Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he has taken to ensure that UK armed forces deployed to Mali are adequately equipped to perform their duties safely; and if he will make a statement.

MINUSMA operates in a challenging environment. UK personnel have been appropriately trained and are equipped for the task.

By way of example, the vehicles deployed have been selected following thorough analysis of the tasks the UK contingent will conduct on mission, and the terrain, environment and threat they will face and will provide the mission with a range of capabilities.

Troops will also deploy with a full-spectrum Explosive Ordinance and Search capability to mitigate the risk posed by explosive threats.

UK troop exposure to risk will be reviewed to mitigate any threats to their safety.