The UK government recognise the terrible suffering inflicted on the Armenian people and other groups living in the Ottoman Empire in the early 20th century, the Earl of Courtown James Stopford said during the discussions in the House of Lords.

While remembering and honouring the victims of the past, we believe that the UK’s priority should be to help the peoples and Governments of Turkey and Armenia to face their joint history together, he said.

The oral question on “Recognition of 1915 killings of Armenians, Greeks and Assyrians as genocide” was raised by Baroness Caroline Cox. In her speech she recalled that more than 20 countries have recognized the Armenian Genocide, while  His Holiness Pope Francis had emphasised the necessity of genocide recognition.

In response, the Earl of  Courtown admitted that “Her Majesty’s Government are aware of His Holiness the Pope’s comments during the papal mass to commemorate the victims of 1915, which was held in Rome.” However, the government reviewed their position of recognition in 2013 and, at present, we have no plans to conduct another review. 

He added that government's priority should be to promote reconciliation between the peoples and Governments of Armenia and Turkey and to enable the two countries to face their joint history together.

“It is particularly pleasing to see MPs of Armenian background in the Turkish Parliament,” the Earl of  Courtown added.