Written Question·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·UIN 102724

Somaliland: Recognition of States

Tabled: 5 January 2026
Answered: 12 January 2026
Named Day

Question

Kerry McCarthy

LabourBristol East

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the decision by Israel to recognise Somaliland and the implications for the UK's own policy on recognition.

Answer

Chris Elmore
It is the UK's long-standing position that the settlement of Somaliland's status is an issue for authorities in Mogadishu and Hargeisa to decide through a consultative process and dialogue, in line with the principles of the UN charter.