§ Mr. SoamesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's relations with Cuba. [40538]
§ Mr. Tony LloydWe have normal diplomatic relations with Cuba and support normal trade relations in civil goods and services. The EU' s Common Position on Cuba, binding on all Member States, enshrines the principle that constructive dialogue and co-operation, not isolation, is the best way to promote change to a pluralist democracy, and encourage respect for human rights, in Cuba.
UK firms are encouraged to exploit the growing civil market opportunities which arise as Cuba undergoes a process of economic liberalisation. We have opened a dialogue with the Cuban Government on the issue of outstanding debt to ECGD and UK firms.