Speeches by Mundell.

“That comes to the wider question, which we have discussed in the context of other crisis-affected areas, such as Yemen: what development work can be meaningfully done in an environment of such heightened insecurity and instability?”

“It is very nice to see you again, Cynthia. We found our visit very useful, particularly your help. Following on from that, to go into my question, the thing I learned most about the structure of Nigeria was about the states and the governors. Although it was clear that you, the high commissioner and others had a very g…”

“That comes to the wider question, which we have discussed in the context of other crisis-affected areas, such as Yemen: what development work can be meaningfully done in an environment of such heightened insecurity and instability?”

“When the Foreign Secretary was here with you, Minister, she was very robust on the UK’s continuing wish to stand up for LGBT+ rights around the world. Given that Nigeria is one of the countries where same-sex activity is still criminalised, how are you ensuring that FCDO programming is accessible and responsive to the …”

“To follow on, in almost neighbouring Ghana, there have been what I would certainly regard as very negative developments. Is there any sign of that sort of movement in Nigeria, in terms of criminalisation going further and more restrictive laws being proposed?”

“Following on from that, Chris, how does the displacement crisis that we see in the north impact on BII investment choices, and indeed on the capacity for businesses to operate, given that people may or may not be moving about within the region?”

“Turning to nutrition, and specifically malnutrition, I found it quite remarkable that you could visit Lagos and Abuja and not know that one of Africa and the world’s worst nutritional crises was happening in northern Nigeria, because there appears to be an institutional inability to talk about it. Does that not impede …”

“As the Minister indicated, we appear to have a good relationship with the current Nigerian Government. Do you think the partnership would survive a change of Government, either in Nigeria or even in the UK?”

“Against that backdrop, how would you rate how you are doing?”

“Against that backdrop, how would you rate how you are doing?”

“What is required to create a lasting peace?”

“What about in relation to the pooling of efforts? Could the various organisations involved work better together?”

“Fred, what is your assessment of the latest progress in US peace talks?”

“Fred, were you aware that the UK Development Minister recently announced a package of support for the DRC, including significant initiatives to mobilise investment? Will the approach by the UK Government tackle the challenges faced by the DRC?”

“Can we come back to what you were saying about the reduction of resources and particularly focus on the reduction of UN resources and its role in co-ordinating the humanitarian response? What has been the impact of that?”

“What about in relation to the pooling of efforts? Could the various organisations involved work better together?”

“Has the Foreign Secretary made any assessment of what impact the conflict is having on the horrendous humanitarian situation in Yemen? Given Iran’s continued support for the Houthis, does she believe that in discussions to end the conflict there will be some opportunity to make a positive impact on that conflict?”

“I have one further question. We are told that within the areas of conflict, as part of the consequence of the conflict, even if local food is available people are not able to access it because food coming in from Rwanda is given preference over local foodstuffs. Is that something that is contributing to the hunger situ…”

“I saw you nodding, Hélène. Are you in agreement with what Fred says?”

“Are you aware, Fred, of specific programmes that were UK funded but were cut?”