Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to (a) monitor political unrest and (b) help ensure democracy is upheld in Sierra Leone.

The UK Government believes that democracy, human rights and the rule of law contribute to long term security and prosperity, including in Sierra Leone. The UK and Sierra Leone enjoy an historic partnership, and the UK Government, alongside the international community, is a strong supporter of Sierra Leone's democracy and development.

We enjoy close and enduring relationships with the government, institutions such as parliament and the judiciary, and civil society organisations in Sierra Leone. Through these relationships, the British High Commission in Freetown regularly engages on issues to help promote political stability, and progress democracy and peace for all Sierra Leoneans. For example, the UK urged political leaders in April that parliamentary debates should not result in violence. We will continue to work with international partners to encourage the use of dialogue to resolve tensions.