Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what assessment he has made of the food security situation in Somalia as of 16 February 2024; and what steps his Department is taking to help support those most in need.

Food insecurity levels in Somalia remain high, driven by climate change and conflict. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification assessment estimates that 4 million Somalis are facing high levels of food insecurity in the first three months of 2024.

The UK is providing £53.5 million in lifesaving humanitarian support this financial year, including £16.5 million for El Niño response efforts. We are also tackling the drivers of food insecurity to prevent future crises. In November, the Prime Minister announced up to £100 million in funding for Somalia to increase resilience to future climate shocks over the next four years.