The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of independent and equal sovereign states. It is for the Commonwealth Secretary-General and Commonwealth Secretariat to take forward expressions of interest and to assess whether an aspirant member meets the eligibility criteria for membership. The UK, alongside others in the international community, does not recognise Somaliland's unilateral declaration of independence. We believe that the settlement of Somaliland's status is an issue for Somalia and Somaliland to decide through a consultative process and dialogue.

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of independent and equal sovereign states. It is for the Commonwealth Secretary-General and Commonwealth Secretariat to take forward expressions of interest and to assess whether an aspirant member meets the eligibility criteria for membership. The UK, alongside others in the international community, does not recognise Somaliland's unilateral declaration of independence. We believe that the settlement of Somaliland's status is an issue for Somalia and Somaliland to decide through a consultative process and dialogue.

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of independent and equal sovereign states. It is for the Commonwealth Secretary-General and Commonwealth Secretariat to take forward expressions of interest and to assess whether an aspirant member meets the eligibility criteria for membership. The UK, alongside others in the international community, does not recognise Somaliland's unilateral declaration of independence. We believe that the settlement of Somaliland's status is an issue for Somalia and Somaliland to decide through a consultative process and dialogue.

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of independent and equal sovereign states. It is for the Commonwealth Secretary-General and Commonwealth Secretariat to take forward expressions of interest and to assess whether an aspirant member meets the eligibility criteria for membership. The UK, alongside others in the international community, does not recognise Somaliland's unilateral declaration of independence. We believe that the settlement of Somaliland's status is an issue for Somalia and Somaliland to decide through a consultative process and dialogue.

The UK condemns in the strongest terms the illegal and unjustified attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea by Houthi militants. The UK is working and engaging extensively with allies and partners to safeguard maritime security and navigational rights and freedoms in the Red Sea.

The UK remains committed to securing the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, and we are closely monitoring the wider maritime security situation. Our position remains that Somaliland's status is an issue for Somalia and Somaliland, to resolve through dialogue.

The UK's position on Somaliland's independence is clear; the settlement of Somaliland's status is an issue for Somalia and Somaliland to resolve through dialogue, in which we encourage both sides to engage. It is not for the UK to pre-empt that process or determine its outcome.

There are no current plans for Foreign Office Ministers to visit Somaliland. The UK is one of very few Western countries with a permanent diplomatic presence in Somaliland, and through our office there we engage closely with the Somaliland authorities on a range of issues.

The FCDO has noted that the Memorandum of Understanding suggests that Ethiopia may recognise Somaliland's independence in return for the lease of territory. The UK's position remains that the settlement of Somaliland's status is an issue for Somalia and Somaliland to resolve through dialogue. We are engaging with all parties to call for dialogue to prevent any escalation that might affect regional stability and our peace, humanitarian and development work throughout the region.

The FCDO has noted the announcement of a Memorandum of Understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which suggests that Ethiopia will recognise Somaliland's independence in return for the lease of territory. We are concerned by escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa and are engaging with all relevant parties through our posts in the region to call for calm and encourage dialogue. The UK has reaffirmed its respect for Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The UK is one of Somalia's closest and longest standing partners, and one of very few Western countries with a permanent diplomatic presence in Somaliland. We support Somaliland in enhancing stability and promoting economic, human and social development. This stands alongside our significant political, humanitarian and security assistance to Somalia as a whole.

Since the announcement of the Ethiopia - Somaliland memorandum of understanding (MoU) the UK has been engaging closely with all parties involved, including the Somaliland authorities, to call for calm and dialogue. We are urging all involved to avoid action that would negatively affect regional security, especially the crucial fight against al-Shabaab. Separately, the UK is supporting the Berbera Corridor project through the 'Unlocking Prosperity in the Horn of Africa' programme. This has included £25 million in funding towards the development of infrastructure to facilitate access to Berbera port for Ethiopia and the wider region.

The UK's position on this issue is unchanged; we believe that the settlement of Somaliland's status is an issue for Somalia and Somaliland to resolve. This requires a consultative process and dialogue, in which the UK encourages both Somalia and Somaliland to engage. Regarding the recent agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, the UK's position on recognition has not changed. On this we are in line with the African Union and other international partners.

The FCDO notes the announcement of a Memorandum of Understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which suggests that Ethiopia will recognise Somaliland's independence in return for the lease of territory. We are concerned by escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa and are engaging with all relevant parties through our posts in the region to call for calm and encourage dialogue. The UK has reaffirmed its respect for Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity and we are aware of statements from the countries and regional bodies referenced in the question. The UK's position remains that the settlement of Somaliland's status is for Somalia and Somaliland to resolve through a consultative process.

The FCDO noted the 1 January 2024 announcement of a Memorandum of Understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which suggests that Ethiopia will recognise Somaliland's independence in return for the lease of territory along its coastline. The UK is clear that we respect Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Our position on Somaliland remains unchanged: alongside our international partners we do not recognise Somaliland as an independent state. We believe the settlement of Somaliland's status is for Somalia and Somaliland to resolve, through a consultative process. We are engaging all countries involved to call for calm and encourage dialogue.

The UK, alongside others in the international community, does not recognise Somaliland's unilateral declaration of independence. The constitutional settlement between Somaliland and Somalia is not for the UK to decide. It is for Somalia and Somaliland to come to an agreement about their future relationship and we encourage dialogue on this issue.

The FCDO advises against all travel to the Somaliland regions of Toghdeer, Sanaag, and Sool. We advise British Nationals in Somaliland to leave any area of unrest quickly. Our ability to provide consular support in Somalia, including Somaliland, is very limited. Should any British Nationals travel to Somaliland to fight, or to assist others engaged in the conflict, their activities may amount to offences under UK legislation and they could be prosecuted upon return to the UK.

The constitutional settlement between Somaliland and Somalia is not for the UK to decide. It is for Somalia and Somaliland to come to an agreement about their future relationship and we encourage dialogue on this issue.

The FCDO supported a British woman who was detained in Somaliland, and raised her case with the local authorities at the highest level, including President Bihi.

The UK, alongside international partners, regularly has discussions with the Somaliland authorities, including Somaliland President Bihi. As a leading partner of Somaliland, these discussions are wide ranging and include promoting stability, economic, human and social development. In recent discussions the UK has continued to press for an urgent end to the violence in Las Anod. On 7 June we joined United Nations Security Council members to call for all parties to respect international laws and work towards an inclusive dialogue. We will, with partners, continue to engage all parties involved to engage in talks and to try to bring an end to the violence and prevent regional instability.