Minister Catherine West thanked Gethins for his points. She highlighted the importance of press and protest freedoms in Georgia and mentioned that discussions with European partners are ongoing regarding election irregularities and support for democratic processes.

Minister Catherine West stated that while the UK is closely monitoring the situation, it has not called for a rerun of the election but encourages thorough investigation into irregularities and peaceful demonstrations.

Affirms support for Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations and commitment to investigate irregularities in elections. Acknowledges the importance of soft power and efforts are being made to rebuild reputation through collaboration with organisations such as the British Council.

Promises to investigate ties between Georgia and the UK, but does not confirm specific future actions on sanctions; such arrangements are kept confidential until an announcement is made.

Explains that due to concerns over democratic backsliding and negative trajectory towards Euro-Atlantic goals, the Wardrop dialogue has been frozen in June. Emphasises a wait-and-watch approach but does not preclude further actions if necessary.

Acknowledges Georgian Government's lack of progress towards EU membership and recent laws designating NGOs as foreign agents. States that the mission in Tbilisi is closely monitoring developments.

Affirms importance of restraint in response to protests and calls on the Government of Georgia to protect civil society's right to assemble peacefully.

States support for OSCE Office’s preliminary report, which highlights irregularities but awaits completion of investigation before further action; calls for implementation of recommendations from the monitoring mission.

I thank the hon. Member for his ongoing commitment to freedom and peaceful relations and his interest in keeping the UK’s reputation for supporting democracies so alive in this House. Our mission in Tbilisi will be watching or reading this urgent question, including his concerns and questions. It is so important to support Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations, in line with the strong will of the Georgian people over the past few years, particularly in the light of the conflict in Ukraine, which is in its neighbourhood. That is why we have been such a strong supporter of democratic reforms over many years, working with Parliament, civil society, independent media and the Government to support reforms and Georgia’s continued progress towards membership of the Euro-Atlantic community. The mission in Tbilisi is well resourced. We have excellent professionals there, working very closely to understand the exact investigation into the irregularities of the election, trying to see what is happening with the formation of the new Government post-election, calling for restraint so that those battles on the squares do not turn into any form of police brutality, but retain that vision of freedom and democracy.

I thank the hon. Lady for her concern. I thank her, too, for her impassioned plea for peaceful expression of political views and for the UK to play its role in supporting not only that vision for freedom, but a stable assessment following the election, acting on the information and investigation material that have come forward from the report. Of course we supported the election observers, so we need to listen to what they say as a result of those investigations. Let me also thank the hon. Lady for her condemnation of the brutal and excessive force used against protesters and journalists. I will certainly pass on her exhortation to be on the side of those with vision and those who wish to freely express their point of view.