Written question asked by Gregory Campbell (Democratic Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 7 December 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 December 2011. It was answered by Nick Harvey (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 13 December 2011 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Somalia: Piracy

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will take steps to promote greater international military co-operation on pre-emptive action to prevent piracy off the coast of Somalia.

Answer: The UK continues to promote international co-operation to tackle piracy; both at its root through provision of humanitarian and development assistance and through a direct contribution to a number of military operations. In addition, the Prime Minister has recently announced a conference on Somalia to be held in London in early 2012, reaffirming UK commitment to the global effort in stabilising Somalia which includes countering piracy. The conference will form the basis for co-ordinated and sustained international leadership on Somalia and will support a broader, more inclusive political process to bring security and stability to the country.

Secondary information