asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what criteria regarding the use of violence in the pursuit of political objectives Her Majesty's Government apply in deciding whether to recognise foreign states.

My hon. Friend may wish to refer to a written answer of 25 April 1980, at column 277, which confirms that we recognise states in accordance with common international doctrine. In considering whether to recognise states we take into account all available information and all relevant factors.