Catherine West – 2020 Comments on Belarus

The text of the comments made by Catherine West, the Shadow Minister for Europe and the Americas, on 10 August 2020.

We are deeply concerned by the evolving situation in Belarus, including alarming reports of stun grenades, rubber bullets and water cannon being used against peaceful protestors.

Belarusians have the right to decide their own future and to select their own government in free and fair elections. President Lukashenko should commit to an open and transparent process to determine the result and pledge to honour the path chosen by the people of Belarus.

Any use of force against peaceful protests should be condemned and the UK must work with our international partners to ensure the rights of the Belarusian people are protected and upheld.