Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government why they have withdrawn support for mine clearance in (1) Lebanon, (2) Sri Lanka, and (3) Vietnam; and what impact they expect this will have on future trade deals with those countries.

The UK is a leading donor in mine action. Our mine action funding saves lives, limbs and livelihoods across the world, supporting those most in need and delivering UK treaty obligations. Since 2018, UK funding has cleared and confirmed safe over 397 million square metres, the equivalent of 55,600 football pitches, and delivered life-saving risk education to 3.2 million people living in mine-affected communities.

The UK continues to fund mine action in Sri Lanka and Vietnam. Development and global prosperity are at the heart of UK trade and investment policy and the Department for International Trade remains committed to enhancing its bilateral economic relationship with Lebanon, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.