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
Monday 5th January 2026
Venezuela
Commons Chamber
Select Committee Docs
Wednesday 31st December 2025
15:40
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
Tuesday 6th January 2026
Ukraine: Children
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent diplomatic steps she has taken to …
Secondary Legislation
Tuesday 16th December 2025
Central African Republic (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
These Regulations are made under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (c. 13) to amend the Central African Republic …
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
Tuesday 6th January 2026
19:09

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
Dec. 02
Oral Questions
Dec. 16
Urgent Questions
Dec. 17
Written Statements
Dec. 10
Westminster Hall
Jan. 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 are made under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (c. 13) to amend the Central African Republic (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/616) (“the CAR Regulations”). These amendments are being made to ensure compliance with the UK’s UN obligations, specifically to ensure changes made by the UN Security Resolution 2745 (2024) (as extended by Resolution 2789 (2025)), in relation to the Central African Republic, are reflected.
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).
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).

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Petitions with most signatures
Petition Debates Contributed
198,966
Petition Closed
28 Jul 2025
closed 5 months, 1 week ago

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: Upcoming Events
Foreign Affairs Committee - Oral evidence
Disinformation diplomacy: How malign actors are seeking to undermine democracy
13 Jan 2026, 10 a.m.
View calendar - Save to Calendar
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 Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she had with her French counterpart on nuclear support to NATO.

The Foreign Secretary regularly speaks to her French counterpart, including on matters relating to NATO defence. The NATO Strategic Concept states that the independent strategic nuclear forces of the United Kingdom and France have a deterrent role of their own and contribute significantly to the overall security of the Alliance. The UK and French separate centres of decision-making contribute to deterrence by complicating the calculations of potential adversaries.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
18th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her Hungarian counterparts on LGBTQ+ human rights.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer given on 24 July 2025 to question 68978. I can assure him that we raise issues concerning LGBT+ rights and human rights regularly at ministerial and official level with our Hungarian counterparts, and I have done so directly. Our Embassy in Budapest also works to support human rights, including LGBT+ rights in Hungary through engagement with civil society organisations locally.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
18th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her Hungarian counterparts on the potential prosecution of Pecs Pride organiser Géza Buzás-Hábel.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer given on 24 July 2025 to question 68978. I can assure him that we raise issues concerning LGBT+ rights and human rights regularly at ministerial and official level with our Hungarian counterparts, and I have done so directly. Our Embassy in Budapest also works to support human rights, including LGBT+ rights in Hungary through engagement with civil society organisations locally.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Dec 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 Russia sending Ukrainian children to camps in North Korea; and if she will have discussions with her NATO counterparts on demanding the return of those children back to Ukraine.

These reports are highly alarming and would represent a further concerning aspect of the deepening relationship between Russia and North Korea. As the Foreign Secretary said to the House on 15 October, the kidnapping and forcible deportation of almost 20,000 Ukrainian children by Russia is one of the most disturbing aspects of this war, and we will continue to do all we can to support the return of those children, as well as monitoring the latest reports on their whereabouts and treatment.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent diplomatic steps she has taken to help return Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 20 October 2025 in response to Question 80930, and I would add that - on 3 December - the UK co-sponsored a UN General Assembly resolution for the 'Return of Ukrainian Children'.

I also refer the Hon Member to the answers provided by the Foreign Secretary during departmental questions on 2 December.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Government has made representations to the Government of Bahrain on the detention and health of Hassan Mushaima and Abduljalil al-Singace.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided in the House of Lords on 15 July in response to Question HL8922, which - for ease of reference - is reproduced below:

The UK regularly engages with the Government of Bahrain and, where appropriate, the independent oversight bodies on a range of human rights and governance matters - those with broader societal impact and individual cases. This has included the cases of Abduljalil al-Singace and Hasan Mushaima. The UK remains committed to supporting reforms in Bahrain.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
18th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what information her Department holds on the number of trucks of aid entering Gaza since the establishment of the Civil Military Coordination Center from (a) the UN and (b) other sources.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Ministry of Defence are in regular contact with UK staff in the US-led Civil Military Coordination Centre to ensure that UK expertise can support the US-led planning efforts for Gaza post-conflict stability. The specific data the Rt Hon Member has requested on aid trucks is not centrally held by the FCDO.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
18th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has held direct discussions with (a) General Frank, (b) British representatives and (c) representatives from other countries at the Civil Military Coordination Center.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Ministry of Defence are in regular contact with UK staff in the US-led Civil Military Coordination Centre to ensure that UK expertise can support the US-led planning efforts for Gaza post-conflict stability. The specific data the Rt Hon Member has requested on aid trucks is not centrally held by the FCDO.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
2nd Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to implement the recommendations of the People's Tribunal of Women of Afghanistan's judgement of 11 December 2025.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 21 October in response to Question 81211.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
2nd Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of the political situation in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The UK shares a close, historic relationship with St Vincent and the Grenadines, and we look forward to that relationship continuing under Prime Minister Friday's newly-elected Government.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
2nd Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness and adequacy of British support for the clean up in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa.

I refer the Hon Member to the written ministerial statement on the Government response to Hurricane Melissa published on 11 December 2025 (HCWS1159).

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
18th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has held direct discussions with representatives from the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories.

The Foreign Secretary is in regular contact with her Israeli counterpart, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar. She has not held direct discussions with Major General Alian or any of his staff.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of the humanitarian situation in Pakistan.

The Minister of State for International Development discussed the humanitarian situation in Pakistan during her visit to the country in early December. In a press release following her trip, she said: "Pakistan is also a country suffering the devastating consequences of climate change, with extreme flooding putting lives at risk, stifling economic growth, and damaging key infrastructure. British expertise will help Pakistan strengthen its adaptation to climate change, its resilience to extreme weather events, and the speed of its response and recovery when crises occur."

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
15th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of the findings of the November 2025 IMPACT-se review of the 2025-26 Palestinian Authority school curriculum on incitement and antisemitism.

I refer the Hon Member to the answers provided on 18 November to Question 88033, and on 16 December to Question 98592. In addition, it should be noted that the UK does not fund any educational material issued by the Palestinian Authority. We provide support to United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, which is accompanied with stringent attention to implementation of their neutrality policy, including how they apply this to textbooks.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
15th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether there are any conditions applied to funding support for education in the Palestinian Authority.

I refer the Hon Member to the answers provided on 18 November to Question 88033, and on 16 December to Question 98592. In addition, it should be noted that the UK does not fund any educational material issued by the Palestinian Authority. We provide support to United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, which is accompanied with stringent attention to implementation of their neutrality policy, including how they apply this to textbooks.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with representatives of the Palestinian Authority on reports that the Palestinian school curriculum includes incitement and antisemitism.

I refer the Hon Member to the answers provided on 18 November to Question 88033, and on 16 December to Question 98592. In addition, it should be noted that the UK does not fund any educational material issued by the Palestinian Authority. We provide support to United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, which is accompanied with stringent attention to implementation of their neutrality policy, including how they apply this to textbooks.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how her Department has responded to aid requests from representatives of Palestine; and how much direct aid the UK Government has provided to Palestine since October 2023.

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

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 12 November 2025 to Question 85800, if she will publish a formal response to the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion of 19 July 2024 on the legal consequences of Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories.

I refer the Hon Member to the previous answer cited in his question.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
18th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues, Football authorities and the Football Association on the potential visa requirements of the US government to provide information about their social media activity in the last 5 years for people travelling to watch the world cup.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is working across Government and with sporting bodies to support UK fans travelling to matches for the FIFA World Cup in 2026. The FCDO is in contact with US authorities to ensure we have the latest information on immigration rules, and we encourage those travelling to the US to consult our USA (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/entry-requirements) and World Cup (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/world-cup-2026) travel advice pages before making travel arrangements.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
18th Dec 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the merits of ratifying the Ljubljana-Hague convention; and what steps they are taking to ensure that they can cooperate with other states on mutual legal assistance in relation to investigating and prosecuting international crimes.

The UK is firmly committed to the rule of law and ending impunity for the most serious international crimes. It is of fundamental importance that issues of domestic and international accountability continue to be discussed seriously and collaboratively by the international community.

The UK already has well-established legal frameworks to facilitate international co-operation on the investigation and prosecution of international crimes and we are committed to continuing to work with international partners to this end. The UK was an active participant at the Ljubljana-Hague Convention negotiations in 2023, where we made it clear that we needed further time to review the Convention text, including to consider how ratification might impact on the UK's cooperation in this area. To date, only one country has ratified the Convention.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
16th Dec 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the Myanmar military's reported airstrike on a hospital in Mrauk-U, Rakhine State, on the night of 10 December, killing a reported 34 people; and what steps they have taken in response.

I refer the Noble Baroness to the answer provided on 12 November in response to Question HL11464, and I would add that the Minister for the Indo-Pacific commented on this airstrike on 11 December, urging an end to attacks on civilians, and that the UK remains determined to ensure that those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law in Myanmar will be held to account.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
17th Dec 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer from Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 17 December (HL12793), whether they will now answer the question put: namely whether Lord Mandelson received any severance payment at the conclusion of his role as Ambassador to the United States.

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer cited in his question.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
17th Dec 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what publicity British embassies worldwide are undertaking to make clear the illegality of female genital mutilation in the UK.

The UK has a zero-tolerance approach for all forms of female genital mutilation (FGM) including medicalisation. There is no medical justification for FGM in any circumstances.

The Government's new strategy for tackling Violence against Women and Girls, published on 18 December, sets out the actions we are taking against so-called honour-based violence in the UK, including FGM. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office will play its full part in the implementation of that strategy, including ensuring that our posts around the world are communicating its contents as appropriate through their work in each country.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
17th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many full-time equivalent staff in her Department have been employed for the purpose of making social media content in each of the last three years.

Due to the difficulty of disaggregating the number of staff who work on social media from staff who work on broader digital communications, it is not possible to provide the requested data in response to this question.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 20 November to Question 92039 on Embassies: Tolls, if she will publish the data on all outstanding debts; and what steps she is taking to recover outstanding congestion charge debts by embassies.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has published the relevant data on outstanding debts in the same level of detail as it was published under the previous government. In terms of the steps being taken to recover those debts, I refer the Hon Member to the opening paragraph of the written ministerial statement (UIN HCWS1076) laid in the House on 19 November.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Dec 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the humanitarian impact of (1) actual and (2) planned reductions in Official Development Assistance.

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 8 December in response to Question HL12253.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
18th Dec 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to address gender apartheid and gender persecution in Afghanistan; what steps they are taking to support Afghan women and girls in the country; and what assessment they have made of how this assistance is affected by any cuts to UK overseas development assistance.

I refer the Noble Baroness to the answer provided in the House of Commons on 21 October in response to Question 81211, which - for ease of reference - is reproduced below:

The Government condemns the Taliban's appalling repression of Afghan women and girls. Officials regularly engage with the Taliban on UK Government priorities, including human rights. The Government is working with international partners to maintain collective pressure on the Taliban to reverse their inhuman restrictions.

The UK strongly opposes the death penalty in all countries as a matter of principle, and in all circumstances, including through UN and Human Rights Council resolutions.

In October, the UK Special Envoy for Women and Girls and the UK Special Envoy to Afghanistan met Afghan women leaders. Upholding the human rights of all Afghans is not only a moral imperative, but essential for building a stable, inclusive, and prosperous country.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
18th Dec 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking, in addition to humanitarian assistance, to prevent atrocities in Sudan.

Further to my statement on Sudan on 19 November, and my remarks in the House of Lords debate on 27 November, the Government took direct action on 12 December to sanction senior commanders of the Rapid Support Forces suspected of involvement in the atrocities committed in El Fasher, Sudan, including mass killings, systematic sexual violence and deliberate attacks on civilians. This sends a clear message that those who commit and orchestrate these crimes will be held to account, and reflects our determination to prevent and deter further atrocities.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
17th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps she is taking to help ensure (a) unrestricted humanitarian access across the country and (b) the protection of humanitarian and aid workers in Sudan.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement on Sudan made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 18 November 2025, and to the most recent Urgent Question debate on 15 December 2025, where these issues were addressed at length.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help bring about a ceasefire in Sudan.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement on Sudan made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 18 November 2025, and to the most recent Urgent Question debate on 15 December 2025, where these issues were addressed at length.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps she is taking to ensure that evidence gathered by the UN-mandated inquiry into alleged atrocities in Sudan can support future accountability mechanisms, including international courts.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 18 November 2025, and to the most recent Urgent Question debate on 15 December 2025, setting out the steps the UK is taking to ensure accountability for atrocities committed in Sudan. Achieving peace, humanitarian relief and accountability in Sudan are key priorities for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and our work on those issues is resourced accordingly.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the resources currently allocated by her Department to Sudan-related (a) diplomatic and (b) atrocity-prevention work.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 18 November 2025, and to the most recent Urgent Question debate on 15 December 2025, setting out the steps the UK is taking to ensure accountability for atrocities committed in Sudan. Achieving peace, humanitarian relief and accountability in Sudan are key priorities for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and our work on those issues is resourced accordingly.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
18th Dec 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government whether the conviction of Jimmy Lai represents a breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration.

I refer the Noble Lord to the statement given to the House on 17 December 2025 on the conviction of Jimmy Lai, and to the responses in the subsequent debate, where such issues were addressed.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
18th Dec 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the (1) government of China, and (2) authorities in Hong Kong, regarding the admission of evidence obtained through the reported torture of Andy Li and cited during the trial of Jimmy Lai.

I refer the Noble Lord to the statement given to the House on 17 December 2025 on the conviction of Jimmy Lai, and to the responses in the subsequent debate, where such issues were addressed.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
18th Dec 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration the Prime Minister has given to delaying his official visit to China in January until Jimmy Lai has been released from prison.

I refer the Noble Lord to the statement given to the House on 17 December 2025 on the conviction of Jimmy Lai, and to the responses in the subsequent debate, where such issues were addressed.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
18th Dec 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 17 December (HL12825), whether they have undertaken a study of the merits of the UK joining the European Development Bank; if so (1) when this was, and (2) whether a report of the study was laid before Parliament; and if not, why not.

No such study has been commissioned under the current Government, and it would not be appropriate for me to ask officials what advice, if any, was provided under the previous administration.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
16th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, which (a) Minister and (b) official demarched the Chinese Ambassador following the verdict on Jimmy Lai.

As the Foreign Secretary confirmed in Parliament in her Oral Statement on 15 December 2025, the Chinese Ambassador was summoned to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.  A senior official condemned the politically motivated prosecution of Jimmy Lai that has resulted in this guilty verdict and urged that Lai be released immediately.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK's Africa Approach launch on 15 December 2025, which areas her department will prioritise when expanding trade opportunities.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement published on 15 December (UIN HCWS1168) setting out our commitment to unlock investment and trade with our African partners. We will provide further updates in due course on specific priorities and initiatives arising from that commitment.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK's Africa Approach launch on 15 December 2025, what plans her department has to develop new trade agreements with African nations the UK does not have agreements with.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement published on 15 December (UIN HCWS1168) setting out our commitment to unlock investment and trade with our African partners. We will provide further updates in due course on specific priorities and initiatives arising from that commitment.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK's Africa Approach launch on 15 December 2025, whether her department intends to renegotiate any of the existing trade agreements with African nations to better reflect the government's new approach.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement published on 15 December (UIN HCWS1168) setting out our commitment to unlock investment and trade with our African partners. We will provide further updates in due course on specific priorities and initiatives arising from that commitment.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK's Africa Approach launch on 15 December 2025, which a) nations and b) sectors the British International Investment and UK Export Finance will prioritise under the new approach.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement published on 15 December (UIN HCWS1168) setting out our commitment to unlock investment and trade with our African partners. We will provide further updates in due course on specific priorities and initiatives arising from that commitment.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK's Africa Approach launch on 15 December 2025, what proportion of UK Official Development Assistance to Africa is expected to be delivered through investment vehicles rather than grant funding in each of the next three financial years.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement published on 15 December (UIN HCWS1168) setting out our commitment to unlock investment and trade with our African partners. We will provide further updates in due course on specific priorities and initiatives arising from that commitment.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK's Africa Approach launch on 15 December 2025, what specific support the UK is providing to African small and medium-sized enterprises to enable them to benefit from UK-Africa trade initiatives.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement published on 15 December (UIN HCWS1168) setting out our commitment to unlock investment and trade with our African partners. We will provide further updates in due course on specific priorities and initiatives arising from that commitment.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK's Africa Approach launch on 15 December 2025, how the Developing Countries Trading Scheme is being adapted to align with the Government’s new Africa strategy.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement published on 15 December (UIN HCWS1168) setting out our commitment to unlock investment and trade with our African partners. We will provide further updates in due course on specific priorities and initiatives arising from that commitment.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK's Africa Approach launch on 15 December 2025, what changes, if any, are being considered to visa processes for African business travellers and researchers as part of the Global Partner Programme.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement published on 15 December (UIN HCWS1168) setting out our commitment to unlock investment and trade with our African partners. We will provide further updates in due course on specific priorities and initiatives arising from that commitment.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK's Africa Approach launch on 15 December 2025, which African nations did her department meet with representatives from during the "listening exercise".

I refer the Hon Member to the summary of consultation responses published on 2 June 2025, which can be found on GOV.UK at this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-uks-new-approach-to-africa-summary-of-consultation/the-uks-new-approach-to-africa-summary-of-consultation-june-2025

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK's Africa Approach launch on 15 December 2025, whether she will provide a breakdown of the sectors covered by the 600 organisations consulted with.

I refer the Hon Member to the summary of consultation responses published on 2 June 2025, which can be found on GOV.UK at this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-uks-new-approach-to-africa-summary-of-consultation/the-uks-new-approach-to-africa-summary-of-consultation-june-2025

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK's Africa Approach launch on 15 December 2025, what approach her department took to determine suitable organisations to consult with.

I refer the Hon Member to the summary of consultation responses published on 2 June 2025, which can be found on GOV.UK at this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-uks-new-approach-to-africa-summary-of-consultation/the-uks-new-approach-to-africa-summary-of-consultation-june-2025

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
11th Dec 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of the Republic of Ireland regarding establishing an inquiry similar to the Operation Kenova inquiry in relation to cross-border collusion.

The Joint Framework agreed by the UK and Ireland contains clear commitments by the Irish Government on legacy, including to facilitate the fullest possible cooperation of the Irish authorities with a reformed Legacy Commission. This will assist many families whose cases involve cross-border activity where information may be held in Ireland.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)