I received an email this afternoon, by way of a response from 10 Downing Street of a petition that I signed online quite some time ago…

“We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Intervene in Zimbabwe.”

The Government’s response:

“Reports from Zimbabwe have graphically illustrated the appalling and tragic situation in which the people of Zimbabwe now find themselves.

The facts are stark: 4 million people have fled the country; 80 per cent of the population are unemployed; 4 million will be on food aid by the end of the year; and average life expectancy has fallen to just 37.

There is no easy solution to end this suffering. However, the Government is determined to continue to do everything it can to help the Zimbabwean people. We are currently the second largest bilateral donor in Zimbabwe, providing up to £40m a year in humanitarian assistance and for HIV and AIDS care in support of the most vulnerable. In addition, the Government is announcing an additional £8m for Zimbabwe this year, to be delivered through the World Food Programme.

But this alone will not be enough. And working with our international partners we must do more to press the Zimbabwean government to change.

The Government will ensure that the EU maintains sanctions against the 131 individuals in the ruling elite, including President Mugabe, who have committed human rights abuses - and extend sanctions to other individuals where necessary. The Government have successfully lobbied EU partners to agree to send an EU envoy to report back on the situation on the ground. The Government will press the UN Security Council to review Zimbabwe more regularly. The Government also support the important efforts of Presidents Kikwete of Tanzania and Mbeki of South Africa to negotiate a return to democracy.

The Government need to be ready for the day democracy returns to Zimbabwe. The Government are working with international partners to prepare a long-term recovery package for when conditions exist to allow economic reconstruction to begin. This will include measures to help Zimbabwe restart and stabilise its economy, restructure and reduce its debt, help skilled people who have left the country to return home, renovate schools and hospitals, and, very importantly, support fair land reform. Britain is ready to contribute our share to this endeavour.

Britain will not shirk our responsibilities to the people of Zimbabwe. The Prime Minister is determined that the British Government does all it can to help the Zimbabwean people to forge a better future for themselves and their children.”

-o00o-

Is this enough, or is this a democratic ‘washing of the hands’?

I am aware that this is a Labour government and that it was a Tory government that ‘brokered’ the Lancaster House Agreement – but responsibility, no matter which party, leads back to the Union Jack…

Take care.

‘debvhu