Lord Risby
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to deepen their bilateral relationship with Algeria.
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Con)
My Lords, the UK is committed to a strong and enduring partnership with Algeria, which is a key regional partner playing an important role in supporting regional stability. Building on a visit by my right honourable friend the Prime Minister in January 2013—and, indeed, the appointment of my noble friend as trade envoy—the UK plans to continue the high level of engagement that has characterised the relationship in recent years. The UK-Algeria high-level dialogue in January this year saw further progress on a range of issues, including security, trade, migration and education. The third meeting of the strategic security partnership will take place later this year.
Lord Risby (Con)
My Lords, given the enormous interest and desire to learn English in Algeria, whether in schools, universities or the government sector and in the private sector as well, can my noble friend indicate how we are helping to fulfil this widespread ambition and opportunity? Further, given the growing commercial links, can my noble friend comment on whether a double taxation agreement, moving this forward, is now taking place because it is a great advantage to some of our European partners who already have such an arrangement?
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
I take this opportunity, if I may, to pay tribute to my noble friend’s work as a trade envoy. His work has facilitated some major contracts for British companies, including most recently the International Hospitals Group and Surrey Satellite Technology. Turning to his specific questions, of course, English is a powerful tool in our trade across the world and I am delighted to state that the British Council is upgrading its services. It is reopening a teaching college in September, supporting English in schools. Also there is agreement for 100 Algerian PhD students to take up places at UK universities. On the issue of the double taxation agreement, some noble Lords may know that these negotiations have started, are continuing and, indeed, we have exchanged draft texts on the agreement.
Lord Bach (Lab)
My Lords, we know that there will be very important elections in Algeria on 17 April. Are Her Majesty’s Government satisfied that those elections will be freely and fairly conducted, and do the Government intend to send observers to them?
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
My Lords, if one looks across the wider MENA region, Algeria remains stable compared to other countries in what is a difficult and troubled region. The campaign, as the noble Lord has pointed out, has begun for presidential elections on 17 April, and the UK looks forward to working with whoever the Algerian people elect. On the specific issue of observers, I cannot give an answer now but I will certainly check that and write to him.
Lord Howell of Guildford (Con)
Is my noble friend aware that Algeria is interested in closer association with the Commonwealth? Will he see that his ministerial colleagues encourage that?
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
My noble friend always speaks with great authority and passion about the Commonwealth. Once again, he has indicated something on which I think our ministerial colleagues should reflect. I shall certainly take that back to the FCO.
Lord Dholakia (LD)
My Lords, my noble friend will be aware that our Government are involved in projects designed to promote stability and peace in Algeria. To what extent are the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy involved in such projects? What mechanisms are being established so that there is proper evaluation of the outcomes?
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
I think the organisations to which my noble friend has alluded, not just in Algeria but across the world, play a very important role. It has to be made clear that this is not about interference; it is about the value of sharing good practice and governance procedures. I would point out that Algeria increasingly sees itself as an exporter of stability. For example, it recently hosted peace talks between the Malian Government and opposition groups, and it co-operates well on border security with Mali. Over recent months, Algeria and Tunisia have also increased their co-operation on security issues of mutual concern.
Lord Kinnock (Lab)
Will the Minister acknowledge that the British Council’s commitment in Algeria has been highly commendable and, on many occasions in recent years, courageous? Will he further acknowledge that the very welcome strengthened engagement of the council in Algeria, which he referred to, is in spite of significant cuts by the Government in grant in aid and has been made possible by the strengthened commercial performance of the British Council?
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
The noble Lord will know that I certainly agree with his first statement. On his second statement, the British Council is supported by the FCO and by Her Majesty’s Government. Together we are demonstrating how important the British Council’s influence is, not just in Algeria but across the world, and long may that continue.