Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the Corruption Perceptions Index 2017, published by Transparency International, which states that among 180 countries assessed Sudan is in 175th place; and how they plan to ensure that, in such a climate, increased bilateral aid will benefit the average Sudanese citizen.

Helping the Government of Sudan to tackle corruption is a key part of our bilateral engagement. We are working with the Government on improvements to the regulatory and business environment, and are collaborating with the World Bank to improve public financial management and remove barriers to private sector development, including corruption.

The UK does not provide money directly to the Government of Sudan, but funds international NGOs and UN agencies to deliver programmes that target the most vulnerable Sudanese citizens.