House of Commons · Urgent Question
31 March 2025 · 18 other contributors
Opened by Priti Patel Con Witham
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Priti Patel raised concerns about bosnia and herzegovina 2025-03-31 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Will the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs make a statement on HM Government’s response to the political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly regarding the actions of Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik which threaten sovereignty and territorial integrity?
Question
What is the UK doing in practical terms to support Bosnia and Herzegovina to stay on course and maintain stability, defend freedom and democracy, de-escalate tensions, strengthen ties with NATO, assess EUFOR’s response, engage with regional leaders, and respond to protests and Russian involvement in Serbia?
Minister reply
I have been very clear about the diplomatic efforts that we are taking across the region... I was out in Serbia and Montenegro just a few weeks ago, and I intend to visit the region again soon. The right hon. Lady will be pleased to know that we will now be hosting the Berlin process and that preparations for the summit are being led by Dame Karen Pierce.
Question
Does Russia’s actions in Georgia, Moldova, Romania, the Baltic states, and now the western Balkans constitute hybrid warfare? How should we work with allies to support eastern Europe and the western Balkans against Russian aggression?
Minister reply
My right hon. Friend rightly raises Russia’s malign actions not only in relation to its illegal and barbarous war in Ukraine, but across the whole of Europe and globally... We are working closely with our allies and the European Union on these matters.
Question
Should the UK recommit to EUFOR Althea peacekeeping mission in Bosnia, given the instability caused by Dodik’s actions? Does the current approach adequately address the challenges?
Minister reply
Madam Deputy Speaker, you will understand that I cannot comment on the previous Government... We support the High Representative’s role and we support the use of his powers, if necessary. His role remains vital for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s future prosperity and stability...
Question
What is the UK's position on invitations to Dodik to speak at antisemitism conferences, particularly in light of his denial of the Srebrenica genocide?
Minister reply
The Minister did not provide a direct response but restated the UK’s strong belief that a genocide occurred at Srebrenica.
Question
Does the Minister agree that leaders in the western Balkans should focus on building a stable and inclusive future instead of escalating tensions?
Minister reply
I could not agree more. I sincerely hope that all, including leaders in Republika Srpska, will focus on delivering reforms necessary for their citizens, rather than using divisive rhetoric.
Question
Can the Minister confirm if he is working closely with European civil society partners such as OSCE to secure peace and stable democracy in Bosnia?
Minister reply
We continue to work with all organisations that promote peace and stability, including the OSCE. Civil society organisations are crucial to this work.
Question
Is the Minister aware of reports about increased Russian disinformation in Bosnia and Herzegovina? Can more be done to counter it, perhaps by increasing BBC World Service broadcasting?
Minister reply
The right hon. Gentleman is correct that we are working with partners to push back against Russian disinformation, including with the United States and others.
Question
What steps are being taken by the Government to work with partners such as the US, EU, and other western Balkan countries to uphold territorial integrity during this fragile period?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is right to highlight the need for partnership; my French counterpart Minister Haddad and I convened our Quint partners and EU institutions on Friday due to deep concern about the situation.
Question
Can the Minister describe the British strategy for rolling back Russian destabilisation across Europe’s periphery?
Minister reply
In all regions, we are working closely with partners to push back against Russian activities and misinformation. This includes close co-operation with the EU and individual partners in specific contexts.
Question
Is work being done with regional partners to ensure no contagion, particularly affecting Kosovo?
Minister reply
We continue to support important dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, promoting peace and stability in Bosnia, Kosovo, and elsewhere.
Question
Given recent US-Russia relations, are the Government aware of other potential areas where allies might stir up trouble as part of Russia’s move to destabilise regions?
Minister reply
There is very strong Quint unity on this issue. We will continue to work closely with European and American partners for transatlantic unity.
Question
What steps are being taken to ensure that our friends in Bosnia and Herzegovina update their defence capabilities? What message can I take to the Sarajevo security conference on defence technology?
Minister reply
We will continue to engage with partners, including NATO countries, to promote peace and stability. A precise response is pending further discussion.
Question
Can the Minister reassure the House that there will be no further cuts to the British Council or the BBC World Service in the Balkans?
Minister reply
I will come back to the hon. Lady on her specific points about British Council and the BBC World Service funding, but I have mentioned our wider development spending in the region. Through around £50 million this year from the integrated security fund and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office official development assistance, we continue to support peace and stability in the western Balkans.
Question
Has an assessment been made of the rise of Russian misinformation and disinformation in the Republika Srpska theatre in recent months?
Minister reply
We are clear that Russia continues to spread lies and disinformation not only in the western Balkans but across Europe. We continue to work with allies and partners, including the EU, to challenge this issue.
Question
What further initiatives could increase economic activity and trade between the UK and Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Minister reply
The hon. Member is right that this is fundamentally about leadership in the region. We continue to promote opportunities for increased economic linkage and trade with all countries in the western Balkans.
Question
What contingency plans exist for British troops to reinforce KFOR through a strategic reserve?
Minister reply
I am sure the hon. Member will understand that I am not going to get into operational details, but he can be sure that we prepare for all scenarios across the region.
Question
Did discussions include faith and freedom and people’s ability to practise their faith in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Minister reply
Interfaith engagement was part of the special envoy’s recent visit. We remain a staunch defender of freedom of religion or belief, and we will continue to work with organisations that promote an inclusive and diverse society.
Government Response
I thank the right hon. Lady for her question about an issue that is very important to the Government and to many Members across the whole House. We strongly condemn the secessionist moves by Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik, which seriously threaten the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina... The UK, as one of the signatories, remains fully committed to the Dayton peace agreement, which protects the authorities of both entities, and supports Bosnia as a sovereign and politically independent state... In response to the verdict, the National Assembly of Republika Srpska adopted a number of unconstitutional laws, and proposed a new constitution in clear violation of the Dayton peace agreement. These moves represent a significant escalation in Dodik’s secessionist path, and threaten the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a state... We welcome the decision by Operation Althea to activate its reserve forces... The UK special envoy to the western Balkans, Dame Karen Pierce, reiterated that message during her visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina on 27 and 28 March. In conclusion, Dodik’s actions do not serve the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina.