Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effectiveness of their policy in respect of Zimbabwe.

Our policy remains to support the people of Zimbabwe in moving towards a more democratic, stable and prosperous Zimbabwe. We meet regularly with the full range of stakeholders, from across the political spectrum including members of the ruling and opposition parties, judiciary and civil society, to ensure we understand how best to do that. Further engagement and support for Zimbabwe is contingent on genuine political and economic reforms but the onus must be on the Government of Zimbabwe to deliver this change. So far they have been unable to.

The Minister for Africa engages regularly on Zimbabwe. He spoke with Foreign Minister Moyo on 8 June, where he made it clear that the Government of Zimbabwe must make concrete progress on economic and political reform, including human rights. Progress has so far been poor and in some cases has gone backwards.