Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what reports he has received on recent Boko Haram attacks in Cameroon; and what assessment he has made of the implications of those attacks for regional security.

Boko Haram concentrate their attacks in northern Nigeria but are regularly reported to operate in neighbouring countries, including Cameroon where they have conducted numerous attacks and kidnappings. In August 2014 Boko Haram were reported to have attacked a number of locations in northern Cameroon, including the towns of Fotokol, Kerawa and Achigachia. Boko Haram present a regional threat and therefore require a regional response. The UK is committed to supporting the region tackle the threat from Boko Haram. On 12 June the UK hosted a Ministerial meeting for the region and international partners in London which the Foreign Minister of Cameroon attended. The meeting agreed measures to strengthen regional cooperation against Boko Haram. On 3 September I visited Nigeria, where I met both President Jonathan and Foreign Minister Wali. In those meetings I expressed the UK's deep sympathy for the plight of the school girls and discussed further measures for securing their release. The UK will continue to work closely with Nigeria and the international community to tackle the threat posed by terrorist groups such as Boko Haram.