Written question asked by Lord Northbrook (Conservative) on Wednesday, 14 March 2018, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 28 March 2018. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Wednesday, 28 March 2018 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

South Africa: Property Rights

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the motion passed in the Parliament of South Africa on 1 March to confiscate land without compensation from white farmers.

Answer: We welcome the South African Government's assurance that 'the process of land distribution would be orderly, within South African laws and taking into consideration both the social and economic impact.' We further welcome President Ramaphosa's commitment that land reform will be carried out 'without negatively affecting economic growth, agricultural production and food security' and his assurance that he would 'not allow any smash and grab interventions'.

Secondary information