Written question asked by Marquess of Lothian (Conservative) on Monday, 21 February 2022, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 March 2022. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Monday, 7 March 2022 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Tunisia: Administration of Justice

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Joint Statement on the Supreme Judicial Council in Tunisia by the UK Ambassador to Tunisia and others on 8 February, what discussions they have had with the President of Tunisia about his intention to dissolve the independent Supreme Judicial Council.

Answer: The UK believes that checks and balances are needed in all political systems and an independent judiciary is a core component of a functioning, transparent democracy. We have raised these issues with Tunisian Foreign Minister Jerandi. We strongly support the people of Tunisia in their pursuit of effective, democratic, and transparent governance. We have called for continued public commitment to and respect for all Tunisians' civil, political, social and economic rights, and to the rule of law.

Secondary information