Written question asked by Neil Coyle (Labour) on Thursday, 27 January 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 1 February 2022 (named day). It was answered by James Cleverly (Conservative) on Tuesday, 1 February 2022 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Tunisia: Politics and Government

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to support the Tunisian government to (a) help maintain (i) democracy, (ii) the rule of law and (iii) respect for human rights and (b) tackle corruption in the context of recent political developments in that country.

Answer: UK engagement with the Tunisian government covers a wide range of issues related to good governance under the framework of the bilateral Association Agreement which came into effect on 1 January 2021. The UK also engages on a range of good governance issues with political actors, civil society organisations and international organisations. I [Minister Cleverly] discussed recent political developments with Foreign Minister Jerandi on 11 August and 23 October, and was clear that the solution to Tunisia's challenges can only be achieved through the principles of democracy, transparency, human rights and free speech. The UK stands ready to play a supporting role.

Secondary information