Somalia

Oral Answers to Questions — International Development – in the House of Commons at 11:30 am on 26 October 2011.

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Photo of Kevin Brennan Kevin Brennan Shadow Minister (Education) 11:30, 26 October 2011

What steps he is taking to support reconstruction in Somalia.

Photo of Andrew Mitchell Andrew Mitchell The Secretary of State for International Development

Reconstruction in much of Somalia remains difficult because of the ongoing conflict. My primary concern is to help to save the lives of the 750,000 people, mostly women and children, who are facing starvation and disease.

Photo of Kevin Brennan Kevin Brennan Shadow Minister (Education)

Does the Secretary of State agree that the recent interception of two young men from Cardiff—one from my Constituency, the other from that of my right hon. Friend Alun Michael—shows that it is in our national interest to ensure that we are engaged in reconstruction in Somalia? Will he commit to sustaining the Government’s support for the response in Somalia through 2012, and urge our Disasters Emergency Committee partners and others to do the same?

Photo of Andrew Mitchell Andrew Mitchell The Secretary of State for International Development

The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. The whole of our development budget is spent in Britain’s national interest, and a large chunk of it goes to support our own security and prosperity here at home. Somalia is one of the most dysfunctional countries in the world. It is a classic example of a failed state where, because we were unable to tackle the causes of deep poverty, we are now dealing with the symptoms of both poverty and deep insecurity.

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