§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the impact on British nationals in(a) Sudan and (b) Afghanistan of his support for American air strikes on those countries. [55507]
§ The Prime MinisterThe British Government's determination to fight terrorism in all its forms, wherever it may occur and whatever its motivation, is well-known. So is our commitment to the rule of law and to the UN Charter. The Government of the United Kingdom will continue to vigorously support firm action against international terrorism. Terrorists must not be allowed to act with impunity.
There are no reports of British nationals being directly affected as a result of or in reaction to the American action. However, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has been advising against travel to Afghanistan since 1990 and to Sudan since 21 August 1998. On 25 August 1998 it advised British nationals in Afghanistan to leave immediately. On 27 August British nationals in Sudan were advised to leave unless they had a compelling reason to remain.
There is currently no resident British mission in either country. The British High Commission in Islamabad reports that they are unaware of any British nationals resident in Afghanistan but knows that a small number have visited for short periods since 25 August. The British High Commission in Nairobi reports that there are at present approximately 180 British nationals in Sudan.
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