Somaliland at the House of Commons after Presidential Election

December 2, 2017

House of Commons sits for the first time following State Opening 2013 | by UK Parliament

Horndiplomat-MP Stephen Doughty of Labour and MP Zac Goldsmith of Conservative had brought attention of the just concluded Presidential Election in Somaliland.

Question:Zac Goldsmith (Richmond Park) (Con)

Zac Goldsmith of Conservative party and Member for Richmond Park

With recent events in Zimbabwe and total electoral chaos in Kenya, will the Prime Minister

join me in celebrating the hugely successful elections this week in Somaliland? With direct help from this country and our Government, the National Election Commission in that country has conducted a template election described by the international observer mission as peaceful, transparent, fair and totally uncontested. What is more, the winning candidate has announced that one of his first acts will be to legislate against female genital mutilation, as a direct consequence of work by a British campaigner, Nimco Ali, who deserves the House’s respect.

The Prime Minister

My hon. Friend raises an important issue. The Government are pleased with the work we have done to support the Government in Somaliland to ensure that the elections could take place in the way he described, and we continue to provide support. I was pleased earlier this year to chair the Somalia conference here, and I am pleased to hear of the intention to deal with female genital mutilation, which is an important issue that has been raised by Members across the House. We want it dealt with not just in Somalia but here in the UK.

Readmore:Statement of Congratulations by the All Party Parliamentary Group

Stephen Doughty (Cardiff South and Penarth) (Lab/Co-op)

Stephen Doughty of Labour Party and Member for Cardiff South and Penarth

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. You may be aware that very important elections have taken place in Somaliland in recent days, towards which the UK has provided important support. But it has come to my attention that the Prime Minister, when answering a question in Prime Minister’s questions earlier, interchangeably used the words Somaliland and Somalia. Obviously, they are not one and the same, and I wondered how I might be able to encourage the Prime Minister just to be clear on the matter. It is of great concern to Somalilanders, and we should be celebrating the election.
Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing)

Mrs Eleanor Laing
Conservative
Commons, Epping Forest

I appreciate that the hon. Gentleman wishes to bring this matter to the attention of the House. It is not a point of order for the Chair, but I am quite sure that Members on the Treasury Bench have heard him.