Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department plans to participate in the 22nd Meeting of States Parties to the Antipersonnel Mine Ban Convention.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Yes. The UK will serve in the role of Vice-President during the meeting, as well as having a role on the Committee reviewing requests by States Parties to extend their mine clearance obligations under Article 5 of the Convention.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department plans to publish the 2025 Joint Ministerial Council Communiqué.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The communique from the 2025 Joint Ministerial Council has been published on gov.uk. The link is at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-and-overseas-territories-joint-ministerial-council-2025-communique.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the implications for her policies of the United States’ recent decision to ease sanctions on Belarus following the release of political prisoners.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

We welcome the release of political prisoners in September, secured through US diplomatic efforts in close coordination with the UK and other international partners, and call for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining political prisoners. Our Embassy in Minsk regularly attends trials and engages with the families of political prisoners.

We regularly engage with Belarusian civil society and democratic forces in exile.

We do not comment on other countries' sanctions. To date, the UK has issued over 200 sanctions in response to human rights violations in Belarus and activities destabilising or threatening to destabilise Ukraine, including through the Government of Belarus' support for Russia's aggression in Ukraine.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the level of night time medical evacuation capability in Montserrat, and what steps she is taking to ensure that residents have access to safe and timely emergency medical evacuation comparable to that available in other UK Overseas Territories.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is supporting the Government of Montserrat and Air Safety Support International to scope extending Montserrat's airport operations to night time, including to enable night time medical evacuations. The FCDO has also supported construction of a new air traffic control tower to ensure regulatory compliance, operational readiness and staff safety, due to complete this year.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department will undertake a review of Montserrat’s emergency medical evacuation arrangements including (a) nighttime capability and (b) the use of pre-evacuation financial liability agreements.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is supporting the Government of Montserrat and Air Safety Support International to scope extending Montserrat's airport operations to night time, including to enable night time medical evacuations. The FCDO has also supported construction of a new air traffic control tower to ensure regulatory compliance, operational readiness and staff safety, due to complete this year.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Government will consider providing technical or financial assistance to establish night time air or sea medical evacuation capability in Montserrat.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is supporting the Government of Montserrat and Air Safety Support International to scope extending Montserrat's airport operations to night time, including to enable night time medical evacuations. The FCDO has also supported construction of a new air traffic control tower to ensure regulatory compliance, operational readiness and staff safety, due to complete this year.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to engage with Belarusian civil society and democratic forces in exile.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

We welcome the release of political prisoners in September, secured through US diplomatic efforts in close coordination with the UK and other international partners, and call for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining political prisoners. Our Embassy in Minsk regularly attends trials and engages with the families of political prisoners.

We regularly engage with Belarusian civil society and democratic forces in exile.

We do not comment on other countries' sanctions. To date, the UK has issued over 200 sanctions in response to human rights violations in Belarus and activities destabilising or threatening to destabilise Ukraine, including through the Government of Belarus' support for Russia's aggression in Ukraine.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to support the release of political prisoners detained in Belarus.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

We welcome the release of political prisoners in September, secured through US diplomatic efforts in close coordination with the UK and other international partners, and call for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining political prisoners. Our Embassy in Minsk regularly attends trials and engages with the families of political prisoners.

We regularly engage with Belarusian civil society and democratic forces in exile.

We do not comment on other countries' sanctions. To date, the UK has issued over 200 sanctions in response to human rights violations in Belarus and activities destabilising or threatening to destabilise Ukraine, including through the Government of Belarus' support for Russia's aggression in Ukraine.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps she is taking with UN counterparts to help reduce child casualties from explosive weapons.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Earlier this month, the UK participated in the Second International Conference of the Political Declaration on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences Arising from the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas (EWIPA), and officials emphasised the particular importance of protecting children from both direct and indirect impacts of those weapons. The UK is also a member of the UN Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict and plays a key role in ensuring scrutiny of conflicts where children are harmed and holding perpetrators to account.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department has made an assessment of whether the recent presidential election in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was conducted in a free and fair manner.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

In accordance with the rest of the international community, with the sole exception of Turkey, the UK does not recognise the self-declared 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' as an independent state.

We respect the right of the Turkish Cypriot community to choose their representatives in the UN-led settlement process, and we engage with Turkish Cypriot representatives under our non-recognition policy to support the UN-led settlement process. I will meet Mr Erhürman at the next informal UN-led talks to support momentum towards a just and lasting settlement. We followed his recent leadership election and are not aware of any evidence of irregularities.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she plans to meet the newly elected President of the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

In accordance with the rest of the international community, with the sole exception of Turkey, the UK does not recognise the self-declared 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' as an independent state.

We respect the right of the Turkish Cypriot community to choose their representatives in the UN-led settlement process, and we engage with Turkish Cypriot representatives under our non-recognition policy to support the UN-led settlement process. I will meet Mr Erhürman at the next informal UN-led talks to support momentum towards a just and lasting settlement. We followed his recent leadership election and are not aware of any evidence of irregularities.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 6 November 2025 to Question 86191, what steps her Department has taken to improve the development of health services and specialist medical care in Montserrat.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave on 6 November to Question 86192.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications of her policies of the recent ADF attack on Byambwe Reference Health Center in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Christian-majority Lubero territory.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 24 November to Question 91327.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that (a) aid workers are protected and (b) UK humanitarian aid is able to reach those in conflict zones in Sudan.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the statement on Sudan made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 18 November.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to support victims of sexual violence in the conflict in Sudan.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the statement on Sudan made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 18 November.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help support biodiversity in Colombia.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK supports biodiversity in Colombia through the UK-Colombia Partnership for Sustainable Growth and a range of other programmes and initiatives, including the Blue Planet Fund, the Global Plastic Action Partnership, the Global Centre on Biodiversity for Climate, the Sustainable Forest Territories programme, the Darwin Initiative and Biodiversity Challenge Funds.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions her Department has had with the G7 and G20 on the expansion of the Common Framework for Debt Treatments to provide deeper and more timely debt cancellation for highly indebted countries.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 14 July 2025 to Question HL9091.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions her Department has had with international financial institutions, including the IMF and World Bank, on cancelling or restructuring debt for Global South countries facing economic crises.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 14 July 2025 to Question HL9091.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the feasibility of a UK-supported debt-for-climate swap programme to help low-income countries finance climate resilience projects.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 14 July 2025 to Question HL9091.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions her Department has had with the African Union and CARICOM regarding the role of debt cancellation in broader reparations discussions.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 14 July 2025 to Question HL9091.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the risks from Marburg virus, following the Ministry for Health in Ethiopia confirming an outbreak and three deaths in Ethiopia.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

The Ministry of Health in Ethiopia confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus in Jinka, southwestern Ethiopia on 14 November. On 19 November, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) updated its travel advice to advise against all but essential travel to Jinka and an area within 5km of the town. Those travelling to Ethiopia should monitor FCDO travel advice and follow guidance from local authorities. The UK Health Security Agency has carried out a rapid assessment of the risk to the UK public, assessing the overall risk as "very low". We continue to monitor the situation closely.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the findings of the report by the Institute for Monitoring Peace and Cultural Tolerance in School Education, Review of Pakistani Textbooks, published in August; and what discussions they have had with the government of Pakistan about reports of harmful and discriminatory content in the curriculum.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

I refer the Noble Baroness to the answer given on 6 November to question HL11399.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what verification of education materials funded through UK aid in Pakistan has been undertaken; whether it has been verified that those materials meet UNESCO standards of peace, tolerance, and equality; and what plans they have to publish the outcome of any such verification.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

I refer the Noble Baroness to the answer given on 6 November to question HL11399.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to coordinate with other governments efforts to strengthen existing bilateral sanctions and impose additional sanctions to prevent the sale and transfer of aviation fuel to Burma; whether they support the establishment of an aviation fuel embargo and the enforcement of a global arms embargo on the government of Burma through the UN Security Council; and whether they are taking steps to communicate the risk of potential criminal liability to companies involved in the government of Burma’s aviation-fuel supply chain.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

We continue to support the aspirations of the people of Myanmar for a peaceful, democratic future. Any meaningful election needs to be accompanied by an end to violence, a resumption of dialogue among all parties concerned, and must also address the urgent need to allow access for humanitarian assistance, to end human rights violations, and reverse the collapse of public services. We will continue to engage international partners, including ASEAN and at the UN Security Council, on the challenges facing people in Myanmar. On 19 November at the UN Third Committee meeting on Myanmar, the UK delivered a statement, reiterating concern for human rights violations and election plans: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/the-uk-is-concerned-by-the-ongoing-violence-in-myanmar-including-escalating-human-rights-violations-and-increasing-reports-of-sexual-andgender-based

Since 2021, the UK Government has enacted 19 sanctions packages against the Myanmar regime, including 10 individual sanctions targeting the import of aviation fuel into Myanmar. In 2022 the UK updated our Overseas Business Risk Guidance to make it clear that UK businesses should conduct thorough supply chain diligence to ensure that commodities such as aviation fuel do not reach the military.

We have also sanctioned 25 individuals and 39 entities targeting the regime's access to finance, arms and equipment. We keep all evidence and potential designations under close review. It would not be appropriate to speculate about potential future sanctions designations as to do so could reduce their impact.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with (1) the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), and (2) the outgoing and incoming chairs of ASEAN, namely the governments of Malaysia and the Philippines, regarding the human rights situation in Burma, and the forthcoming elections proposed by the government of Burma.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

We continue to support the aspirations of the people of Myanmar for a peaceful, democratic future. Any meaningful election needs to be accompanied by an end to violence, a resumption of dialogue among all parties concerned, and must also address the urgent need to allow access for humanitarian assistance, to end human rights violations, and reverse the collapse of public services. We will continue to engage international partners, including ASEAN and at the UN Security Council, on the challenges facing people in Myanmar. On 19 November at the UN Third Committee meeting on Myanmar, the UK delivered a statement, reiterating concern for human rights violations and election plans: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/the-uk-is-concerned-by-the-ongoing-violence-in-myanmar-including-escalating-human-rights-violations-and-increasing-reports-of-sexual-andgender-based

Since 2021, the UK Government has enacted 19 sanctions packages against the Myanmar regime, including 10 individual sanctions targeting the import of aviation fuel into Myanmar. In 2022 the UK updated our Overseas Business Risk Guidance to make it clear that UK businesses should conduct thorough supply chain diligence to ensure that commodities such as aviation fuel do not reach the military.

We have also sanctioned 25 individuals and 39 entities targeting the regime's access to finance, arms and equipment. We keep all evidence and potential designations under close review. It would not be appropriate to speculate about potential future sanctions designations as to do so could reduce their impact.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the forthcoming elections in Burma, in particular whether they will be free or fair.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

We continue to support the aspirations of the people of Myanmar for a peaceful, democratic future. Any meaningful election needs to be accompanied by an end to violence, a resumption of dialogue among all parties concerned, and must also address the urgent need to allow access for humanitarian assistance, to end human rights violations, and reverse the collapse of public services. We will continue to engage international partners, including ASEAN and at the UN Security Council, on the challenges facing people in Myanmar. On 19 November at the UN Third Committee meeting on Myanmar, the UK delivered a statement, reiterating concern for human rights violations and election plans: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/the-uk-is-concerned-by-the-ongoing-violence-in-myanmar-including-escalating-human-rights-violations-and-increasing-reports-of-sexual-andgender-based

Since 2021, the UK Government has enacted 19 sanctions packages against the Myanmar regime, including 10 individual sanctions targeting the import of aviation fuel into Myanmar. In 2022 the UK updated our Overseas Business Risk Guidance to make it clear that UK businesses should conduct thorough supply chain diligence to ensure that commodities such as aviation fuel do not reach the military.

We have also sanctioned 25 individuals and 39 entities targeting the regime's access to finance, arms and equipment. We keep all evidence and potential designations under close review. It would not be appropriate to speculate about potential future sanctions designations as to do so could reduce their impact.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to provide financial or technical assistance to nations affected by climate change.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK is a leading player in global efforts to support indigenous communities, and tackle climate change and nature loss, including contributing £40 million to help operationalise the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage in 2025. Our International Climate Finance has helped 137 million people adapt to the effects of climate change, provided 89 million people with improved access to clean energy, and helped to mobilise billions in private investment.

We also continue to support initiatives which strengthen climate resilience in small island developing states (SIDS). This includes the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub and Commonwealth Investment Network. These initiatives were discussed at the 2025 Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting on 25 November.

On proposals for reparations, I refer the Hon Member to the response provided on 10 March 2025 to Question 32987.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department plans to establish a dedicated fund to support nations experiencing climate-related loss and damage linked to the UK’s historical industrial emissions.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK is a leading player in global efforts to support indigenous communities, and tackle climate change and nature loss, including contributing £40 million to help operationalise the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage in 2025. Our International Climate Finance has helped 137 million people adapt to the effects of climate change, provided 89 million people with improved access to clean energy, and helped to mobilise billions in private investment.

We also continue to support initiatives which strengthen climate resilience in small island developing states (SIDS). This includes the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub and Commonwealth Investment Network. These initiatives were discussed at the 2025 Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting on 25 November.

On proposals for reparations, I refer the Hon Member to the response provided on 10 March 2025 to Question 32987.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to support Indigenous communities affected by historic UK-linked resource extraction projects.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK is a leading player in global efforts to support indigenous communities, and tackle climate change and nature loss, including contributing £40 million to help operationalise the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage in 2025. Our International Climate Finance has helped 137 million people adapt to the effects of climate change, provided 89 million people with improved access to clean energy, and helped to mobilise billions in private investment.

We also continue to support initiatives which strengthen climate resilience in small island developing states (SIDS). This includes the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub and Commonwealth Investment Network. These initiatives were discussed at the 2025 Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting on 25 November.

On proposals for reparations, I refer the Hon Member to the response provided on 10 March 2025 to Question 32987.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions her Department has had with international partners on the development of legal frameworks for climate reparations.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK is a leading player in global efforts to support indigenous communities, and tackle climate change and nature loss, including contributing £40 million to help operationalise the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage in 2025. Our International Climate Finance has helped 137 million people adapt to the effects of climate change, provided 89 million people with improved access to clean energy, and helped to mobilise billions in private investment.

We also continue to support initiatives which strengthen climate resilience in small island developing states (SIDS). This includes the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub and Commonwealth Investment Network. These initiatives were discussed at the 2025 Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting on 25 November.

On proposals for reparations, I refer the Hon Member to the response provided on 10 March 2025 to Question 32987.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the UK’s contributions to international climate funds, such as the Loss and Damage Fund, in addressing the environmental harm caused by historical emissions.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK is a leading player in global efforts to support indigenous communities, and tackle climate change and nature loss, including contributing £40 million to help operationalise the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage in 2025. Our International Climate Finance has helped 137 million people adapt to the effects of climate change, provided 89 million people with improved access to clean energy, and helped to mobilise billions in private investment.

We also continue to support initiatives which strengthen climate resilience in small island developing states (SIDS). This includes the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub and Commonwealth Investment Network. These initiatives were discussed at the 2025 Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting on 25 November.

On proposals for reparations, I refer the Hon Member to the response provided on 10 March 2025 to Question 32987.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions her Department has had with Commonwealth nations on climate finance to address the impact of climate change on small island developing states.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK is a leading player in global efforts to support indigenous communities, and tackle climate change and nature loss, including contributing £40 million to help operationalise the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage in 2025. Our International Climate Finance has helped 137 million people adapt to the effects of climate change, provided 89 million people with improved access to clean energy, and helped to mobilise billions in private investment.

We also continue to support initiatives which strengthen climate resilience in small island developing states (SIDS). This includes the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub and Commonwealth Investment Network. These initiatives were discussed at the 2025 Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting on 25 November.

On proposals for reparations, I refer the Hon Member to the response provided on 10 March 2025 to Question 32987.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent progress his Department has made on the proposed (a) Embassy and (b) residence redevelopment in Beijing, and whether formal state consents are still needed.

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

I refer the Hon. Member to the response to Question 22931 on 16 January.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had discussions with her counterparts in sub-Saharan Southern Africa on economic growth.

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

The promotion of economic growth, investment and trade is a key priority for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and forms a regular and essential part of our engagement with counterparts across the world, including in Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, Australia and Canada.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had discussions with her Australian counterpart on economic growth.

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

The promotion of economic growth, investment and trade is a key priority for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and forms a regular and essential part of our engagement with counterparts across the world, including in Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, Australia and Canada.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had discussions with her Canadian counterpart on economic growth.

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

The promotion of economic growth, investment and trade is a key priority for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and forms a regular and essential part of our engagement with counterparts across the world, including in Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, Australia and Canada.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic engagement she has had with her European colleagues on helping encourage economic growth in the United Kingdom.

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

The promotion of economic growth, investment and trade is a key priority for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and forms a regular and essential part of our engagement with counterparts across the world, including in Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, Australia and Canada.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Question 347 to 349 of Foreign Affairs Committee, Oral evidence: Work of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, HC 385, 3 November 2025, if he will place (a) a readout and (b) the minutes of the discussions between the Permanent Under-Secretary and the Chinese Government on the proposed Chinese Embassy in London in the Library.

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

The planning application has been called in by the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) who will make this decision independently in a quasi-judicial capacity. Consistent with long-standing policy, the Government does not routinely publish details of meetings between officials and external organisations.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her Indian counterpart on reports of recent forced burning of Bibles in the Rohtak State of Haryana.

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

I refer the Rt Hon. Member to the answer provided on 27 October in response to Question 83419.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to coordinate with allies, including Japan and the United States, to uphold peace and security in the Taiwan Strait.

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

The UK's longstanding position on Taiwan has not changed. The UK has a clear interest in peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and considers the Taiwan issue one to be settled by people on both sides of the Strait through constructive dialogue, without the threat or use of force or coercion in any context. We support all actions to de-escalate tensions that are not conducive to peace and stability.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her Bangladeshi counterpart on the recent Islamist rally to declare the Ahmadiyya community as non-Muslim; and what diplomatic steps she is taking with international counterparts to ensure the protection of that community.

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

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 10 November in response to Question 87224.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with international partners on the violent crackdown on protestors in Nepal.

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

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has consistently expressed the UK Government's support for democracy and fundamental freedoms in Nepal. In response to the violence and restrictions on peaceful protest that occurred in September, the UK joined international partners (Australia, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, and the United States of America) in issuing a statement on 8 September, reaffirming our strong support for the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression and urging all parties to exercise restraint. Our Ambassador in Kathmandu has also reiterated the UK's commitment to democratic principles, the rule of law, and the protection of free speech and peaceful assembly.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Further to Foreign Affairs Committee, Oral evidence: Work of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, HC 385, 3 November 2025, Q262, if he will list the mitigations used to avoid conflicts of interest on Lord Mandelson’s shareholding in Global Counsel.

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

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 11 June 2025 to Question 57229. A copy of the standard Conflict of Interest Declaration Form will be deposited in the Library.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, further to Foreign Affairs Committee, Oral evidence: Work of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, HC 385, 3 November 2025, Q261, whether Lord Mandelson was asked to sell his shareholding in Global Counsel, or place the shareholding in a blind trust.

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

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 11 June 2025 to Question 57229. A copy of the standard Conflict of Interest Declaration Form will be deposited in the Library.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Further to Foreign Affairs Committee, Oral evidence: Work of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, HC 385, 3 November 2025, Q258, if he will place a copy of the standard conflict of interest form, and associated guidance, in the Library.

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

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 11 June 2025 to Question 57229. A copy of the standard Conflict of Interest Declaration Form will be deposited in the Library.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the viability of the ceasefire deal regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the oral statement on the Middle East made by the Foreign Secretary on 18 November.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has made an assessment of the effectiveness of the Oil Price Cap in limiting Russian energy revenues.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the statement on Ukraine made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 15 October, where she set out in detail the UK's approach on these issues. We will provide further updates to the House in due course.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many meetings the departmental board of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has had since 4 July 2024.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

Details of the attendees, and number of meetings, for all top-level boards and committees at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) are published on an annual basis in the FCDO annual report and accounts. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Management Board, chaired by the Permanent Under-Secretary, has met 6 times since 4 July 2024.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her Vietnamese counterpart on the recent imprisonment of Kim Som Rinh, Thach Nga and Thach Xuan Dong; and what diplomatic steps she is taking to help ensure their release.

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

The Foreign Secretary raised human rights including freedom of religion and belief with Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung on 30 October, building on my own discussions with the Vice Foreign Minister on 13 October. Our new UK-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership reaffirms our shared commitment to continue sincere, frank and constructive dialogue on human rights issues, including through the UN Human Rights Council and Universal Periodic Reviews. The UK will continue to raise specific cases of concern including through the work of the UK envoy on Freedom of Religion and Belief, David Smith MP.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to ensure continued alignment between UK and key allies on sanctions against Russia, including in relation to defence procurement networks, Russia’s shadow fleet and sanctions evasion through third countries.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the statement on Ukraine made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 15 October, where she set out in detail the UK's approach on these issues. We will provide further updates to the House in due course.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to prevent sanctions evasion by Russia through third countries, including through shadow fleet vessels and international financial networks.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the statement on Ukraine made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 15 October, where she set out in detail the UK's approach on these issues. We will provide further updates to the House in due course.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for UK and EU sanctions policy on Russia of the October 2025 US sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the statement on Ukraine made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 15 October, where she set out in detail the UK's approach on these issues. We will provide further updates to the House in due course.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the oral answer of 20 November 2025, Official Report, column 851, whether she will make it her policy to summon the Russian Ambassador if lasers are directed at RAF pilots by Russian vessels.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

It is the long-standing policy of the UK Government not to set out the circumstances in which we would or would not summon the Russian Ambassador, but we maintain a number of channels for communicating with the Russian Government and holding them accountable for their actions. On the wider issues raised, I refer the Hon Member to the responses provided by the Minister for the Armed Forces in the urgent question debate on Thursday 20 November.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how sanctions against Russia applied under UK human rights, chemical weapons, cyber and hybrid threat regimes complement the UK’s broader Russia sanctions framework.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Extensive guidance on all aspects of the UK's sanctions regime against Russia can be found on GOV.UK at the link below: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/uk-sanctions-on-russia.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent steps have been taken alongside the Home Office to prevent UK companies from facilitating evasion of sanctions on behalf of sanctioned individuals.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Following publication of the cross-government review of sanctions in May 2025, we are committing to making compliance easier for UK industry, deterring non-compliance, and making sure we have the right powers and capabilities to enforce breaches. For example, we published guidance in January 2025 for UK businesses on Countering Russian sanctions evasion which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/countering-russian-sanctions-evasion-and-circumvention/countering-russian-sanctions-evasion-guidance-for-exporters.

Furthermore, we have launched a sanctions hub signposting essential UK sanctions content, an enforcement page highlighting outcomes and key compliance lessons, a starter guide for UK sanctions and a navigation tool to report suspected breaches.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Georgia regarding free speech, the rule of law and its obligations as a signatory of the European Convention on Human Rights in its policing of protest.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

We remain severely concerned by democratic backsliding in Georgia, including restrictions on free speech and policing of protests. The Minister of State for Europe and North America raised these issues directly with Georgian Dream Foreign Minister Botchorishvili on 16 October and with Georgian Dream 1st Deputy Foreign Minister Zurabashvili on 21 October, and the UK is also supporting efforts in the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and Council of Europe to press Georgia to adhere to democratic norms.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions her Department has had with her Azerbaijani counterpart on reports of harassment of religious leaders, including instances of torture and sexual assault; and what steps she is taking to promote religious freedom in the country.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK is committed to standing up for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) globally. No one should live in fear because of what they do or do not believe in. We will work to uphold the right to FoRB through our position at the UN, G7 and other multilateral fora and in our bilateral work. We regularly raise human rights obligations and commitments with the Azerbaijani authorities.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the statement on the Middle East made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 18 November.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what is the current staffing level of the Mass Atrocity Prevention Hub, and what staffing level they expect that hub to have in 12 months.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

The UK's work on conflict and atrocity prevention is vital and valued around the world.

Created in 2022, the Mass Atrocity Hub was integrated into the Conflict and Atrocity Prevention Department in 2024. It provides analytical and advisory support in a range of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's atrocity prevention and response workstreams.

We will continue to adapt to the challenges of the future and remain focused on this area of work.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with international counterparts on the protection of religious minorities in Syria.

Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Further to the answer given on 18 September to question 74583, I again raised this with the Syrian Foreign Minister during his visit to London in November.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of China about the release of Ezra Jin Mingri and other pastors and members of the Zion Church who were arrested on 10 October.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

I refer the Noble Baroness to the answer provided on 23 October in the House of Commons to Question 83339, which - for ease of reference - is reproduced below: The UK Government is aware of reports concerning the detention of Zion Church members in China. We continue to follow developments closely and regularly raise human rights concerns with the Chinese authorities. The UK remains committed to promoting human rights and the rule of law globally.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps she is taking with international counterparts to ensure the protection of Alawite women and girls in Syria in the context of recent reports of abduction.

Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Further to the answer given on 18 September to question 74583, I again raised this with the Syrian Foreign Minister during his visit to London in November.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her counterparts in the Israeli government on the impact of food shortages on children in Gaza.

Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK is providing £78 million for humanitarian and early recovery support for Palestine this financial year. This includes £9.7 million to United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to support provision of ready-to-use infant formula, water, sanitation and hygiene services, psychosocial services for children, and social protection to children.

In October, the Foreign Secretary spoke with Israeli Foreign Minister Sa'ar about the importance of opening more crossings and removing restrictions on aid to allow food to be delivered to all those in need, and we continue to call on Israel to enable humanitarian relief to reach every child in need of nutritional support, shelter and healthcare.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking with the Southern African Development Community to help tackle violence against women and girls.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Tackling violence against women and girls is a key priority for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and forms a regular and essential part of our engagement with counterparts across the world, including in the Southern African Development Community.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has held recent discussions with the Centre for Information Resilience on passing relevant information to other agencies such as the International Criminal Court and the War Crimes unit at the Metropolitan Police.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

We will continue to ensure that the Centre for Information Resilience is working with all relevant agencies to share information and coordinate fact-finding activities, as set out in the response of 10 June 2025 to Question 56318.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the arrest of Ibrahim Sharif in Bahrain; whether they have made any representations to the government of Bahrain about his arrest; and what assessment they have made of the compatibility of his arrest with freedom of expression in Bahrain.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

The Government is aware of reports concerning the arrest of Ibrahim Sharif in Bahrain. We maintain a regular dialogue with the Government of Bahrain on human rights issues, both bilaterally and through multilateral channels. We continue to encourage Bahrain to uphold its international commitments, including respect for freedom of expression, while recognising that these matters are subject to Bahraini law. We will monitor developments and engage with Bahraini authorities as appropriate.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions officials in her Department have had with the Israeli Government on the adequacy of the conditions for children who are detained in administrative detention without (a) charge and (b) trial.

Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the answer of 13 October to Question 76963.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the government of Bahrain's revocation of the visa of the Associated Press to cover the Manama Dialogue; and whether they have made any representations to the government of Bahrain about that action and compliance with obligations to uphold freedom of the press.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

We are aware of reports that the visa of Associated Press journalists was revoked ahead of this year's Manama Dialogue. The UK remains committed to supporting media freedom and regularly underlines the importance of this principle in our engagement with international partners, including Bahrain.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what diplomatic discussions they have had concerning the recent increasing restrictions on the legal residency of Uyghurs by the Turkish authorities; and what steps they are taking to engage with international partners to address these concerns.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

The Government supports the rights of all minority groups in Turkey, including Uyghurs, and expects Turkey to uphold its international obligations to human rights and the rule of law.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Foreign Secretary made any representations to the government of Bahrain about high-profile imprisoned activists or human rights issues during the visit to that country.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

During her recent visit to Bahrain, the Foreign Secretary discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues. The UK maintains an open and frank dialogue with Bahrain on human rights.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to ensure British International Investment’s investments (a) are in addition to private sector finance and (b) reach low-income and marginalised groups.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

As part of British International Investment's (BII's) Impact Framework, all transactions are assessed for their additionality, to ensure BII is not displacing the private sector. BII is also a leader amongst Development Finance Institutions in investing in the riskiest places with the highest development needs, making £880 million of new commitments in the poorest and most fragile countries in 2024 alone. Full details of BII's Impact Framework can be found on its website here: https://www.bii.co.uk/en/our-impact/

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with British International Investment on focusing on development impact in fragile and low-income countries.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

As part of British International Investment's (BII's) Impact Framework, all transactions are assessed for their additionality, to ensure BII is not displacing the private sector. BII is also a leader amongst Development Finance Institutions in investing in the riskiest places with the highest development needs, making £880 million of new commitments in the poorest and most fragile countries in 2024 alone. Full details of BII's Impact Framework can be found on its website here: https://www.bii.co.uk/en/our-impact/

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the value of the Shule Bora Fund is; how much has been spent; and what the remaining balance will be spent on.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The total programme budget of the Shule Bora fund is around £70.7 million with a spend of around £42.4 million to date. The fund will continue to be spent on improving learning outcomes, training teachers, making schools safer and more inclusive, and supporting systemic reforms to ensure equitable access and quality education nationwide. Further information can be found on the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's Development Tracker website.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications of her policies of the recent murder of 20 people following an attack on a Christian-run hospital in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the answer he received on 24 November in response to Question 91327.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the activities of the Russian government in sub-Saharan Africa on (a) her Department's objectives and (b) the UK's international role.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 26 February 2025 to Question 30979.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will publish the legal advice that ministers received about the right to self-determination in respect of the Chagos Archipelago.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

The Government's position in relation to the UK-Mauritius treaty has been informed by legal advice throughout. A summary of the Government's legal position was set out on 22 May when the treaty was signed, and can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-secures-future-of-vital-diego-garcia-military-base-to-protect-national-security

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with the her US counterparts on the application for the proposed Chinese embassy in London.

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

The US is our closest ally, and we liaise closely with them on a wide range of issues.

A final decision on the proposed embassy will be made by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government in their independent, quasi-judicial role.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to deliver the UK’s financial commitments from the Nutrition for Growth Summit 2021.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK’s longstanding commitment to addressing malnutrition was reaffirmed earlier this year at the Nutrition for Growth Summit.

During that summit, we launched the Global Compact on Nutrition Integration and committed to continue integrating nutrition across our development programmes.

We are also continuing to support the Child Nutrition Fund to tackle acute malnutrition, and providing Technical Assistance to help developing countries improve their own nutrition responses.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on the role of British embassies in encouraging overseas voter registration since January 2024.

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

We encourage all British nationals to register as overseas voters if they move or live abroad. British Nationals abroad can contact their local Embassy or High Commission for more information.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department has had discussions with Invest Northern Ireland on its Strategic Cooperation Framework Memorandum of Understanding with the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK.

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

This Government supports UK businesses to do business with China – while being open-eyed to any risks.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to help tackle tax evasion in the Overseas Territories.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Economic Secretary to the Treasury and I met with leaders from the Overseas Territories at the Joint Ministerial Council last week, where issues around the financial sector were discussed.

All OTs with financial centres have committed to upholding international tax standards, including those on tax transparency and exchange of information, and Base Erosion and Profit Shifting.

We are working with OTs to support their development of accessible beneficial ownership registers, which will enhance transparency, deter the concealment of illicit gains and strengthen enforcement against tax evasion and non-compliance.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have formally requested the consent of the government of Mauritius to publish further details about the trust fund for the Chagossians under the UK–Mauritius Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

As previously stated, the Government will make a Ministerial Statement ahead of ratification on eligibility for resettlement and the modalities of the Chagossian Trust Fund. We continue to discuss the details of the Trust Fund with Mauritius.

The first meeting of the Chagossian Contact Group, attended by the Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials, took place on 2 September 2025. The Contact Group will continue to meet quarterly as part of wider engagement between the UK Government and Chagossian representatives, and we will continue to discuss ways that engagement may be enhanced. Currently, the Group is made up of two representatives from each of the following groups:

· Chagossian Voices

· UK Chagos Refugees Group

· Chagos Islanders Movement

· Chagos Refugees Group (Mauritius)

· Association Chagossiens de France

· Seychellois Chagossians Committee

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many individuals are members of their Chagossian contact group.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

As previously stated, the Government will make a Ministerial Statement ahead of ratification on eligibility for resettlement and the modalities of the Chagossian Trust Fund. We continue to discuss the details of the Trust Fund with Mauritius.

The first meeting of the Chagossian Contact Group, attended by the Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials, took place on 2 September 2025. The Contact Group will continue to meet quarterly as part of wider engagement between the UK Government and Chagossian representatives, and we will continue to discuss ways that engagement may be enhanced. Currently, the Group is made up of two representatives from each of the following groups:

· Chagossian Voices

· UK Chagos Refugees Group

· Chagos Islanders Movement

· Chagos Refugees Group (Mauritius)

· Association Chagossiens de France

· Seychellois Chagossians Committee

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what recent diplomatic discussions they have had with the government of Tunisia about the arrest of Mustapha Djemali and Abderrazek Krimi, and what steps they are taking to ensure their release.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

Our Embassy in Tunis has closely followed the case of Mustapha Djemali and Abderrazek Krimi since their arrest in May 2024. We have raised the case with Tunisian authorities, including at senior levels, and participated in trial observation alongside other Diplomatic missions. Both individuals were released on suspended sentences on 24 November given time served, after being found guilty of assisting migrants to enter and remain in Tunisia. We continue to engage with Tunisia and international partners on the protection of civil society and human rights.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the long-term consequences of the recent storm damage in Jamaica; and what plans they have to offer long-term financial support and other contributions.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

I refer the Noble Lord to my statement to the House on 4 November 2025, UIN HLWS1016. The UK will continue working with Jamaica and Caribbean partners on disaster preparedness and climate resilience to deliver long-term recovery projects, including sustainable infrastructure, and to advocate internationally for increased climate finance for vulnerable states, especially Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Slovenia about the human rights implications of the Šutar law for the Roma minority in that country, in particular with regard to warrantless home entry, expanded surveillance powers and military support for domestic policing.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

UK officials discussed the recently passed Šutar Law, including human rights implications, with Slovenian government officials at the UK-Slovenia biannual Strategic Dialogue meeting on 25 November.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking with international partners to help tackle increases in settler violence in the West Bank.

Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Illegal settlement building in the West Bank continues at an unacceptable pace, and settler violence has reached record levels this Autumn.

We regularly discuss these issues with our international partners, we have imposed sanctions on violent settlers and outposts alike, and we continue to urge the Israeli government both to stop settlement expansion and crack down on the shameful acts of violence being committed by settlers against innocent Palestinian communities.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many times their Chagossian contact group has met since its establishment, and on what dates those meetings were held.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

As previously stated, the Government will make a Ministerial Statement ahead of ratification on eligibility for resettlement and the modalities of the Chagossian Trust Fund. We continue to discuss the details of the Trust Fund with Mauritius.

The first meeting of the Chagossian Contact Group, attended by the Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials, took place on 2 September 2025. The Contact Group will continue to meet quarterly as part of wider engagement between the UK Government and Chagossian representatives, and we will continue to discuss ways that engagement may be enhanced. Currently, the Group is made up of two representatives from each of the following groups:

· Chagossian Voices

· UK Chagos Refugees Group

· Chagos Islanders Movement

· Chagos Refugees Group (Mauritius)

· Association Chagossiens de France

· Seychellois Chagossians Committee

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether a Minister of the Crown has been present at every meeting of their Chagossian contact group.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

As previously stated, the Government will make a Ministerial Statement ahead of ratification on eligibility for resettlement and the modalities of the Chagossian Trust Fund. We continue to discuss the details of the Trust Fund with Mauritius.

The first meeting of the Chagossian Contact Group, attended by the Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials, took place on 2 September 2025. The Contact Group will continue to meet quarterly as part of wider engagement between the UK Government and Chagossian representatives, and we will continue to discuss ways that engagement may be enhanced. Currently, the Group is made up of two representatives from each of the following groups:

· Chagossian Voices

· UK Chagos Refugees Group

· Chagos Islanders Movement

· Chagos Refugees Group (Mauritius)

· Association Chagossiens de France

· Seychellois Chagossians Committee

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government when they will publish the minutes of the meetings of their Chagossian contact group.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

As previously stated, the Government will make a Ministerial Statement ahead of ratification on eligibility for resettlement and the modalities of the Chagossian Trust Fund. We continue to discuss the details of the Trust Fund with Mauritius.

The first meeting of the Chagossian Contact Group, attended by the Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials, took place on 2 September 2025. The Contact Group will continue to meet quarterly as part of wider engagement between the UK Government and Chagossian representatives, and we will continue to discuss ways that engagement may be enhanced. Currently, the Group is made up of two representatives from each of the following groups:

· Chagossian Voices

· UK Chagos Refugees Group

· Chagos Islanders Movement

· Chagos Refugees Group (Mauritius)

· Association Chagossiens de France

· Seychellois Chagossians Committee

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government when they will publish the list of members of their Chagossian contact group.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

As previously stated, the Government will make a Ministerial Statement ahead of ratification on eligibility for resettlement and the modalities of the Chagossian Trust Fund. We continue to discuss the details of the Trust Fund with Mauritius.

The first meeting of the Chagossian Contact Group, attended by the Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials, took place on 2 September 2025. The Contact Group will continue to meet quarterly as part of wider engagement between the UK Government and Chagossian representatives, and we will continue to discuss ways that engagement may be enhanced. Currently, the Group is made up of two representatives from each of the following groups:

· Chagossian Voices

· UK Chagos Refugees Group

· Chagos Islanders Movement

· Chagos Refugees Group (Mauritius)

· Association Chagossiens de France

· Seychellois Chagossians Committee

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 19 November (HL11658), whether any UK aid is being used to support teaching materials in Palestinian schools that promote hatred, extremism or the glorification of terrorism; and what steps they plan to take, should such use be identified, given part 6 of the Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Cooperation between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Palestinian Government.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer I gave on 27 November in response to Question HL11630.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her Mozambique counterpart on reports of targeted attacks on Christians in Nampula; and what diplomatic steps she is taking with international partners to help ensure their protection.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK is aware of a series of attacks by Islamic State Mozambique in Nampula. Our High Commission in Mozambique, in coordination with international partners, regularly engages with authorities and religious leaders as well as peacebuilding and humanitarian agencies both in the capital (Maputo) and Northern Mozambique, including Nampula, to address the problems of violence and instability. We also support partners to provide humanitarian assistance and to promote peacebuilding and resilience against violent extremism in the region.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what conversations she has had with the British Council, since entering post.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Ministers regularly engage with the British Council. Most recently, I met the British Council Chair and CEO on 13 November.

The British Council-delivered UK-Ukraine School Partnerships Programme is funded by the Department for Education, rather than the FCDO. New funding was announced on 13 November to support 30 additional schools and an estimated 5,000 additional pupils to benefit from the programme.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of reports of targeting of Christian communities in Nigeria by armed militant groups.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the Written Ministerial Statement of 27 November 2025.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to support Nigerian authorities in reducing displacement caused by violence in northern and Middle Belt states.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the Written Ministerial Statement of 27 November 2025.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had recent discussions with her Nigerian counterpart on protection of civilians in areas affected by armed militant activity.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the Written Ministerial Statement of 27 November 2025.

Found: The lead department is the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), particularly the Overseas

Found: letter, you highlighted the IDC inquiry findings on the relationship between the Home Office and FCDO

Found: Chapter 2 of the report discusses in-donor refugee costs (IDRC), and the relationship between the FCDO

Found: FCDO should require every business case to state expected cost-effectiveness relative to either (1)

Found: I believe that the FCDO has a unique opportunity to generate significant global impact through strategic

Found: The FCDO could plausibly spend its entire overseas aid budget in cash transfers and still not address

Found: If the FCDO focused on fewer, larger programmes, they avoid this problem and diluting strategic focus

Found: development policy should therefore:  support regional integration (e.g., AfCFTA);  use BII, UKEF and FCDO

Found: resistance to statutory contributions vs discretionary spending ● A cultural shift is needed within FCDO

Found: We receive funding from the FCDO through the UK Civil Society Collective, along with our peer network

Found: Do the FCDO, and other departments, have the resources, expertise and time to successfully implement

Found: It includes the work of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and other UK government

Found: reduction in in- house technical expertise across the key sectors of international development that FCDO

Found: We urge the FCDO to prioritise: 1.

Found: Do the FCDO and other departments have the resources, expertise and time to successfully implement the

Found: national reforms on malnutrition and health governance. 3.4.Leverage the potential benefits of the FCDO

Found: . ● Implement risk-sharing between FCDO and intermediaries to reduce compliance burdens on partners.

Found: UKA0196 - Future of UK aid and development assistance Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office Written

Found: debtjustice.org.uk/press-release/debt-payments-lead-to-falling-public-spending-as-austerity-bites The FCDO

Found: Ongoing dialogue and cooperation between the departments of Business and Trade, FCDO, DESNZ and Defra

Found: Follow on research examining the actual costs of two FCDO funded programmes in the Middle East (The

Found: Inclusion Team, and welcomes this opportunity to support them, the wider FCDO, and the International

Found: Drawing on our experience managing major FCDO programmes such as MOBILIST, Partnerships for Forests,

Found: help identify barriers to access and effectiveness that could be addressed in collaboration with the FCDO

Found: Government funding, in addition to capacity building and technical support from various projects funded by FCDO

Found: reduced as quickly as possible through improved planning and procurement, with savings returned to the FCDO

Found: FCDO programmes such as South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Partnership and the Somalia Stability

Found: partnership management, adaptive portfolio approaches, and digital accountability tools will help the FCDO

Found: An FCDO Children’s Strategy designed to protect, support and empower the next generation can ensure

Found: One of the key questions raised under this inquiry is whether the FCDO, and other departments, have

Found: ● Policy coherence: Aligning ODA, trade and foreign policy across FCDO, DHSC, Treasury, and Cabinet

Found: 20example%2C%20during%20the%20UK,I%20expected%20f rom%20the%20Government. 6 Gov UK, ‘Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: - The five-year FCDO-funded ReBUILD for Resilience project explored how to improve health systems

Found: With a smaller aid budget available, the FCDO should be looking at targeted interventions in the governance

Found: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and Foreign,

Found: Appoint a single, cross-government lead for the August Show and beyond, mapping 18–36 months of FCDO

Found: On the trophy hunting import ban, I have had meetings with FCDO because it has an interest through the

Found: Maestral strongly recommends that all FCDO action is rooted in a child protection systems strengthening

Found: o Please provide a general overview of the FCDO advice that informed the decisions, to revoke or suspend

Found: Given export control sensitivities (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) regimes and US

Found: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is responding to forced displacement through

Found: add the sovereign-base areas in Cyprus, which are administered by a commissioner appointed by the FCDO

Found: The FCDO Minister for treaty policy has spoken of the need for extension requests to be reasonable,

Found: We have had very direct conversations through the FCDO, the MOD and others too with India about its

Found: In the last election, particularly, hundreds of civil societies were supported through FCDO funding

Found: Recent ODA cuts across all of the core bilateral funders (FCDO, USAID, SIDA, AFD, DGIS, DFAT) has had

Found: within wider government departments (e.g. health, education) and for greater collaboration between FCDO

Found: The UK should require every FCDO business case to explicitly state expected cost- effectiveness relative

Found: Strategy (BEIS), the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: 2023, the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) and Bond led a global engagement (funded by FCDO

Found: Available at: https://www.cgdev.org/blog/uks-aid-cuts-begin-which-countries-should-fcdo-protectQ2.

Found: As a longstanding partner to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and other bilateral

Found: 150 countries, and a long-standing partner of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: FCDO resources to support public interest journalism and media As with many other aid organisations,

Found: Through Annual Reviews of Gavi and IFFIm programmes, FCDO consistently recognises their exceptional

Found: (HMG) should  commission an Equality Impact Assessment to assess the impact of cuts to UKAID (the FCDO

Found: Evidence Between 2019-2024, the FCDO-funded Child Labour: Action-Research-Innovation in South and South-Eastern

Found: Recent abrupt reductions in budgets by key donors, including the UK’s FCDO and shutdown of large-scale

Found: - Do the FCDO and other departments have the resources, expertise and time to deliver this shift effectively

Found: Across FCDO priorities – growth and jobs, climate and nature, security, migration, and modernising development

Found: Established by FCDO in 2012, FSD Africa is incorporated as a non-profit company limited by guarantee

Found: But as the FCDO restructures the UK should also retain expertise and capacity in conflict prevention

Found: As the UK Aid Cuts Begin, Which Countries Should the FCDO Protect? [Online].

Found: The FCDO should be empowered to take leadership on such issues, in international fora such as the Grand

Found: Pilot the FCDO-funded Systemic Impact Investing Standard through such funds to build evidence and attract

Found: Originally founded with Government support, it is now independent but works closely with FCDO, DBT and

Found: , however, with innovative multi- year FCDO funded programmes in FCAS facing significant obstacles.

Found: The withdrawal of major funders such as USAID and FCDO is frequently cited as a direct cause of these

Found: The FCDO has also highlighted four ‘focus areas’: humanitarian, climate, global health, and growth and

Found: The FCDO lacks expertise and capacity on faith actor engagement, recommended use of INGO intermediaries

Found: While the FCDO team responsible for Burma have recently made some important changes to the way UK aid

Found: These funds should be reallocated to the FCDO and ministers should use them to top up the Global Fund

Found: They have also conducted interviews with DFID/FCDO personnel to evaluate the impact of the 2020 merger

Found: The support we received from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Manufacturing

Found: Scale the Global Innovation Fund – Increase FCDO contributions to the existing GIF, which has demonstrated

Found: locally led research also increases the legitimacy and contextual relevance of evidence, helping FCDO

Found: ECW are highly effective and adaptive multilaterals, both achieving A ratings in their most recent FCDO

Found: FCDO cuts reflect a broader global pattern in shrinking ODA, even as the pace and scale of global crises

Found: BII may consider a similar approach or deeper partnership with FCDO programmes such as Manufacturing

Found: Inclusion and Rights Strategy review and updated delivery plan : We had intended to refresh the FCDO

Found: Following the conclusion of our inquiry into the FCDO and Disability-Inclusive Development, my Committee

Found: In the last election, particularly, hundreds of civil societies were supported through FCDO funding

Found: National or habitual resident has been taken abroad for the purpose of FGM, the joint Home Office and FCDO

Found: National or habitual resident has been taken abroad for the purpose of FGM, the joint Home Office and FCDO

Found: Responsibility for this issue falls between DEFRA and FCDO, creating bureaucratic blind spots.

Found: ECOWind BOWIE project are available here: https://ecowind.uk/projects/bowie/. 3 Defra, DESNZ, DfT, FCDO

Found: circular economy (Defra-led) and critical minerals (DBT-led) and other initiatives including the FCDO-led

UK ICF was launched in 2011 as Official Development Assistance (ODA). It plays a crucial role in fulfilling the UK’s obligations under the Paris Climate Agreement and advancing the Government’s wider ambition to establish the UK as a global leader in international climate action. In 2019, the previous Government announced its commitment to spend £11.6 billion in ICF in the five years to 2025-26. The UK’s 2023 ICF strategy outlined four priority areas for the funding: clean energy; nature for climate and people; adaptation and resilience; and sustainable cities, infrastructure and transport. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and three other Government departments – the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ); Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra); and Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) – have responsibility for funding and delivering ICF.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what the net expenditure of her Department was on projects related to cultural diplomacy in the last financial year.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

DCMS works with a range of partners and ALBs to deliver on the Government’s cultural diplomacy and soft power objectives, including the FCDO, British Council, and GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland campaign. As such, the department’s direct spending on cultural diplomacy is limited to a small number of cultural diplomacy-related projects each year, including those delivered through the Government Art Collection. Net expenditure for the last financial year on projects related to cultural diplomacy stood at £66,329.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to deploy a naval vessel in the Caribbean during hurricane season in addition to HMS Trent; and if so, whether that vessel will have better capabilities than HMS Trent to provide support to the relief of storm damage.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

There are no current plans to deploy other naval vessels in addition to an Offshore Patrol Vessel during the Caribbean hurricane season. As part of an FCDO-led response, the MOD provides scalable support options under Operation VENTUS. While our immediate response is primarily delivered through the Royal Navy persistent presence and an embarked crisis response troop, there are a wide range of options retained at high readiness in the UK to be deployed in advance of, or subsequent to, a demand for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief support.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Treasury has approved a severance payment for Lord Mandelson.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Where appropriate, severance payments for FCDO employees are reported in the departmental annual reports and accounts.

Found: Embankment, London SE1 7SR and both are available on the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: It called for a new government to be formed quickly.26 Speaking in 2024, then FCDO Minister Leo Dochety

Found: suspects ‘targeted Israeli embassy in London’, 8 May 2025 13 HC Deb, 6 May 2025, c547 14 FCDO

This is a call for The Foreign Secretary (Yvette Cooper) to engage with the FCDO, Nigerian Embassy and Nigerian Officials to put more focus, action, efforts, intervention and strategies in place to address the out of control murder and persecution of Christian’s on a daily basis in Nigeria!

Found: This is a call for The Foreign Secretary (Yvette Cooper) to engage with the FCDO, Nigerian Embassy and

Found: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office 2024-25 December 2025 OVERVIEWSummary 3 About the Foreign

Found: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office 2024-25 - NAO overview

Found: market in Kenya Notes view: 15 UK-Kenya development partnership summary, July 2023 - Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: opportunities; showcases UK's competitive offering Posts: bridge info gap Overview of high-impact solutions FCDO

Found: Partnership programme between FCDO and Unilever (2015 to 2021) Jennifer Hyman Co-founder & CEO Jennifer

Found: or facilitating connection with new offtakers/clients that are not in coal value chain Source: BCG-FCDO

Found: Office £1.0bn WORK COMPLETE Department for Energy Security & Net Zero NIL N/A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: Office £1.0bn WORK COMPLETE Department for Energy Security & Net Zero NIL N/A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: FOI2024/10740 : Government Art Collection - FCDO Displayed Artworks

Found: strengthen collaboration with the unit’s partner countries on investigations to improve evidence (FCDO

Found: departments, including HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: At an official level, the Department has worked with the FCDO to deliver an online workshop on our experience

Found: the evidence of Jonathan Allen CMG, Director General Defence and Security at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: From March 2025, we launched a free shared subscription platform alongside the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: [Q1] Complete xx Define and agree with FCDO JNCC’s contribution to the Sustainable Blue Economies

Found: [Q1] Complete xx Define and agree with FCDO JNCC’s contribution to the Sustainable Blue Economies

Found: The Strategy Directorate within the FCDO will be the principal Department within the FCDO responsible

Found: Agency Framework Document sets out the broad governance framework within which Wilton Park and the FCDO

Found: The FCDO further demanded an end to Russia’s ongoing campaign of hostile activity against the UK and

Found: We have accepted all of the recommendations – 10 which relate to the FCDO, one for Ministry of Justice

Found: I am grateful to all those who took time to speak to me: the FCDO officials involved, for reflecting

Found: I am grateful to all those who took time to speak to me: the FCDO officials involved, for reflecting

Found: Copy of the standard FCDO conflict of interest form, and associated guidance. 8p.