Written question asked by Lord Hylton (Crossbench) on Thursday, 1 July 2021, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 15 July 2021. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Thursday, 15 July 2021 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Lithuania: Migrants

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) media reports that the government of Belarus is ‘weaponising’ migration by sending migrants to Lithuania, and (2) the government of Lithuania’s response to such action; and what plans they have to support the government of Lithuania with (a) technical aid, or (b) resettlement.

Answer: The Government is aware of media reports of an increase in people irregularly crossing the border from Belarus into Lithuania. We are also aware of the steps that the Lithuanian Government have taken to respond, including increasing funding to the Lithuanian State Border Guards, and expanding capacity at the border with Belarus to process those arriving across the border. The Foreign Secretary discussed the issue with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis on 28 June, and officials are currently evaluating how best we can support the Lithuanian Government in response to these developments. We collaborate closely with the Lithuanian Government and Lithuanian State Border Guards, and stand ready to provide appropriate support. The UK remains committed to future close co-operation with the EU and our European partners on all issues including migration.

Secondary information