Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government how they plan to continue to counter (1) the terrorist threat, and (2) the trafficking of narcotics, in Afghanistan, whilst also protecting the vital progress made on human rights in that country since 2001.

Together with our NATO Allies, we will continue to provide assistance to the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces and build the capability of the Afghan state institutions to counter terrorism. The National Crime Agency develops and refines relationships with domestic and international partners, and will continue to do so in Afghanistan, as a critical function of the UK's counter-narcotics activity. We continue to make clear to all sides that any political settlement must protect the progress made in the country, including the rights of women and minorities. The UK is consulting with partner countries, including through the G7, to agree a collective approach to development and humanitarian support to Afghanistan. Support to any future Afghan government depends on progress in the Afghan peace negotiations, and respect for democracy and human rights.