Lloyd Russell Moyle, Labour MP the Chair of the APPG talked to journalist Erem Kansoy about the inquiry the All Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Kurdistan in Syria and Turkey have launched  into the treatment of Kurdish politicians and Kurdish communities in Turkey.

The inquiry is launching a call for evidence for both individuals and organisations to submit evidence by the 11th of December.

This inquiry aims to engage, politicians, NGO’s, municipal leaders, journalists and other community leaders on the crucial issue of Kurdish equality and representation. The APPG aims to provide recommendations to the UK Government on how best to ensure democratic principles are upheld in Turkey.

Lloyd Russell-Moyle MP for Brighton Kemptown, Chair of the APPG on Kurdistan in Turkey and Syria said : “I’ve been hugely encouraged by the interest from MPs in this inquiry, I and many other UK parliamentarians are hugely troubled by President Erdogan who seems to be using the cover of Covid-19 and instability in the region to remove democratically elected leaders in Turkey." 

Russell-Moyle MP added: "The aim of the inquiry is to shine a light on what is happening and bring forward recommendations for how the UK government can promote peace and stability in the region."

After an initial period of written evidence, the APPG will call witnesses to appear before MPs at oral evidence sessions in December and January before releasing the report early next year. 

Notes Terms of reference for the inquiry:

• What are the main obstacles to Kurdish representation in Turkey?

• Is the Turkish Government addressing the issue of Kurdish representation, and if so how?

• What is the impact of the current Turkish government’s approach to Kurdish rights and representation, and what is the effect of this on the peace and security in Turkey and the wider region?

• What are the relevant gender aspects of the crisis in Kurdish representation?

• What relationship does the Turkish Government hold with Kurdish diaspora communities?

• To what extent can the UK Government influence policy on these issues and what are the best means of support for consolidating democracy in Turkey and promoting peaceful co-existence and harmony in the region?

Submitting Evidence:

- Please submit evidence to: [email protected] 

- Please include your name and contact details in the email

- Please only submit evidence that falls within the terms of reference. We cannot accept evidence that falls outside of the terms of reference listed above.

- The deadline for submitting evidence is 11th December 2020.