Written question asked by John Howell (Conservative) on Monday, 16 October 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 18 October 2023. It was answered by Leo Docherty (Conservative) on Tuesday, 24 October 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Council of Europe: Conflict Prevention

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the debate on the report entitled The role of the Council of Europe in preventing conflicts, restoring credibility of international institutions and promoting global peace, which was held at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on 12 October 2023.

Answer: The UK recognises the vital role the Council of Europe has played in preventing conflict within Europe and wider member states since it was founded in 1949 following World War II. The Council's recent work in establishing a Register of Damages caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation in Ukraine is a good example of how a regional organisation can react swiftly in response to situations of conflict. The work of the European Court of Human Rights and the Committee of Ministers plays an important role in securing rights and freedoms across Europe, including against the threats to democracy at our doorstep.

Secondary information