Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the viability of a re-launch of the political process talks on the political and security situation in the Sahara.

We note reports of ceasefire agreement breaches on both sides. The UK supports UN-led efforts to achieve a lasting and mutually acceptable political solution that provides for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara. We have regular discussions with the UN and continue to urge the parties to avoid further escalation, return to the ceasefire agreement, and re-engage with the UN-led political process. We strongly support the UN Secretary-General's efforts to appoint a Personal Envoy as soon as possible. We will continue to monitor the situation in Western Sahara.