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 effect of the recent peace deal between the US and the Taliban on the future of Afghanistan.

The UK welcomes the agreement between the US and the Taliban, and the Joint Declaration between the United States and the Afghan government. There is an opportunity for all to come together to work for inclusive and sustainable peace. A political settlement is the only way to achieve lasting stability in Afghanistan and the wider region. It is vital that the next step is a credible and inclusive peace process that protects the progress made in the country, including protection for women and minorities. We continue to support Afghanistan on its path towards a more peaceful and positive future.