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.
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)
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)
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Although China is the UK’s fifth largest trading partner, the UK Government has, in recent years, described China as an …
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 28 January 2025 …
This Order approves the making of payments on behalf of the Government of the United Kingdom to the Caribbean Development …
A Bill to make provision for and in connection with the implementation by the United Kingdom of the Agreement under …
21:55
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
Bills currently before Parliament
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not have Bills currently before Parliament
Acts of Parliament created in the 2024 Parliament
A Bill to make provision for and in connection with the implementation by the United Kingdom of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction.
This Bill received Royal Assent on 12th February 2026 and was enacted into law.
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).
(14,745 in the last 7 days)
(2,045 in the last 7 days)
(906 in the last 7 days)
(315 in the last 7 days)
(14,745 in the last 7 days)
(72 in the last 7 days)
(2,045 in the last 7 days)
(11 in the last 7 days)
Petition Closed
Urgently fulfil humanitarian obligations to Gaza
Gov Responded - 8 Aug 2025 Debated on - 24 Nov 2025closed 7 months 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.
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
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 11th September 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 16th December 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 16th December 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 27th October 2025
Foreign Affairs Committee: Upcoming Events
Disinformation diplomacy: How malign actors are seeking to undermine democracy
9 Mar 2026, 1 p.m.
At 2:00pm: Oral evidence
Ali Law - Director of Public Policy for Northern Europe at TikTok
David Agranovich - Director of Global Threat Disruption at Meta
Wifredo Fernández - Head of Americas, Global Government Affairs at X Corp.
View calendar - Save to Calendar
Foreign Affairs Committee - Private Meeting
10 Mar 2026, 10 a.m.
View calendar - Save to Calendar
Foreign Affairs Committee: 17 Current Inquiries
Foreign Affairs Committee: Previous Inquiries
50 most recent Written Questions
(View all written questions)NHS medical equipment is owned and managed by individual NHS trusts and organisations, which are responsible for decisions on reuse, disposal or donation under their own governance, safety and regulatory arrangements. Where equipment is donated overseas, this is typically undertaken on a small‑scale basis through direct institutional relationships rather than government‑led schemes.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
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. Our Embassy in Mexico remains in regular contact with the Mexican Federal and State Governments. We are closely monitoring the situation and keep travel advice under regular review to ensure it reflects the latest assessment of risk to British nationals. We encourage those travelling to Mexico to consult our Mexico (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mexico/entry-requirements) and World Cup (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mexico/world-cup-2026) travel advice pages before making travel arrangements.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the response provided on 4 March 2025 to Question 33140.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the national conversation will be a multi-year engagement designed to embed a whole-of-society approach, where Government, businesses, and the public all play a part in strengthening our resilience. This addresses the risks we face, including threats below and above the threshold of an armed attack. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is actively supporting this work, driving international engagement to tackle global threats to the UK's national security.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi
(Labour - Slough)
As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, the national conversation will be a multi-year engagement designed to embed a whole-of-society approach, where Government, businesses, and the public all play a part in strengthening our resilience. This addresses the risks we face, including threats below and above the threshold of an armed attack. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is actively supporting this work, driving international engagement to tackle global threats to the UK's national security.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Government is responsible for devolved matters, including the Howard Hamilton International Airport redevelopment. Officials from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office are in close contact with TCI Government to understand their decision and stand ready to offer our support to ensure value for money and transparent procurement.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer provided on 12 February 2026 in response to Question 109960.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK remains deeply concerned by the ongoing reports of severe persecution in North Korea for those adopting or practicing religion. We welcomed North Korea's participation in the UN Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review's fourth cycle (in November 2024) and continue to urge North Korea to take concrete actions to fulfil its commitment to implement the accepted recommendations. We will continue to raise human rights issues with North Korean officials bilaterally and in multilateral fora, including to allow independent civil society organisations immediate and unhindered access to the country.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office works closely with relevant Ministers across government on the UK's international work to promote human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the protection of LGBT+ people from violence and persecution. The Government is currently reviewing its approach to Special Envoy roles as part of its wider consideration of how best to advance its international human rights priorities.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon. Member to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12 February, the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, and Oral Statement on the 23 February which set out an update on the Government's process. We will set out further details in due course. The Government wishes to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
As stated in previous answers, the Government does not provide core funding for BBC Monitoring which is a matter for the BBC. However, when specific pieces of work are commissioned by Government, they are fully funded.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The Civil Service Code and the Civil Service Management Code are already publicly-available on GOV.UK.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the answer he received on 9 February in response to Question 108102.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The appointment in question was approved by the previous Foreign Secretary and the Prime Minister after a fair and merit-based competitive process, in line with the standard approach to SCS3 level Permanent Representative appointments.
Minister of State (Development)
Calum Miller
(Liberal Democrat - Bicester and Woodstock)
The Hon Member's questions were answered on 3 March 2026.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK is committed to standing up for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) globally. No one should live in fear because of what they do or do not believe in. We will work to uphold the right to Freedom of Religious Belief through our position at the UN, G7 and other multilateral fora and in our bilateral work.
Our Embassy in Astana works actively with local non-governmental organisations in Kazakhstan to support interfaith dialogue and engage authorities in constructive negotiations with religious groups. The Embassy has hosted four events in the last 12 months, bringing together representatives of a variety of majority and minority religious groups, alongside international organisations, and state bodies. The resulting recommendations are under review by government. The UK will continue to be a leading voice in support of Freedom of Religion and Belief in Kazakhstan.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 6 November 2025 in response to Question 87175.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
No. We continue to engage with all relevant parties in support of the UN-led process to achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution, based on compromise, which conforms with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including the principle of respect for self-determination. The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office continues to engage extensively with the Moroccan government to request expanded details on its 2007 autonomy proposal.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The Rt Hon Member would not expect me to comment on a live police investigation, but the Government will obviously assist the police in any way they require.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The Rt Hon Member would not expect me to comment on a live police investigation, but the Government will obviously assist the police in any way they require.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The Government of Anguilla is responsible for devolved matters. UK Government officials including in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office play an ongoing role supporting our Overseas Territories to pursue sustainable economic and fiscal strategies.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Regarding items of correspondence, the requested information could only be accurately collated and verified for the purposes of answering this question at disproportionate cost.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has committed to provide technical assistance to signatories of the Global Charter on Children's Care Reform, where needed, to support the development and implementation of national children's care reform commitments. This technical assistance can support activities such as developing national care reform strategies and action plans, strengthening laws and policies, building the capacity of the children's social care workforce, improving data and monitoring systems, and supporting the transition from institutional to family‑based care.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK closely monitored the trial of Kwok Yin-sang, and British diplomats attended his verdict on 11 February. This Government will not tolerate any attempts by foreign governments to coerce, intimidate, harass, or harm their critics overseas. We have raised our concerns regarding the Hong Kong Police's use of arrest warrants and bounties directly with the Hong Kong authorities, and officials engage frequently with like-minded international partners about these issues.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Gareth Thomas
(Labour (Co-op) - Harrow West)
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has no such plans.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
John Hayes
(Conservative - South Holland and The Deepings)
I refer the Rt Hon Member to the Cabinet Office guidance on the use of non-corporate communication channels, published under the previous government, on 30 March 2023: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/non-corporate-communication-channels-for-government-business.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Dr Turner was appointed following an open, fair and competitive recruitment process.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the answer cited in his question.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
As the Hon Member knows, the decision on the planning application was made by the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government independent from the rest of Government in line with his quasi-judicial role.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the statement made by the Security Minister on 20 January.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the statement made by the Security Minister on 20 January.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Richard Holden
(Conservative - Basildon and Billericay)
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office does not hold or collate the information requested. The Motor Vehicle Tyres (Safety) Regulations 1994, set out requirements for re-treaded tyres, as well as brand new tyres. Consumers can be confident in the safety of any tyre that complies with these requirements.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
We welcome the progress made towards delivery of the EU's €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan: this will be critical to meeting Ukraine's pressing needs. The loan's regulation also makes clear financing may be used by Ukraine to assist in the financing of compensation, as a form of reparations, to those individuals who have suffered damage from the illegal actions of Russia. This includes cases through the Claims Commission for Ukraine established under the auspices of the Council of Europe, of which the UK is a signatory. We remain committed to accountability and the principle that Russia should pay for the damage it has caused. We will continue to coordinate with G7 and EU partners to ensure that Ukraine gets the funding it needs.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 9 December 2025 in response to Question 95975.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Stephen Gethins
(Scottish National Party - Arbroath and Broughty Ferry)
The Foreign Secretary has recently concluded the process of updating the FCDO’s priorities for the next financial year, alongside the department’s senior management team. The Foreign Secretary will write to the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee shortly setting out the conclusions of that process, and we look forward to making progress on the updated list of priorities over the year ahead.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Along with several other countries, we have raised concerns about a series of comments made by the Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Ministers have raised these concerns directly with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the UK has asked that the comments of the Special Rapporteur be urgently investigated against the Code of Conduct for her post, and for action to be taken to restore the confidence of the international community in the independence and objectivity of this important role.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
This would not be a matter for the UK Government, but I thank the Hon Member for his commitment to the Ukrainian cause, and he may wish to consider writing to the Costa Rican and Ukrainian ambassadors so they can jointly consider his suggestion.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Further action against Russia's shadow fleet is critical to increasing economic pressure on Russia's war machine. We are also clear on the need to crack down on the dangerous and illicit practises that are employed by these vessels to evade sanctions and international safety and environmental rules. The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office has worked closely with other departments to increase pressure across the entirety of shadow fleet operations, and we will continue to consider what further actions we can take, in accordance with the UN Convention Of the Law of the Sea.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Immigration crime is an international problem, and it can only be solved through international cooperation.
That is why we have worked to develop agreements with France, Germany and Italy and others to break the business model of the criminal gangs, and why we are working upstream in Iraq, the Balkans, Ethiopia and elsewhere to disrupt smuggling supply chains, and reduce the drivers of illegal migration.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK should be proud of the progress made in international development this century. But the world has changed, and so must we. With less money, we must make choices and focus on greater impact
The Global Health Workforce Programme, led by the Department of Health and Social Care and delivered by organisations including Global Health Partnerships, is closing at the end of March 2026.
Efforts are being made with delivery partners to ensure the sustainability of projects beyond the programme’s lifetime.
We remain committed to international development and will continue to support countries to build resilient, sustainable health systems.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Last week, the Foreign Secretary visited Kyiv on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, where she announced £5 million of UK funding to support justice and accountability for victims and survivors of alleged Russian war crimes.
Together with First Lady Olena Zelenska, the Foreign Secretary met organisations that supported returned Ukrainian children from Russia, and a mother who was separated and now returned to her children.
I raised this issue in my statements to the UN on the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion on 24 February and hosted a lunch with Ministerial counterparts whilst there to drive forward action on this key issue.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
All export licence applications are assessed for the risk of diversion and are kept under careful and continual review. We have recently reviewed over 2,000 licences for the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The risk of diversion is complex and is the single biggest reason export licences are refused. We regularly refuse licences, including to the UAE, for this reason.
We carefully review any reports we receive, but to date, there is no evidence of UK weapons or ammunition being used in Sudan.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Since the ceasefire, aid flows have increased and more crossings are partially reopened, but the level of need cannot be met unless more restrictions are lifted.
Medical equipment, components for field hospitals and basic shelter items must be allowed to enter to alleviate suffering.
We continue to raise with Israel, the US and regional partners the immediate requirement to lift restrictions on aid.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The Palestinian Authority has committed publicly to the principle of non-violence, including a new social security system that will ensure future welfare payments are needs-based and delinked from violent actions.
An independent audit has been commissioned to verify the implementation of these and other reform commitments, and we will review the results when it is published.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The Government is modernising its approach to development, moving from donors to investors, from delivering services to supporting systems, from providing grants to utilising our expertise, and from international interventions to supporting local solutions.
Country-led and community-led partnerships are at the heart of this approach, and we recognise the important contribution that cooperatives make to the prosperity of local communities, such as those in Zambia and Nepal working to improve smallholder farmers' access to markets, with the support of the UK.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the Prime Minister's statement to the House on 2 February, and to the responses provided in the Private Notice Question debate held in the House of Lords on the same date.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
It is for the United States to set its own security and defence policy, as it is for any government.
However, there are many issues and initiatives where we share common objectives with the US, ranging from the AUKUS treaty and our joint work on critical minerals, to the ongoing efforts to secure peace and stability in Gaza, Sudan and Syria.
We will continue to work with our closest partner to pursue those and other shared goals.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Providing consular support is a vital public service, with more than 20,000 British people given tailored assistance each year.
We are continually investing in improvements, including integration of AI to improve efficiency, alongside staff training and crisis exercising to give a better service.
We are determined to reassure families that their voices are heard, which is why Ministers have held well over 20 meetings with the families of Brits detained abroad, and continually raise their cases with foreign governments at the highest levels.
In the last full financial year, the FCDO answered over 400,000 requests for consular support from British nationals overseas, and provided more tailored assistance in over 22,000 cases, including support for the families of more than 6,000 British nationals who had died overseas, and 3,500 who had been hospitalised.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK continues to use its penholder role at the UN Security Council (UNSC) to shine a spotlight on the Myanmar crisis, and condemn airstrikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure, in meetings attended by China and other Security Council members. Details of the UNSC meeting convened by the UK on 22 December 2025 can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/elections-under-the-current-circumstances-in-myanmar-risk-provoking-further-violence-uk-statement-on-myanmar
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)