§ Harry CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what policy the Government has in respect of the increased production of poppies, which can be processed into drugs, in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement. [107747]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe UK is co-ordinating international anti-narcotics assistance to Afghanistan. With the endorsement of the Afghan Government and in consultation with other international stakeholders (especially the UN), the UK has developed a long-term strategy. This identifies four key areas where assistance should be targeted: improving Afghan law enforcement capability; rural reconstruction to generate alternative livelihoods for opium poppy farmers; capacity-building for Afghan drug control institutions; and establishing prevention/treatment programmes to tackle addiction.