To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they will take, following the EU Council held in Malta, to (1) secure political agreement within Libya, (2) protect effectively the migrants and refugees in Libya, and (3) start investments, under the EU External Investment Plan, for new work opportunities in migrants' home countries.
Answered on
20 February 2017
The UK remains committed to the Libyan Political Agreement (LPA). An inclusive political deal negotiated within the framework of the LPA is the best way of stabilising Libya and is the best option for delivering our migration priorities.
The UK is helping migrants return home rather than risk their lives continuing perilous journeys to Europe, and protecting men, women and children in danger of trafficking and sexual violence. The Prime Minister, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May) announced a new package of more than £30 million in UK aid to provide desperately needed assistance to refugees and migrants, including supporting returns, addressing trafficking and sexual violence and providing cold weather clothing and medical care.
At the heart of the Department for International Development's new economic development strategy is creating jobs for people in their home countries and regions. This will help them meet their aspirations without the need to take the perilous journeys to Europe. The EU External Investment Plan's fund is not yet operational and the proposal is currently making its way through the EU legislative process. The UK will remain engaged as the proposal is developed.