are of serious concern. UK policy on the death penalty is very clear – we oppose it in all circumstances.

Refugees 22 Nov 2016 | 617 c736

Asked by: Daniel Kawczynski I believe that my right hon. Friend visited Turkey recently. Does he agree that Turkey plays an important role in helping refugees and managing the whole process, and that our relations with Turkey will become increasingly important in this regard?

Answered by: Sir Alan Duncan | Foreign and Commonwealth Office My hon. Friend is right. I have been to Turkey twice and my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has been there, too. The UK is committed to the successful implementation of the EU-Turkey agreement, which started in March this year. For that to work well, we need to retain good and constructive diplomatic engagement with countries, including Turkey.

Turkey: Politics and Government 21 Nov 2016 | HL3094

Asked by: Lord Judd To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they are making bilaterally and multilaterally to the government of Turkey on the arrest of Turkish Members of Parliament, the implications for democracy and stability, and the risk of stimulating extremism.

20 Number CDP 2017-0067, 6 March 2017

The Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Rutland and Melton (Sir Alan Duncan) raised these issues during his visit to Turkey on 19 October, and most recently with Turkey's Minister for Europe, Omer Celik, in a telephone call on 7 November. The Government also regularly discusses such issues in international fora. The EU issued a statement on 8 November expressing concern at recent events in Turkey, including the detention of Members of Parliament and journalists.

Turkey: Politics and Government 21 Nov 2016 | HL3084

Asked by: Lord Hylton To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they are making to the government of Turkey about the detention of the co-chairs of the HDP Party, and a number of other MPs and elected mayors.

Answering member: Baroness Anelay of St Johns | Foreign and Commonwealth Office We continue to follow developments in Turkey closely and underline the importance of the rule of law and the protection of freedom of expression. The Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Rutland and Melton (Sir Alan Duncan) raised these issues most recently with Turkey's Minister for Europe, Omer Celik, in a telephone call on 7 November.

Turkey: Press Freedom 21 Nov 2016 | HL3048

Asked by: Lord Judd To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they are making bi-laterally and multi-laterally to the government of Turkey about the detention of journalists in Turkey and its implication for the freedom of the press and free speech.

Human rights and the political situation in Turkey 21

Turkey: Human Rights 21 Nov 2016 | HL3021

Asked by: Baroness Deech To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anelay of St Johns on 1 November (HL2451), what was the outcome of the representations made to the government of Turkey concerning the ongoing breaches of human rights and rights of press freedom.

Answering member: Baroness Anelay of St Johns | Foreign and Commonwealth Office The UK has an ongoing dialogue with the Turkish Government on human rights and press freedoms. We will continue to underline the importance of fundamental rights and the protection of freedom of expression, and to monitor the situation closely.

Turkey: Human Rights 18 Nov 2016 | 52652

Asked by: David Lammy To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Turkish counterpart on reported human rights abuses in Turkey; and if he will make a statement.

Answering member: Sir Alan Duncan | Foreign and Commonwealth Office I raised these issues during my visit to Turkey on 19 October, and again most recently with Turkey’s Minister for Europe, Omer Celik, in a phone call on 7 November. We will continue to monitor the human rights situation in Turkey.

Turkey: Arrests 17 Nov 2016 | 52156

Asked by: Joan Ryan To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what plans he has to discuss the matter of the arrest and detention of elected representatives from the People's Democratic Party in Turkey with counterparts and officials in the (a) EU, (b) Council of Europe and (c) UN.

Answering member: Sir Alan Duncan | Foreign and Commonwealth Office We continue to follow developments in Turkey closely and underline the importance of the rule of law and the protection of freedom of expression. HMG regularly discusses such issues in international fora. The EU issued a statement on 8 November concerning recent events in Turkey, including the detention of MPs. The Council Of Europe also raised its concerns in a statement on 5 November.

22 Number CDP 2017-0067, 6 March 2017

Turkey: Arrests 17 Nov 2016 | 52155

Asked by: Joan Ryan To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he (a) has made or (b) intends to make to his Turkish counterpart on the arrest and detention of Selahattin Demirtaş and Figen Yüksekdağ, and other elected representatives, from the Peoples' Democratic Party in that country.

Answering member: Sir Alan Duncan | Foreign and Commonwealth Office We continue to follow developments in Turkey closely and underline the importance of the rule of law and the protection of freedom of expression. I raised these issues most recently with Turkey's Minister for Europe, Omer Celik, in a phone call on 7 November.

Turkey: Human Rights 17 Nov 2016 | 52117

Asked by: Joan Ryan To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the human rights situation in Turkey (a) generally and (b) for the predominantly Kurdish and Alevi areas of the country.

Answering member: Sir Alan Duncan | Foreign and Commonwealth Office We monitor the situation in Turkey closely. We continue to encourage Turkey to work towards the full protection of fundamental rights, especially in the areas of minority rights, freedom of religion and freedom of expression.

Turkey: Arrests 17 Nov 2016 | 52107

Asked by: Joan Ryan To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had on the arrest and detention of elected representatives from the Peoples' Democratic Party in Turkey.

Answering member: Sir Alan Duncan | Foreign and Commonwealth Office We continue to follow developments in Turkey closely and underline the importance of the rule of law and the protection of freedom of expression. I raised these issues most recently with Turkey's Minister for Europe, Omer Celik, in a phone call on 7 November.

Human rights and the political situation in Turkey 23

Turkey: Civil Liberties 14 Nov 2016 | 51985

Asked by: Catherine West To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the level of political freedom in Turkey since the detention of Peoples' Democratic Party parliamentarians in Ankara on 4 November 2016.

Answering member: Sir Alan Duncan | Foreign and Commonwealth Office We continue to follow developments in Turkey closely and underline the importance of the rule of law and the protection of freedom of expression. I raised these issues most recently with Turkey's Minister for Europe, Omer Celik, in a phone call on 7 November, and in a meeting with Turkey's Ambassador on 10 November.

Turkey: Arrests 14 Nov 2016 | 51984

Asked by: Catherine West To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether he has made representations to his Turkish counterpart on the arrest of the joint leaders of Turkey's pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic party in Turkey, Selahattin Demirtaş and Figen Yüksekdağ.

Answering member: Sir Alan Duncan | Foreign and Commonwealth Office We continue to follow developments in Turkey closely and underline the importance of the rule of law and the protection of freedom of expression. I raised these issues most recently with Turkey's Minister for Europe, Omer Celik, in a phone call on 7 November, and in a meeting with Turkey's Ambassador on 10 November.

Turkish HDP Party 09 Nov 2016 | 776 cc1149-1151

Asked by: Lord Balfe To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they are taking following the detention on 4 November of Selahattin Demirtas and Figen Yuksekdag, the co-chairs of the Turkish HDP party.

Answered by: The Earl of Courtown My Lords, we continue to follow developments in Turkey closely and underline the importance of the rule of law and protection of freedom of expression. My right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary raised these issues during his visit to Turkey on 25 and 27 September, as have America and the Minister for Europe with Turkey’s Minister for Europe, Ömer Çelik, most recently in a phone call on 7 November. The European Union issued a statement on 8 November.

24 Number CDP 2017-0067, 6 March 2017

Asked by: Lord Balfe I thank the Minister for his reply. I represent the Council of Europe on the Venice Commission, which has called for the restoration of parliamentary inviolability of MPs. Far too many members of the middle class are now being locked up, and the Turkish Government have overstepped the line—in so far as there is a line—between what is acceptable and what is unacceptable. It is quite a long time since the coup. Will the Minister, in co-operation with other friendly embassies in Ankara, make arrangements for the European Union Ministries and the British Government to be represented, as appropriate, at all the court hearings held in this regard, and for regular reports to be send back to the chanceries of Europe?

Answered by: The Earl of Courtown My Lords, my noble friend makes important points and is quite right in what he says. My right honourable friend the Minister for Europe has emphasised these points on human rights, freedom of the press and the rule of law in his conversations. We work with other like-minded embassies to monitor particularly the highest-profile cases. We will look carefully at what the noble Lord has said.

Asked by: Viscount Waverley My Lords, is there any suggestion that the independence of the judiciary is compromised in this matter, or that the process is not being conducted in accordance with Turkey’s national legislation? Is HDP’s affiliation in conflict with the EU and US designated list?

Answered by: The Earl of Courtown The noble Viscount’s point about the judiciary has been made very plain in the many bilaterals that are taking place with the Turkish Government. We urge the HDP to sever any links with PKK and renounce violence and, more importantly, urge that all parties in Turkey return to the peace process.

Asked by: Lord Wallace of Saltaire My Lords, during the referendum campaign the current Foreign Secretary promised that Turkey was about to join the European Union and gain free movement. Is that now the official view of the Foreign Office, or is it now switching gear, as one hopes it might, to consider whether there will be Kurdish refugees coming from Turkey to join the substantial Kurdish population in London, and that we need to co- operate with our European partners in preparation for that?

Answered by: The Earl of Courtown My Lords, the position of the Foreign Office has not changed, so the UK remains committed to driving reform, embedding stability and addressing shared challenges, such as security and migration in Turkey. I underline the fact that our bilateral relations with Turkey are very good.

Asked by: Baroness Royall of Blaisdon My Lords, I declare an interest in that Selahattin Demirtas, the leader of the HDP who has been imprisoned, is a political friend. He is not a terrorist sympathiser; he is an elected representative of his people. While I understand Turkey’s sensitivities about terrorism, does the Minister agree that the president is using the coup, which we wholeheartedly Human rights and the political situation in Turkey 25

condemn, to purge liberal and secular opponents, and to attack the principles of human rights, democracy and the rule of law?

Answered by: The Earl of Courtown The noble Baroness, Lady Royall, makes important points. They are foremost in the conversations between Her Majesty’s Government and the Turkish Government.

Asked by: Lord Anderson My Lords, does the Minister agree that this is part of a wider purge in removing checks and balances to the authoritarian rule of the president, and reversing much of the Kemalist secular tradition? Does this not mean that the prospect, however dim, of Turkey joining the European Union must be put back even further, particularly because even after Brexit, Turkey is losing one of its major advocates for its entry to the European Union?

Answered by: The Earl of Courtown The noble Lord, Lord Anderson, as usual, makes some very valid points. On the European aspect of his question, the annual enlargement package—the annual report on those countries wishing access to the European Union—was published earlier today. We welcome the publication of this communication and we will carefully study the detail and recommendations of the Commission’s report in the coming days.

26 Number CDP 2017-0067, 6 March 2017

4. Other Parliamentary material 4.1 Urgent Questions and Statements

Turkey Urgent question on recent developments in Turkey. 19 Jul 2016 | 613 cc684-698

Emily Thornberry To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on recent developments in Turkey.

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Sir Alan Duncan) I thank the hon. Lady very much for applying for the urgent question.

As Members on both sides of the House will have seen from events unfolding on their television screens, it became clear on Friday evening that a military uprising was under way in Turkey. In plain terms, it was an attempted coup, which we condemn unreservedly. It was ultimately unsuccessful, and constitutional order has been restored, but 210 people have reportedly been killed, and some 1,400 injured. I am sure that the whole House will join me in expressing our sympathies and condolences to the people of Turkey on the tragic loss of life.

Her Majesty’s Government have, of course, been closely engaged throughout the weekend. Foreign and Commonwealth Office consular staff worked tirelessly throughout Saturday and Sunday to support British nationals who have been affected, and they continue to do so. We have thankfully received no reports of British casualties. Our advice to British nationals remains to monitor local media reports and to follow FCO travel advice, including the advice provided by our Facebook and Twitter accounts.

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister spoke to President Erdogan last night. She expressed her condolences for the loss of life, and commended the bravery of the Turkish people. She underlined our support for Turkey’s Government and democratic institutions, stressing that there was no place for the military in politics, and also underlined the importance of our co-operation on counter-terrorism, migration, regional security and defence.

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary was regularly updated by officials as events unfolded. He visited the teams in the FCO’s crisis centre who responded to Nice on Friday morning, and visited those responding to Turkey on Saturday morning. He spoke to his Turkish counterpart, Mevlüt Çavusoglu, on Saturday to express our concern and our support for Turkey’s democratic Government and its democratic institutions, to urge calm, and to encourage all parties to work to restore democratic and constitutional order quickly and in an inclusive way. Her Majesty’s ambassador in Turkey has been in constant touch with his Turkish counterparts. I spoke to him myself yesterday, particularly in order to express our concern for the welfare of embassy staff, and I plan to visit Ankara tomorrow. Human rights and the political situation in Turkey 27

The Foreign Secretary attended the Foreign Affairs Council yesterday, and participated in a discussion about Turkey. There is a strong sense of common purpose between us and our European partners. The Foreign Affairs Council has issued conclusions strongly condemning the coup attempt, welcoming the common position of the political parties in support of Turkey’s democracy, and stressing the importance of the prevailing of the rule of law and its rejection of the death penalty. The Turkish Government now have an opportunity to build on the strong domestic support that they gathered in response to the coup attempt. A measured and careful response will sustain the unity of purpose which we have seen so far, and which was so evident on the streets of Istanbul and Ankara. The United Kingdom stands ready to help Turkey to implement the reforms to which it has committed itself, and to help the democratically elected Government to restore order in a way that reflects and supports the rule of law.

Emily Thornberry I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his answer, and may I take this opportunity to welcome him to his new position? It is unfortunate that he and his team have had to be brought to the House and did not think it right to make a statement themselves. I hope that the emergency landing at Luton of the right hon. Gentleman’s boss is not a bad omen, but we do wish the all-male ministerial team well at this crucial time.

Turkey is of pivotal cultural, political and strategic importance to the world, straddling as it does the east-west divide with borders to eight countries. It is a vital NATO ally and has important minorities, particularly Kurds and Armenians, as its citizens. Half a million people of Turkish or Kurdish descent live in the UK and they are desperately worried about their families. With 2 million British visitors a year, Turkey is greatly loved in this country, and the interests of our two countries cannot be separated.

How many British citizens have been arrested, if any, and what support is being provided to them? What is the current advice to British nationals within Turkey and to those who may be booked to travel over the next few days and weeks?

On Friday we saw the Turkish people, whether they supported the current Government or not, coming out to support democracy and making a clear statement that military coups have no place in modern Turkey. The question is whether President Erdogan will use this as an opportunity to deepen and strengthen democracy or to undermine it. The signs so far are deeply worrying, with 9,000 police officers and a third of the generals dismissed, 7,500 people arrested, including the most senior judges in the country, and the death penalty being introduced.

What reassurances has the right hon. Gentleman had that there will be fair trials for those accused of complicity in the attempted coup? Was the Foreign Office taken by surprise by this attempted coup? How big is the Turkish team in the Foreign Office? Does he have plans to expand it? What will happen to this vital ally—what will happen next to this partner, this friend? It is vital that we work together to ensure that 28 Number CDP 2017-0067, 6 March 2017

Turkey has a secure foundation of democracy, freedom of speech and human rights into the future.

Sir Alan Duncan I thank the hon. Lady for her warm welcome—to me at least—but I respectfully point out to her that the noble Baroness Anelay, who is also a Minister of State at the Foreign Office, was, when I last spoke to her, a woman. From a personal point of view, may I point out that I am also able to add to the spectrum of choice the hon. Lady would like to see in our ministerial team? [Interruption.] I might say to the hon. Member for Rhondda (Chris Bryant) that he, of all people, should be aware of how exactly I add to that spectrum.

I am not aware of any UK citizens having been arrested, but obviously that is a very serious consular objective for us to pursue, find out and make sure that it remains the case. I think the whole House will agree with the hon. Lady’s point about the importance of wanting the due process of law to be upheld, and for any trials, should they happen, to be fair, and to make sure that the highest principles of democratic standards are upheld, for which of course one needs a functioning and independent judiciary.

I will be discussing all these matters when I go to Ankara tomorrow, and I very much hope that in the reaction Turkey displays to this coup attempt it will be able to remain a very important member of NATO and a partner to other countries in Europe. The answer to the hon. Lady’s straightforward question about whether we were taken by surprise is, yes; I am not sure there is anybody who was not.

Crispin Blunt The Prime Minister appears not to have mentioned the arrest of nearly 3,000 members of the judiciary in her conversation with the Turkish President. It seems a rather strange way to uphold the rule of law, and The Independent is reporting today that NATO’s leadership has made it clear that a commitment to uphold democracy, including tolerating diversity, is one of the four core requirements for members of the alliance. Is that the position of Her Majesty’s Government?

Sir Alan Duncan I am grateful to my hon. Friend, and indeed Secretary Kerry made similar such comments yesterday. As I have just said, retaining an independent judiciary, which will of course require judges working to apply the due process of law, is absolutely essential if we are to see the standards we wish to see upheld in Turkey. I note what my hon. Friend says about NATO. Turkey remains an important ally within NATO and a very valued UK partner, so we encourage Turkey to maintain its democratic institutions and the rule of law as a fundamental part of NATO’s value agenda.

Alex Salmond I welcome the right hon. Gentleman to his place, and the spectacular late flowering of his ministerial career. We suspect that he may well be at the Dispatch Box on many occasions, substituting for the absent Foreign Secretary. We also remember the Foreign Secretary’s film, “The Dream of Rome”, in which he advocated Turkey’s immediate succession Human rights and the political situation in Turkey 29

to the European Union—an argument he later used to justify Brexit and the UK’s removal from the European Union. Can we be assured that there will be no such ambiguity in the messages that now go to Turkey, and that while no responsible Government can support a military coup against a democratic Government, no responsible democratic Government engages in the suppression of civil liberties, the persecution of minority communities such as the Kurds, the imprisonment of thousands of people, the suspension of parliamentary rights, and the reintroduction of the death penalty? Will the Minister make it clear unambiguously to President Erdogan that it is not only membership of the European Union that is at risk from such actions, but also NATO membership?

Sir Alan Duncan I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for his description of me—I had never quite seen myself as a hardy perennial in quite the same way. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, who has been described as absent, is working furiously. Having been to Brussels already he is due to go to Washington, and he is meeting many European Foreign Ministers today in advance of meetings on Syria and Yemen. It is ill- judged of the right hon. Gentleman to criticise him for deputing me to answer this urgent question.

Alex Salmond It’s his job.

Sir Alan Duncan Well I have a job too, which I hope I am doing to the satisfaction of the House as the Foreign Secretary’s deputy. Turkey’s accession to the EU is clearly a long way off, and it is far too soon after events to start making long-term judgments about it. Some might think that it is less of a matter for the UK than it was before 23 June.

[…]

Turkey Lords statement on recent developments in Turkey. 19 July 2016 | 774 cc531-6

4.2 Early Day Motions

Military actions in Xerabê Bava (Korukoy) in south eastern Turkey EDM 980 (session 2016-17) 23 February 2017 Natalie McGarry

That this House condemns the Turkish Military curfew and absolute lockdown on the majority Kurdish village of Xerabê Bava, Korukoy, in South Eastern Turkey; records grave concerns about reports of executions in direct contravention of domestic and International Law; expresses substantial worry about allegations of sexual abuse, torture 30 Number CDP 2017-0067, 6 March 2017

and the arbitrary imprisoning of residents and children by the Turkish Military without due process, trials or upholding the rule of law; notes the very real threat of starvation due to restrictions on access to food and water; and calls on the Government to make urgent representations to President Erdogan and the Turkish Government to cease this operation to prevent a massacre like that in Czire last year where over 100 civilians died in hellhole basements after an extended assault by the Turkish Military.

Human rights in Turkey EDM 957 (session 2016-17) 21 February 2017 Tommy Sheppard

That this House remains gravely concerned at the continuing human rights abuses in Turkey following the Government’s agreement to sell fighter jets to Turkey in January 2017; urges the Turkish Government to end the internment of political opponents many of whom had condemned the coup attempt; is deeply concerned by the arrest of 1,478 democratically elected Kurdish politicians, including 78 mayors, since July 2016, and by the imprisonment of 12 Members of Parliament in Turkey who belong to a legitimate, democratic, political party, namely the HDP (Peoples Democratic Party); is further gravely concerned by the sentences of 142 years and 83 years respectively being sought by prosecutors for the HDP co-chairs Selahattin Demirtas and Figen Yüksekdag; and calls on the UK Government and the Council of Europe to make representations to the Turkish Government for the release of HDP MPs and other political prisoners, expressing deep concern about the suspension of provisions within the European Convention on Human Rights.

Press freedom in Turkey EDM 907 (session 2016-17) 1 February 2017 Stewart McDonald

That this House is concerned at reports of state censorship, in particular the firing, detention and wiretapping of journalists working for newspapers, websites and broadcasters in Turkey; notes that under the state of emergency and in the run-up to the April constitutional referendum in Turkey, the authorities have been carrying out an unprecedented crackdown on freedom of expression and human rights more broadly; expresses further concern that since the state of emergency was proclaimed, over 100 journalists have been detained without trial, making Turkey the world's biggest jailer of journalists, while 149 media outlets have also been closed; further notes that Turkey is ranked 151st out of 180 countries in the Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index 2016; urges the Government to raise those issues at the highest possible level with the Turkish authorities; and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of jailed journalists.

Human rights and the political situation in Turkey 31

Reunification of Cyprus EDM 838 (session 2016-17) 9 January 2017 David Lammy

That this House congratulates the Cypriot leaders, Nicos Anastasiades and Mustafa Akinci, for agreeing to meet in Geneva on 9 January 2017; recognises all the work that, with the support of the UN, the Greek and Turkish Cypriot negotiators and their teams of advisors have done since May 2015 which has contributed to the possibility of a settlement being reached; further congratulates the technical committees that have demonstrated that Cypriots can work together constructively and brought hope to the peace process; hopes that the leaders can reach the stage where maps are exchanged and the guarantor powers, Greece, Turkey and the UK, together with the EU, are brought in to discuss guarantees and security; urges the Cypriot Diaspora and civil society in Cyprus to engage positively in support; and calls on the Government, in its role as guarantor power, current EU and Commonwealth member and Permanent Member of the UN Security Council, to do all it can to support a positive outcome for Cyprus which will be in the interest of all Cypriots and other key actors in a dangerous region afflicted by uncertainty and conflict.

Turkish government actions towards NGOS EDM 687 (session 2016-17) 16 November 2016 Christopher Stephens

That this House is gravely concerned by the continued assaults on political and human rights by President Erdogan's government in Turkey and the closure of so many non-governmental organisations, including organisations which assist women and refugees, the Rojava Association a charitable organisation which was raising money to support refugees from Kobane and had helped the victims of flooding in Turkey, the Free Women's Congress (KJA) an organisation that played a major role in Kurdish and Turkish Society for over 40 years, supported women's groups that tackled domestic violence, provided education, fought for women's liberation, democracy and helped them establish businesses as well as providing a strong voice for women across the region; notes the case off the KJA whose building in Diyarbakir was raided and shut down by Turkish security forces on 12 November 2016; argues that the closure of 370 organisations and imprisoning democratically elected MPs is a breach of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; calls on the Government and the Council of Europe to intervene and use its influence over the Turkish government to end its persecution and prosecution of legitimate critics and opposition; and to make statement as a matter of urgency to outline such representations.

32 Number CDP 2017-0067, 6 March 2017

Response to attempted coup in Turkey EDM 654 (session 2016-17) 7 November 2016 Ann Clwyd

That this House is shocked by the arrest and detention of a number of Turkish Members of Parliament from the People's Democratic Party (HDP) on 4 November 2016, including Co-Chairs Selahattin Demirtas and Figen Yüksekdag, which threaten to undermine parliamentary democracy and social cohesion in Turkey; is very concerned that developments in recent months have gone far beyond what could be considered proportionate in response to the coup attempt in July 2016 and that emergency powers since granted are being used to stifle the media, crush dissent and override legal process; notes with alarm that since July 2016 thousands have been jailed, over 100,000 government workers dismissed or suspended and over 100 media outlets closed because of alleged connections to the Gullen movement, as well as the closure of dozens of Kurdish-language newspapers and news channels and the sacking and detention of many elected mayors in south-east Turkey; calls on the Turkish government to end its persecution and prosecution of legitimate critics and opposition, as well as to resume the peace process to end the continuing conflict in south-east Turkey; and further calls on the Government to issue a statement and make representations to its Turkish counterparts as a matter of urgency.

Political and human rights situation in Turkey EDM 653 (session 2016-17) 7 November 2016 Joan Ryan

That this House is gravely concerned by the arrest and imprisonment of Members of Parliament from the pro-Kurdish People's Democratic Party (HDP), including the HDP Co-Chairs Selahattin Demirtas and Figen Yüksekdag, in Turkey on 4 November 2016; agrees with the statement from the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs, Federica Mogherini, that these arrests compromise parliamentary democracy in Turkey; notes that hundreds of other Kurdish members and officials from HDP and the pro-Kurdish Democratic Regions Party (DBP) have also been detained and imprisoned in recent months; further notes that since the attempted coup in Turkey in July 2016, President Erdogan and the Turkish government have imposed greater restrictions on the freedom of expression and the freedom of the press, as well as threatened the independence of the judiciary; believes that the current situation in Turkey is undermining democracy and the chances of resolving the Kurdish issue; urges the Turkish authorities to respect the rule of law and the fundamental rights of all of its citizens, including Kurds, Alevis and other minority groups; and calls on the Government and the Council of Europe to make representations to the Turkish government expressing serious concern at the imprisonment of the HDP MPs, the suspension of provisions within the European Convention on Human Rights and President Erdogan's support for the reintroduction of the death penalty.

Human rights and the political situation in Turkey 33

5. Press releases 5.1 Gov.uk

PM press conference with Turkish Prime Minister Yildirim: 28 January 2017 Prime Minister’s Office 28 January 2017

Prime Minister Theresa May

Thank you very much. I am pleased to be here in Turkey today and to be able to meet Prime Minister Yildirim and President Erdogan just 1 day after meeting the new US President Donald Trump in Washington.

The relationship between Turkey and the United Kingdom has always been important, but it is arguably even more vital today.

For Turkey sits on the frontline of some of the most difficult and serious challenges we face. This relationship is central to our capacity to tackle the terrorist threat to the UK. Turkey already does a huge amount to disrupt the threat posed to our countries by terrorists including foreign fighters leaving Syria.

And today we have agreed to strengthen our co-operation on security through a new strategic security partnership. This will help our 2 governments and security services to work even more closely together in important areas such as intelligence sharing, aviation security and domestic security.

This partnership will help Turkey as it grapples with the threat posed by heightened terrorist attacks in this country. We should never forget that in the last 18 months, over 1,500 Turkish civilians and security personnel have been killed by terrorist attacks.

Crucially it will also help to protect the 1.7 million British tourists who travel to Turkey from the UK every year.

It is therefore a vital new partnership for us both.

Regional security We have also discussed a number of other important regional security issues today including:

Syria, where we are working together to fight Daesh and create the conditions for peace, the challenge of mass migration, where I pay tribute to Turkey’s generosity in hosting more than 3 million refugees from surrounding countries, and where the United Kingdom is committed to doing all it can to help.

And Cyprus, where we are both committed to playing our full part in an effort to secure an early agreement.

34 Number CDP 2017-0067, 6 March 2017

Trade Finally, I am delighted that we have today been able to mark the signing of a new agreement between TAI and the British business BAE Systems, that will see the companies collaborating on the pre-design phase of Turkey’s new fighter jet, the TFX.

This is more than a trade deal – it is the start of a deep defence partnership that will contribute to our overall security.

At the same time, we are today announcing a new and unique government-to-government agreement between Turkey and the United Kingdom that sets a new framework for co-operation and dialogue between our governments including the defence ministries and air forces. And we have also agreed to establish a trade working group to explore ways in which we can improve Turkish-UK trade.

These initiatives stand as concrete commitments to a strengthened relationship between us, which will help to ensure the continued security and prosperity of both Turkey and the UK.

Conclusion This is the first opportunity I have had to visit Turkey since the attempted coup of 15th July last year. On that day, the UK was clear that we supported those who stood up for this important democracy and its institutions. And we continue to hope that the values you stood for on that day will guide you in the months and years ahead.

So I would like to thank Prime Minister Yildirim for giving up his time today so that we might discuss these important issues.

On each one, Turkey is demonstrating its determination to live up to its historic role as a regional power, and its significance as a key member of the NATO Alliance.

I look forward to building on the commitments we have made today in order to strengthen the co-operation between our 2 nations in the years ahead.

Thank you.

PM meeting with President Erdogan: 28 January 2017 Prime Minister’s Office 28 January 2017

Thank you very much Mr President and thank you for the invitation to join you for these discussions that we have had today – and very fruitful discussions between us.

Turkey is one of the UK’s oldest friends. Our relations stretch back over 400 years.

But there is much that we can do in the future to build on that relationship together. Human rights and the political situation in Turkey 35

I am proud that the UK stood with you on 15 July last year in defence of your democracy. Now it is important that Turkey sustains that democracy by maintaining the rule of law and upholding its international human rights obligations as the government has undertaken to do.

We have discussed, as the President has said, a number of important issues today from Cyprus, where we are committed to playing our parts for an early settlement, to Syria, where we are working together to fight Daesh and create the conditions for peace.

We are also agreeing to step up our work together on aviation security with a programme of shared training and information exchange.

You mentioned, Mr President, the opportunities for enhancing trade between our 2 countries and we discussed that. We both want to build on our existing links and I believe that doing so will be to the benefit of both our countries and for the prosperity of both our nations.

And we have agreed we will have a joint working group to prepare the ground for our post-Brexit trading relationship.

So we have covered quite a range of subjects today. What has underpinned our discussions has been the opportunity for Turkey and the UK to build on our existing relations which, as I say, have stretched back many years, to our mutual benefit for the future.

So thank you and I look forward to maintaining these talks with your Prime Minister later today.

UK and Turkey sign agreement on Turkish fighter programme Prime Minister’s Office 28 January 2017

The UK Prime Minister and the Turkish Prime Minister have today (28 January 2017) announced a landmark defence industry collaboration between Turkey and the UK.

BAE Systems and TAI (Turkish Aerospace Industries) have today signed a ‘Heads of Agreement’ which will establish a partnership for the continued development of the ambitious Turkish Fighter Programme (TF-X).

Worth more than £100 million, this first contract has the potential to facilitate multi-billion pound contracts between Team UK and Turkish firms over the life-time of the project, strengthening links between the UK and Turkey.

Prime Minister Theresa May said:

“This agreement underlines once again that Britain is a great, global, trading nation and that we are open for business.

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“It marks the start of a new and deeper trading relationship with Turkey and will potentially secure British and Turkish jobs and prosperity for decades to come.”

BAE Systems Chief Executive, Ian King, said:

“BAE Systems is a leader in designing, manufacturing and supporting fighter aircraft and is in an excellent position to contribute technical and engineering expertise and experience of managing complex projects to this key Turkish programme. The announcement signals an exciting next step in relations between both Turkey and the UK with the co-operation between BAE Systems and TAI paving the way for a deeper defence partnership. The agreement confirms ongoing collaborative work on the design and development of the aircraft.”

Today’s deal sustains and enhances UK and Turkish engineering capability and will help to safeguard key roles at BAE Systems.

It will also pave the way for a deeper defence partnership and could effectively make the UK Turkey’s partner of choice, positioning it as a key aerospace technology exporter to Turkey.

The wider programme could see the UK win contracts to provide engines, weapons, radars and sensors.

Minister for Europe visits Turkey Foreign and Commonwealth Office 19 October 2016

During his visit Minister for Europe, Sir Alan Duncan, was received by Minister for EU Affairs, Őmer Çelik and held talks with President Erdogan, Prime Minister Yildirim and other senior Turkish officials.

The Minister for Europe, Sir Alan Duncan, said:

“The UK and Turkey are close partners. We have many shared interests and work together on a range of issues such as the migration crisis and counter-terrorism. I was pleased to discuss these pressing matters with friends and colleagues in the Turkish Government.

“During my meetings in Ankara, I reaffirmed the UK’s continued support for the Turkish people and Turkey’s democratic institutions. Turkey has been through a difficult time since the attempted coup and I applaud the bravery of those who stood up for democracy and rejected the coup. However, I urge the Turkish government to ensure that the response to the coup is measured and in line with international obligations.

“My visit comes at a significant point in Turkey’s fight against terrorism. I offer the UK’s condolences for the continuing appalling loss of life in Turkey from terrorist attacks. At the same time, I encourage the PKK to end violence and resume the peace process.”

Human rights and the political situation in Turkey 37

Foreign Secretary on first official visit to Turkey Foreign and Commonwealth Office 27 September 2016

The Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson used his first official visit to the country to underline the strong relationship between the UK and Turkey.

During the visit, he held a series of positive discussions with President Erdogan, Prime Minister Yıldırım, Foreign Minister Cavusoglu and Minister of European Union Affairs Celik.

The Foreign Secretary reiterated his solidarity with Turkey’s democratically-elected government following July’s coup attempt and the UK’s wish to see a measured response to the attempt. He also met civil society representatives, visited Turkey’s Parliament and the Anıtkabir, to pay tribute to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the first President of the Republic of Turkey.

Talks covered other shared priorities including finding a solution to the war in Syria, the fight against Daesh and terrorism, Cyprus settlement talks and building on the strength of UK-Turkish trade relations.

A key focus of the visit was the conflict in Syria, with the Foreign Secretary starting the trip in Istanbul where he met the Syrian Opposition and members of the Syria Civil Defence. Commonly known as the White Helmets, the Civil Defence is the most successful rescue organisation working in opposition-controlled areas of Syria.

Building on UK efforts to help victims of the conflict in Syria, the Foreign Secretary pledged £1 million for de-mining projects to allow essential humanitarian and stabilisation efforts to commence in northern Syrian towns recently liberated from Daesh.

The Foreign Secretary also visited refugees from the war in Syria living in Gaziantep and thanked the Turkish government and its people for their generosity in hosting around three million refugees.

He had an opportunity to see the positive work being done to improve the lives of refugees through UK humanitarian aid worth £2.3bn. This included a visit to Mercy Corps, which, with UK funding, gives life- saving assistance to around 680,000 Syrians each month.

The Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson, said:

“I am delighted to have been able to visit Turkey for the first time as Foreign Secretary. Through discussions with Turkey’s leaders, I had the opportunity to build on the considerable co-operation that already exists between our two countries, and consider how we can better harness the enormous trade opportunities we have.

“I welcomed Turkey’s major contribution to the fight against Daesh, as part of the Global Coalition and congratulated them on the successful clearance of Daesh from the Syrian-Turkish border.

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“We must continue to work together to address the tragic situation in Syria and support its people, who deserve a future free from the violence of both Daesh and the Asad regime. I am also clear that we have got to continue to put pressure on Russia to help stop the carnage, get the parties back to the negotiating table and stop their proxies in the Assad regime from unleashing violence.

“I was also able to see for myself the colossal consequences of this war when I visited Gaziantep to pay tribute to the extraordinary bravery of Syrian Civil Defence and the free Syrian Police. I am proud that the UK supports these organisations, which work in the toughest of circumstances to help the most vulnerable of people.”

PM phone call with President Erdogan of Turkey: 18 July 2016 Prime Minister’s Office 20 July 2016

A Downing Street spokesperson said:

The Prime Minister called President Erdogan of Turkey on Monday evening to condemn the attempted coup and to offer her condolences to the Turkish people. The Prime Minister commended the bravery of the Turkish people in standing up for democracy and she underlined the UK’s full support for Turkey’s democratically elected government and institutions, saying there was no place for military intervention in politics.

The President thanked the Prime Minister for her call, and congratulated her on taking office. They agreed that the UK and Turkey already have a strong relationship and that opportunities to deepen our strategic partnership should be pursued, particularly in the areas of counter-terrorism, migration, regional security and defence.

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim also offered his congratulations to the Prime Minister on her appointment, and invited her to visit Turkey.

5.2 European Union

Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the latest developments in Turkey European Council and Council of the European Union 8 November 2016 1) The EU and its Member States are following the most recent developments in Turkey with grave concern. 2) Renewed considerations to introduce a bill to parliament to reinstate the death penalty; continued restrictions on the freedom of expression, including social media, with further closures of media outlets and arrest warrants against journalists, including the editor-in-chief of Cumhuriyet newspaper and several members of its staff; and most recently the Human rights and the political situation in Turkey 39

arrest of the co-chairs of the country's second largest opposition party, HDP, as well as the detention of several of its Members of Parliament are extremely worrying developments which weaken the rule of law, the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and compromise parliamentary democracy in Turkey, while exacerbating tensions in the Southeast and further polarising Turkish society in general. 3) The EU and its Member States strongly condemn the terrorist attack in Diyarbakir and express their solidarity with the victims and their families. The EU and its Member States firmly believe that all violence and terrorist attacks must stop and arms must be laid down. The EU and its Member States stand by Turkey in its fight against terrorism. Actions against PKK, listed by the EU and its Member States as a terrorist organisation, are legitimate, but must be in full respect of the basic principles of democracy, proportionality and respect for human rights. 4) A return to a credible political process and to a genuine political dialogue is essential for the country's democracy and stability in the region. 5) The EU and its Member States recall that the decision by the Turkish Parliament in May 2016 to permit the lifting of parliamentary immunity of a large number of Members of Parliament is a matter of serious concern. Immunity must apply to all on a non-discriminatory basis and decisions on lifting immunity must be based on the merits of each specific case, according to transparent criteria and not subject to any political considerations. 6) The EU and its Member States recall their condemnation of the 15 July coup attempt and, while recognising the need for Turkey to take proportionate action, call on Turkey to safeguard its parliamentary democracy, including the respect for human rights, the rule of law, fundamental freedoms and the right of everyone to a fair trial, also in conformity with its commitments as a candidate country. In this regard, the EU and its Member States will continue to follow and assess the situation very closely and they stand ready to continue political dialogue with Turkey at all levels, within the established framework. The Candidate Countries the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, Montenegro*, Serbia* and Albania*, the country of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area align themselves with this Declaration. *The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

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6. Further reading

World Report 2017: Turkey, Human Rights Watch

Report: Turkey 2016/2017, Amnesty International

Report: A Blank Check: Turkey’s Post-Coup Suspension of Safeguards against Torture, Human Rights Watch

All-Party Parliamentary Group for Turkey

UK's relations with Turkey inquiry Foreign Affairs Committee

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