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
Tuesday 16th September 2025
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
Wednesday 17th September 2025
Saudi Arabia: Capital Punishment
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions his Department has had with …
Secondary Legislation
Thursday 11th September 2025
International Development Association (Twenty-First Replenishment) Order 2025
This Order approves the making of payments on behalf of the Government of the United Kingdom to the International Development …
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
Wednesday 17th September 2025
12:07

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
Sep. 02
Oral Questions
Sep. 16
Westminster Hall
Sep. 04
Adjournment Debate
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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

This Order approves the making of payments on behalf of the Government of the United Kingdom to the International Development Association (the “Association”) of sums not exceeding £1,980 million as a contribution to the Twenty-First Replenishment of the Association. The payments approved by this Order will be made pursuant to Resolution No. 255 adopted by the Board of Governors of the Association on 15th April 2025. The Order also provides for the redemption of non-interest-bearing and non-negotiable notes issued by the Secretary of State pursuant to arrangements between the Government and the Association.
These Regulations are made under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (c. 13) to establish a sanctions regime for the purpose of preventing and combating people smuggling, trafficking in persons and the instrumentalisation of migration for the purpose of destabilising a country.
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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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has not participated in any petition debates
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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
Blair McDougall Portrait
Blair McDougall (Labour - East Renfrewshire)
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
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

22nd Jul 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take steps to hold Israel accountable for the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the previous Foreign Secretary on 20 May 2025.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
2nd Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the relationship between the Federal Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Through our diplomatic presence, we regularly engage with the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government. We continue to encourage constructive dialogue and cooperation between Baghdad and Erbil to resolve their outstanding issues, including around the federal budget, security cooperation, and the oil and gas sector. Priorities for the UK in Iraq include Parliamentary ratification of the UK-Iraq Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which establishes a framework for deepening the UK-Iraq partnership across areas of common interest such as security, people smuggling, environmental protection, and trade.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
2nd Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking with international allies to help bring greater stability to Syria.

Alongside international allies, we have consistently advocated for an inclusive, representative political transition which respects the rights of all Syrians. This is essential for long-term stability and peace. The former Foreign Secretary discussed this with President al Sharaa and Foreign Minister al Shaibani when he visited Damascus in July. I discussed progress on the political transition, including next steps on security and accountability, with the Foreign Minister and Justice Minister during my recent visit. We are also supporting economic recovery through sanctions lifting and livelihoods and education programmes. We will continue to support the Syrian Government to deliver its commitments to build a more stable, free and prosperous future for all Syrians. A stable Syria is important for regional stability and is firmly in the UK's interest.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
22nd Jul 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his Israeli counterpart on a timeframe for improvement on the facilitation of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The previous Foreign Secretary spoke to Israeli Foreign Minister Sa'ar on 23 August and he urged the Government of Israel to remove all restrictions on aid entering Gaza and agree to a ceasefire. The UN and humanitarian partners must be allowed to operate safely and independently to deliver aid to those who so desperately need it.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
2nd Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions his Department has had with the government of Saudi Arabia on the death sentences given to (a) Rami Gamal Shafik al-Najjar, (b) Ahmed Zeinhom Omar, (c) Hesham Al Teles, (d) Abdelfattah Kamal, (e) Issam Al Shazly, (f) Mohamed Saad and (g) Omar Sherif.

The UK strongly opposes the death penalty in all countries and circumstances. We regularly discuss human rights with the Saudi authorities, including individual cases of concern. I raised the cases of several Egyptian nationals with the Saudi authorities this year. The Government will continue to engage on this matter.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
29th Aug 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for UK counter-terrorism cooperation of the detention of Bechir Akremi; and whether he has considered the findings of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention in relation to his case.

The UK is aware of the ongoing detention of Mr Bechir Akremi. We are clear on the importance of continued public commitment to respect for the rule of law, and all Tunisians' civil, political, social, and economic rights, including the right to a fair trial. The UK respects Tunisia's judicial processes and calls for all cases to be tried in an independent, transparent manner.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
22nd Jul 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his oral statement of 21 July 2025 on Middle East, Official Report, column 595, whether UK made arms components were used in the incident at the Project HOPE health clinic in Deir al Balah.

As the Foreign Secretary has said, we utterly condemn the killing of civilians seeking to meet their basic needs. Our assessment of this strike, drawing on the available evidence, including eyewitness reports in the media, is that it was a drone strike. The Government suspended all export licences for IDF drones on 2 September 2024, and we categorically do not export any bombs or ammunition for use in military operations in Gaza.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
22nd Jul 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his oral statement of 21 July 2025 on Middle East, Official Report, column 595, whether UK made arms components were used in the incident at the Project HOPE health clinic in Deir al Balah.

As the Foreign Secretary has said, we utterly condemn the killing of civilians seeking to meet their basic needs. Our assessment of this strike, drawing on the available evidence, including eyewitness reports in the media, is that it was a drone strike. The Government suspended all export licences for IDF drones on 2 September 2024, and we categorically do not export any bombs or ammunition for use in military operations in Gaza.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
22nd Jul 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the policy paper entitled 2030 roadmap for UK-Israel bilateral relations, published on 21 March 2023, what the (a) timeline and (b) terms of reference is for the review of the 2030 Roadmap; and whether the review will it be made public.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the previous Foreign Secretary on 20 May 2025.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
29th Aug 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he has taken to secure a two state solution to the (a) humanitarian, (b) political and (c) security crisis in the Middle East since 22 July 2025.

I refer my Hon Friend to the statement made to the House by the former Foreign Secretary on 1 September.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
1st Sep 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what communication, if any, they have had with the government of New Zealand concerning reports in October 2024 that officials at its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade advised the government of that country that plans to repeal a ban on the exploration of offshore oil and gas sources would potentially be inconsistent with its obligations under the UK–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement.

The UK continues to engage with New Zealand through established channels under the Free Trade Agreement, including regular committee meetings and working groups, to ensure the Agreement is implemented effectively and in accordance with its provisions. The UK raised the issue of oil and gas developments with New Zealand during the Environment and Climate Change Sub-Committee meeting in May 2025.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
1st Sep 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what recent discussions they have had with international partners and UK institutions on recognising the Holodomor of 1932–33 as genocide; and what plans they have to commemorate the Holodomor Anniversary this November.

The Holodomor was a disaster of unimaginable scale. The UK's genocide determination policy is that any judgment as to whether genocide has occurred is a matter for a competent national or international court, rather than for governments or non-judicial bodies. The UK will commemorate the Holodomor Anniversary this November.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
1st Sep 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government, in the light of the recent targeted attack on the British Council building in Kyiv, whether they will increase funding to the British Council’s operations in Ukraine.

The Government highly values the British Council and its work promoting the English language, UK arts and culture and education. The UK strongly condemns Russia's attacks on Ukrainian cities and the devastating impact this has on its civilian population. We also condemn the damage done to the British Council building in Kyiv, as well as EU delegation offices. We summoned the Russian Ambassador to make clear that such actions will only harden the UK's resolve to support Ukraine in defending itself from Russia's illegal invasion.

The British Council's Grant-in-Aid funding for the next three years (2026/27 and beyond) will be determined in the round, alongside the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's other Official Development Assistance (ODA) and non-ODA allocations, later in the autumn.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
1st Sep 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government, in the light of the One Hundred Year Partnership Agreement with Ukraine, what departmental support and funding is available to local authorities, cultural and educational institutions in the UK that are twinned with Ukrainian counterparts.

The Government actively supports initiatives by local authorities, schools and universities to foster links with Ukrainian counterparts. This includes work by the British Council to deliver the UK-Ukraine school partnerships programme which connects close to 3,000 pupils and 100 teachers in both countries. The British Council also has a range of programmes to provide funding and resources for UK Arts and Cultural Organisations to collaborate with their Ukrainian counterparts. Over £5.4 million of Government funding has been allocated to support the UK-Ukraine University Twinning Initiative, fostering over 100 university partnerships and mobilising £70 million in sector-led support.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
21st Jul 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Tomer Bar was granted special mission immunity to visit the UK in July 2025.

Government officials from any country can apply for and be granted special mission certificates as part of official visits to the UK. As set out in a Written Ministerial Statement to the House on 4 March 2013, Official Report, volume 559, column 55WS, a special mission is a temporary mission, representing a State, which is sent by one State to another with the consent of the latter, in order to carry out official engagements on behalf of the sending State. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office gave consent for special mission status for the visit to the UK on 17-18 July for Tomer Bar, Head of the Israeli Air Force, and a member of their delegation.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
22nd Jul 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his oral statement of 21 July 2025 on Middle East, Official Report, column 595, whether UK made arms components were used in the incident at the Project HOPE health clinic in Deir al Balah.

As the Foreign Secretary has said, we utterly condemn the killing of civilians seeking to meet their basic needs. Our assessment of this strike, drawing on the available evidence, including eyewitness reports in the media, is that it was a drone strike. The Government suspended all export licences for IDF drones on 2 September 2024, and we categorically do not export any bombs or ammunition for use in military operations in Gaza.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
3rd Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has spent money on promotion through social media influencers since July 2024.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's central communication team has not paid any social media influencers for promotion since July 2024.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
1st Sep 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of statements made during the trial of Jimmy Lai that appear to characterise his engagement with foreign governments as a criminal act.

This Government has been clear that Jimmy Lai's prosecution is politically motivated and that he should be released immediately. Mr Lai's prosecution is evidence that the National Security Law is being used to silence China's critics. Diplomats have attended Jimmy Lai's trial throughout, and his case remains a major priority.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
4th Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to his Chinese counterparts on the detention of Pastor Huang Zi; and what steps he is taking to support his release.

The environment for freedom of religion or belief across China is restrictive, which includes the persecution of Christians. This Government champions freedom of religion or belief for all abroad, and we continue to monitor developments closely and engage with Chinese counterparts on areas of concern. We also continue to uphold the right to freedom of religion or belief through our position at the UN, G7 and other multilateral fora.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
29th Aug 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what his policy is on responding to non-binding rulings of the United Nations International Court of Justice where they relate to the UK.

While not legally binding, rulings such as the International Court of Justice's advisory opinions carry significant weight and are likely to be highly influential on any subsequent court or tribunal considering the same issues, so the UK will take them into account when formulating relevant policies.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
29th Aug 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, (a) how many Heads of Missions representing their countries in the United Kingdom have been summoned to the Foreign Office since 2019 and (b) which country they represent.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) does not keep a central record of which Heads of Mission accredited to the UK have been summoned.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
3rd Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has spent money on (a) digital and (b) social influencers since 4 July 2024.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's central communication team has not paid any social media influencers for promotion since July 2024.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
3rd Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many and what proportion of staff in his Department are assigned to work on the China strategy.

China cuts across the work of all parts of government, from national security, to secure growth, to climate and clean energy, to science and technology, and teams across the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and in many other government departments are working together to deliver our strategic approach to China. As such, it is not possible to provide an exact figure for the number of staff working on the China Strategy. China is one of the UK's top foreign policy priorities. That is why this Government is investing in our China capabilities in the FCDO and beyond to effectively deliver the China Strategy and for our national interest.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
29th Aug 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department plans to take to support lower-income countries in tackling health risks posed by inadequate public housing.

We can work with a range of partners to support lower-income countries in tackling wider health risks by working on the broader determinants of health including inadequate public housing. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has for example supported research programmes such as Community-led Responsive and Effective Urban Health Systems (CHORUS) and the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC) to strengthen urban health systems and promote rights-based, evidence-led housing solutions.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
29th Aug 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much the UK has spent in (a) foreign aid or (b) international development funding on projects on improving equality, diversity and inclusion overseas in the last two years.

Data on Official Development Assistance (ODA) spend is available in the Statistics on International Development publications, which are available for 2023 and provisionally for 2024. Data is available broken down by sector for the 2023 publication, including social sector spending on health and education, and humanitarian aid.

Further information on specific programmes, including those with a specific focus on equalities, can be found on GOV.UK's Development Tracker.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
29th Aug 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if his Department will publish a list of projects focusing on improving equality, diversity and inclusion abroad that have received UK (a) foreign aid and (b) international development funding in the last two years.

Data on Official Development Assistance (ODA) spend is available in the Statistics on International Development publications, which are available for 2023 and provisionally for 2024. Data is available broken down by sector for the 2023 publication, including social sector spending on health and education, and humanitarian aid.

Further information on specific programmes, including those with a specific focus on equalities, can be found on GOV.UK's Development Tracker.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
29th Aug 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment the Department has made of the potential merits of funding more programmes that support gender equality as their main objective.

The UK remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting gender equality around the world, and stands in solidarity with women's rights organisations who are on the frontline of that fight. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) recognises that advancing gender equality and breaking down the barriers faced by women and girls is essential to development and to delivering the missions of this government overseas.

The FCDO is taking steps to strengthen the integration of gender equality across the Department's work. This will ensure we maximise the impacts for women, girls, and marginalised groups across all our spend and through our diplomatic levers, including by driving innovation to generate sustainable funding flows for women's rights.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
8th Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help support Türkiye to tackle wildfires.

The Government has not received any requests from Turkey for help tackling wildfires so far in 2025. Turkey has significant capabilities and expertise through its National Disaster Response Centre (AFAD) and has been managing this year's wildfires with its domestic resources. The UK supports multilateral organisations, such as the World Bank, which has programmes with Turkey to improve forest resilience, and stands ready to consider support should a formal request be made.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
8th Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help enhance UK defence capabilities.

The National Security Strategy is clear on the requirement to collaborate with others to develop next-generation defence capabilities and that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO) global network underpins the UK's ability to act as a credible global partner. FCDO Ministers and the network are active in engaging international partners in support of defence capability collaborations, including major UK programmes such as the AUKUS Partnership with Australia and the United States, the Global Combat Air Programme with Italy and Japan, the Eurofighter Typhoon Consortium with Germany, Italy and Spain, our work in the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), and in the new UK-EU security and defence partnership as well as our crucial work as a founding member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
8th Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her Georgian counterpart on the treatment of (a) political opponents and (b) journalists in that country.

I remain gravely concerned by Georgia's democratic backsliding, attacks on the opposition and journalists. The former Foreign Secretary's 11 July statement condemned politically motivated detentions of opposition leaders in Georgia. On 6 August, the UK, with the Media Freedom Coalition, condemned the politically motivated sentencing of journalist Mzia Amaglobeli to two years in prison. Georgia must reverse course, uphold European values, and protect civil society and press freedom.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
29th Aug 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure the sustainable impact of the Global Care Reform Campaign, including (a) a long-term strategy up to 2030 and (b) adequate resourcing.

As part of the Children's Care Reform campaign, a new programme was launched earlier this year to provide resources for technical assistance to signatories of the Global Charter and engagement with stakeholders, including young people with lived experience of the care system. The charter includes a commitment by all signatories to seek to monitor and phase out funding streams that incentivise institutionalisation, contribute to unnecessary family separation and undermine efforts to prioritise family care.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
29th Aug 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make it his policy to redirect funding for orphanage economies to fund family strengthening.

As part of the Children's Care Reform campaign, a new programme was launched earlier this year to provide resources for technical assistance to signatories of the Global Charter and engagement with stakeholders, including young people with lived experience of the care system. The charter includes a commitment by all signatories to seek to monitor and phase out funding streams that incentivise institutionalisation, contribute to unnecessary family separation and undermine efforts to prioritise family care.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
1st Sep 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they will take to support a just energy transition for Africa, particularly for vulnerable communities with limited access to electricity.

The UK is strongly committed to promoting access to clean energy in Africa. Investments by British International Investment (BII) currently provide clean energy access to over 26 million people. Our £11.6 billion UK international climate finance also supports clean energy access, along with multilateral initiatives like Mission 300, aiming to connect 300 million people in Africa by 2030. The UK remains a key contributor to the International Development Association (IDA) and the African Development Fund (ADF) concessional windows at the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which will fund much of Mission 300.

Flagship bilateral programmes such as the Transforming Energy Access (TEA) platform and the Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) programme also make a contribution. These initiatives received significant funding boosts at COP28 and COP29 to accelerate the adoption of clean energy solutions. We will continue to collaborate with African governments and international partners to deploy innovative technologies and business models, ensuring affordable, clean, and modern energy access in Africa.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
2nd Sep 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government, with regard to the objectives of the G7 Kananaskis Wildfire Charter, what steps they are taking to ensure direct funding to indigenous peoples and forest peoples provides the flexibility needed to prevent and mitigate wildfires.

Wildfires drove record-breaking levels of forest loss globally in 2024 and overtook agriculture as the leading cause of tropical primary forest loss. The G7 Kananaskis Wildfire Charter recognised the scale of the challenge posed by wildfires and resolved to support efforts to prevent and mitigate their occurrence internationally. Effective responses will be grounded in a whole of society approach, which, depending on the local context, will include governments, civil society, academia, private sector and Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs).

The UK will engage with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Global Fire Management Hub working groups, including on Community-Based Fire Management, to support the wider understanding of the challenges and requirements of IPLCs in responding to wildfires globally. The UK is also working internationally to support efforts to strengthen land and forest tenure rights and forest governance systems, including direct support to IPLC groups. For example, the Amazon Catalyst for Forest Communities (AMCAT) programme supports IPLC-led solutions by providing direct, flexible funding, recognising that local knowledge and tenure rights are critical to effective forest management and wildfire prevention.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
2nd Sep 2025
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports of sexual violence towards Rohingya women and girls in Cox's Bazaar in Bangladesh.

The UK has been actively engaged in addressing the humanitarian situation in Cox's Bazar and closely monitoring levels of need and insecurity. We regularly engage with the Interim Government in Bangladesh about security in Rohingya refugee camps and request them to take action to improve the protection environment. In June, during Chief Adviser Yunus' visit to the UK, the then Minister for the Indo-Pacific discussed the situation of Rohingya refugees. UK funding (over £420 million since 2017) is providing community-based protection services for women and children.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
29th Aug 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the Government’s engagement with international partners on the use of the death penalty; and what steps his Department is taking to raise concerns with countries that continue to apply capital punishment.

The UK Government is opposed to the death penalty, in all circumstances, as a matter of principle. We believe that the death penalty's use undermines human dignity, that there is no conclusive evidence of its deterrent value, and that any miscarriage of justice leading to its imposition is irreversible and irreparable.

The UK works with our international partners and with NGOs to: increase the number of abolitionist countries, or countries with a moratorium on the use of the death penalty; reduce the numbers of executions and restrict the use of the death penalty in retentionist countries; increase judicial capacity and legal reform through training and partnerships with UK legal expertise, and encourage greater transparency about the use of the death penalty in line with international standards.

The UK remains a strong supporter of the UN General Assembly Resolution for the moratorium on the use of the death penalty.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
29th Aug 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the Overseas Security and Justice Assistance guidance in the prohibition of UK involvement in (a) torture and (b) the death penalty.

The Overseas Security and Justice Assistance (OSJA) assessment is an essential tool to ensure that the UK's overseas security and justice assistance meets our human rights and international humanitarian law (IHL) obligations, increases respect for the rule of law, and supports UK values.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is currently reviewing the Government's guidance for OSJA assessments so that it remains robust, effective and fit for purpose. As part of that review, we have engaged a range of stakeholders - including civil society organisations and Parliamentarians - through structured discussions. We are considering all the feedback received, including country examples that will help to inform the review process.

With countries whose practice raises questions about their compliance with international legal obligations, we ensure that our co-operation accords with our own international and domestic obligations; the UK unreservedly condemns the use of torture and is opposed to the death penalty in all circumstances as a matter of principle.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
29th Aug 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department's review of the Overseas Security and Justice Assistance guidance will include consideration of specific cases in which assistance was provided despite credible risks of torture or the application of the death penalty.

The Overseas Security and Justice Assistance (OSJA) assessment is an essential tool to ensure that the UK's overseas security and justice assistance meets our human rights and international humanitarian law (IHL) obligations, increases respect for the rule of law, and supports UK values.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is currently reviewing the Government's guidance for OSJA assessments so that it remains robust, effective and fit for purpose. As part of that review, we have engaged a range of stakeholders - including civil society organisations and Parliamentarians - through structured discussions. We are considering all the feedback received, including country examples that will help to inform the review process.

With countries whose practice raises questions about their compliance with international legal obligations, we ensure that our co-operation accords with our own international and domestic obligations; the UK unreservedly condemns the use of torture and is opposed to the death penalty in all circumstances as a matter of principle.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
4th Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) works closely with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council. The Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council co-hosted a soft power workshop with the FCDO in June 2025. This workshop was held at the FCDO's King Charles Street office. The FCDO has provided funding in recent years to the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council for the Commonwealth Business Forum, which is held biennially at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), and also for the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit, held in London in non-CHOGM years.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
2nd Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many people with disabilities were employed in his Department on 2 September 2025.

Latest figures show that 12.4 per cent of Senior Civil Servants (SCS) in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) have a disability. This is up from 7.5 per cent when the FCDO was formed in 2020. Reporting rates in the delegated grades has consistently been below 60 per cent, the threshold set by Cabinet Office/ONS to allow us to have data confidence. The FCDO is encouraging staff to share their disability data so we can better understand outcomes for our staff, however this is voluntary.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
2nd Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with European counterparts on export tariffs for the British Overseas Territories.

We recognise the impact tariffs have on the Overseas Territories exporting to the EU, particularly the Falkland Islands and Tristan da Cunha. These tariffs stem from the fact that the UK-EU Trade & Cooperation Agreement agreed by the previous UK government did not cover the Overseas Territories.

We recognise the significant issue of these tariffs for the OTs and industry and continue to engage closely with the Overseas Territories on this and other issues to identify opportunities to improve their trading and business environment, not only with Europe but globally, including securing recent US Government agreement to reduce US tariffs on Falklands exports from a proposed 42 per cent to 10 per cent.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
29th Aug 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what proportion of staff in his Department have flexible working arrangements; and how many of those work compressed hours.

As of July 2025, 6.2 per cent of Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office UK-based staff have formal flexible working arrangements. These include part-time hours, job sharing, and compressed hours. The Department does not currently hold separate data on compressed hours, as flexible working is recorded using Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) metrics. Staff may work compressed hours informally, but such arrangements are not centrally tracked unless part of a formal agreement.

Informal compressed hours are typically agreed locally between staff and line managers, reflecting the Department's commitment to flexible working and alignment with Civil Service-wide practices that support work-life balance and operational needs.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
3rd Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what support his Department has offered to British citizens accused of being co-conspirators in the closing days of the trial of Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong; and what assessment his Department has made of the risks to (a) those people and (b) others named in the trial.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer given on 8 September to Question 71619.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
29th Aug 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans he has to help (a) advance gender equality and (b) protect women’s and girls’ rights through multilateral negotiations.

I refer my Hon Friend to the answer I gave him on 9 September to Question 71594.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
8th Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions her Department has had with the government in Myanmar on the destruction of St Patrick’s Cathedral in Kachin State in March 2025; and what diplomatic steps she is taking to help ensure that (a) places of worship are protected and (b) religious freedom is promoted in that country.

The UK is deeply concerned by reports of attacks on places of worship, including the destruction of St Patrick's Cathedral in Kachin State. We remain committed to defending freedom of religion or belief for all communities in Myanmar, and consistently raise concerns about the treatment of religious minorities and their places of worship in international fora. In April this year, the UK co-sponsored a UN Human Rights Council resolution on Myanmar, calling for the military to fully respect and protect the human rights of all persons in Myanmar, including religious minorities.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
29th Aug 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans he has to review his Department's policies on distributing foreign aid to India.

We are currently working through detailed decisions on how the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget will be used from 2026/27 to 2028/29. We will publish indicative ODA programme allocations for the next three years in due course.

The UK has transformed its relationship with India from donor to investor and partner. Investing the UK's ODA budget in supporting India's transition to clean energy helps mitigate the worsening impacts of climate change through bolstering the development of clean technology. Through UK investments and sharing expertise, we are also creating jobs, opportunities and inward investment for the UK.

This is a strategic investment in our partnership with the Indian Government, which we can make a return on. Last year our ODA spend in India was negative: we received more money back from investments made than we invested that year.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
3rd Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 17 July 2025 to Question 66657 on Civil Service: Resignations, if he will publish the responses from the Permanent Under-Secretaries.

The letter of the Permanent Under-Secretaries of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, dated 29 May, will be deposited in the Library.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
1st Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, for what purposes their Department has used artificial intelligence in the last year.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is improving the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO) efficiency, security and analysis. Over the last year, that has included using AI for language translation, document classification and data analysis, in support of the work of our policy and consular teams.

Through FCDO.ai, the Department is coordinating responsible adoption of this technology, including participation in the piloting of the cross government Microsoft Copilot tool. All activity is governed by our AI Acceptable Use Policy and established assurance processes. The Department will continue to develop capabilities aligned with UK principles on AI safety and work with partners across government and internationally to share best practice.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
1st Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of proposed changes to the BNO visa settlement route on older BNO visa holders’ ability to access pension funds from Hong Kong.

The Government remains fully committed to the BNO route, and we will continue supporting members of the Hong Kong community in the UK and all those who will arrive in future. We are listening to visa holders' views about the route to settlement, and we will continue to do so.

We are aware that individuals in the UK on the BN(O) visa route are having difficulty drawing down early their pensions held in Hong Kong's Mandatory Provident Fund. We continue to raise this issue directly with the Hong Kong authorities to encourage a pragmatic solution.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)