Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs on the deployment of UK troops to Mali.

The National Security Council, on which both the Defence Secretary and Foreign Secretary sit, has taken the strategic decisions behind the MINUSMA deployment. It is a key priority for both the Defence Secretary and Foreign Secretary.

Both Departments agree that the UK's military contribution to UN peacekeeping in Mali is a clear illustration of how our defence and security capabilities can contribute to the UK's role as a force for good in the world, working hand in hand to support the Government's development and diplomatic agenda.