§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what sanctions have been considered by(a) the UK Government and (b) the Commonwealth in respect of Zimbabwe; and if he will list those which have been adopted. [155022]
§ Mr. WilsonIn light of the deteriorating situation in Zimbabwe, we imposed a national arms embargo last May. And we are withdrawing the British Military Advisory and Training Team at the end of this month. The Commonwealth acts by consensus. It is not for us to speak on behalf of the Commonwealth.
§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on the suspension of Zimbabwe from the Commonwealth. [155023]
§ Mr. WilsonZimbabwe is clearly in breach of the Harare Commonwealth Declaration, particularly in terms of respect for the rule of law and independence of the judiciary. But a country may be suspended from the Commonwealth only under certain narrowly-defined circumstances, namely the overthrow of an elected government. Such a decision is taken by consensus by all members. The UK is seeking as a member of the High Level Review Group on reform of the Commonwealth, to expand the remit of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) so that it can intervene before the breakdown of democracy, to promote adherence to Commonwealth core values.
§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action his Department has taken in respect of the murder of farmers and other civilians in Zimbabwe. [155024]
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§ Mr. WilsonWe have regularly urged the Government of Zimbabwe to take urgent action to restore the rule of law. We have also raised our concerns at the decline in law and order in Zimbabwe in international forums.
§ Mr. PickthallTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Zimbabwe on behalf of UK citizens whose Zimbabwean pensions have been frozen. [155882]
§ Mr. WilsonWe regularly remind the Zimbabwean authorities of their commitment to pay .pensions to eligible British nationals living outside Zimbabwe. A lack of foreign exchange is making it difficult for Zimbabwe to meet that commitment.