Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Blaker (Conservative). It was answered by Lord Malloch-Brown (Labour) on Tuesday, 20 January 2009.

Zimbabwe

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking towards a resolution of the situation in Zimbabwe.

Answer: My Lords, we are working with our international partners to encourage a resolution of the crisis. Mugabe’s regime continues to stand in the way of political progress. Its failed policies have devastated Zimbabwe’s economy and infrastructure. As a result, nearly 6 million people are in need of food aid and cholera has killed some thousands. Our immediate priority is to provide humanitarian assistance to alleviate the suffering of the Zimbabwean people—the innocent victims of these failed policies.

Secondary information