Debates between John Spellar and Desmond Swayne during the 2010-2015 Parliament

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Spellar and Desmond Swayne
Wednesday 5th November 2014

(9 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
John Spellar Portrait Mr John Spellar (Warley) (Lab)
- Hansard - -

6. What support her Department is providing to Tunisia and the new Government of that country.

Desmond Swayne Portrait The Minister of State, Department for International Development (Mr Desmond Swayne)
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

DFID delivers its assistance on developing a more inclusive and democratic Tunisia through the Arab Partnership.

John Spellar Portrait Mr Spellar
- Hansard - -

I thank the Minister for that answer. As I am sure he will recognise, last week’s welcome election result showed that Tunisia, where the Arab spring started, is a beacon of hope in the region. Will his Department prioritise support for Tunisia, to help it to make further progress and provide a working example of how real change can take place in that region?

Desmond Swayne Portrait Mr Swayne
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

I entirely endorse the right hon. Gentleman’s description of the progress Tunisia has made, and it is important that we keep that progress going. We have spent some £10 million in Tunisia since 2011, the European Union has a budget of €169 million this year, and there is money from the International Monetary Fund and other sources. We will continue to watch this brief.