Lord Dholakia raised an urgent Private Notice Question in the House of Lords on Tuesday on the imminent execution of fourteen people in Saudi Arabia.
As a member of the All Parliamentary Party on the Abolition of the Death Penalty, Lord Dholakia was rigorous in his questioning of the government, as to "what representations they have made to the Government of Saudi Arabia about the imminent execution of fourteen people, including two juveniles."
Whilst the Minister, Baroness Goldie, was at pains to point out the UK Government's position on the death penalty and the abhorrence of its use,
Lord Dholakia was robust in his challenge stating: "the UK is an important defender of human rights and the rule of law across the world. " He questioned "can she explain what the Government are doing to stop these executions? and the rule of law across the world, " especially "[g]iven our close relationship with Saudi Arabia."
Citing conclusively "there is a precedent; David Cameron as Prime Minister personally intervened to stop the execution of three juveniles in 2015," Lord Dholakia demanded answers, asking:" What is our Prime Minister doing now?"
