Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will take steps to increase UK diplomatic representation in Central Asia.

The UK is represented through British Embassies in all five Central Asian republics. Diplomatic staff at our Embassies are engaged in a wide range of work in pursuit of UK interests, including political, security, commercial and climate priorities. Russia's illegal and unjustified invasion of Ukraine is a significant strategic moment for the countries of the region, highlighting the importance of accelerating economic and security relationships with other international partners. The UK is committed to building on strong foundations laid in the thirty years since establishing diplomatic relations with the Central Asian republics, and the Foreign Secretary is ensuring our Embassies are sufficiently resourced to do so.