The UK and Nigeria are working together to tackle crime and corruption across our nations 🇬🇧🇳🇬 💷 £4.2 million returned to Nigeria 🤝 Result of a 2016 agreement to return assets seized from criminals 🛣️ To be spent on improving vital infrastructure https://t.co/gxXtcfymn4

Building stronger democracies around the world cannot be done without women. #BeHeard #IWD2021 https://t.co/p8HrQeCgH2 https://t.co/kgXUmVf24n

“Under occupation, there is no future for them or their children”. 10% of the Crimean Tatar community have fled Crimea since Russia’s illegal annexation. #CrimeaIsUkraine https://t.co/hR1vx2H4ie

‘’This is the latest step by Beijing to hollow out the space for democratic debate in Hong Kong” Foreign Secretary @DominicRaab says that the decision to reform Hong Kong’s electoral system will only further undermine confidence & trust in China. Full statement📑

Societies that put women and men on the same playing field can build back better, benefiting society as a whole. Democracy is inclusive. #BeHeard #IWD2021 https://t.co/p8HrQekFis https://t.co/wLyeKXbhGH

📰NEWS: The UK launches a new programme to strengthen support to survivors & stamp out abuse in the aid sector. The UK remains committed to bringing perpetrators of sexual abuse, exploitation or sexual harassment to justice. Full story 👇 https://t.co/HswXOmUCZa

Today UK & Norway signed a MOU to cooperate on understanding and protecting the #PolarRegions We are committed to ensuring these regions critical to the health of our planet, continue to see the best of international cooperation and scientific endeavour https://t.co/e6JRE6I7t4 https://t.co/PhVjiWM18K

In democracies women have the freedom and capacity to make changes for the better. Democracy is opportunities. #BeHeard #IWD2021 https://t.co/p8HrQekFis https://t.co/zl9stZ1YjQ

Going on holiday abroad remains illegal until 17th May at the earliest. Stay at home. Save lives.

Foreign Secretary @DominicRaab urges China to act in accordance with its legal obligations after imposing radical changes to restrict participation in Hong Kong’s electoral system. Full statement here 👇 https://t.co/tWuZIvYrLn

"This is a victory against coronavirus!" With £548m of UK support, COVAX AMC vaccinations have begun globally. We asked Ramata, a doctor in Côte d'Ivoire, what getting the vaccine meant to her. https://t.co/NulwYZYJ8X

“The Chinese and Hong Kong authorities can be in no doubt about the seriousness of our concerns” @nadams statement to @HouseofCommons on proposals for changes to Hong Kong’s election processes https://t.co/exlUdH4UMn

PICS📸: Foreign Secretary @DominicRaab visited Estonia🇪🇪 & Norway🇳🇴 this week. He met with the Baltic 3 Foreign Ministers, and the Nordic 5. The Nordic-Baltic states share UK values on climate & security, as well as polar cooperation – for which he signed an MOU with Norway. https://t.co/kdKpXvL0oe

The UK is increasing its science and tech power to tackle global challenges and boost prosperity. This includes at least £800 million for an independent agency to lead pioneering, high-risk, high-reward research to find the next science & tech breakthroughs. #IntegratedReview

“Crimea is a grey zone”. Ukrainian 🇺🇦 Presidential Representative for Crimea, Anton Korynevych, talks about the wide-ranging impacts of Russia’s 🇷🇺 illegal annexation of Crimea, including systematic human rights abuses and ecological destruction. #CrimeaIsUkraine https://t.co/cfMfCWL5gd

The #IntegratedReview sets out how the UK is making the biggest investment in defence since the end of the Cold War. Increasing our investment in defence to 2.2% of GDP by spending £24 billion over the next 4 years. Swipe for more info ⤵️

“Russia is stockpiling weapons in Crimea to demonstrate power & instil fear”. Former Deputy Defence Minister of Ukraine, Alina Frolova, speaks on how Russia is using Crimea as a military base, & how the numbers of troops & missiles stationed there are increasing. #CrimeaIsUkraine https://t.co/qGXZ7LGpYY

The future of the international order will either be shaped by democracies working together or by authoritarian states. Read about how we're facing up to the challenges of the 2020s and collaborating with partners to be a force for good in the world ⤵️ #IntegratedReview

LIVE 📺: @DominicRaab is setting out how #GlobalBritain will act as a force for good in the years ahead 🇬🇧 #ForceForGood https://t.co/6tNfJhbQY7

"A #ForceForGood in the 🌎 "A force - because without power, without economic, military, diplomatic, cultural clout, we can't do anything. "But a #ForceForGood because the purpose of this power is to increase people’s security & living standards, at home & across the world."

“Democracy is in retreat. “This decade, the combined GDP of autocratic regimes is expected to exceed the combined GDP of the world’s democracies. “Just take a second to think about what that means. “Tyranny is richer than freedom. "And that matters to us here at home.”

“Our fraying international order can be repaired & reinforced.” “We should be optimistic because we see that the flame of human freedom still burns brightly, even at the bleakest moments. "You can see that on the streets of Russia 🇷🇺 🇧🇾 Belarus, 🇲🇲 Myanmar, 🇭🇰 Hong Kong"

"The UK is not afraid to act. But we prefer to act with others, to form alliances & partnerships that multiply the force, the impact, that we would otherwise be able to bring to bear if we acted on our own." "We have a buccaneering spirit, but we also strive to build bridges."

“The challenge is to make the most of our strengths. “That's why we brought our aid budget & development policy together with our diplomatic network in the new @FCDOGovUK... "To drive a more integrated approach, "To maximise our impact abroad.”

“The IR sets out our four, global, strategic priorities.” 1⃣ "Our starting point, forged in the crucible of this pandemic, is to nurture our capacity for #Scientific & #TechnologicalInnovation."

2⃣ "So it's that USP in tech & science which will also be a defining feature of our second, strategic priority – which is a pioneering approach to #FreeTrade."

3⃣ "Our science base & our economic resilience are vital elements of the 3rd strategic priority which is #Security. "We can do even better in deploying and adapting our lead in science, tech & research, "To bolster the defences of our business, our citizens and our government."

4⃣ "The fourth and final strategic priority is the defining feature of #GlobalBritain. "The #IntegratedReview provides a road-map guided by our moral compass, our history, and our present day mission as a #ForceForGood in the world🌎"

"If this rainy archipelago off the European coast has a particular destiny, it's surely to act as a beacon of hope at home & abroad. "To fight for peace and prosperity, to defeat the enemies of mankind and to act as a #ForceForGood. "That's our mission, that's our promise."

This afternoon Foreign Secretary @DominicRaab will set out how #GlobalBritain will act as a force for good in today’s world. Watch the speech live here from 1pm GMT 🇬🇧📢 #ForceForGood https://t.co/Ivehongncn

To protect against the spread of potentially harmful Covid-19 variants, all arrivals into England who: ➡️ are legally able to enter and arrive from countries with travel bans will have to quarantine for 10 days in a managed quarantine hotel.

Yesterday we published the #IntegratedReview, setting out our vision for the UK’s role in world. Read the full review now: ➡️ https://t.co/lDvfm8Og87 We're facing new challenges in the years ahead and will work closely with our partners to be a force for good. https://t.co/nJzYqWtdru

FCDO colleagues from around the world are celebrating #StPatricksDay Our Northern Irish staff have recorded messages from countries including @UKinchina, @UKinGermany, @UKinIceland, @UKinKyrgyzstan, @UKinTanzania, @UKinThailand, @UKinTurkey @BritEmbDublin @NIOgov https://t.co/b5RdS6SVSP

The UK is solving global challenges: ✅ tackling climate change with £11.6 billion for international climate finance + a plan to reach net-zero by 2050 ✅ providing developing countries with more than a billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines in 2021 through COVAX #IntegratedReview

UK Foreign Secretary @DominicRaab has set out the common mission that is #GlobalBritain in the 2020’s: A #ForceForGood

Foreign Secretary @DominicRaab has set out four global, strategic priorities from the #IntegratedReview. [1] Science & Technology 🔬💻 [2] A pioneering approach to free trade 🤝 [3] Security 🛡️ [4] Global Britain as a #ForceForGood

The world is facing major challenges this decade 🌍 The #IntegratedReview explains how the UK will help tackle these, including by: ✅ committing £11.6 billion to international climate finance ✅ supporting COVAX to deliver 1 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses in 2021

WATCH 📺: “If this rainy archipelago off the European coast has a particular destiny, it’s surely to act as a beacon of hope at home & abroad.” Foreign Secretary @DominicRaab tells @AspenSecurity the UK has a moral responsibility & indivisible stake in the 🌍 as #GlobalBritain https://t.co/ZpNWHsAvJP

Foreign Secretary @DominicRaab has set out four global, strategic priorities from the #IntegratedReview. 1⃣ Science & Technology 🔬💻 2⃣ A pioneering approach to free trade 🤝 3⃣ Security 🛡️ 4⃣ Global Britain as a #ForceForGood 🧭🌎

WATCH📺: “It is that unique combination of our hard power and our soft power that is so often a game-changer in those countries that we strive to support” Foreign Secretary @DominicRaab tells @AspenSecurity Forum of the UK’s role as a #ForceForGood in the years ahead. https://t.co/PPQbH0rfZd

“The flame of human freedom still burns brightly even at the bleakest moments.” Foreign Secretary @DominicRaab says there are powerful reasons to be optimistic for the future. See his full speech from earlier today: https://t.co/MHZpmo0DQg https://t.co/3C5n09gS1G

The UK is increasing its science and tech power to tackle global challenges and boost prosperity. This includes at least £800 million for an independent agency to lead pioneering, high-risk, high-reward research to find the next science & tech breakthroughs. #IntergratedReview

We're putting science & technology at the heart of our foreign and development policy. The #IntegratedReview explains how we'll do this, including by: ✅ Increasing economy-wide investment in R&D to 2.4% of GDP by 2027 ✅ Establishing a new Advanced Research and Invention Agency

LISTEN BELOW🎙 75 years ago, Winston Churchill gave one of his most famous speeches in Missouri about how the USA and the UK needed to work together to build institutions and defend democracies. 75 years on, the deep partnership that Churchill spoke of, is stronger than ever. https://t.co/UxxEUDfRBy

We’re working to: ✅ Fight climate changes ✅ Build back better from COVID ✅ Defend democracy and promote human rights ✅ Develop our security partnerships to protect our alliances and people

To protect against the spread of potentially harmful Covid-19 variants, all arrivals into England who: ➡️ are legally able to enter and arrive from countries with travel bans will have to quarantine for 10 days in a managed quarantine hotel.

“I will not leave this land”. Last year we spoke to Archbishop Klyment on how the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in Crimea continues to face oppression by Russia. #CrimeaIsUkraine https://t.co/juvObm3OlG

Girls’ education leads to greater opportunities. Democracy is the best system of government to support women and their futures. #BeHeard #IWD2021 https://t.co/p8HrQeCgH2 https://t.co/sgHu83fdZe

Mairi Cunningham @TheHaloTrust on how empowering women is crucial to the success of de-mining efforts #IWD #InternationalWomensDay https://t.co/tUL3MAfc3d

It’s back to school for children in the UK this week, but sadly this isn't the same for millions of girls across the world. UK Special Envoy for Girls’ Education @HelenGrantMP outlines why we want to get 40 million more girls into school globally in @Telegraph 👇

Happy #InternationalWomensDay! Girls’ education is at the ❤️ of solving the world’s problems. It transforms the fortunes of not just individual women and girls, but communities and nations. #IWD2020 #ChooseToChallenge #IWD https://t.co/rQI30jJgPF

Women make up 57% of UK undergraduate students but only 33% of those studying economics. We want more diversity in economics - if you are a young woman between the ages of 14 and 18, check out our Next Generation Economics school competition! #IWD2021 https://t.co/IwDW7tIWcf

The pandemic has disrupted children's education around the world - but for millions of girls so much more is at stake. This #IWD, Special Envoy @HelenGrantMP met @GPforEducation Youth Ambassadors to discuss how we can make 12 year quality education for every girl a reality. https://t.co/ZuDQq0FT1y

See how we've been marking #CommonwealthDay across the world 👇 ⚡️ “Commonwealth Day 2021” by @FCDOGovUK https://t.co/Sn6JcfIujJ

Happy #CommonwealthDay! Together with our 54 members we have: 👧 helped 1.5m girls get into school 🌊 committed to tackle ocean plastics 🤝 supported 3,000 women entrepreneurs through Commonwealth SheTrades https://t.co/vqpjlcRXpU

Foreign Secretary @DominicRaab commends the courage shown by Myanmar’s Ambassador to the UK in speaking out against the military coup. "The military regime must end their brutal crackdown, and restore democracy." https://t.co/jzx9Ml3qiY

On #InternationalWomensDay the UK, together with our partners and allies, celebrates the important role of democracy in allowing gender equality to thrive #BeHeard. https://t.co/p8HrQeCgH2 https://t.co/p4nrMttjy2

Climate change hits developing countries especially hard. #UKAid is matching donations to @traidcraftexch's appeal, supporting innovative regeneration projects to help communities adapt & build resilience to climate change. Together we can make twice the difference.

One in five students take A-level economics at independent and grammar schools compared with only one in 12 at comprehensive schools. The FCDO wants to increase diversity in economics. Find out about the FCDO Next Generation Economics competition👇 https://t.co/IwDW7tIWcf

Read more on diversity in economics at UK schools and colleges in this report by @arunadvaniecon, Prof Rachel Griffith and Prof Sarah Smith https://t.co/jCnnk9pkSD

Across South Asia COVID-19 has plunged millions of women into poverty. #UKaid is matching donations to @britishasiantst appeal, supporting vocational training projects so that women can become economically self reliant. Together we can make twice the difference. https://t.co/grsPdhTTeP

Every child deserves access to a quality education. #UKaid’s partnership with @comicrelief has allowed six -year- old Olivia to attend the Home Leaning Centre, run by @labeuganda providing pre-primary education before the age of seven. Together we can make a difference. https://t.co/t0nLBQPTYj

We're facing new, complex threats to our defence and security. The #IntegratedReview explains how the UK will face these, including by: ✅ boosting defence investment to 2.2% of GDP ✅ addressing the causes of conflict ✅ taking a robust approach to cyber security

What is the #IntegratedReview? Watch below: UK Foreign Secretary @DominicRaab discusses the role the UK will play in the world through to 2030. Full speech: https://t.co/pNrIDWUMCL https://t.co/00IRjyiFqz

Going on holiday abroad remains illegal until 17th May at the earliest. Stay at home. Save lives.

What does #ForceForGood mean in practice? Earlier this week, UK Foreign Secretary @DominicRaab explained how we, as a country, are making a real global impact. Watch the full speech: https://t.co/pNrIDWUMCL https://t.co/BUa84ExWxf

"My wish is that coronavirus will decrease worldwide and that everyone will be vaccinated so life can return to normal". With £548m of UK support, COVAX AMC vaccinations have begun globally. We asked Brou, a teacher in Côte d'Ivoire, what getting the vaccine meant to him. https://t.co/rsNKh4baQT

📰NEWS: #UKaid is matching £6 million of your donations to @ComicRelief. Together, we will be supporting locally led projects in Ghana, Zambia & Malawi ensuring organisations have the skills & training they need to continue their vital work. #RedNoseDay https://t.co/Z7nk5s9j40

The UK will continue to be a force for good in the world: ✅ getting 40 million more girls into school in developing countries ✅ defending human rights by passing legislation for our own Magnitsky-style sanctions regime to hold the worst abusers to account #IntegratedReview

As an independent trading nation, we'll use the openness of our economy to boost the flow of free trade and innovation. The #IntegratedReview explains how we'll do this, including by: ✅ updating international trading rules ✅ signing new trade agreements

How will the UK respond to the global challenges of the 2020s? UK Foreign Secretary @DominicRaab emphasises that we should be optimistic about the role the UK can play as a #ForceForGood in the world. Watch his full speech: https://t.co/pNrIDWUMCL https://t.co/L7976rjs0q

The UK is a beacon of democratic sovereignty and universal rights. The #IntegratedReview explains how we'll defend these values, including by: ✅ passing legislation for our own Magnitsky-style sanctions regime ✅ getting 40 million more girls into school by 2025

Within the last 2 years, the UK has secured trade agreements with 66 countries and the European Union. We will use our trade policy to help developing countries integrate into the global economy and make the world a safer and more prosperous place. #IntegratedReview

WATCH 📺: The United Kingdom 🇬🇧 and the United States of America 🇺🇸 are a force for good in the world. We’re working together to fight climate change, to tackle the coronavirus pandemic globally, and to increase our security and trade relationships with one another. https://t.co/Q9K48dSnVM

Millions of women are living on the frontline of the climate crisis. #UKAid is matching donations to @ActionAidUK's appeal to provide training on resilient farming practices to women affected by climate change in Cambodia. Together we can make twice the difference👇

Going on holiday abroad remains illegal until 17th May at the earliest. Stay at home. Save lives.

COVAX's AMC programme has begun vaccinations in low & lower middle income countries. The UK has pledged £548m to the initiative, and this week we saw the first jabs take place in Côte d’Ivoire 🇨🇮, helping to protect the most vulnerable. No one is safe until we are all safe. https://t.co/mYILedG7DE

Helping communities to adapt to the impacts of climate change can allow people to fulfil their potential. Here's how the UK is working with partners in Bangladesh ⬇️ #TogetherForOurPlanet | #COP26 https://t.co/K03STU52Hi

In the last week or so, over 10 million doses of coronavirus vaccines have been delivered to 15+ countries globally. COVAX, which the UK has pledged £548m towards, is working to deliver over 1 billion vaccines this year to 92 low & lower middle income countries. Photos: @UNICEF https://t.co/s0OBImo7DC

Foreign Secretary @DominicRaab told the @HouseofCommons today how the UK has played a key role in the @Coalition’s fight against Daesh. We are degrading their online propaganda and supporting on the ground to build resilience to their activities. https://t.co/JGQBTDGYZa

The UK plays a key role in the global fight against Daesh. So far, we've: ✅ trained over 120,000 Iraqi soldiers ✅ contributed £3.5 billion of humanitarian aid in Syria ✅ provided healthcare services to 4.3 million people in Iraq ✅ led the @Coalition in countering propaganda

The UK #Budget2021 means that, in testing times, we will continue to be a major player on the global stage. We have: https://t.co/6hfC7zJ6B4

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions he has had with cabinet colleagues on the potential merits of negotiating a bespoke visa waiver agreement with the EU exempting touring musicians, performers, creative teams and crews from needing to obtain a visa when seeking paid work.

Answered by Caroline Dinenage - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

This government recognises the importance of our world leading creative and cultural industries. That is why the UK took an ambitious approach during negotiations that would have ensured that touring musicians, performers and their support staff did not need work-permits to perform in the EU. Regrettably, our proposals were rejected by the EU, but our door remains open if the EU wants to reconsider its position.

A bespoke visa waiver agreement with the EU would require the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) to be renegotiated. The TCA is the basis of our trading relations with the EU, and this is not going to be renegotiated.

The Commission would be likely to argue that any EU-wide visa waiver agreement can only be part of a wider package with a binding non-discrimination clause and a reciprocal visa waiver agreement covering all current and future Member States. This was what the Commission proposed in the negotiations and would be incompatible with our manifesto commitment to retain control of our borders.

It should also be noted that while the EU has visa-waiver deals with some other third countries, this does not bind Member States and many continue to apply visas on paid activity, while some Member States offer the same waiver regime to those with whom they don’t have deals.

However, we will imminently be engaging with Member States to improve their guidance around their entry and work requirements. DCMS is working closely with the FCDO and other government departments on an engagement strategy with EU Member States, and DCMS Ministers will speak to our Heads of Missions in EU countries shortly. Should Member States be willing to change their rules to match the UK’s significantly more generous arrangements for touring professionals, then we will have those discussions and encourage them to do so.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions the Government has had EU Member States on cultural exemptions for work permits for musicians and other creative professionals seeking paid work in the EU.

Answered by Caroline Dinenage - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

This government recognises the importance of our world leading creative and cultural industries. That is why the UK took an ambitious approach during negotiations that would have ensured that touring musicians, performers and their support staff did not need work-permits to perform in the EU. Regrettably, our proposals were rejected by the EU, but our door remains open if the EU wants to reconsider its position.

A bespoke visa waiver agreement with the EU would require the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) to be renegotiated. The TCA is the basis of our trading relations with the EU, and this is not going to be renegotiated.

The Commission would be likely to argue that any EU-wide visa waiver agreement can only be part of a wider package with a binding non-discrimination clause and a reciprocal visa waiver agreement covering all current and future Member States. This was what the Commission proposed in the negotiations and would be incompatible with our manifesto commitment to retain control of our borders.

It should also be noted that while the EU has visa-waiver deals with some other third countries, this does not bind Member States and many continue to apply visas on paid activity, while some Member States offer the same waiver regime to those with whom they don’t have deals.

However, we will imminently be engaging with Member States to improve their guidance around their entry and work requirements. DCMS is working closely with the FCDO and other government departments on an engagement strategy with EU Member States, and DCMS Ministers will speak to our Heads of Missions in EU countries shortly. Should Member States be willing to change their rules to match the UK’s significantly more generous arrangements for touring professionals, then we will have those discussions and encourage them to do so.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if his Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of flying the flags of the Commonwealth countries in Parliament Square for the full week around Commonwealth Day in 2022.

Answered by Caroline Dinenage - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

Each year, on Commonwealth Day the department arranges for the flags of Commonwealth countries to be flown in Parliament Square. There are currently no plans for this to be extended for the full week around Commonwealth Day in 2022. Any decision on changes to the current flag flying programme would need to be agreed with FCDO, No10 and the Royal Household.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to deliver civil service jobs in Stoke-on-Trent.

Answered by Julia Lopez - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to PQ 129140 on 22 December 2020. A number of announcements have been made on Places for Growth locations. This includes the Cabinet Office establishing a second headquarters in Glasgow, a joint headquarters for FCDO in East Kilbride and a new economic campus in Darlington. Further announcements for other departments will be made in due course.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much debt is owed to the UK Government by (a) each of the five UK Overseas Territories in the Caribbean (b) other small island states; and how much of that debt will be due for repayment in each of the next three years.

Answered by John Glen - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The UK is committed to supporting the Overseas Territories in building successful and resilient economies. We provide technical support and encourage best practice in financial management.

There is currently no outstanding debt owed to the UK by the five UK Overseas Territories in the Caribbean.

Below is a breakdown of total debt owed to the UK by other small island states (as defined by the UN), including a breakdown of repayments due over the next three financial years.

Outstanding debt owed to the UK by small island states:

[1] Total UK exposure as of 31^st August 2020. The link for this information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/report-on-outstanding-debt-owed-by-other-countries-to-her-majestys-government/ukef-and-dfid-sovereign-exposure-by-recipient-country-outstanding-and-arrears

[2] St Vincent does not have monies owed in the financial year commencing 1^st April 2023 as their last repayment is due on 31^st December 2022.

[3] The repayment totals for Bahrain are provisional as their facility is yet to be fully drawn down.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many covid-19 vaccines have been delivered in the Eastern and Western Sovereign base areas of British Forces Cyprus.

Answered by James Heappey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Defence are jointly ensuring that all entitled HMG personnel overseas receive an offer of a COVID-19 vaccine in line with JCVI guidance and national timelines, in location. Defence has delivered 1,600 vaccines to the Cyprus Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs). A delivery of second doses is scheduled for April. Planning is underway to provide vaccines for entitled Phase 2 individuals in the SBAs in line with UK roll-out.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the total cash value was of Official Development Assistance Budget in 2020-21.

Answered by Steve Barclay - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

HM Treasury will publish 2020-21 Official Development Assistance allocations in due course.

As usual, the FCDO National Statistics publication, 'Statistics on International Development’, will provide a breakdown of high-level UK Official Development Assistance spend for the 2020 Calendar Year. This is due to be published on 8 April.

Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what recent progress the Government has made in contributing to the 2018 G7 Gender Equality Advisory Council’s recommendations (a) 18.1, (b) 28 and (c) 40.

Answered by Elizabeth Truss - Minister for Women and Equalities

Under the UK G7 Presidency, the Prime Minister has reconvened the Gender Equality Advisory Council (GEAC). I am delighted to act as Ministerial Lead working with the independent Council and building on the foundations laid by the Canadian and French G7 presidencies, and to champion the core principles of freedom, opportunity, individual humanity and dignity for women around the world.

The Government remains deeply committed to tackling global poverty and helping to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Despite the economic challenges we face, the UK will remain a major donor spending 0.5 per cent of GNI on Overseas Development Aid (ODA).

The Foreign Secretary’s Strategic Framework for UK ODA announced in the House on 26 November 2020 will see us focus on global challenges where the UK can make the most impact: on climate change and biodiversity; girls’ education; COVID and global health security; on open societies, conflict resolution, humanitarian crises and trade and economic development.

FCDO supports a range of programmes that promote the importance of data to inform policy-making and programme delivery focused on the needs of the most vulnerable. Having joined the Inclusive Data Charter last year, we will produce an Action Plan on improving the quality, quantity, financing, and availability of inclusive and disaggregated data, as well as the capacity and capability to produce and use it.

The Prime Minister has made absolutely clear our continued commitment to stand up for the right of every girl to 12 years of quality education. ODA spending is only one of our tools in achieving our ambitions; this year we will be co-hosting the Global Partnership for Education Replenishment with Kenya and using our G7 Presidency to rally the international community to step up support to girls’ education.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how he plans to allocate money from the (a) Biodiverse Landscapes Fund and (b) Blue Planet Fund; and what criteria he plans to apply to determine that supported projects benefit both human development and nature conservation objectives.

Answered by Rebecca Pow - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Biodiverse Landscapes Fund will deliver poverty reduction, conservation and climate outcomes across biologically diverse, transboundary landscapes worldwide. It will create sustainable economic development for local communities which supports the protection, restoration and sustainable management of these critical landscapes, rather than deriving short-term gains from their unsustainable use.

The Biodiverse Landscapes Fund is currently in development. Funding will be allocated, however, to a range of delivery partners who have demonstrated that they can deliver interventions that will meet the Fund's objectives in a landscape via an open, competitive process. Full details of this process, its timelines and the Fund's objectives will be published in due course.

The Blue Planet Fund aims to help countries eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA) to reduce poverty through the protection and sustainable management of their marine resources. It will focus on addressing human-generated threats across four key themes: biodiversity, climate change, marine pollution, and sustainable seafood. The Fund is currently being designed by Defra and FCDO, based on available evidence and drawing on information from across HMG's international network, and will be launched later this year.

Both programmes are ODA funded, and so are subject to the Government’s guidelines and rules for designing and implementing ODA programmes. As such, once operational, progress will regularly be assessed against pre-agreed criteria and through a robust monitoring, evaluation and learning cycle to ensure projects achieve economic development and conservation objectives. Defra publishes information on ODA funded programmes to the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI) registry and adheres to the transparency standards set out in the UK Aid Strategy.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the Government’s latest assessment is of the role of dietary change in contributing to (a) the objectives of the UN food systems summit and (b) the UK's policy goals on (i) public health, (ii) biodiversity protection, (iii) climate and (iv) animal welfare.

Answered by Victoria Prentis - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The UN Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) presents an excellent opportunity to showcase the UK's thought leadership on food systems and serves as a valuable platform to exert our influence internationally. Defra and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) are working closely to ensure that the UK makes a valuable contribution on all aspects of the food system, including diets.

The Government fully supports consumer choice. Our priority is to support British farming and encourage sustainable food production to ensure we have a secure, environmentally sustainable and healthy supply of food with improved standards of animal welfare. The Government's obesity strategy is designed to reshape the food environment by providing people with a healthier choice and encouraging them to take it.

We recognise the contribution to greenhouse gas emissions made by agricultural sectors. Evidence shows that plant-based food products are generally less carbon intensive to produce than livestock products. However, while food choices can have an impact on greenhouse gas emissions, well managed livestock also provide environmental benefits such as supporting biodiversity and protecting the character of the countryside.

The Independent Review of the food system being led by Henry Dimbleby will help the Government to further understand how dietary changes can deliver public policy goals on health and sustainability.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the Government’s priorities are for the UN food systems summit in September; and what activities are taking place (a) across Departments and (b) with civil society to prepare for that summit.

Answered by Victoria Prentis - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra and FCDO are working closely to ensure that the UK makes a valuable contribution to the UN Food Systems Summit. The UNFSS presents an excellent opportunity to showcase the UK’s thought leadership on food systems and serves as a valuable platform to exert our influence internationally.

In particular, the UK is taking a leading role on Action Track 5 on 'Building resilience to vulnerabilities, shocks and stresses' and we are inputting heavily into Action Track 3 focused on 'Building nature positive production at sufficient scales' where we see clear linkages with our ambitions for COP26.

We are keen to build on the successes of the high-quality engagement with civil society which was done as part of the National Food Strategy and we are consulting colleagues in the Devolved Administrations to ensure that their voice is captured.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what support his Department has provided to governments of the Overseas Territories to help tackle the covid-19 pandemic.

Answered by James Heappey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

In support of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Defence has provided a range of assistance to British Overseas Territories in their response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes the provision of advisory teams, the transportation of medical supplies and, more recently, logistical support with vaccine delivery to the Falkland Islands, Ascension Island and Gibraltar. Defence continues to work closely with the FCDO in order to respond to any request for support to British Overseas Territories.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the end of the transition period for the UK's departure from the EU, what steps have they taken to review the terms and conditions of the EU Payment Services Directive; and what assessment they have made of how they can support greater competition and transparency in the market for money transfer companies in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Answered by Lord Agnew of Oulton - Minister of State (HM Treasury)

HM Treasury is leading a Payments Landscape Review. The review aims to ensure the UK maintains its status as a country at the cutting edge of payments technology. The review is looking at what can be done across government, regulators and industry to ensure that the UK’s regulatory framework and infrastructure for payments remains world leading.

HM Treasury issued the Payments Landscape Review Call for Evidence in July 2020 and it closed in October 2020. The Call for Evidence sought views on a range of opportunities and risks in UK payments, including for cross-border payments. The government is considering the responses and will set out next steps in due course.

Increasing competition and transparency is important to driving remittances innovation leading to consumers having better services and reduced costs. FCDO through the Harnessing Innovation for Financial Inclusion programme is focused on enhancing competition, transparency, and efficiency of the remittances market working across 18 African countries and is conducting research on key UK remittance corridors in Africa to understand what actions could lower the cost of remittances from the UK.

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🙏Share this website with the hashtags #ClaudiaIsMissing #nosFaltaClaudia - https://t.co/XbRfdVI8XK 🙏 Write to your MP & ask them to raise this with the FCDO. Template here- https://t.co/gkyPYTck8m 🙏 Donate to the crowd-funder to pay for legal expenses- https://t.co/56bjiXdyp3

Staying in touch securely with our diplomatic missions across the globe is essential. #OnThisDay 75 years ago the Diplomatic Wireless Service was formed to carry our crucial messages around the world. This work continues through FCDO Services today: https://t.co/Ue6hC2X3mC

I spoke to @BBCScotNine re William Aitken’s detainment, as he awaits his trial hearing & continue to call on UK FCDO to ensure extradition rules #postbrexit adhere to EU-UK #brexit agreement to prevent UK citizens being detained on this false precedent https://t.co/v1SKVCU0W1 https://t.co/gDP6bYex5W

Exclusive: NGOs say FCDO gagging them on aid cuts https://t.co/IYdlWMJBnJ

I spoke to @BBCScotNine re William Aitken’s detainment, as he awaits his trial hearing & continue to call on UK FCDO to ensure extradition rules #postbrexit adhere to EU-UK #brexit agreement to prevent UK citizens being detained on this false precedent https://t.co/TUohwl2Cku

William Aitken still awaits a decision & continues to be detained on unprecedented ruling of #Brexit flight risk. I‘ve written to Dominic Raab (FCDO) & await a response on UK Govt discussions with Spanish authorities on this case: https://t.co/IUjlZUYZfC

@parliamentview I have always had a flag because I talk to ministers around the world as International Champion for COP26. #FCDO #normal

🗣 We are questioning FCDO and BEIS Ministers @scullyp and @JamesCleverly. 📺 Watch live: https://t.co/GVUq99S8X2 https://t.co/E1aGAHHR3w

This concludes part 1 of our session. We would like to thank .@WorldVisionEth's Edward Brown and .@WFP_Ethiopia‘s Paul Turnbull. We will now hear from FCDO Minister .@JamesDuddridge, UK Ambassador to Ethiopia .@AMcPhailUK, and .@ChristianRogg. 📺 https://t.co/B1sBu6zCaT https://t.co/gIudLmvhei

Pictures used in the video ©UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor, ©UK Parliament/Catherine Bebbington. FCDO images CC by 2.0.

Our co-chair @LordMcConnell is joining this panel next week to discuss "What next for UK Aid?" The event will consider implications of the UK’s decision to cut ODA and consider how the FCDO can best utilise the aid budget More info & registration👉https://t.co/JQxumqJqFq https://t.co/XmCcqbbUsN

This is welcome progress but after five years apart the agony for Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and her family continues. The FCDO must now step up efforts to bring Nazanin - and all dual nationals wrongly detained in Iran - home without delay. https://t.co/utBrqSVlRS

Recommendation to the FCDO 3. That FCDO staff thrust into new responsibilities, as a result of reorganisation, are encouraged to actively consider the FoRB dimension of their role. https://t.co/DW2jIJo0LQ

Recommendation to the FCDO 2. That at a time of reorganisation, and serious budget cuts, the FCDO takes every care to maximise the potential opportunities of its reorganisation by mainstreaming FoRB considerations into its new processes at every level. https://t.co/DW2jIJo0LQ

Recommendation to the FCDO 1. That the FCDO continues to affirm FoRB as a priority concern within its human rights agenda, https://t.co/DW2jIJo0LQ

Thanks to @halfon4harlowMP who would have said this in @FCDO questions but for a connection issue, “#KurdistanRegion has merits such as religious freedom & some flaws. But it wouldn’t exist without Sir John Major’s brave decision to pioneer a safe haven and no-fly zone.

In FCDO Questions I referred to the #vaccination programme in Israel and urged the Israeli Govt to work with the Palestinian Authority to ensure Palestinians are vaccinated too. The FCDO Minister said he hoped that vaccinations would rollout across the OPTs as well as Israel. https://t.co/4Kdu9gHqcJ

During FCDO questions the Minister told me that decisions had not yet been made on cuts to UK Aid, and that NGO's were being consulted - that's certainly not what I'm hearing! @CommonsIDC https://t.co/1kihmlZwnc

In response to @KateOsamor, Minister @morton_wendy tells us that nutrition feeds into the FCDO's work around ending preventable death. She adds that the FCDO will not have a nutrition strategy, but that it will have an action plan for ending preventable deaths.

Minister @morton_wendy has told us that the FCDO is undertaking a rigorous internal prioritisation process and says that the FCDO will provide an update on what impact this will have on nutrition in due course.

They have ignored the @CommonsIDC urging them to “commit to all UK ODA funding meeting the transparency standard of ‘good’” and for the FCDO to “achieve a score of ‘Very Good’ on transparency of aid spending, as assessed by the Aid Transparency Index” in its first year.

Many thanks to @APPGKurdistan Chair @halfon4harlowMP, who asked @FCDO for assessment of long-term effect on UK foreign policy & bilateral relations with #KurdistanRegion of 1991 decision to initiate safe haven & no-fly zone over #KurdistanRegion. https://t.co/AQ6SJDVDk7

@ianbirrell @BBCr4today Fair enough, maybe Rusesabagina was simply travelling alone from Texas to the other side of the Rwanda/Burundi border as a fun mid-term holiday. But @bbcr4today, FCDO et al may be waiting to see if the prosecution has any, er, evidence before condemning as show trial?

CHINA Lord Blencathra Ask HMG, further to the Answer on 22 Jan (HL11916), and reports of hostile espionage, threats to Taiwan, and the persecution of Uighurs in Xinjiang by China, why the FCDO continues to refer to that government as a strategic partner. https://t.co/Rc2A8oaYAe

Exclusive: UK FCDO minister: 'We are not really in a position' to discuss cuts with aid community. Aside from impact on beneficiaries - think of the impact on U.K. Aid workers unsure if they have a job ⁦@CommonsIDC⁩ ⁦@bondngo⁩ ⁦@devex⁩ https://t.co/O3fNKUpE2P

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