Written question asked by Damien Moore (Conservative) on Wednesday, 15 March 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 17 March 2023. It was answered by David Rutley (Conservative) on Wednesday, 22 March 2023 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, whether he has held discussions with his counterpart in Tunisia on the political freedoms and arrest of Rached el-Ghannouchi.

Answer: Lord [Tariq] Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State for North Africa, raised the UK's issues with the recent wave of arrests directly with Tunisian Chargé d'Affaires on 23 February, underlining the importance of due legal process and respect for freedom of expression and association. His Majesty's Ambassador to Tunisia also raised UK issues with the arrests with Foreign Minister Nabil Ammar on 23 February. Officials and Ministers have regular discussions with the Tunisian authorities to reiterate the UK's belief in the importance of space for legitimate political opposition, civil society, strengthening human rights and including all voices in building resilient and successful democracies.

Secondary information