Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, on how many occasions since her appointment has she discussed with her Turkish counterpart protection for the rights of the Kurdish minority in Turkey.

We enjoy a regular dialogue with Turkey, a valued partner, on a range of issues, including the rights of minority groups. I have consistently raised human rights with my Turkish counterparts, the Turkish Embassy in London and during my visit to Turkey in June this year. The Foreign Secretary and I look forward to engaging further with our Turkish counterparts on a wide range of issues.