Committees

Middle East and North Africa inquiry: more time to submit evidence

10 October 2023

The Foreign Affairs Committee extends the deadline for submitting evidence to its inquiry into the UK’s engagement with the Middle East and North Africa.

The deadline for written submissions is now 23:59pm on Tuesday 31 October 2023.

The deadline was extended in light of recent events in Israel, after Hamas and Islamic Jihad launched an assault on Israel from Gaza. Among the subjects likely to be considered by the inquiry are the viability of a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, and how the UK might be able to help resolve the conflict peacefully.

Visit the inquiry page on the Committee’s website to submit written evidence.

The Committee welcomes written evidence on the following subjects:

  • What are the key challenges facing the countries of the Middle East and North Africa in the medium and long term and what implications do these have for UK foreign policy?
  • What are the main countries in which the UK should focus its efforts within the region?
  • What is the viability of a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine and how can the UK engage with all the parties involved to help bring about a peaceful resolution of the conflict?
  • How can the UK best perform its role as UN Security Council Penholder for Libya and for Yemen to achieve UN objectives for these two countries?
  • How can the UK work with its allies to curb Iran’s nuclear programme and deter Iran from supporting terrorist groups and other hostile actions in the region?
  • How can and should the UK engage with countries whose regimes do not respect human rights but who may be important for our resilience strategy, counter-terrorism efforts, economic growth and green-energy transition, or who may need humanitarian assistance?
  • To what extent are terrorism and malign Private Military Companies affecting stability in the region?
  • To what extent should the UK prioritise political stability over the advancement of democracy in its relations with countries in the region?
  • How should the UK respond to the growing engagement of major powers like Russia, China, Turkey and India in the region?
  • What are the prospects for the UK’s cooperation with allies such as the US and France in MENA? And for working with international organisations?

Further information

Image: FCO