Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 2:36 pm on 1 December 2025.
The Earl of Courtown
Opposition Deputy Chief Whip (Lords)
2:36,
1 December 2025
My Lords, as the Minister said earlier, political stability and inclusive politics are important for the future of Sudan to improve the dreadful situation there. The previous Foreign Secretary advised, or encouraged, all Britons to leave Sudan if it was safe for them to do so. Has the department assessed how many Britons remain in South Sudan and has it begun planning any necessary support should the situation deteriorate?
Ministers make up the Government and almost all are members of the House of Lords or the House of Commons. There are three main types of Minister. Departmental Ministers are in charge of Government Departments. The Government is divided into different Departments which have responsibilities for different areas. For example the Treasury is in charge of Government spending. Departmental Ministers in the Cabinet are generally called 'Secretary of State' but some have special titles such as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ministers of State and Junior Ministers assist the ministers in charge of the department. They normally have responsibility for a particular area within the department and are sometimes given a title that reflects this - for example Minister of Transport.
