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The UK’s engagement in Central Asia

Status: Closed Opened: 9 Feb 2023 Closed: 26 Apr 2024 21 recommendations 7 conclusions 1 report

This inquiry will scrutinise the UK’s diplomatic activity and soft power influence in Central Asia. The inquiry will examine priorities and challenges for the Government as it seeks to deepen its engagement on security, energy, trade, environment and investment to pursue mutually beneficial objectives. Read the call for evidence for more details about the inquiry

Clear

Reports

1 report
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Tenth Report - Countries at crossroads: UK engagement in Ce… HC 1158 10 Nov 2023 28 Responded

Recommendations & Conclusions

2 items
18 Recommendation Tenth Report - Countries at crossroads:… Acknowledged

Prioritise promotion of civil society activity and human rights in Central Asian engagement

The autocratic nature of the governments in the region and the lack of civil society engagement in most countries represents the foremost threat to peace and stability in the region. As recommended elsewhere, the UK Government should continue to prioritise the promotion of meaningful civil society activity and the meeting … Read more

Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the importance of promoting civil society and human rights in Central Asia, but doesn't commit to specific new actions beyond what is already stated as cross-cutting themes.
Read full response →
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
21 Conclusion Tenth Report - Countries at crossroads:… Acknowledged

UK complicit in laundering illicit drug trafficking gains through the City of London

Drugs trafficking is a complex issue with close links between the trade and ruling elites as well as organised crime. There are also linkages to funds originating from the drugs trade being channelled through the City of London. The UK cannot shirk its responsibilities: it is not only the source … Read more

Government response AI summary
The government partially agrees with the conclusion, acknowledging the issue of illicit drugs and money laundering. They describe ongoing efforts to monitor drug markets, respond to synthetic drug threats, and strengthen domestic defences against money laundering through existing plans and legislation.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Oral evidence sessions

3 sessions
Date Witnesses
5 Sep 2023 Charles Garrett, Chris Allan · Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Erlan Dosymbekov · Ernst and Young (EY) in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, Leo Docherty · Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office View ↗
27 Jun 2023 Erica Marat · National Defense University, Khalida Azhigulova, Luca Anceschi · School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow, Maisy Weicherding · Amnesty International, Noah Tucker · The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs View ↗
9 May 2023 Annette Bohr · Chatham House, Dr Aijan Sharshenova · Foreign Policy Centre, Oliver Bullough, Peter Frankopan · Worcester College, Oxford University, Professor John Heathershaw · University of Exeter, Professor Kristian Lasslett · University of Ulster View ↗

Who gave evidence

15 witnesses
WitnessOrganisationSessions
Annette Bohr · Associate Fellow, Russia and Eurasia Programme Chatham House 1
Charles Garrett — 1
Chris Allan · Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia Divi… Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office 1
Dr Aijan Sharshenova · Research Fellow Foreign Policy Centre 1
Erica Marat · Professor, College of International Security Affa… National Defense University 1
Erlan Dosymbekov · Managing Partner Ernst and Young (EY) in Kazakhstan and Central Asia 1
Khalida Azhigulova — 1
Leo Docherty · Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Europe) Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office 1
Luca Anceschi · Professor of Eurasian Studies (Central & East Eur… School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow 1
Maisy Weicherding · Researcher Amnesty International 1
Noah Tucker · Senior Researcher The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs 1
Oliver Bullough — 1
Peter Frankopan · Professor of Global History Worcester College, Oxford University 1
Professor John Heathershaw · Professor of International Relations University of Exeter 1
Professor Kristian Lasslett · Head of the School of Applied Social and Policy S… University of Ulster 1

Correspondence

1 letter
DateDirectionTitle
18 Oct 2023 — Correspondence with the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Europe) followi…