David Lidington MP

Minister of State for Europe

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

King Charles Street

London SW1A 2AH

Date: 11^th June 2013

Dear David,

In light of recent events in Turkey, I am writing on behalf of constituents who are very alarmed by the authorities’ response to legitimate protest. I note the British ambassador’s statement of June 1^st and hope the Government will continue to speak out against the violent, heavy-handed response by the police authorities, as well as call for all those arrested to be released.

The original protests against the construction of Gezi Park were indicative of growing concern over excessive commercialisation, with little regard for social and environmental impact or public will. The widespread public support for the demonstrations is a source of major encouragement for democracy and the prospects of sustainable development in Turkey. Instead of wrongly treating the protesters as criminals, dialogue should be re-established and their legitimate grievances should be addressed.

Turkey must respect the basic human rights of freedom of assembly and freedom of speech: these rights are, reportedly, being denied on a widespread scale at the moment. I hope you will agree with me about the importance of finding a peaceful, democratic solution to the current situation – one that respects everyone's basic human rights – and will be taking appropriate action to that end.

I welcome the fact that Britain has agreed to review its export of defence equipment to Turkey and would urge you to particularly withdraw/withhold licenses for any equipment that could be used against protesters, including eg tear gas.

Thank you for your attention and I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

Caroline Lucas, MP, Brighton Pavilion