SITUATION IN ZIMBABWE

Early day motion 693, tabled 21 January 2002 by Jimmy Wray (Labour). Signed by 56 members.

That this House recognises that President Mugabe has persecuted not only white Zimbabwean farmers but also black farmers, as well as members of the opposition political party, the Movement for Democratic Change; is determined that the problem of land reform needs to be addressed and hopes that President Mugabe will live up to his promise to restore order and stop the illegal occupation of farms; believes that the up coming General Election in Zimbabwe should be both free and fair, and the attempts by Mr Mugabe to restrict the media and trade unions show that he is not a man to be trusted; further believes that the ú36 million grant for land reform should be spent accordingly; congratulates the United States in condemning the violence and intimidation; further believes that if Mugabe reneges on his promise and continues to abuse human rights, the Government should take immediate action; and hopes that this issue will be raised at the United Nations and the Government will work with EU and Commonwealth partners to come to a solution.

Signatures by party: Labour 32, Liberal Democrat 12, Conservative 3, Labour/Co-operative 3, UUP 3, Scottish National Party 2, Plaid Cymru 1.