Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

We pursue our national interests and project the UK as a force for good in the world. We promote the interests of British citizens, safeguard the UK’s security, defend our values, reduce poverty and tackle global challenges with our international partners.



Secretary of State

 Portrait

Yvette Cooper
Foreign Secretary

Shadow Ministers / Spokeperson
Liberal Democrat
Lord Purvis of Tweed (LD - Life peer)
Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs)
Calum Miller (LD - Bicester and Woodstock)
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Foreign Affairs)

Conservative
Priti Patel (Con - Witham)
Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs

Green Party
Ellie Chowns (Green - North Herefordshire)
Green Spokesperson (Foreign Affairs)
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Conservative
Lord Callanan (Con - Life peer)
Shadow Minister (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Wendy Morton (Con - Aldridge-Brownhills)
Shadow Minister (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Conservative
Andrew Rosindell (Con - Romford)
Shadow Parliamentary Under Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs)
Alec Shelbrooke (Con - Wetherby and Easingwold)
Shadow Parliamentary Under Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs)
Ministers of State
Stephen Doughty (LAB - Cardiff South and Penarth)
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State
Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab - Life peer)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Hamish Falconer (Lab - Lincoln)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Seema Malhotra (LAB - Feltham and Heston)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Chris Elmore (Lab - Bridgend)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
There are no upcoming events identified
Debates
Thursday 27th November 2025
Nigeria
Written Statements
Select Committee Inquiry
Thursday 27th March 2025
The UK Government’s China Audit

Although China is the UK’s fifth largest trading partner, the UK Government has, in recent years, described China as an …

Written Answers
Friday 28th November 2025
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Staff
To ask His Majesty's Government, what steps they are taking to ensure that staff cuts at the Foreign, Commonwealth and …
Secondary Legislation
Tuesday 30th September 2025
Iran (Sanctions) (Nuclear) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
These Regulations amend the Iran (Sanctions) (Nuclear) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (“the 2019 Regulations”) to reflect the United Nations (“UN”) …
Bills
Wednesday 10th September 2025
Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill 2024-26
A Bill to make provision for and in connection with the implementation by the United Kingdom of the Agreement under …
Dept. Publications
Friday 28th November 2025
14:53

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Commons Appearances

Oral Answers to Questions is a regularly scheduled appearance where the Secretary of State and junior minister will answer at the Dispatch Box questions from backbench MPs

Other Commons Chamber appearances can be:
  • Urgent Questions where the Speaker has selected a question to which a Minister must reply that day
  • Adjornment Debates a 30 minute debate attended by a Minister that concludes the day in Parliament.
  • Oral Statements informing the Commons of a significant development, where backbench MP's can then question the Minister making the statement.

Westminster Hall debates are performed in response to backbench MPs or e-petitions asking for a Minister to address a detailed issue

Written Statements are made when a current event is not sufficiently significant to require an Oral Statement, but the House is required to be informed.

Most Recent Commons Appearances by Category
Oct. 28
Oral Questions
Nov. 20
Urgent Questions
Nov. 27
Written Statements
Nov. 24
Westminster Hall
Nov. 05
Adjournment Debate
View All Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Commons Contibutions

Bills currently before Parliament

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not have Bills currently before Parliament


Acts of Parliament created in the 2024 Parliament

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has not passed any Acts during the 2024 Parliament

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office - Secondary Legislation

These Regulations amend the Iran (Sanctions) (Nuclear) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (“the 2019 Regulations”) to reflect the United Nations (“UN”) obligations imposed in relation to Iran by virtue of paragraph 12 of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015).
This Order approves the making of payments on behalf of the Government of the United Kingdom to the International Development Association (the “Association”) of sums not exceeding £1,980 million as a contribution to the Twenty-First Replenishment of the Association. The payments approved by this Order will be made pursuant to Resolution No. 255 adopted by the Board of Governors of the Association on 15th April 2025. The Order also provides for the redemption of non-interest-bearing and non-negotiable notes issued by the Secretary of State pursuant to arrangements between the Government and the Association.
View All Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Secondary Legislation

Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Trending Petitions
Petition Open
104,222 Signatures
(100,291 in the last 7 days)
Petition Open
3,858 Signatures
(209 in the last 7 days)
Petition Open
21,677 Signatures
(183 in the last 7 days)
Petition Open
591 Signatures
(125 in the last 7 days)
Petitions with most signatures
Petition Debates Contributed

Act to ensure deliverer of fuel, food, aid, life saving services etc. We think this shouldn't be dependant/on condition of Israeli facilitation as the Knesset voted against UNWRA access to Gaza. We think if military delivery of aid, airdrops, peacekeepers etc, are needed, then all be considered.

View All Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Petitions

Departmental Select Committee

Foreign Affairs Committee

Commons Select Committees are a formally established cross-party group of backbench MPs tasked with holding a Government department to account.

At any time there will be number of ongoing investigations into the work of the Department, or issues which fall within the oversight of the Department. Witnesses can be summoned from within the Government and outside to assist in these inquiries.

Select Committee findings are reported to the Commons, printed, and published on the Parliament website. The government then usually has 60 days to reply to the committee's recommendations.


11 Members of the Foreign Affairs Committee
Emily Thornberry Portrait
Emily Thornberry (Labour - Islington South and Finsbury)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 11th September 2024
John Whittingdale Portrait
John Whittingdale (Conservative - Maldon)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Abtisam Mohamed Portrait
Abtisam Mohamed (Labour - Sheffield Central)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Uma Kumaran Portrait
Uma Kumaran (Labour - Stratford and Bow)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Dan Carden Portrait
Dan Carden (Labour - Liverpool Walton)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Aphra Brandreth Portrait
Aphra Brandreth (Conservative - Chester South and Eddisbury)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Edward Morello Portrait
Edward Morello (Liberal Democrat - West Dorset)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Richard Foord Portrait
Richard Foord (Liberal Democrat - Honiton and Sidmouth)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Phil Brickell Portrait
Phil Brickell (Labour - Bolton West)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 16th December 2024
Alex Ballinger Portrait
Alex Ballinger (Labour - Halesowen)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 16th December 2024
Fleur Anderson Portrait
Fleur Anderson (Labour - Putney)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 27th October 2025
Foreign Affairs Committee: Previous Inquiries
Environmental diplomacy The Myanmar crisis Coronavirus: FCDO response The UK and Iran The FCDO and the Integrated Review The FCO's human rights work in 2013 Gibraltar The UK's relations with Hong Kong: 30 years after the Joint Declaration FCO performance and finances 2013-14 Hong Kong Russia and Ukraine Overseas Territories FCO consular services UK policy towards Iran UK Government policy on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq The future of the BBC World Service Developments in Libya The fight against ISIL: the UK's role inquiry FCO budget and capacity inquiry Libya: Examination of intervention and collapse and the UK's future policy options inquiry Costs and benefits of EU membership for the UK's role in the world inquiry Foreign policy developments Progress of the Iraq Inquiry British Foreign policy and the 'Arab Spring': follow-up Appointment of Lord Hill of Oareford to the European Commission Hong Kong: China's ban on the Committee's visit Government foreign policy towards the United States Foreign and Commonwealth Office performance and finances 2012-13 Departmental Annual Report 2010-11 FCO Public Diplomacy: The Olympic and Paralympic Games 2012 FCO's Human Rights Work 2010-11 Overseas Territories British foreign policy and the 'Arab Spring' FCO's human rights work in 2011 The future of the European Union: UK Government policy The role and future of the Commonwealth UK's relations with Saudi Arabia and Bahrain The UK's response to extremism and political instability in North and West Africa The UK’s influence in the UN inquiry The UK’s response to hurricanes in its Overseas Territories inquiry Global Britain inquiry The Commonwealth Summit inquiry Responsibility to protect and humanitarian intervention inquiry Russian corruption and the UK inquiry Session with Minister of State for Africa inquiry The Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Human Rights Work inquiry The Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s preparations for the World Cup inquiry The Western Balkans inquiry The future of the UK Overseas Territories inquiry Global Britain and India inquiry Global Britain: FCO skills inquiry The work of the Minister of State for the Middle East Global Britain and South America inquiry Global Britain: The future of UK sanctions policy inquiry FCO budget and capacity, and annual report 2017-18 inquiry Finding a diplomatic route: European responses to irregular migration inquiry The World Food Programme inquiry The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Global media freedom inquiry Autocracies and UK Foreign Policy inquiry FCO secure communications and handling of classified information inquiry The future of Britain’s diplomatic relationship with Europe - follow up inquiry Beyond Aid: The UK’s Strategic Engagement in Africa inquiry Human rights: Freedom of religion and belief, and human rights defenders inquiry The Caucasus inquiry The UK and Iran’s regional role inquiry Economic foreign policy inquiry The UK’s policy towards the Middle East Peace Process inquiry UK relations with China inquiry The FCO policy on arms exports inquiry Evidence from HE Lord Llewellyn of Steep on his appointment as HM Ambassador to Paris inquiry Resignation of Lord Hill of Oareford from the European Commission inquiry FCO budget and capacity, and Annual Report 2015-16 inquiry Violence in Rakhine State inquiry China and the international rules-based system inquiry FCO budget and capacity, and annual report 2016-17 Oral evidence from the Foreign Secretary Kurdish aspirations and the interests of the UK inquiry The future of Britain’s diplomatic relationship with Europe inquiry Political Islam inquiry UK's relations with Russia inquiry Human rights inquiry The future operations of BBC monitoring inquiry Human Rights: Annual review of the work of the FCO inquiry UK's relations with Turkey inquiry Implications of leaving the EU for the UK's role in the world inquiry The UK’s role in strengthening multilateral organisations FCO-DFID merger Xinjiang detention camps Global health security Update to the UK's Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy Critical minerals Western Balkans The UK’s engagement in Central Asia The UK’s international counter-terrorism policy The UK’s engagement with the Middle East and North Africa International relations within the multilateral system The BBC World Service: Is Britain Losing its Soft Power? Work of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict The work of the British Council Soft power: a strategy for UK success? Disinformation diplomacy: How malign actors are seeking to undermine democracy The UK’s sanctions strategy The UK-EU reset: rebuilding a strategic partnership in uncertain times The UK at the United Nations Security Council The UK Government’s China Audit Beyond Aid: The UK’s Strategic Engagement in Africa Autocracies and UK Foreign Policy The future of Britain’s diplomatic relationship with Europe- follow up inquiry China and the international rules-based system Economic foreign policy Finding a diplomatic route: European responses to irregular migration FCO budget and capacity, and annual report 2017-18 The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Global media freedom FCO secure communications and handling of classified information Human rights: Freedom of religion and belief, and human rights defenders Global Britain and South America Global Britain: The future of UK sanctions policy The work of the Minister of State for the Middle East Global Britain and India The future of the UK Overseas Territories Oral evidence from the Foreign Secretary The UK’s influence in the UN Session with Minister of State for Africa Responsibility to protect and humanitarian intervention The Caucasus The UK and Iran’s regional role The World Food Programme

50 most recent Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department

17th Nov 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what are the reasons for the cuts to staff at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is committed to becoming a smaller, more agile organisation, better able to deliver tangible benefits for the British people. Staff reductions are being made strategically, with decisions guided by an organisational prioritisation exercise. The FCDO plans to publish indicative Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme allocations for the next three years in the coming months, which will continue to reflect our commitment to the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
17th Nov 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government how the announced 15 to 25 per cent staff reduction at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office align with (1) the Government's foreign policy and development priorities and (2) with the Government’s international commitments to women, peace and security, such as the UK’s Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is committed to becoming a smaller, more agile organisation, better able to deliver tangible benefits for the British people. Staff reductions are being made strategically, with decisions guided by an organisational prioritisation exercise. The FCDO plans to publish indicative Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme allocations for the next three years in the coming months, which will continue to reflect our commitment to the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
17th Nov 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government, what steps they are taking to ensure that staff cuts at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office do not affect the UK's influence on the women, peace and security agenda.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is committed to becoming a smaller, more agile organisation, better able to deliver tangible benefits for the British people. Staff reductions are being made strategically, with decisions guided by an organisational prioritisation exercise. The FCDO plans to publish indicative Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme allocations for the next three years in the coming months, which will continue to reflect our commitment to the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
17th Nov 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government whether resources are going to be cut to the women, peace and security agenda; and if so, by how much.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is committed to becoming a smaller, more agile organisation, better able to deliver tangible benefits for the British people. Staff reductions are being made strategically, with decisions guided by an organisational prioritisation exercise. The FCDO plans to publish indicative Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme allocations for the next three years in the coming months, which will continue to reflect our commitment to the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
17th Nov 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government, following the announced staff cuts at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what steps they will take to ensure that gender and conflict considerations will remain central to the UK’s diplomatic and development work.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is committed to becoming a smaller, more agile organisation, better able to deliver tangible benefits for the British people. Staff reductions are being made strategically, with decisions guided by an organisational prioritisation exercise. The FCDO plans to publish indicative Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme allocations for the next three years in the coming months, which will continue to reflect our commitment to the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
20th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to encourage dialogue between North and South Korea.

Diplomacy and negotiations are the best way to secure peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. The Republic of Korea is a valued partner with whom we routinely discuss these important issues.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
20th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the role of China in influencing stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Diplomacy and negotiations are the best way to secure peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. The Republic of Korea is a valued partner with whom we routinely discuss these important issues.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
24th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to page 15 of the six-monthly update on the implementation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration on Hong Kong, published on 23 October 2025, what diplomatic steps she is taking to help ensure that China adheres to its international legal commitments.

The Government raises areas of concern with the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities on a regular basis at both official and ministerial level. Most recently, the Foreign Secretary did so in a phone call with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on 6 November.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
24th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions her Department has had with the Venezuelan Government concerning the journalist Carlos Correa.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer of 14 July 2025 to Question 65220.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
20th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment his Department has made of the treatment of Christians in North Korea; and what steps the Government is taking to raise freedom of religion or belief with international partners.

The UK remains deeply concerned by unacceptable reports of ongoing, widespread, and systematic human rights violations in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Defending the right to freedom of religion or belief for all is a priority for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and a key strand of our DPRK human rights strategy. The UK regularly raises concerns about the DPRK's human rights violations, including the lack of freedom of religion or belief, both with the DPRK embassy in London and in multilateral fora. On 20 November 2025, the UK co-sponsored the UN General Assembly's Third Committee resolution condemning North Korea's human rights abuses.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
20th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had discussions with her Japanese counterparts concerning the proposed new Embassy of the People's Republic of China.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 19 May 2025 to Question 51656.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
20th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what conversations she has had with her counterpart in Bangladesh following the International Crimes Tribunal sentencing of Sheikh Hasina to death.

The Minister of State for International Development visited Bangladesh on 13-14 November, reasserting the strong partnership between our two countries, and emphasising the UK's support for human rights and democracy. The UK Government's policy on the death penalty is clear: we oppose it in all circumstances, as a matter of principle.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
11th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will commission a review of long-term outsourcing contracts with private sector suppliers involved in UK aid delivery to make an assessment of the potential impact of those long-term contracts on (a) value for money and (b) long- term expertise in her Department.

I refer the Hon Member to the written evidence provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to the inquiry by the International Development Committee into the FCDO's Approach to Value for Money in Official Development Assistance, which can be found here: https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/142772/default/

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to ensure that survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in Sudan including in El Fasher have access to emergency assistance and long-term psychosocial and medical support.

I refer the Hon. Member to the statement made by the Foreign Secretary to the House on 18 November 2025.

As the Foreign Secretary said: "The UK has committed over £125 million this year alone, delivering lifesaving support to over 650,000 people - treating children with severe malnutrition, providing water and medicine, and supporting survivors of rape. [...] We are urgently pressing for a three-month humanitarian truce to open routes for lifesaving supplies...we desperately need a lasting ceasefire underpinned by a serious political process."

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
19th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the benefits of co-operative enterprise in international development.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer given on 1 April to Question 39533.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
20th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what mechanisms she uses to monitor and evaluate the return on investment generated by British International Investment.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 12 May in response to Question 49375.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
20th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 29 October 2025 to Question 82390 on Iraq and Syria: Islamic State, what role the UK is playing in the Terrorist Travel Working Group of the Global Coalition against Daesh; and what outcomes her Department expects from UK participation in that forum.

As stated in the answer to which the Hon Member refers, the UK's priority remains the enduring defeat of Daesh in all regions where they or their affiliates are operating, and we continue to work closely with a wide range of international partners towards that goal.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
20th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 29 October 2025 to Question 82390 on Iraq and Syria: Islamic State, what work her Department is undertaking with partners through the ISIS-Khorasan Province Diplomatic Grouping; and what recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of that work on countering ISIS-K activity.

As stated in the answer to which the Hon Member refers, the UK's priority remains the enduring defeat of Daesh in all regions where they or their affiliates are operating, and we continue to work closely with a wide range of international partners towards that goal.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
20th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 29 October 2025 to Question 82390 on Iraq and Syria: Islamic State, what part the UK is taking in the re-structure of the Global Coalition against Daesh agreed at the Madrid Small Group meeting; and how the revised working group mechanisms will affect the UK’s regional priorities in (i) Syria, (ii) Iraq, (iii) Central Asia, and (iv) sub-Saharan Africa.

As stated in the answer to which the Hon Member refers, the UK's priority remains the enduring defeat of Daesh in all regions where they or their affiliates are operating, and we continue to work closely with a wide range of international partners towards that goal.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
20th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 29 October 2025 to Question 82390 on Iraq and Syria: Islamic State, what steps she is taking with Coalition partners to (a) leverage new technologies and (b) counter the online use of the internet for Daesh recruitment.

As stated in the answer to which the Hon Member refers, the UK's priority remains the enduring defeat of Daesh in all regions where they or their affiliates are operating, and we continue to work closely with a wide range of international partners towards that goal.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
20th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 29 October 2025 to Question 82390 on Iraq and Syria: Islamic State, what contribution the UK is making to Coalition efforts to address the security risks associated with detained (a) Daesh fighters and (b) Daesh-supporting non-combatants held in detention camps in Syria.

As stated in the answer to which the Hon Member refers, the UK's priority remains the enduring defeat of Daesh in all regions where they or their affiliates are operating, and we continue to work closely with a wide range of international partners towards that goal.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
18th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of consular support provided to British nationals in Jamaica during and after Hurricane Melissa, including the evacuation flight operated on 2 November and the handling of over 700 consular enquiries.

The consular team at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provides 24/7 assistance to British nationals and dealt with 850 consular enquiries related to Hurricane Melissa. The Register Your Presence portal was launched from the outset of the crisis to identify and contact British nationals in Jamaica, enabling us to provide targeted assistance.

The FCDO provided regularly updated information and advice to British nationals in Jamaica. Between 22 October and 2 November, the FCDO made 11 public updates to Jamaica's Travel Advice related to Hurricane Melissa.

The evacuation flight which operated on 2 November carried 104 passengers. Commercial options were available shortly thereafter resulting in low demand for further HMG flights.

The Rapid Deployment Team were present at both Kingston and Montego Bay Airports every day when commercial airlines were running their own flights between Friday 31 October and Tuesday 4 November to assist British nationals travelling on commercial flights to the UK. During that time, roughly 2,150 passengers passed through Kingston and 2,274 through Montego Bay on TUI and Virgin flights bound for the UK.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
24th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her Nigerian counterpart on the recent abduction of students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri; and what diplomatic steps she is taking to help ensure their release.

I refer the Hon Member to the Written Ministerial Statement of 27 November 2025.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
21st Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that funding for programmes supporting women’s and girls’ rights, education, and health is maintained in the current and future aid budgets.

The UK continues to place women and girls at the heart of our international work, including playing a key role in the global effort to tackle violence against women and girls. We are also continuing to support countries to build resilient and sustainable health systems, and partner with governments to strengthen their own education systems. Detailed decisions on how the ODA budget will be used from 2026/27 to 2028/29 will be announced in due course.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
21st Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department plans to increase support for women and girls in conflict-affected and climate-vulnerable regions.

The UK continues to place women and girls at the heart of our international work, including playing a key role in the global effort to tackle violence against women and girls. We are also continuing to support countries to build resilient and sustainable health systems, and partner with governments to strengthen their own education systems. Detailed decisions on how the ODA budget will be used from 2026/27 to 2028/29 will be announced in due course.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
19th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to improve outcome-based reporting across official development assistance programmes.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the evidence provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to the inquiry by the International Development Committee into the FCDO's Approach to Value for Money in Official Development Assistance, published on 29 October, and available here: https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/142772/default/.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
19th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she plans to review aid spending channels to ensure a greater proportion reaches frontline, locally-led development organisations.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the evidence provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to the inquiry by the International Development Committee into the FCDO's Approach to Value for Money in Official Development Assistance, published on 29 October, and available here: https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/142772/default/.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
24th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with Tunisian authorities on the recent crackdown on human rights organisations.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 18 September to Question 70304.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
21st Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions her Department has had with CARICOM member states regarding the ten-point reparations plan put forward by the CARICOM Reparations Commission.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 10 March 2025 to Question 32987.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
21st Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the role of UK aid in supporting economic and social initiatives aimed at addressing the legacy of colonial exploitation and enslavement.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 10 March 2025 to Question 32987.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
21st Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions her Department has had with international bodies, including the United Nations, on the issue of reparations for historical injustices.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 10 March 2025 to Question 32987.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
24th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of holding discussions with financial institutions on reparatory (a) funds and (b) initiatives relating to the transatlantic slave trade.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 10 March 2025 to Question 32987.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
24th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her Iranian counterpart concerning the imprisonment of Christian converts Hossein Mohammadi and Zahra Gholami; and what diplomatic steps she is taking to help ensure their release.

Further to the answer I gave on 29 October to Question 83265, we are concerned by the reported cases of Hossein Mohammadi and Zahra Gholami, and we continue to monitor the situation for Christians in Iran.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
24th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions her Department has had with the Algerian Government concerning Mohamed Tadjadit.

The UK is committed to the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide, including in Algeria, and consistently urges all states to uphold international law and international human rights standards. Our Embassy in Algiers remains in regular contact with the Algerian authorities to promote the importance of upholding human rights, and we continue to monitor the situation closely.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
13th Nov 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government who currently holds the position of Prime Minister's Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict; when that individual was appointed; what are the remit, responsibilities and reporting lines of that role; and what assessment they have made of the effectiveness of the position in advancing the objective to prevent and respond to sexual violence in conflict.

The current set of Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) envoys is presently under review. FCDO Ministers will take decisions on envoys in due course, and appointments of any new envoys will be announced publicly.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
10th Nov 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what recent diplomatic discussions they have had with their international counterparts to ensure the promotion of freedom of religion or belief in Morocco.

The UK champions Freedom of Religion or Belief for all, and we maintain that no one should live in fear because of what they do or do not believe. We engage on these issues with the Moroccan Government and authorities on a regular basis.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
5th Nov 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answers by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 31 October (HL11010 and HL11011), whether they will now answer the questions put.

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided in the House of Commons on 18 November to Question 88033, which - for ease of reference - is reproduced below:

The Foreign Secretary met with the Palestinian Foreign Minister on 1 November. As part of their conversation they discussed educational reforms. The UK continues to monitor and advance the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on strategic cooperation through an annual strategic dialogue. In the meantime, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, through the British Consulate in Jerusalem, engage regularly with the Palestinian Authority on many areas, including education reform.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
17th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development, if she has made a recent assessment of delays in processing visa applications for British nationals at the Consulate of Spain in Manchester.

The process for obtaining a Spanish visa is a matter for the Spanish authorities, and any issues with that process will need to be raised with the Spanish consulate themselves.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
18th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the human rights situation in Iraq, in particular in relation to the rights of Kurdish people; and what action she is taking.

The UK remains deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Iraq, including restrictions on free expression and barriers to women's political participation. We continue to urge the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government to uphold constitutional rights and international obligations.

The UK, working with international partners, will continue to press for accountability and reform and support civil society groups advocating for minority and women's rights.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her Iranian counterparts concerning the recent arrest of Baha’i children’s rights activist, Afshin Heyratian; and what diplomatic steps she is taking to ensure his release.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided to question 67802 on 6 August 2025, and add that we are aware of Afshin Heyratian's case and are monitoring the situation for Baha'is more widely.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
18th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to support global reform of multilateral health organisations referred to in Written Statement HCWS1043, made on 11 November 2025, including improving coordination between Gavi, the Global Fund and other global health institutions.

The UK is working with partners to drive reform of the multilateral system in line with the Lusaka Agenda, supporting countries to move along the path to self-sufficiency.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) support the work that the Global Fund and Gavi leadership are undertaking to drive greater impact, efficiencies and effectiveness at country level and to explore more structural options for collaboration in future.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
18th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 17 November to Question 88055 on Humanitarian Aid, whether a specific proportion of the Official Development Assistance budget is ring-fenced for those purposes.

Data on Official Development Assistance (ODA) spend for the requested period is published in the Statistics on International Development on GOV.UK, and is broken down by sector, including for humanitarian aid. Further information and annual reviews on specific programmes can be found on GOV.UK's Development Tracker.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
18th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of answered on 17 November 2025 to Question 88055, on Humanitarian Aid, how much funding has been provided through the Official Development Assistance budget for (a) immediate humanitarian needs and (b) crisis support in each of the last three years.

Data on Official Development Assistance (ODA) spend for the requested period is published in the Statistics on International Development on GOV.UK, and is broken down by sector, including for humanitarian aid. Further information and annual reviews on specific programmes can be found on GOV.UK's Development Tracker.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
18th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to the Egyptian authorities on allowing Alaa Abd el-Fattah to travel to the UK.

The government welcomes Alaa Abd El-Fattah's release from prison on 23 September 2025, following a Presidential pardon. We continue to press at the highest levels with the Egyptian government for his urgent return to the UK, including in a call between the Prime Minister and President Sisi on 18 November, and between the Foreign Secretary and the Egyptian Foreign Minister on 20 November.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
18th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of the security situation in Mali following reports of Jamat Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin encircling Bamako and imposing a fuel blockade; and what steps she is taking to ensure the safety and departure of British nationals to leave the country.

The continued terrorist fuel blockade is deeply concerning for Mali, and for the wider region, and we condemn its impact on civilians. The Foreign Secretary wrote to Foreign Minister Diop on 6 November, and the Minister for International Development and Africa spoke to him on 10 November, encouraging him to cooperate closely with all West African partners to address this shared challenge.

The UK works with Malian institutions and society to address fragility and support regional stability. Last year, we invested over £35 million in Mali through our regional overseas development assistance programmes. This year, we plan to spend £170 million in the Sahel region, to address the drivers of conflict and provide humanitarian support.

On 30 October, we advised British nationals to leave Mali urgently by commercial means. No British nationals have requested support during this period, but our consular assistance remains available around the clock, and we continue to update Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Travel Advice as necessary.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
19th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the territorial expansion of Jamat Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin across the Sahel on the group’s capacity to destabilise neighbouring states, disrupt regional supply lines, and undermine international security efforts in West Africa.

The continued terrorist fuel blockade is deeply concerning for Mali, and for the wider region, and we condemn its impact on civilians. The Foreign Secretary wrote to Foreign Minister Diop on 6 November, and the Minister for International Development and Africa spoke to him on 10 November, encouraging him to cooperate closely with all West African partners to address this shared challenge.

The UK works with Malian institutions and society to address fragility and support regional stability. Last year, we invested over £35 million in Mali through our regional overseas development assistance programmes. This year, we plan to spend £170 million in the Sahel region, to address the drivers of conflict and provide humanitarian support.

On 30 October, we advised British nationals to leave Mali urgently by commercial means. No British nationals have requested support during this period, but our consular assistance remains available around the clock, and we continue to update Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Travel Advice as necessary.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
19th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of Russian mercenary groups operating in Mali on efforts to counter Islamist insurgencies; and what potential implications this has for the UK’s wider strategy towards countering Russian influence operations on the African continent.

The continued terrorist fuel blockade is deeply concerning for Mali, and for the wider region, and we condemn its impact on civilians. The Foreign Secretary wrote to Foreign Minister Diop on 6 November, and the Minister for International Development and Africa spoke to him on 10 November, encouraging him to cooperate closely with all West African partners to address this shared challenge.

The UK works with Malian institutions and society to address fragility and support regional stability. Last year, we invested over £35 million in Mali through our regional overseas development assistance programmes. This year, we plan to spend £170 million in the Sahel region, to address the drivers of conflict and provide humanitarian support.

On 30 October, we advised British nationals to leave Mali urgently by commercial means. No British nationals have requested support during this period, but our consular assistance remains available around the clock, and we continue to update Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Travel Advice as necessary.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
19th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of extending the blockade affecting Mali to other essential goods on civilian populations; and whether the Government is providing, or planning to provide, support to assist vulnerable communities in Mali and the surrounding region.

The continued terrorist fuel blockade is deeply concerning for Mali, and for the wider region, and we condemn its impact on civilians. The Foreign Secretary wrote to Foreign Minister Diop on 6 November, and the Minister for International Development and Africa spoke to him on 10 November, encouraging him to cooperate closely with all West African partners to address this shared challenge.

The UK works with Malian institutions and society to address fragility and support regional stability. Last year, we invested over £35 million in Mali through our regional overseas development assistance programmes. This year, we plan to spend £170 million in the Sahel region, to address the drivers of conflict and provide humanitarian support.

On 30 October, we advised British nationals to leave Mali urgently by commercial means. No British nationals have requested support during this period, but our consular assistance remains available around the clock, and we continue to update Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Travel Advice as necessary.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
19th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of reports of (a) modern-day slavery and (b) bonded labour in the brick kiln, agriculture and domestic service sectors in Pakistan.

I refer the Rt Hon. Member to the answer given on 26 November to question 91957.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)