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 (a) political, (b) economic and (c) security situation in South Africa.

The UK is concerned by the outbreak of violence and looting in South Africa in recent days, which has sadly resulted in loss of life, injuries, and substantial damage to buildings and businesses. We strongly support President Ramaphosa's emphasis on the importance of the rule of law and the government's determination to restore calm. As a long-standing friend of South Africa, the UK partners closely with the South African Government, business and civil society on a shared agenda of security, health, economic and social issues.