Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of the UK having observer status at the Nordic Council.

The Government is committed to strengthening relationships and cooperation with the countries of the Nordic Council, both bilaterally and through regional fora. We follow with interest the Council's regional work and seek opportunities, when appropriate, for discussion with Nordic Council interlocutors on areas of common interest. Observer status and attendance at sessions of the Nordic Council is at the invitation of the Presidium of the Council.