Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps her Department is taking to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure in Beirut's southern suburbs; and what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade on the use of economic measures and sanctions on this matter.

I refer the Hon. Member to the statement made to the House by the Prime Minister on 13 April, in which he discussed the situation in Lebanon, and the Foreign Secretary's press statement on 17 April. The UK is supporting the ceasefire and continued direct talks between the governments of Lebanon and Israel as the best path to deliver lasting peace and security for both countries. We will provide further updates to the House in due course as the situation develops.