Situation In Zimbabwe(2)

EDM number 1258 in 2003-04, proposed by Michael Ancram on 24/05/2004.

That this House notes the deteriorating situation in Zimbabwe and the growing contempt for democracy, human rights and the rule of law being demonstrated by Robert Mugabe and his Zanu-PF regime; is appalled by continuing political cleansing of black farm workers, by continuing political oppression, political beatings and murders, and by continuing policies of selective starvation of political opponents; is further appalled by press censorship, by increasing disregard for the rights of property, and by attempts further to undermine democracy by rigging the voter's register in advance of coming parliamentary elections; is frustrated by the failure both of the policy of quiet diplomacy and of pleas to internationalise the crisis; is dismayed by the racist politicisation of the Zimbabwe cricket team; believes that the Patron of the Zimbabwe Cricket Union, Robert Mugabe, has forfeited any right to respect; further believes that for the England cricket team to tour Zimbabwe this October would be publicly to disregard the immoral, tyrannical and unacceptable oppression of the people of Zimbabwe by Robert Mugabe and would be an insult to them; further believes that in such circumstances morality has a greater call on human values than professionalism or money; and noting that the Movement for Democratic Change is in agreement, believes that the England and Wales Cricket Board should cancel the tour, failing which the England players should refuse to take part in the tour; and asks them all to act accordingly.

This motion has been signed by a total of 52 MPs.