Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of South America on the UK's long-term diplomatic, economic and strategic interests.

The UK Government recognises the growing importance of South America to the UK's long-term diplomatic, economic and strategic interests. The region offers significant opportunities for UK growth and economic security, including through trade, investment, critical minerals, clean energy and resilient supply chains. It is also central to tackling shared challenges including serious and organised crime, climate change and biodiversity loss. We are therefore strengthening partnerships across the region while working with partners on trade and investment, critical minerals, climate and nature, regional security and the rules-based international system. Our engagement is focused on areas where the UK can add distinctive value and advance our long-term prosperity, security and global influence.