Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential impact on UK–Lebanese diplomatic relations as a result of the decision to proscribe Hezbollah in its entirety.

The British Government has proscribed Hezbollah's military and security wings since 2008, and has long had a no contact policy with the entirety of the organisation. The Home Secretary was clear in his statement to the Commons that our support for Lebanon will remain unaffected by the decision to extend proscription. We remain committed to the security and economic stability of Lebanon and the region, and continue to work closely with our Lebanese partners towards these goals. The Minister for the Middle East and North Africa visited Lebanon last week where he underlined the UK's commitment to supporting Lebanon.