Saudi Arabian Government (No 2)

EDM number 1051 in 1990-91, proposed by Jeff Rooker on 01/07/1991.

That this House is mindful of the grief of the families of Haj pilgrims from around the world upon the first anniversary of the Mecca Tunnel disaster which occurred on 2nd July 1990, but is displeased that the Government of Saudi Arabia remains unable to account for three missing British citizens, Abdul Whaid Khan and Munawar Sultana, a husband and wife from Birmingham, and Nadir Ali Khan from Nelson, Lancashire, after 12 months; is concerned that the Government of Saudi Arabia accepts no responsibility for the disaster; is appalled that no updated list of casualties has ever been produced since a figure of 1, 426 pilgrims killed was issued the day after the disaster and that no scheme of compensation has been arranged by the Government of Saudi Arabia; is aware from leaders of pilgrim groups present in Saudi Arabia in July 1990 that estimates of over 3,000 pilgrims killed were in circulation; asks the Government of Saudi Arabia to understand that until it is prepared to disclose full information rumours that some pilgrims were taken into slavery will persist; commends the actions of Foreign and Commonwealth Office staff both in London and Saudi Arabia for their caring and sensitive attention to detail in seeking to account for all British citizens even in the absence of replies to formal diplomatic notes; and feels that the abiding indifference shown by the Government of Saudi Arabia gives great offence to people of all religions.

This motion has been signed by a total of 22 MPs.