Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of their response to the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee report on the United Kingdom’s response to extremism and instability in North and West Africa (7th Report, Session 2013–14, HC 86–I), how they intend to use the new Conflict, Stability and Security Fund to improve their information-gathering resources in that area.

The Conflict, Stability and Security Fund is one part of a broader approach to UK prioritisation in fragile states, governed by the National Security Council. With the National Security Council at the core, the Government has been making strategic decisions for the most effective use of limited departmental resources. The resource allocation process is still ongoing. Once this is concluded, Parliament will be informed of the allocations outcomes, and I will ensure that the Noble Lord is provided with this information.