Zimbabwe

Lord Hayward Excerpts

Thursday 23rd November 2017 Lords Chamber

Asked by

[Lord Hayward]

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of recent developments in Zimbabwe.

[The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Earl Howe) (Con)]

My Lords, the resignation of Robert Mugabe provides Zimbabwe with an opportunity to forge a new path free from oppression and misrule. The only way for Zimbabwe to achieve a legitimate Government is through free and fair elections. As Zimbabwe’s oldest friend, we will do all we can to support a legitimate Government to rebuild the country, working with international and regional partners and addressing economic, human rights and constitutional issues, including free and fair elections.

[Lord Hayward (Con)]

My Lords, I thank my noble friend that Answer. I recognise that we should not intrude on an independent country, but given that tens of thousands of Zimbabweans are resident in the UK, could not their expertise be brought together to help Zimbabwe, particularly given that the IMF has identified the dramatic problems the country faces? Examples include the issuance of $100 trillion notes, which were in general circulation.