Thank you for contacting me about the US embargo of Cuba and Early Day Motion (EDM) 1550. Please note I do not sign EDMs as they have little impact on the parliamentary outcome, and they cost a significant amount of taxpayers’ money to orchestrate.
The UK has repeatedly made clear that it opposes the US embargo against Cuba, which it sees as counterproductive; a view I share. The UK discusses a range of issues of mutual interest, including Cuba, with the US, and this will continue under the Biden administration. I am told that the British Ambassador to Havana participates in regular discussions with the Cuban authorities how the bilateral relationship between our countries can be developed, including in the context of the global response to Covid-19 pandemic.
Like my colleagues in Government, I am grateful to Cuban authorities for their leadership of the exceptional operation to return the 684 British citizens on the Braemer cruise ship in March last year. International co-operation during this global pandemic is as important as ever.
I understand that the UK is not, at this stage, providing direct assistance to Cuba. Again, however, the British Ambassador to Havana regularly engages with Cuban authorities on how the UK and Cuba can work together to support each other during this crisis and on ideas to reform the business environment, and provide direct support to UK companies wishing to do legitimate business with Cuba.