As the Prime Minister said on 8 February, the UK enjoys strong links with Maldives and we have a strong interest in the well-being of the large number of British nationals who visit each year. The British Government have been concerned by recent developments in Maldives and has been in direct contact with the major parties to urge calm and restraint. We have called on the new leadership to establish its legitimacy, including through an independent review of the circumstances that led to the transfer of power. We are in close contact with commonwealth partners.The UK is a strong supporter of Maldives' democratic reform process and it is vital that this is preserved.