Written question asked by Marquess of Lothian (Conservative) on Monday, 10 December 2018, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 December 2018. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Thursday, 20 December 2018 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Tunisia: Politics and Government

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what current assistance they are providing to Tunisia to assist the transition to democracy and to promote stability, particularly in view of the number of highly educated and skilled workers who have left the country since 2011 and the fact that Tunisia remains a contributor of foreign fighters to IS.

Answer: We are supporting Tunisia with more than £10 million of programme funding this year, including support on the rule of law, access to justice and strengthening democratic and judicial institutions. Successful municipal elections in May were an important milestone in Tunisia's transition, but it is vital that the Tunisian Government continues to prioritise the development of independent democratic institutions, particularly the establishment of a Constitutional Court. The International Development Secretary, Penny Mordaunt, the Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, Alistair Burt, and I have visited Tunisia this year to reinforce this message and to underline the UK's continued support.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL12160
Session: 2017-19
Subjects: Politics and government Skilled workers Tunisia Emigration Islamic State
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk