Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the Government in Zimbabwe on respect for fundamental freedoms including freedom of expression in that country.

The Zimbabwean Government’s recent internet shutdown, and restriction on social media, was a disturbing curtailing of freedom of expression. I summoned the Zimbabwean Ambassador on 17 January to express our concern at the ongoing situation, urge the government to investigate any cases of alleged human rights violations and to restore access to the internet. I was pleased that the High Court of Zimbabwe ruled the shutdown unconstitutional on 22 January.

On 30 January I spoke to Foreign Minister Moyo, repeating our calls for an end to human rights violations and a full investigation.