§ Mr. WareingTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement defining Her Majesty's Government's concept of good government as a principle governing the United Kingdom's relations with other states; and if he will state what Her Majesty's Government's policy is towards those states which do not meet the good government criteria.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydGood government includes the legitimacy, accountability and competence of the processes and institutions of government, along with respect for human rights and the rule of law. It is an important consideration in our relations with other countries. In consultation with our EC partners and others, we seek to encourage Governments not meeting good government criteria to take appropriate action.
Good government issues significantly influence the effectiveness of aid and are therefore an important criterion, alongside other factors, for the allocation of aid 316W between and within countries. We use our aid programme in positive ways to improve the quality of government. Where standards are not met, for example where human rights are persistently abused, we are prepared to withdraw or reduce our assistance.