Emily Thornberry MP, Labour’s Shadow Foreign Secretary, commenting on the news that the Colombian President, Manuel Santos, has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, said:

“I congratulate President Manuel Santos on the great strides he has made towards achieving a lasting peace in Colombia, which have been rightly recognised by the Nobel committee today. The effort and compromises made in recent months in pursuit of peace by all sides, should not be forgotten.

“While last week’s referendum on the deal failed to gain the consent of the people, it is clear that the vote was not a rejection of peace. With the bilateral ceasefire in place, it is vital that swift progress is now made towards achieving a lasting settlement that carries the support of the Colombian people.”