The Southeast Asian state of Brunei has introduced a new penal code which sanctions deadly violence against women and the LGBT+ community. New laws permit stoning to death for gay sex and adultery, flogging for having an abortion and limb amputations for stealing.

The UK must use its influence to stop the brutal oppression of the Bruneian people. And, as a member of the Commonwealth, we have a special responsibility to ensure that human rights are enshrined in Bruneian law.

I will always stand up for equality and human rights. I have secured a debate in Parliament next Wednesday on Brunei’s treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people, who face execution for sexual relationships.

Today, I asked the Foreign Office to ensure that in the light of this abhorrent penal code, we make special efforts to uphold our commitment under the United Nations Convention Against Torture not to extradite people to states who use intentionally-inflicted pain to punish so-called crime.

I was pleased that the minister agreed he would discuss this commitment with other government departments with links to people working and living in Brunei.