Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what plans his Department has to ensure that Commonwealth nations help to tackle economic problems and to embed democracy in (a) the Gambia and (b) other low and middle-income countries; and if he will make a statement.

The British Government believes that the Commonwealth is a force for good around the world, through its promotion of democracy, the rule of law, good governance and economic development, as enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter. The 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in London will encourage all members to uphold these values

As the Prime Minister set out in September, the key goals of the summit will include promoting democracy and boosting prosperity across the Commonwealth, including in low and middle-income countries. We want to see The Gambia fully included as part of that wider effort.