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Written question asked by Lord Godson (Conservative) on Tuesday, 24 June 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 8 July 2025. It was answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 July 2025 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Finland: Ottawa Convention

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the government of Finland's decision to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention on anti-personnel landmines; and what plans they have to change their own position.

Answer

His Majesty's Government (HMG) has noted that Finland has stated its intention to withdraw. We also acknowledge its sovereign right to make this decision.

The Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction (also known as the Ottawa Convention) continues to play an important role in protecting civilians from harm caused by anti-personnel landmines. As a State Party to the Ottawa Convention, the UK's commitment to it remains unwavering. We promote universalisation and encourage all countries to join the Ottawa Convention and subscribe to its provisions, and we discourage States from using anti-personnel landmines. The UK continues to engage bilaterally with Finland to better understand the actions it may take following withdrawal.

HMG continues to express its commitment to the Ottawa Convention, most recently by Minister of State, Ministry of Defence, Lord Coaker, in a Written Parliamentary Question, on 23 June 2025, in the House of Lords.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL8766
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Finland Ottawa Convention
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk