§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the presidential election held in The Gambia on 18 October; and if he will make a statement on relations with The Gambia. [10978]
§ Mr. BradshawWe consider the result of the presidential election of 18 October, in which the incumbent President Jammeh was re-elected with 52.9 per cent. of the vote, to have been a fair reflection of the views of the Gambian people on the day.
The United Kingdom and The Gambia have a long standing relationship and there are close ties between us. While the unwarranted expulsion of the British Deputy High Commissioner in August has caused some tensions, the United Kingdom will continue to work closely with The Gambia to promote democracy, good governance and the rule of law.