Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to work with other countries on ways to formally recognise the legal continuity of small island developing states under international law, notwithstanding the existential threat posed by human-caused sea level rise.

Sea level rise is a matter of critical concern particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), who are uniquely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. We have taken careful note of the Pacific Islands Forum 2023 Declaration on the continuity of statehood in the face of sea level rise and are considering its content in detail. The UK also welcomes the International Law Commission's ongoing work on these issues. We also continue to work with SIDS to drive global ambition of emissions reductions, and support adaptation and resilience in SIDS including through programmes such as the global £500 million Blue Planet.