§ 18. Mr. WhittingdaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the UK's relationship with Zimbabwe. [135177]
§ Mr. Robin CookThe economic crisis in Zimbabwe continues to deepen. The economy is contracting by up to one tenth this year and receipts from tourism are down by three-quarters. Inflation is predicted to reach 80 per cent. and foreign exchange is effectively exhausted.
Britain is ready to engage with the Government of Zimbabwe, as its partner for development. But there is no realistic prospect of economic progress unless President Mugabe first restores the rule of law.
I met yesterday with Morgan Tsvangirai, the leader of the Zimbabwe Opposition. I shared with him our strong friendship for the people of Zimbabwe and Britain's willingness to work with any of their representatives who share our commitment to the rule of law, democracy and the welfare of its people.