§ Mr. Robert McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which United Kingdom embassies or high commissions have assisted, funded or commissioned events or meetings of publications to put the case for Northern Ireland being part of the United Kingdom; and what plans he has to (i) expand and (ii) initiate innovative and pro-active programmes to make the case for the Union abroad. [18972]
§ Mr. RifkindBritish missions overseas undertake a wide variety of proactive work in disseminating and explaining British Government policy on Northern Ireland, which includes our commitment to Northern Ireland's status as part of the United Kingdom as long as a greater number of its population so wish. Examples of170W such work are: regular briefing of host Governments, media and other contacts; dissemination of detailed background information, including video and radio material; arranging visits to Northern Ireland by public or press figures to increase their understanding; and arranging overseas visits by British Ministers who take the opportunities to explain Government policy on Northern Ireland.
Contributing to a clearer understanding overseas of Northern Ireland remains a high priority for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, its embassies and high commissions.