Mrs Helen Grant (Maidstone and The Weald) (Con)
2. What steps he is taking to promote political and economic freedom in the Middle East and North Africa; and if he will make a statement.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Alistair Burt)
In addition to diplomatic and political support given to countries in the region, following the dramatic events of the last 18 months, our Arab partnership programme, which is now worth £110 million, provides practical support with a range of projects, including election reform, media transparency and employment initiatives. We will operate across 15 countries in this coming year, with a budget of some £60 million?
[Official Report, 4 September 2012, Vol. 549, c. 139.]
Letter of correction from Alistair Burt:
An error has been identified in the answer given on 4 September 2012 to the hon. Member for Maidstone and The Weald (Mrs Grant).
The correct answer should have been:
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Alistair Burt)
In addition to diplomatic and political support given to countries in the region, following the dramatic events of the last 18 months, our Arab partnership programme, which is now worth £110 million, provides practical support with a range of projects, including election reform, media transparency and employment initiatives. We will operate across 15 countries in this coming year, with over 60 projects.