Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what help his Department is giving to the government of Niger to help them police their borders to ensure their citizens do not cross illegally into Libya.

The UK recognises the threat posed by irregular migration in Europe and is committed to working with partners on a comprehensive solution to tackle it. In Niger, the UK is has an active role within the EU civilian training mission (EUCAP Sahel Niger) to deliver capacity building support to the Nigerien security services to strengthen their ability to combat terrorism and organised crime. The UK is also working closely with the EU and European partners to develop a programme of work to provide advice and training to the Nigerien authorities, and to help shape proposals on the establishment of a multi-purpose centre on migration in Niger.

EU and African partners will discuss further opportunities for cooperation ahead of the Valletta Summit on migration in November.