Cuba: Politics and Government Mr. Hoyle To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the implications of the resignation of Fidel Castro. Dr. Howells We do not envisage the resignation of Fidel Castro leading to major change in Cuba. UK policy remains unchanged and has been based on the EU Common Position since 1996. This policy aims to encourage a peaceful transition to pluralist democracy, greater respect for human rights and unconditional release of all political prisoners.