To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those countries that Her Majesty's Government classes as democratic. [77435]

The large majority of states now, at least in principle, aspire to democratic government. But this involves much more than just holding free and fair elections. Transparent and accountable government, freedom of expression and association, and the rule of law are also essential to genuine democracy. Rather than producing league tables, which are liable to be misleading, we are working, through political pressure and practical assistance, to promote the establishment and strengthening of such democratic systems around the world.