Local Lib Dem MP, Norman Baker, this week quizzed the government over the measures they are taking to ensure that the human rights and religious freedoms of the Tibetan people are observed and to secure the release of the proper Panchen Lama, the world's youngest political prisoner.
Mr Baker who is Vice Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Tibet Group also supported the proposal of Helen Goodman MP to make it illegal for British citizens to buy organs. This call comes in light of growing reports that Chinese prisoners are being executed for their organs which are often removed while they are still alive and sold to people requiring replacement organs.
Mr Baker raised these matters in the Commons on on the Panchen Lama's 17th birthday, more than a decade after the Chinese authorities placed him and his family under house arrest. The Panchen Lama is recognised by Tibetans as second only to the Dalai Lama.
Commenting on the exchange, Norman Baker says:
"While I welcome the dialogue now taking place between China and Tibet, it is essential that the government insists that the Chinese release the proper Panchen Lama immediately and get rid of the illegitimate puppet that they installed in his place. China is very good at signing bits of paper making promises, but very bad at carrying out their pledges. The situation in Tibet is dire and the government here must continue to apply firm pressure on the Chinese authorities to change their ways.
"It is important that the issues of human rights, freedom of expression and a furthering of negotiations between the Dalai Lama and the Chinese government is regularly brought up within parliament at every opportunity, particularly with regards to what mechanisms are in place to check the validity of China's claims on improvements in human rights and freedom of expression. This is why I will continue my work with the All-Party Group and other Tibet campaign groups on this matter to press for a better life for the Tibetan people."
|Home
Contact Norman at:
Norman Baker,
23 East Street,
Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
Tel: (01273) 480281.
Fax: (01273) 480287.
Email: info
Printed and hosted by Pipex Communications UK Ltd, Humber Buildings, Humber Rd, Beeston, Notts, NG9 2ET. Published and promoted by Norman Baker MP, House of Commons, Westminster, London SW1A 1AA. The views expressed are those of Norman Baker, not of the service provider.
