Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

On 11 September, the UK's Permanent Representative to the UN, Dame Barbara Woodward, condemned Israel's strikes on Doha as a "flagrant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Qatar," warning of the risk of further escalation. The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have both expressed grave concern over the incident, reaffirming UK solidarity with Qatar and calling for de-escalation. Since taking office, this Government has announced three packages of sanctions in relation to Israel/Palestine. In June we imposed sanctions on Israeli Cabinet Ministers Smotrich and Ben Gvir, in their personal capacity for inciting violence towards Palestinians, while the previous rounds targeted individuals, illegal settler outposts and organisations perpetrating and supporting violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank.

We are deeply concerned by the latest incident of two British MPs being denied entry to the State of Palestine by Israel. The Minister for the Middle East and officials were in contact with the MPs affected throughout. The Government has been clear with the Israeli authorities that this is no way to treat British parliamentarians.

The UK has repeatedly made representations to the Israeli government to ensure that humanitarian workers are protected, medical and aid workers can do their jobs safely and to clamp down on settler violence and expansion. Working with our Australian counterparts, we developed the political Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel which launched at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 21 and secured endorsement from 105 states. On 3 October, the Foreign Secretary spoke to Foreign Minister Sa'ar and pressed him on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, among other matters. We will continue our engagement and keep these issues under review.

I refer the Noble Baroness to my answer of 7 October to question HL10739.

We were horrified by the repeated reports of civilians being killed or injured while seeking humanitarian aid near distribution points in Gaza, and we are consistently reminding our Israeli counterparts that international law requires the protection of healthcare workers, journalists and civilians. We continue to work with partners, including the UN, United States and Israel, to ensure that civilians across Gaza are protected and the safe delivery of humanitarian aid is facilitated, most recently in the Foreign Secretary's discussions at the UN General Assembly meetings in New York and in a call with Israeli Foreign Minister Sa'ar on 3 October.

There is already guidance on gov.uk setting out the clear risks related to economic and financial activities in the settlements, and we do not encourage or offer support to such activity. Goods originating from illegal Israeli settlements are not entitled to tariff and trade preferences under either the existing agreement between the UK and Israel or in our agreement with the Palestinian Authority.

Journalists and media workers play an important role in sharing the devastating reality of war with the global public and the Government opposes all attempts to restrict press freedom and block entry to journalists during conflicts. On 21 August, the UK joined a Media Freedom Coalition statement urging Israel to allow immediate media access to independent foreign media and afford protection for journalists working in Gaza.

Journalists and media workers play an important role in sharing the devastating reality of war with the global public and the Government opposes all attempts to restrict press freedom and block entry to journalists during conflicts. On 21 August, the UK joined a Media Freedom Coalition statement urging Israel to allow immediate media access to independent foreign media and afford protection for journalists working in Gaza.

Journalists and media workers play an important role in sharing the devastating reality of war with the global public and the Government opposes all attempts to restrict press freedom and block entry to journalists during conflicts. On 21 August, the UK joined a Media Freedom Coalition statement urging Israel to allow immediate media access to independent foreign media and afford protection for journalists working in Gaza.

Journalists and media workers play an important role in sharing the devastating reality of war with the global public and the Government opposes all attempts to restrict press freedom and block entry to journalists during conflicts. On 21 August, the UK joined a Media Freedom Coalition statement urging Israel to allow immediate media access to independent foreign media and afford protection for journalists working in Gaza.

The actions of the Russian State pose an acute and direct threat to the interests and national security of the UK and our allies. Russia continues to intensify its aggressive hybrid campaign, including sabotage, violence and cyber-attacks. We are working in partnership with our allies to deter and defend against the full spectrum of threats emanating from Russia.

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 23 September to Question HL10250.

The UK is committed to championing Freedom of Religion or Belief. We highlight this issue at the UN, via the G7 and as a member of the Article 18 Alliance. Our Embassy in Ashgabat has contact with representatives of different faith groups, as well as visiting UK faith representatives, to discuss issues they face in practicing their religion in Turkmenistan. In Turkmenistan's most recent UN Universal Periodic Review in 2023, the UK raised concerns about freedom of association. We continue to seek opportunities to raise concerns at the UN and other international fora, where appropriate.

In her statements confirming the UK's decision to recognise the State of Palestine, the Foreign Secretary has made clear that there can and will be no role for Hamas terrorists in the future governance of Gaza. She has also welcomed the unanimous declaration by the Arab League calling for Hamas to release all hostages, lay down its arms and relinquish all power in Gaza. Those goals will remain a priority for the UK Government as we work with international partners to progress efforts to secure a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, based on the two states of Israel and Palestine living securely side by side.

Recognition of Palestinian statehood is a political decision that is compliant with international law and has already been taken by a significant majority of UN member states. Taking into consideration the criteria for statehood set out in the Montevideo Convention and other relevant factors, we considered that there was a proper basis for the recognition of the Palestinian State, which was announced on 21 September.

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer of 7 October 2025 to question HL9967.

No assessment of those reports have been made, but we keep all such matters under review.

We have made repeated representations to the Government of Israel over the past month on humanitarian access, protection of healthcare, and protection of civilians, including in the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary's meetings on 10th September with President Herzog.

The UK continues to reiterate calls for Israel to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) unfettered and immediate access to detention facilities and continue to raise this with the Israeli government as a priority. The UK reaffirms our support for the ICRC as the only humanitarian actor with the experience, capability, independence and mandate to carry out their important responsibilities. We believe it is critical that the ICRC is given regular access to detainees to deliver on their independent visiting role, as enshrined within the 1949 Geneva Conventions.

The UK continues to reiterate calls for Israel to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) unfettered and immediate access to detention facilities and continue to raise this with the Israeli government as a priority. The UK reaffirms our support for the ICRC as the only humanitarian actor with the experience, capability, independence and mandate to carry out their important responsibilities. We believe it is critical that the ICRC is given regular access to detainees to deliver on their independent visiting role, as enshrined within the 1949 Geneva Conventions.

The UK continues to reiterate calls for Israel to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) unfettered and immediate access to detention facilities and continue to raise this with the Israeli government as a priority. The UK reaffirms our support for the ICRC as the only humanitarian actor with the experience, capability, independence and mandate to carry out their important responsibilities. We believe it is critical that the ICRC is given regular access to detainees to deliver on their independent visiting role, as enshrined within the 1949 Geneva Conventions.

The UK continues to reiterate calls for Israel to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) unfettered and immediate access to detention facilities and continue to raise this with the Israeli government as a priority. The UK reaffirms our support for the ICRC as the only humanitarian actor with the experience, capability, independence and mandate to carry out their important responsibilities. We believe it is critical that the ICRC is given regular access to detainees to deliver on their independent visiting role, as enshrined within the 1949 Geneva Conventions.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer of 15 September to Question 77707.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer of 15 September to Question 77707.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer of 15 September to Question 77707.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice remains under regular review to ensure it reflects our latest assessment of risks to British nationals. We include information about the risks from methanol poisoning or counterfeit alcohol in our Travel Advice pages for a range of countries, including Brazil, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Fiji, Indonesia, Laos, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam.

Since November 2024 the FCDO has also proactively communicated the risks of methanol poisoning to British travellers through Travel Aware, the FCDO's public-facing campaign that aims to arm travelling British nationals with knowledge to help them avoid incidents overseas. This includes:

• a dedicated drink spiking and methanol poisoning page on the Travel Aware website: https//travelaware.campaign.gov.uk/spiking-and-methanol-poisoning;
• regular Travel Aware social media posts, directing audiences to the webpage;
• work with youth-focussed content creators to raise awareness; and
• work with Travel Aware industry partners, including ABTA, who have shared information with relevant audiences.

In addition, the FCDO works closely with international partners, such as the Australian Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade, to share best practice about how to communicate the risks of methanol poisoning to British nationals.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice remains under regular review to ensure it reflects our latest assessment of risks to British nationals. We include information about the risks from methanol poisoning or counterfeit alcohol in our Travel Advice pages for a range of countries, including Brazil, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Fiji, Indonesia, Laos, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam.

Since November 2024 the FCDO has also proactively communicated the risks of methanol poisoning to British travellers through Travel Aware, the FCDO's public-facing campaign that aims to arm travelling British nationals with knowledge to help them avoid incidents overseas. This includes:

• a dedicated drink spiking and methanol poisoning page on the Travel Aware website: https//travelaware.campaign.gov.uk/spiking-and-methanol-poisoning;
• regular Travel Aware social media posts, directing audiences to the webpage;
• work with youth-focussed content creators to raise awareness; and
• work with Travel Aware industry partners, including ABTA, who have shared information with relevant audiences.

In addition, the FCDO works closely with international partners, such as the Australian Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade, to share best practice about how to communicate the risks of methanol poisoning to British nationals.

The Government does not hold the requested estimates, but we work closely with civil society, international organisations, and the Palestinian Authority to assess the situation facing Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

In her statements confirming the UK's decision to recognise the State of Palestine, the Foreign Secretary has made clear that there can and will be no role for Hamas terrorists in the future governance of Gaza. She has also welcomed the unanimous declaration by the Arab League calling for Hamas to release all hostages, lay down its arms and relinquish all power in Gaza. Those goals will remain a priority for the UK Government as we work with international partners to progress efforts to secure a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, based on the two states of Israel and Palestine living securely side by side.

I apologise for the delay in responding to the hon. Member's correspondence. The Minister for International Development issued a response to the hon. Member on 16 October.

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.

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.

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.

The Taliban's decision to shut down internet services from 29 September to 1 October was deeply concerning. It risked crippling Afghanistan's economy, causing significant issues with the delivery of vital UK aid, and cutting off vulnerable communities.

The UK Government is committed to using its prominent position in multilateral forums to hold the Taliban to account for their repressive policies. Last month, the UK hosted a meeting of G7+ Special Representatives for Afghanistan: this provided an important opportunity for the UK to show international leadership, highlight publicly our deep concern about the Taliban's continued denial of the Afghan people's most basic human rights and call for the full restoration of internet access for all Afghans.

The UK Government is concerned by reports of degrading treatment and discrimination against Christian and Hindu prisoners in Pakistan. Promoting the rights of religious minorities is a core part of our diplomatic engagement and we continue to advocate for their rights with senior Pakistani officials, including in meetings between myself and Pakistan's Human Rights and Interior Ministers earlier this year.

Our High Commission in Islamabad also engages regularly with civil society and human rights defenders to monitor prison conditions and advocate for reforms. We will continue to urge the Government of Pakistan to uphold its international obligations and ensure the safety and dignity of all prisoners, regardless of faith.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 9 September to Question 75629.

I refer the hon Member to the answer provided on 17 September to Question 71439.

Yemen remains one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with 19.5 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. At the UN Security Council Monthly Briefing on Yemen, the UK continues to call for quick and collaborative action from the international community to respond to the rapidly deteriorating levels of food security and ensure the most vulnerable Yemenis are receiving the support they need.

The UK is currently the largest donor to the Yemen Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, committing £139 million in humanitarian aid in 2024 and maintaining our commitment this financial year. Since 2015, the UK has committed over £1 billion in aid to Yemen to alleviate suffering and support the most vulnerable. The UK focuses our programming on integrating health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and food security responses in areas of significant need. This year, in response to increased food insecurity, we are providing cash transfers which help to feed up to 864,000 people and support 500 health facilities with the medicines, vaccines, and nutritional supplements they need to treat 700,000 severely malnourished children.

This year, the UK's Food Security Safety Nets programme in Yemen will provide £58 million to reduce the risk of severe food insecurity, and support the Government of Yemen economic reform to facilitate a more coherent and coordinated response. In response to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification analysis, the UK mobilised an additional £13 million to support nearly one million people with emergency cash transfers. Moreover, the UK's Affordability of Food and Finance in Yemen (AFFY) programme delivers in Government of Yemen controlled areas boosting short-term macro-economic stabilisation and encouraging economic de-escalation to combat drivers of food insecurity.

Yemen remains one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with 19.5 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. At the UN Security Council Monthly Briefing on Yemen, the UK continues to call for quick and collaborative action from the international community to respond to the rapidly deteriorating levels of food security and ensure the most vulnerable Yemenis are receiving the support they need.

The UK is currently the largest donor to the Yemen Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, committing £139 million in humanitarian aid in 2024 and maintaining our commitment this financial year. Since 2015, the UK has committed over £1 billion in aid to Yemen to alleviate suffering and support the most vulnerable. The UK focuses our programming on integrating health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and food security responses in areas of significant need. This year, in response to increased food insecurity, we are providing cash transfers which help to feed up to 864,000 people and support 500 health facilities with the medicines, vaccines, and nutritional supplements they need to treat 700,000 severely malnourished children.

This year, the UK's Food Security Safety Nets programme in Yemen will provide £58 million to reduce the risk of severe food insecurity, and support the Government of Yemen economic reform to facilitate a more coherent and coordinated response. In response to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification analysis, the UK mobilised an additional £13 million to support nearly one million people with emergency cash transfers. Moreover, the UK's Affordability of Food and Finance in Yemen (AFFY) programme delivers in Government of Yemen controlled areas boosting short-term macro-economic stabilisation and encouraging economic de-escalation to combat drivers of food insecurity.

Yemen remains one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with 19.5 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. At the UN Security Council Monthly Briefing on Yemen, the UK continues to call for quick and collaborative action from the international community to respond to the rapidly deteriorating levels of food security and ensure the most vulnerable Yemenis are receiving the support they need.

The UK is currently the largest donor to the Yemen Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, committing £139 million in humanitarian aid in 2024 and maintaining our commitment this financial year. Since 2015, the UK has committed over £1 billion in aid to Yemen to alleviate suffering and support the most vulnerable. The UK focuses our programming on integrating health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and food security responses in areas of significant need. This year, in response to increased food insecurity, we are providing cash transfers which help to feed up to 864,000 people and support 500 health facilities with the medicines, vaccines, and nutritional supplements they need to treat 700,000 severely malnourished children.

This year, the UK's Food Security Safety Nets programme in Yemen will provide £58 million to reduce the risk of severe food insecurity, and support the Government of Yemen economic reform to facilitate a more coherent and coordinated response. In response to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification analysis, the UK mobilised an additional £13 million to support nearly one million people with emergency cash transfers. Moreover, the UK's Affordability of Food and Finance in Yemen (AFFY) programme delivers in Government of Yemen controlled areas boosting short-term macro-economic stabilisation and encouraging economic de-escalation to combat drivers of food insecurity.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer of 14 October to Question 75011.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer of 17 September to Question 71870.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer of 15 September to Question 77707.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer given on 23 June to Question 57551.