Written question asked by Duncan Baker (Conservative) on Thursday, 23 June 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 28 June 2022 (named day). It was answered by James Cleverly (Conservative) on Tuesday, 28 June 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, if she will make it her policy not to sign Memorandums of Understanding with the Tunisian Government in the context of President Saied's recent dissolving of Parliament.

Answer: The UK closely monitors the economic and political situation in Tunisia and will continue to do so as the new constitution is published on 30 June and the referendum takes place, scheduled for 25 July. The UK stands ready to play a constructive role as Tunisia addresses significant political and economic challenges. The UK believes that increasing cooperation and unlocking opportunities is beneficial both for the UK and Tunisia. Sustainable energy, education, private sector trade and investment and other areas are important for mutual prosperity and the creation of jobs. We also regularly emphasise the importance of accountability and inclusive political participation in the democratic process, most recently during the visit of Lord (Tariq) Ahmad, Minister of State for North Africa, in June.

Secondary information