Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the (a) political and (b) security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The UK Government has a long-standing commitment to supporting prosperity, development and stability in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We continue to monitor the security situation in eastern DRC closely and are saddened by the grave humanitarian consequences. We are one of a few partners who have a permanent presence in Goma, despite the security challenges, and will continue to operate in the east to work with the Government and humanitarian partners. We have taken over chair of the International Contact Group for the Great Lakes where we are in regular contact with likeminded partners and are working together to support progress on the ground. The UK is working with stakeholders to support the delivery of elections this year. We continue to emphasise the need for these to be free, fair, inclusive and transparent to support long-term stability and prosperity.