Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to Lithuania regarding that country’s proposed withdrawal from the Convention on Cluster Munitions, and what steps they will take to promote and secure the future of the Convention.
The UK regrets Lithuania's decision to withdraw from the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM). As a committed State Party to the CCM, the UK has frequently raised concerns with Lithuania regarding withdrawal, including with Lithuanian ministers and alongside NATO Allies. Lithuania's decision is another reminder of the damaging effects of Russia's aggression, and its impact on its neighbours. The UK strongly supports the progress made since the CCM entered into force and its role in protecting civilians from harm. We continue to encourage countries to join the CCM and discourage states not party to the Convention from using cluster munitions.