§ Jeremy CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what funding the UK(a) bilaterally and (b) through the European Union, (i) has contributed in the last five years and (ii) plans to contribute to (A) Plan Colombia and (B) the Andean Regional Initiative. [53674]
§ Mr. MacShaneThe UK has not contributed to either Plan Colombia or the Andean Regional Initiative, either bilaterally or through the European Union. There are no plans to do so.
§ Jeremy CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what training the UK has(a) provided in the last five years and (b) plans to provide for Colombia's (i) customs officers, (ii) anti-narcotics police and (iii) other law enforcement personnel; and if he will make a statement. [53673]
§ Mr. MacShaneColombia remains the world's principal source of cocaine. Its Government is committed to tackling the illicit drugs trade and the problems of crime and violence with which it is linked. We support the Colombian Government's commitment to tackling these areas and continue to provide assistance where we can.
The British Government has provided a range of training to the Colombian Anti-Narcotics police, the Colombian Customs Department as well as other law enforcement personnel over the last five years. We have also provided funding for a Colombian NGO to train the police in areas such as community relations, conflict resolution and peace strategies.