He agrees that the situation is a tinderbox and supports the call for a strong signal from NATO in Bosnia to prevent secession. He notes Dodik's highest order of Republika Srpska given to Putin.

Endorses the idea of sending a British battalion as it would give a very strong signal and is likely the best battalion for such peacekeeping situations.

Supports efforts to defuse tensions between Serbia and Kosovo, protect minority rights, promote democracy by reducing Russian influence. Emphasises the importance of protecting Kosovan sovereignty with allies such as Albania.

Discussed constitutional matters and raised concerns about Aleksandar Vulin's involvement in Serbian politics, linking it to the stability of Bosnia.

Stressed the importance of Bosnia for those who have served there. He highlighted tensions between Bosnian communities and the influence of Russia on Republika Srpska. He also addressed issues such as youth unemployment, corruption, and economic instability in Bosnia.

Mr. Foord paid tribute to the right hon. Member for Beckenham and the hon. Member for Rutland and Melton, highlighting their contributions to foreign affairs. He also acknowledged the late Lord Stunell's absence. Mr. Foord emphasised his personal experience in Kosovo, focusing on efforts by the international community to establish a multi-ethnic environment there. He expressed concern over Moscow's influence in the region and suggested economic means as one way to draw Serbia closer to the UK's cause. He noted the significant number of Kosovo Serbs who have left the country recently due to grievances that might be exacerbated by recognising an election they boycotted. Mr. Foord also proposed a BBC Albanian service and supported a trilateral security alliance but warned against providing Moscow greater opportunities to appeal to Serbian sentiment.

In response to Mr. Foord's speech, Mrs. Kearns mentioned that the Foreign Secretary had described Serbia as a proxy of the Russian state during evidence given to the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Discussed the current situation in Bosnia, mentioning corruption, electoral fraud, brain drain, and military investment. Emphasised the need for a 'big stick' approach to deter potential conflicts and support anti-corruption efforts.

Paid tribute to Alicia Kearns for securing the debate. Discussed his visit to Sarajevo with NATO Parliamentary Assembly, noting the paradoxical situation in Bosnia where progress is both stagnant and advancing simultaneously. Criticised corruption and lack of electoral integrity. Highlighted brain drain and military investment issues. Advocated for a 'big stick' approach, suggesting a British battalion deployment as a deterrent.

Kearns reflected on the importance of focusing on prosperity, future, hope, and co-existence for countries like Kosovo, highlighting that these nations are full of people who want a bright and hopeful future.

Congratulated the hon. Member for Rutland and Melton on securing the debate, emphasising the importance of stability in the western Balkans due to its impact on Europe's security. Discussed historical context and current challenges, including tensions between Serbia and Kosovo, threats to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s territorial integrity from Milorad Dodik, and Russia's influence in the region. Criticised Russian interference for political gain and warned of the consequences of the UK leaving the European Union on Balkan integration prospects. Advocated for continued engagement with international allies, including rejoining Operation Althea and supporting development initiatives as recommended by the House of Lords Committee.

Responded to Patrick Grady's speech, asserting that supporting Balkan countries' desire to join the EU is not cynical but a moral imperative. Criticised bringing domestic politics into an international debate focused on the interests of people in the western Balkans.

Asked Patrick Grady whether it would be wise for the UK to rejoin Operation Althea or establish a parallel security arrangement as suggested by the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

I thank the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, the hon. Member for Rutland and Melton (Alicia Kearns), for securing the debate and all hon. and right hon. Members for their insightful and considered contributions. I recognise in particular the speeches by my friend the right hon. and gallant Member for Beckenham (Bob Stewart) and the hon. and gallant Member for Tiverton and Honiton (Richard Foord), who have direct experience of both Bosnia and Kosovo and the region more widely. There were also excellent contributions from my hon. Friend the Member for Slough (Mr Dhesi), the hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon), the right hon. Member for Elmet and Rothwell (Sir Alec Shelbrooke) and, of course, the hon. Member for Congleton (Fiona Bruce), and the hon. Member for Glasgow North (Patrick Grady) on behalf of the SNP. I draw attention to my declarations in relation to my role as a shadow Minister and visits to the region. I, too, welcome the presence today of the two ambassadors from Kosovo and Bosnia. It is always a pleasure to meet and work with them. We heard poignant tributes to the late Lord Ashdown and the late Lord Stunell, to which I add my remarks. I also pay tribute to my former colleague Tony Lloyd, who is deeply missed in this place. He played a key role on the western Balkans in the last Labour Government and continued to take a keen interest in the security and stability of the region. We are all too aware of the crises we currently see in the middle east and Africa and, of course, the terrible war in Ukraine, but we must not lose sight of the strategic importance of other key regions, and indeed our historic diplomatic, military and other obligations to them. Of course, the western Balkans is one such region. I am pleased that, despite the many political differences in this place, the debate has underscored that there is cross-party support and concern for maintaining the values of democracy, security and stability in the region, a commitment to the prevention of conflict and atrocities, and the defence of fundamental human rights. As a Parliament, and indeed as a country, we must recognise the continuing tensions across the region and—this warning has been made many times in the debate—their capacity to destabilise the countries and peoples in the region, with potentially dire consequences not only for the peoples of the region but for European security more widely. The destabilising role that Russia is playing has been rightly recognised and referenced many times. The right hon. Member is absolutely right to highlight some of the deeply irresponsible rhetoric we have heard in recent weeks as well as over longer periods. We all know the risks posed by that from the historical conflicts we have seen in the region. The concerns raised are indeed shared by NATO as well as by our colleagues in the EU, the United States and others. I emphasise that the region is a priority for me and our shadow foreign affairs team, as it would be for any future Labour Government. Indeed, over the past two years, I have personally met diplomatic, parliamentary and governmental representatives from every country in the region as well as our excellent envoy, Lord Peach. I pay tribute to our excellent ambassadors in the region, and our Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office teams for all their work. Just last week, I met colleagues from Albania, the Bosnian ambassador, delegations from Kosovo and other envoys across the region. As has been referenced, it is crucial that we work together with key allies and partners. The horrors of the 1990s are ingrained in the minds of many people across this country and the House, including armed forces personnel from my own family. I have powerful memories of visits, particularly to Bosnia with the right hon. Member for Beckenham, and to Kosovo. We all know the terrible consequences that can happen if ethnic hatreds are allowed to devolve into identity-based violence. I think of the young man my own age whom I met, Nedžad Avdić, a survivor of Srebrenica, and the horrors that he went through. I was a young lad enjoying a beach holiday in south Wales while his family and others were slaughtered around him. Those examples will never leave my mind. No dynamic underscores the need for our collective engagement more than the enduring challenges in the relationship between Kosovo and Serbia. The Opposition remain strong supporters, along with the Government, of Kosovo’s independence, sovereignty and security. Earlier this month, it was disappointing to see many in northern Kosovo boycott the local referendum. Only 100 out of 46,000 registered voters cast ballots in the predominantly Serb municipalities. That comes despite the Government in Pristina agreeing to annul last year’s local elections and hold new ones. I have had the pleasure of visiting Kosovo, as I mentioned, and meeting members of all communities. It is clear that there can be a positive future for Kosovo, involving Kosovan Albanians, Serbs and other minorities. It was pleasing to see the Kosovan delegation recently visiting Northern Ireland and learning from our examples of different communities coming together and living in peace despite their differences, finding ways forward and political solutions. We should all want to support those efforts. We are proud of our historic actions in relation to Kosovo, but it is crucial that we play our part now. I pay tribute to the UK forces who have gone in to reinforce the existing UK forces in KFOR, particularly after the incidents that have been referred to in Banjska and elsewhere. It is crucial that those responsible for destabilising are held to account and brought to justice. We must work closely with all colleagues to ensure that those tensions do not develop in any further devastating direction. It is also crucial that we support the decisions of people in the region and note the decision of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe to approve its recommendation for Kosovo to become its 47th member state. It is crucial that any tensions are not escalated. Kosovans must be free to determine their own paths. I welcome the UK Government’s recent statements on this matter. I hope the Minister can outline what recent discussions he has had with EU counterparts, the United States and others about the ongoing tensions, how we can work to prevent further destabilisation and how we can ensure that contribution to KFOR continues. Where does he see the diplomatic dialogue going to normalise relations between Belgrade and Pristina? Reference has been made to the internal dynamics within Serbia. I have heard from many figures across the Serbian political spectrum. It is very important that we support democracy, inclusion and stability within Serbia, and that people are allowed to take part in political processes there. I also recognise that there are tensions in a number of other countries, which we do not have time to go into today. The situation in Montenegro and North Macedonia—both key NATO allies—has been particularly fragile over recent years. I had the pleasure of visiting Skopje and meeting political figures across the spectrum. What are we doing to ensure that those countries continue on a path of democracy, stability and the rule of law? We have had extensive discussions today about the situation in Bosnia. As I said, I met the ambassador recently. We have all joined today in raising concerns about the rhetoric of Milorad Dodik and others. We have joined the Government in supporting sanctions against those who seek to undermine Dayton. When it comes to recognition of the past atrocities and otherwise, it is about identifying those responsible, not going against a people or a whole community, as the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee pointed out. We have also seen concerning steps in Republika Srpska towards a so-called foreign agents Act, mirroring developments elsewhere and again removing democratic transparency and the ability of human rights organisations to hold Governments to account. It is a hugely worrying step, and I would appreciate the Minister’s comments on that. Finally, it has been a pleasure to meet colleagues from Albania, another key NATO partner, in recent weeks. It is good to see increased co-operation with Albania on migration and trade. The British Council is playing a crucial role, particularly on the future for young Albanians, which was rightly raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Slough. I hope the Minister can say a little bit about the positive steps being taken in our bilateral relationship with Albania. The United Kingdom has crucially important relationships across the region. We must strive to play a positive and engaged role through our ambassadorial teams and through international forums. Crucial elections are taking place in the region over the coming weeks. We must ensure that security and stability in the western Balkans remain a priority, particularly given the warnings in relation to Kosovo and Bosnia. I hope the Minister will say what steps will be taken at the upcoming European Political Community summit, which we will be hosting in July, not only to bring together parties but to promote peace and stability in this crucial region.

The Minister acknowledges the significance of the debate and expresses gratitude towards hon. Members for their contributions. He outlines the UK's multi-faceted approach to address instability, including diplomatic engagement, security measures, and support for democratic institutions and women's empowerment in the region.

The hon. Member raises questions about the feasibility of deploying a British battalion or battle group into Bosnia to serve as a deterrent against secessionist activities, echoing sentiments expressed by other Members.

The hon. Member urges the Government to consider more robust measures beyond diplomacy and sanctions to prevent a recurrence of historical failures in addressing threats, highlighting the importance of a 'big stick' approach to deter potential conflicts.

The future of the Balkans must be one of peaceful co-existence—it is what their people desperately want, and it is what the world needs. We also need to end the retraumatisation that is taking place through the falsification of history, and to ensure that when we see crises, we step up and act. Foreign policy is not just about reacting, although too many people think it is. It is about shaping, mitigating and supporting.