Foreign Secretary Jack Straw condemned the attack on Akila Al-Hashemi, a member of the Governing Council, on 20 September. 'We deplore the senseless act of violence against a well-respected member of the Governing Council. We are deeply shocked and our thoughts are with her and the others who were also injured.'

Regarding the decision to deny registration of the Daily News, the Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw said: 'This decision is further illustration of the Government of Zimbabwe's flagrant disregard for the rule of law and basic rights, particularly freedom of expression. Police ignored a court ruling earlier this week ordering that the Daily News be allowed to resume operations. This decision by the Government of Zimbabwe's media commission to deny registration to the country's only independent daily newspaper, is another attempt to silence critical voices.'