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Written Question
Libya: Politics and Government
Wednesday 8th March 2023

Asked by: Paul Beresford (Conservative - Mole Valley)

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Government plans to take to encourage reconciliation and political reform in Libya.

Answered by David Rutley

More than year since failed elections in Libya, the political impasse continues without a clear route to elections, increasing the risk of violence and insecurity. The UK therefore supports the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Bathily's efforts to reinvigorate the UN-facilitated, Libyan-led and owned political process, including parliamentary and presidential elections. We call on all Libyan actors and key stakeholders to work with SRSG Bathily and the UN, to fulfil their responsibilities to the Libyan people on the political, security, economic and human rights tracks, in order to deliver long-term stability, security and prosperity.


Written Question
Libya: Wagner Group
Wednesday 8th March 2023

Asked by: Paul Beresford (Conservative - Mole Valley)

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department (a) is taking and (b) plans to take steps to help remove the Wagner private military company from Libya.

Answered by David Rutley

The eastern-based General Haftar-led Libyan National Army has strong links to Russian Wagner Group which maintains a presence in Libya and uses Libya's open southern border as a route into the Sahel. The UK is working alongside our regional and international partners to foster long-term stability and address the drivers of conflict in Libya and the Sahel. We consistently call for the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries, including Wagner, without delay through the UN Security Council and with regional partners.


Written Question
Libya: Wagner Group
Wednesday 8th March 2023

Asked by: Paul Beresford (Conservative - Mole Valley)

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the presence of the Russian private military company Wagner in Libya; and if he will make a statement.

Answered by David Rutley

The eastern-based General Haftar-led Libyan National Army has strong links to Russian Wagner Group which maintains a presence in Libya and uses Libya's open southern border as a route into the Sahel. The UK is working alongside our regional and international partners to foster long-term stability and address the drivers of conflict in Libya and the Sahel. We consistently call for the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries, including Wagner, without delay through the UN Security Council and with regional partners.


Written Question
Libya: Elections
Wednesday 8th March 2023

Asked by: Paul Beresford (Conservative - Mole Valley)

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that free and fair elections may take place in Libya.

Answered by David Rutley

More than year since failed elections in Libya, the political impasse continues without a clear route to elections, increasing the risk of violence and insecurity. The UK therefore supports the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Bathily's efforts to reinvigorate the UN-facilitated, Libyan-led and owned political process, including parliamentary and presidential elections. We call on all Libyan actors and key stakeholders to work with SRSG Bathily and the UN, to fulfil their responsibilities to the Libyan people on the political, security, economic and human rights tracks, in order to deliver long-term stability, security and prosperity.


Speech in Commons Chamber - Fri 14 Jan 2022
Local Government (Disqualification) Bill

"I have known my hon. Friend the Member for Christchurch (Sir Christopher Chope), as he said, for some considerable time; we were both on a south London council. Although we are on the same side of the House, sometimes we agree and sometimes we do not. This afternoon, although I …..."
Paul Beresford - View Speech

View all Paul Beresford (Con - Mole Valley) contributions to the debate on: Local Government (Disqualification) Bill

Speech in Commons Chamber - Fri 14 Jan 2022
Local Government (Disqualification) Bill

"I have listened to my hon. Friend, so I would rather not.

The measure, in my view, only undermines the primary aim of this Bill, which is to protect children. I was on the Committee for a Labour Government Bill in 2003 that brought this through, and we went backwards …..."

Paul Beresford - View Speech

View all Paul Beresford (Con - Mole Valley) contributions to the debate on: Local Government (Disqualification) Bill

Speech in Commons Chamber - Fri 14 Jan 2022
Local Government (Disqualification) Bill

"I beg to move, That the Bill be read the Third time.

I will be very succinct, because having looked at the rest of the day’s agenda, I am aware that there is a taxi behind me tooting its horn.

This Bill is a tiny, specific response to heavy demand …..."

Paul Beresford - View Speech

View all Paul Beresford (Con - Mole Valley) contributions to the debate on: Local Government (Disqualification) Bill

Speech in Commons Chamber - Fri 14 Jan 2022
Local Government (Disqualification) Bill

"I will be very succinct. I have mentioned the taxi cab, and I can hear it behind me—..."
Paul Beresford - View Speech

View all Paul Beresford (Con - Mole Valley) contributions to the debate on: Local Government (Disqualification) Bill

Speech in Commons Chamber - Fri 14 Jan 2022
Local Government (Disqualification) Bill

"My apologies, Madam Deputy Speaker. After all this time, I should have remembered that. I ask the leave of the House to say a few words.

I thank the Minister for her support, and I am grateful for the support from right across the House. Even my hon. Friend the …..."

Paul Beresford - View Speech

View all Paul Beresford (Con - Mole Valley) contributions to the debate on: Local Government (Disqualification) Bill

Speech in Public Bill Committees - Wed 01 Dec 2021
Local Government (Disqualification) Bill

"We are particularly delighted to see you in the Chair, Dr Huq...."
Paul Beresford - View Speech

View all Paul Beresford (Con - Mole Valley) contributions to the debate on: Local Government (Disqualification) Bill