Oral Answers to Questions

Bob Stewart Excerpts

Tuesday 2nd April 2019 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

No, no, no—sit down. The question is about Catalonia. [Interruption.] Well, I have been advised, and I am afraid that the question did not strike me as in order. We must move on. The hon. Gentleman can try again later.

[Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con)]

11. What recent diplomatic steps he has taken to help ensure a secure and stable Government in Lebanon.

[The Minister for Asia and the Pacific (Mark Field)]

The UK remains fully committed to helping to promote Lebanon’s security and stability. The Prime Minister conveyed that message to Prime Minister Hariri as recently as 24 February. We provide direct support to Lebanon of over $200 million a year. These funds help to secure borders, to provide the opportunity of education and to strengthen service delivery.

[Bob Stewart]

What specific security assistance are Her Majesty’s Government providing on the borders of Lebanon?

[Mark Field]

I thank my hon. Friend for his question, as I know he takes these matters extremely seriously. We have invested more than £60 million in Lebanese security since 2012. By 2020, we shall have trained over 11,000 soldiers in specialist and essential infantry skills and techniques for urban and rural security operations across the board. This assistance includes significant support for the land border regiments, and has helped to secure Lebanon’s border with Syria for the first time in its history.