Written question asked by Lord Hain (Labour) on Monday, 18 July 2022, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 1 August 2022. It was answered by Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park (Conservative) on Friday, 22 July 2022 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Botswana: South Africa

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the reported attacks by the government of Botswana on the South African Reserve Bank and the South African banking system, including RBS/NatWest and Ambassador Bridgette Motsepe.

Answer: There have not been, nor are there any planned discussions between former President Khama and representatives of the UK Government on these issues. We are aware of the correspondence between the UN Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial Killings and the Government of Botswana regarding former President Khama. These communications form part of the range of direct interactions between the United Nations and a sovereign State, and other States do not tend to intervene in this process. It would not be appropriate for us to comment on the Government of Botswana's choice of legal representation, or its bilateral relationship with the South African institutions referred to. Former President Khama has not sought the assistance of the UK Government.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL1862
Session: 2022-23
Grouped for answer: Yes
Subjects: Banks Politics and government South Africa Botswana Motsepe, Bridgette
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk