Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions his Department is having with its Ethiopian counterparts on finding a political resolution to the conflict in Tigray.

Since the conflict started, the UK has consistently called for an end to fighting, and for all parties to the conflict to prioritise the protection of civilians. We have, and will continue to advocate that a political process is essential to bring a full end to fighting and a sustainable settlement for Tigray. The Foreign Secretary raised these points when he met with Prime Minister Abiy on 22 January and pressed for a political dialogue to bring a lasting peace to Tigray. He also discussed the importance of credible elections in maintaining peace and stability. Ensuring security, freedom of the media and allowing political parties to organise and campaign are critical to credible elections. I [Minister Duddridge] also pressed for political dialogue to end the conflict when I [Minister Duddridge] spoke with the Ethiopian Ambassador to the UK on 24 February. I [Minister Duddridge]have also spoken with partners in the region and Gulf partners on this issue.