Written question asked by Marquess of Lothian (Conservative) on Friday, 25 February 2022, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Friday, 11 March 2022. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Friday, 11 March 2022 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Middle East: Ukraine

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on 24 February on critical food supplies from Ukraine to countries in the Middle East, in particular (1) Lebanon, and (2) Turkey; and what plans they have, together with international partners, (a) to mitigate the disruption of such food supplies, and (b) to prevent hardship in those countries.

Answer: The unfolding crisis in Ukraine will affect food and input supplies, and further threaten already high food prices. There is also a risk that it will exacerbate food insecurity in already vulnerable countries. Countries immediately affected are those most dependent on imports from Ukraine and Russia, such as Turkey, Lebanon and other countries in the Middle East, and in particular those that may not have sufficient options for substitution in the short term. The UK is monitoring developments closely and is encouraging the relevant multilateral institutions to prioritise rapid information, analysis, and response options. We have also encouraged the G7 to consider a policy and programming response that mitigates the risk of a global food price crisis and protects food security.

Secondary information