Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

The value of payments under the UK-Mauritius Agreement were set out by the UK government at the time of signature and have not changed. What has changed is the Social Time Preference Rate applied in the calculation of the forecast net present value, which applies to all long-term government investments of this nature. The forecast real value of payments under the treaty remains £101 million per annum in today's money.

It is not for the UK to comment on an independent judicial process in another country. We encourage all states to ensure that their domestic laws adhere to international standards for free and fair trials and the treatment of detainees respects international obligations. The UK Government opposes the death penalty in all circumstances and in every country as a matter of principle.

It is not for the UK to comment on an independent judicial process in another country. We encourage all states to ensure that their domestic laws adhere to international standards for free and fair trials and the treatment of detainees respects international obligations. The UK Government opposes the death penalty in all circumstances and in every country as a matter of principle.

It is not for the UK to comment on an independent judicial process in another country. We encourage all states to ensure that their domestic laws adhere to international standards for free and fair trials and the treatment of detainees respects international obligations. The UK Government opposes the death penalty in all circumstances and in every country as a matter of principle.

It is not for the UK to comment on an independent judicial process in another country. We encourage all states to ensure that their domestic laws adhere to international standards for free and fair trials and the treatment of detainees respects international obligations. The UK Government opposes the death penalty in all circumstances and in every country as a matter of principle.

It is not for the UK to comment on an independent judicial process in another country. We encourage all states to ensure that their domestic laws adhere to international standards for free and fair trials and the treatment of detainees respects international obligations. The UK Government opposes the death penalty in all circumstances and in every country as a matter of principle.

The UK follows the standard diplomatic process of agrément and presentation of credentials of foreign ambassadors, and the appointment of diplomatic staff, as set out in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961.

The UK reaffirms our commitment to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA), and remains committed to combating racism, racial discrimination, antisemitism, xenophobia and related intolerance.

However, following historic concerns regarding antisemitism at the 2001 Durban Conference, the Government's longstanding position is that it will not attend anniversary events connected with the Conference.

I refer the Honourable Member to the answer provided to Question 20637 on 8 September 2026. As set out in that response, payments to Inter Mediate are not disclosed because of the sensitive nature of the activities supported and the associated transparency exemptions applied by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

The Government is committed to returning to spending 0.7% of Gross National Income (GNI) on Official Development Assistance (ODA) as soon as fiscal circumstances allow. I refer the Honourable Member to Written Ministerial Statement HLWS291 of 16 July 2026 (0.7 per cent of GNI on ODA target 2025) for further detail.

I refer the Honourable Member to the points I made on 8 September during the Westminster Hall debate on the conflict in Sudan, and to the answers provided to questions 21354 on 8 September on humanitarian access and HL417 on 9 June on the use of drone warfare in Sudan.

I refer the Honourable Member to the points I made on 8 September during the Westminster Hall debate on the conflict in Sudan, and to the answers provided to questions 21354 on 8 September on humanitarian access and HL417 on 9 June on the use of drone warfare in Sudan.

I refer the Honourable Member to the points I made on 8 September during the Westminster Hall debate on the conflict in Sudan, and to the answers provided to questions 21354 on 8 September on humanitarian access and HL417 on 9 June on the use of drone warfare in Sudan.

I refer the Honourable Member to the points I made on 8 September during the Westminster Hall debate on the conflict in Sudan, and to the answers provided to questions 21354 on 8 September on humanitarian access and HL417 on 9 June on the use of drone warfare in Sudan.

The Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Ministers and senior officials regularly engage with Israeli counterparts on a range of issues, including ahead of the package of measures announced on 8 September. The Government remains committed to open and candid dialogue with the Government of Israel.

The Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Ministers and senior officials regularly engage with Israeli counterparts on a range of issues, including ahead of the package of measures announced on 8 September. The Government remains committed to open and candid dialogue with the Government of Israel.

Sustainable land-use, agriculture and food systems offer critical levers to tackle the climate and nature crisis. The UK is prioritising action through our global policy work and International Climate Finance (ICF) programming to scale technologies and innovation, mobilise investment, support national policy reforms and support farmer advocacy and engagement, to build climate-resilient, nature-positive agriculture and food systems. However, the Government's ICF management information does not capture the amount or percentage of expenditure reaching smallholder farmers.

Conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) is prohibited under international law and can constitute a war crime, a crime against humanity, or an act of genocide. The Government supports the full implementation and strengthening of existing international legal frameworks, which provide an important basis for preventing and responding to CRSV. The principal challenge is not the absence of international legal prohibitions on CRSV, but ensuring their effective implementation, strengthening accountability, addressing impunity and improving access to justice and support for survivors.

The Government supports the use of sanctions as one tool among a broader range of measures to promote accountability for CRSV. We do not assess sanctions in isolation. They complement wider diplomatic and accountability efforts aimed at deterring atrocities, reinforcing international norms and signalling that perpetrators of these crimes will face consequences.

The Government maintains a distinct and dedicated focus on CRSV, while delivering this work as part of the wider International Strategic Framework on Women and Girls, Women, Peace and Security agenda, and efforts to tackle violence against women and girls. We recognise that while women and girls are disproportionately affected by CRSV, men and boys can also be affected. Our survivor-centred, intersectional and inclusive approach seeks to support all survivors according to their needs and circumstance.

Conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) is prohibited under international law and can constitute a war crime, a crime against humanity, or an act of genocide. The Government supports the full implementation and strengthening of existing international legal frameworks, which provide an important basis for preventing and responding to CRSV. The principal challenge is not the absence of international legal prohibitions on CRSV, but ensuring their effective implementation, strengthening accountability, addressing impunity and improving access to justice and support for survivors.

The Government supports the use of sanctions as one tool among a broader range of measures to promote accountability for CRSV. We do not assess sanctions in isolation. They complement wider diplomatic and accountability efforts aimed at deterring atrocities, reinforcing international norms and signalling that perpetrators of these crimes will face consequences.

The Government maintains a distinct and dedicated focus on CRSV, while delivering this work as part of the wider International Strategic Framework on Women and Girls, Women, Peace and Security agenda, and efforts to tackle violence against women and girls. We recognise that while women and girls are disproportionately affected by CRSV, men and boys can also be affected. Our survivor-centred, intersectional and inclusive approach seeks to support all survivors according to their needs and circumstance.

Conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) is prohibited under international law and can constitute a war crime, a crime against humanity, or an act of genocide. The Government supports the full implementation and strengthening of existing international legal frameworks, which provide an important basis for preventing and responding to CRSV. The principal challenge is not the absence of international legal prohibitions on CRSV, but ensuring their effective implementation, strengthening accountability, addressing impunity and improving access to justice and support for survivors.

The Government supports the use of sanctions as one tool among a broader range of measures to promote accountability for CRSV. We do not assess sanctions in isolation. They complement wider diplomatic and accountability efforts aimed at deterring atrocities, reinforcing international norms and signalling that perpetrators of these crimes will face consequences.

The Government maintains a distinct and dedicated focus on CRSV, while delivering this work as part of the wider International Strategic Framework on Women and Girls, Women, Peace and Security agenda, and efforts to tackle violence against women and girls. We recognise that while women and girls are disproportionately affected by CRSV, men and boys can also be affected. Our survivor-centred, intersectional and inclusive approach seeks to support all survivors according to their needs and circumstance.

Conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) is prohibited under international law and can constitute a war crime, a crime against humanity, or an act of genocide. The Government supports the full implementation and strengthening of existing international legal frameworks, which provide an important basis for preventing and responding to CRSV. The principal challenge is not the absence of international legal prohibitions on CRSV, but ensuring their effective implementation, strengthening accountability, addressing impunity and improving access to justice and support for survivors.

The Government supports the use of sanctions as one tool among a broader range of measures to promote accountability for CRSV. We do not assess sanctions in isolation. They complement wider diplomatic and accountability efforts aimed at deterring atrocities, reinforcing international norms and signalling that perpetrators of these crimes will face consequences.

The Government maintains a distinct and dedicated focus on CRSV, while delivering this work as part of the wider International Strategic Framework on Women and Girls, Women, Peace and Security agenda, and efforts to tackle violence against women and girls. We recognise that while women and girls are disproportionately affected by CRSV, men and boys can also be affected. Our survivor-centred, intersectional and inclusive approach seeks to support all survivors according to their needs and circumstance.

Conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) is prohibited under international law and can constitute a war crime, a crime against humanity, or an act of genocide. The Government supports the full implementation and strengthening of existing international legal frameworks, which provide an important basis for preventing and responding to CRSV. The principal challenge is not the absence of international legal prohibitions on CRSV, but ensuring their effective implementation, strengthening accountability, addressing impunity and improving access to justice and support for survivors.

The Government supports the use of sanctions as one tool among a broader range of measures to promote accountability for CRSV. We do not assess sanctions in isolation. They complement wider diplomatic and accountability efforts aimed at deterring atrocities, reinforcing international norms and signalling that perpetrators of these crimes will face consequences.

The Government maintains a distinct and dedicated focus on CRSV, while delivering this work as part of the wider International Strategic Framework on Women and Girls, Women, Peace and Security agenda, and efforts to tackle violence against women and girls. We recognise that while women and girls are disproportionately affected by CRSV, men and boys can also be affected. Our survivor-centred, intersectional and inclusive approach seeks to support all survivors according to their needs and circumstance.

Conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) is prohibited under international law and can constitute a war crime, a crime against humanity, or an act of genocide. The Government supports the full implementation and strengthening of existing international legal frameworks, which provide an important basis for preventing and responding to CRSV. The principal challenge is not the absence of international legal prohibitions on CRSV, but ensuring their effective implementation, strengthening accountability, addressing impunity and improving access to justice and support for survivors.

The Government supports the use of sanctions as one tool among a broader range of measures to promote accountability for CRSV. We do not assess sanctions in isolation. They complement wider diplomatic and accountability efforts aimed at deterring atrocities, reinforcing international norms and signalling that perpetrators of these crimes will face consequences.

The Government maintains a distinct and dedicated focus on CRSV, while delivering this work as part of the wider International Strategic Framework on Women and Girls, Women, Peace and Security agenda, and efforts to tackle violence against women and girls. We recognise that while women and girls are disproportionately affected by CRSV, men and boys can also be affected. Our survivor-centred, intersectional and inclusive approach seeks to support all survivors according to their needs and circumstance.

The Government currently has no plans to hold talks with the Georgian Government regarding surrogacy services. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice strongly advises British nationals considering surrogacy in a foreign country to seek specialist independent legal advice both in the UK and the other country before making any arrangements.

The UK takes the threat from the Russian State extremely seriously. The UK has revoked accreditation from or declared persona non grata numerous Russian diplomats, either to target and dismantle Russian intelligence gathering operations in the UK, or as reciprocal action when British diplomats are expelled under baseless accusations.

I refer the Noble Baroness to the answer provided on 8 September in response to Question 26855 which is copied below:

All Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary accredited to the Court of St James's are Ambassadors to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26 recorded 29 special severance payments. None of these payments related to the wider restructuring of the department.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is currently in industrial dispute with the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union in relation to the transformational restructure that is currently underway. To date this dispute has taken the form of strike action and action short of a strike.

I refer the Honourable Member to the answer given on 7 September 2026 to question 18985.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Health Cluster data provides information on the number of Palestinian healthcare workers detained and arrested. The UK government regularly engages with Israeli counterparts to express concern about the detention of Palestinian doctors and other detainees. We have been consistently clear that all detainees, including doctors, must be treated with dignity and in full accordance with international law. The UK continues to urge the Government of Israel to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) immediate and unfettered access to all detention facilities and detainees.

We condemn Iran's historic and current repression of Baha'is in the strongest terms. On 28 April 2026, the UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, David Smith MP, highlighted via X abhorrent reports that Baha'is had been subject to torture and mock execution, and said the UK would continue to pursue accountability. We have repeatedly raised the situation of Baha'is in Iran at the United Nations, including at the Human Rights Council on 23 September 2025, and the Third Committee of the General Assembly on 19 November 2025. In addition, the UK has raised Iran's repression of religious minorities more broadly. We will continue to work with our international partners to hold Iran accountable for its repression of religious minorities, including Baha'is.

I refer the Honourable Member to the answer provided on 22 June in response to Question 10866 and to the former Minister for the Middle East's written statement to the House on 29 April.

I am committed to raising issues related to freedom of religion or belief, including for Christians in Syria at every appropriate opportunity.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office does not collect statistics relating specifically to border control measures implemented in overseas jurisdiction.

The Israeli authority decision to close the British Consulate-General in Jerusalem is deeply regrettable. The focus now is on ensuring we can continue our diplomatic work and supporting efforts towards a two-state solution. The UK stands by the announcements made by the Foreign Secretary on 8 September.

Inter Mediate have not undertaken any work for the UK Government in relation to the Chagos Islands or Mauritius.

The requested information is not centrally collated by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

I refer the Honourable Member to the answer I gave on 8 September 2026, to Question 20771 where the cost of the event was £45,357.26.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) uses solar panels across its UK and overseas estate, including Hanslope Park in the UK and photovoltaic (PV) arrays at UK diplomatic locations such as Tunisia, Jordan, The Gambia and Zimbabwe. Depending on site suitability, solar arrays are either rooftop-mounted or ground-mounted.

The FCDO continues to identify and progress opportunities in the UK and Global estate to use solar PV to reduce costs and emissions from its buildings.

I refer the Rt Hon. Member to the answer given on 10 September to question 21391, and the statement by the Foreign Secretary on 8 September.

As set out in the Written Ministerial Statement of 24 June, the UK will resume its support for critically ill and injured children alongside their immediate families to leave Gaza and receive specialist treatment in NHS hospitals across the UK. A cross-Government taskforce is progressing this work, but this is a sensitive and complex process. Due to the operational sensitivities, we are not in a position to provide further details.

The UK has announced a £5 million humanitarian response package for Nepal. This includes £3 million through the UN for urgent needs, including shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene, and protection; £1 million through Start Fund Nepal to support local organisations; £750,000 through the Red Cross movement; and up to £250,000 for UK humanitarian expertise and coordination. These organisations work through local partners. UK contributions to pooled funds and multilateral development banks, including the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Disaster Relief Emergency Fund, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, are also helping to mobilise large-scale financial support. The UK is engaging partners to ensure protection, health, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and wider humanitarian services are responsive to the needs of women and girls. We continue to keep the need for additional humanitarian funding under review.

The UK has announced a £5 million humanitarian response package for Nepal. This includes £3 million through the UN for urgent needs, including shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene, and protection; £1 million through Start Fund Nepal to support local organisations; £750,000 through the Red Cross movement; and up to £250,000 for UK humanitarian expertise and coordination. These organisations work through local partners. UK contributions to pooled funds and multilateral development banks, including the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Disaster Relief Emergency Fund, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, are also helping to mobilise large-scale financial support. The UK is engaging partners to ensure protection, health, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and wider humanitarian services are responsive to the needs of women and girls. We continue to keep the need for additional humanitarian funding under review.

We are committed to supporting the valued BN(O) community here in the UK and are clear that discrimination against BN(O) passport holders is unacceptable.

Documentary requirements for withdrawing funds early are a matter for the Hong Kong authorities, and we continue to raise this issue directly with the Hong Kong Government and the MPF Schemes Authority (MPFA) to encourage a pragmatic solution. Ministers across government have raised the issue directly with the Hong Kong authorities and UK officials continue to discuss the issue with the relevant banks.

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office officials have had consistent contact with representatives of the Central Tibetan Administration over the last ten years.