Oral Answers to Questions

Paul Foster Excerpts

Tuesday 14th January 2025 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Doughty]

I simply refer the right hon. Gentleman to the answers we have given previously on this issue. There is strong support from across the US national security apparatus—from the State Department, from the White House and from the Pentagon. We are convinced that this is a deal that has protections in it to protect our national security and that of our allies, most importantly the United States.

[Mr Paul Foster (South Ribble) (Lab)]

T10. I draw the House’s attention to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests regarding my recent trip to Kosovo. While I was in Kosovo, I met the President and the Prime Minister, who were seriously concerned about incursions across their northern border, where Kosovo Force troops are based between Kosovo and Serbia. Can Ministers please provide a progress update as to the bilateral security agreement between Kosovo and the United Kingdom? That peace was hard-won and must be retained.

[Stephen Doughty]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right about our historical role and responsibilities in relation to Kosovo. KFOR makes a vital contribution to maintaining a safe and secure environment in Kosovo, and of course UK troops play a key part in that. We engage very closely with our partners in Kosovo and across the region, and continue to urge Serbia and Kosovo to engage constructively in the EU-facilitated dialogue. In recent months, I have spoken to both Prime Minister Kurti and Foreign Minister Đurić of Serbia.