The UK’s engagement in Central Asia

Foreign Affairs Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 9 Feb 2023 Closed: 26 Apr 2024 Parliament page
This inquiry will scrutinise the UK’s diplomatic activity and soft power influence in Central Asia. The inquiry will examine priorities and challenges for the Government as it seeks to deepen its engagement on security, energy, trade, environment and investment to pursue mutually beneficial objectives. Read the call for evidence for … Read more
21 Recommendations
7 Conclusions
1 Report
3 Oral sessions
1 Letter
3 Events
Activity timeline 9 events
25 Jan
2024
Report published
10 Nov
2023
Report published
18 Oct
2023
Correspondence
5 Sep
2023
Oral evidence
5 Sep
2023
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 8, Palace of Westminster
27 Jun
2023
Oral evidence
27 Jun
2023
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Thatcher Room, Portcullis House
9 May
2023
Oral evidence
9 May
2023
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Wilson Room, Portcullis House
Oral evidence sessions 3 sessions
5 Sep 2023
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Foreign Affairs Committee
Charles Garrett Chris Allan · Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Erlan Dosymbekov · Ernst and Young (EY) in Kazakhstan and Central Asia Leo Docherty · Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
27 Jun 2023
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Foreign Affairs Committee
Erica Marat · National Defense University Khalida Azhigulova Luca Anceschi · School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow Maisy Weicherding · Amnesty International Noah Tucker · The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs
9 May 2023
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Foreign Affairs Committee
Annette Bohr · Chatham House Dr Aijan Sharshenova · Foreign Policy Centre Oliver Bullough Peter Frankopan · Worcester College, Oxford University Professor John Heathershaw · University of Exeter Professor Kristian Lasslett · University of Ulster
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Tenth Report - Countries at crossroads: UK engagement in Central… HC 1158 10 Nov 2023 28 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
2 results
Clear
18 Recommendation Acknowledged
Tenth Report - Countries at crossr…
Prioritise promotion of civil society activity and human rights in Central Asian engagement
The autocratic nature of the governments in the region and the lack of civil society engagement in most countries represents the foremost threat to peace and stability in the region. As recommended elsewhere, the UK Government should continue to prioritise … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the importance of promoting civil society and human rights in Central Asia, but doesn't commit to specific new actions beyond what is already stated as cross-cutting themes.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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21 Conclusion Acknowledged
Tenth Report - Countries at crossr…
UK complicit in laundering illicit drug trafficking gains through the City of London
Drugs trafficking is a complex issue with close links between the trade and ruling elites as well as organised crime. There are also linkages to funds originating from the drugs trade being channelled through the City of London. The UK … Read more
Government Response
The government partially agrees with the conclusion, acknowledging the issue of illicit drugs and money laundering. They describe ongoing efforts to monitor drug markets, respond to synthetic drug threats, and strengthen domestic defences against money laundering through existing plans and legislation.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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Government Response AI assessment · 28 of 21 classified
Accepted 9
Accepted in Part 6
Acknowledged 2
Not Addressed 10
Rejected 1
Total 21 recs + 7 conclusions
Correspondence 1 letter
18 Oct 2023 Correspondence with the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Europe) following up on the FAC oral evidence session on Central Asia, dated 13/10/2023 and 13/09/2023
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