Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 7
7
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 45
The language of the Integrated Review and UK actions since its publication suggests that the...
Recommendation
The language of the Integrated Review and UK actions since its publication suggests that the Government is tilting away from the Middle East. We acknowledge the trade- offs involved in prioritising other regions but the Government should be careful to avoid any perception of disengagement from partners and fragile countries so close in proximity to our own. Instability in MENA will threaten UK citizens at home. We urge the Government to confirm whether it intends to deprioritise the Middle East and if so, how it will continue to promote peace and stability in these regions with fewer resources.
Government Response Summary
The government states that the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is not being deprioritised and remains a critical region for the UK and will continue to promote peace and stability in these regions.
Paragraph Reference:
45
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
30. IR2023 sets out that the UK’s third geographic priority will be our wider neighbourhood: the regions on the periphery of the Euro-Atlantic where developments have direct consequences for the UK, from migration flows to transnational security threats. This incorporates our long-standing focus on the Middle East, where there is significant competition for influence in the context of the wider geopolitical shifts. 31. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is not being deprioritised. It has long been and remains a critical region for the UK. MENA is increasingly marked by geopolitical competition and there is a proliferation of risks to the UK and our partners. Our relationships in the region are based on shared strategic interests, especially in defence and economic growth and trade, and a shared commitment to regional security and stability. 32. The security and stability of our partners in the MENA region is crucial to defending and promoting the UK national interest. In this context, we are deepening our defence and security partnerships and building our mutual resilience to threats. We are determined to work with our friends to contain Iran’s malign influence in the region and to prevent nuclear escalation. We are working with partners across the region to mitigate the impact of Russia’s actions on global food supplies and economies, as well as working together on issues like irregular migration. More broadly, we are working to address the root causes of threats such as conflict, fragility and lack of economic opportunities. We are ensuring that children in conflict areas such as Syria receive an education. In a single year the UK has provided 600,000 children with access to formal education and 179,000 children with access to non-formal education inside Syria. 33. The region is not homogenous but all societies need resilience against shocks and crises. We are working on initiatives to address climate change and adaptation, providing funding for education for women and girls, and we are continuing to deliver lifesaving humanitarian support, alongside longer-term efforts to reduce humanitarian need in MENA. Deepening our partnerships also opens potential for the region and the UK to build more connected, innovative and prosperous economies. The UK is developing new partnerships in areas such as life sciences and green technology with countries in the Gulf, supporting MENA countries to green their economies, provide an enabling environment for the private sector, and facilitating reliable, clean financing for development through British Investment Partnerships. Conclusion/