Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent representations he has made to his Zimbabwean counterpart on attacks on (a) freedom of speech and (b) opposition political figures in that country.

The UK remains concerned about the current political situation in Zimbabwe, particularly human rights violations and the pattern of arrests of prominent opposition, civil society figures and journalists. We remain clear that the Government of Zimbabwe must meet its international and domestic obligations by respecting the rule of law, safeguarding human rights and committing to genuine political and economic reform for the benefit of all Zimbabweans.

We regularly engage with the Government of Zimbabwe to urge them to adhere to their international human rights obligations and respect the freedoms and rights enshrined in the Zimbabwean constitution. On 9 June, I spoke with Foreign Minister Shava and emphasised our human rights concerns and the need for reform. In addition, we coordinate closely with our international partners, including the G7, to ensure we are bringing coordinated pressure to bear. We will continue to speak out, both privately and in public, where we have concerns, and, work alongside the international community to support a better future for all Zimbabweans.