Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Zimbabwe following reports of recent violence; and what plans they have for continued engagement with that government on that issue.

The Minister for Africa, Harriett Baldwin MP, summoned the Zimbabwean Ambassador on 17 January to express our concern at the ongoing situation in Zimbabwe. Minister Baldwin urged Zimbabwe to stop disproportionate use of force by the security forces and investigate any cases of alleged human rights abuses. On 21 January the Foreign Secretary, in a public message to President Mnangagwa, urged him not to turn back the clock and to work with all Zimbabweans in dialogue for a better future.

We will continue to raise our serious concerns, and push for a thorough investigation, with the Government of Zimbabwe through our Embassy in Harare and Ministerial interventions.