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. The UK's Ambassador to Tunisia, along with other G7 Heads of Mission, issued a joint statement on 8 February expressing concern about the decision to dissolve Tunisia's Supreme Judicial Council. These issues were also discussed in person in a subsequent meeting with Tunisian Foreign Minister Jerandi. The full statement can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/supreme-judicial-court-in-tunisia-ambassadors-joint-statement-8-february-2022.

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. The UK's Ambassador to Tunisia, along with other G7 Heads of Mission, issued a joint statement on 8 February expressing concern about the decision to dissolve Tunisia's Supreme Judicial Council. These issues were also discussed in person in a subsequent meeting with Tunisian Foreign Minister Jerandi. The full statement can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/supreme-judicial-court-in-tunisia-ambassadors-joint-statement-8-february-2022.

UK engagement with the Tunisian government covers a wide range of issues related to good governance under the framework of the bilateral Association Agreement which came into effect on 1 January 2021. The UK also engages on a range of good governance issues with political actors, civil society organisations and international organisations. I [Minister Cleverly] discussed recent political developments with Foreign Minister Jerandi on 11 August and 23 October, and was clear that the solution to Tunisia's challenges can only be achieved through the principles of democracy, transparency, human rights and free speech. The UK stands ready to play a supporting role.

The UK is closely monitoring the political situation in Tunisia. I [Minister Cleverly] spoke to Tunisian Foreign Minister Jerandi on this subject on 11 August and on 23 October. Heads of Mission in Tunis issued joint statements on 6 September and 10 December setting out our position (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/g7-ambassadors-in-tunisia-issue-joint-statement-6-september-2021 and https://www.gov.uk/government/news/heads-of-mission-joint-statement-on-tunisia-10-december-2021)

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.

Successful Presidential and legislative elections in 2019 were important milestones in Tunisia's journey since the 2011 revolution. The British Embassy in Tunisia participated in election observation of Tunisia's 2019 Presidential elections, with international partners. We remain clear that free and fair elections and functioning democratic institutions are essential components of a democracy. We strongly support the people of Tunisia in their pursuit of effective, democratic, and transparent governance. The UK Government takes the issue of disinformation very seriously. Internationally, we actively support NGOs and other organisations in research to inform technology companies, partner governments and others about the misuse of online platforms for disinformation purposes, and to disrupt advertising revenues from websites.

Successful Presidential and legislative elections in 2019 were important milestones in Tunisia's journey since the 2011 revolution. The British Embassy in Tunisia participated in election observation of Tunisia's 2019 Presidential elections, with international partners. We remain clear that free and fair elections and functioning democratic institutions are essential components of a democracy. We strongly support the people of Tunisia in their pursuit of effective, democratic, and transparent governance. The UK Government takes the issue of disinformation very seriously. Internationally, we actively support NGOs and other organisations in research to inform technology companies, partner governments and others about the misuse of online platforms for disinformation purposes, and to disrupt advertising revenues from websites.

We are aware of the arrest of former Justice Minister, Noureddine Bhiri, and are closely monitoring the case. We have publicly stated the importance of respect for all Tunisians' fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, and we reiterate these points privately with the Tunisian Government.