Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with the Coalition for Atrocity Prevention and Justice for Sudan on civilian protection measures.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

We are working closely with our partners in the Coalition for Atrocity Prevention and Justice for Sudan to raise the costs of atrocities, advance justice, and bolster local peacebuilding and protection efforts. We have jointly responded to risks of atrocities - such as a potential RSF assault on El Obeid - through coordinated lobbying, joint statements, and convening an Urgent Debate at the Human Rights Council. On 19-20 August, we hosted Coalition partners for two-days, where we discussed innovative civilian protection measures and met with the UN Fact-Finding Mission to coordinate our support for their mandate renewal in October.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will set out his priorities for the Official Development Assistance budget.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

We will prioritise humanitarian need, health and climate and nature, underpinned by economic development, with women and girls central to our development efforts. Countries affected by war and crises, including Ukraine, Sudan and Palestine, will remain a priority. We aim to transform lives and build stability by:

- Creating jobs and economic opportunity as a path out of poverty;

- Investing in climate action that protects people and prevents crises;

- Increasing health security; and Supporting international institutions to deliver greater impact.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help improve humanitarian conditions in fragile and conflict-affected states.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

We are prioritising our country and regional Official Development Assistance where humanitarian needs are most acute – to reach those in greatest need and reduce the harm caused by violence and atrocities. We expect to spend £1.4 billion a year over the next three years in places facing the highest humanitarian need. We have protected funding for Sudan and Palestine at £146 million and £127 million a year respectively. And we are driving reform of the humanitarian system to be more prioritised, locally led, efficient and effective. This includes a central focus on protection of civilians and humanitarian access.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to promote freedom of religion globally.

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

Last year, we launched the UK's Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) Strategy, focusing our efforts where we can work with partners to drive positive change.

Since then, our Special Envoy has engaged governments, faith leaders and civil society across FoRB focus countries, including visits to Nigeria and Ukraine, and working with other partners such as the Holy See to strengthen international cooperation.

We continue to raise concerns directly with countries where violations occur and work through the UN and international partners to defend this fundamental human right.

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 potential merits of banning trade with illegal settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

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

Israeli settlements are illegal under international law. They undermine the viability of a two-state solution. We have updated the UK's Business Risk Guidance to explicitly advise businesses against economic and financial activity in illegal settlements. Settlement goods do not benefit from preferential trade arrangements under the UK-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement.

We are discussing further concrete steps with our partners to counter settlement expansion and promote peace and security.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to prevent trade with illegal Israeli settlements.

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

Israeli settlements are illegal under international law. They undermine the viability of a two-state solution. We have updated the UK's Business Risk Guidance to explicitly advise businesses against economic and financial activity in illegal settlements. Settlement goods do not benefit from preferential trade arrangements under the UK-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement. We are discussing further concrete steps with our partners to counter settlement expansion and promote peace and security.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement of 3 July 2025 on Implementation of Beneficial Ownership Registers across the Overseas Territories, what the evidential basis is for the statement that officials had conducted an in-house assessment of the latest policies and proposals on beneficial ownership registers from the Overseas Territories in the context of the operation of the Turks and Caicos Islands' register.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

Establishing wider access to beneficial ownership data including to those with a legitimate interest - is a step forward towards enabling greater scrutiny of illicit finance. The UK welcomed Turks and Caicos Island's (TCI) Legitimate Interest Access (LIA) Register of Beneficial Ownership when it launched in 2025. But we are clear that there is more work to be done. We are working with TCI and other Overseas Territories (OTs) to ensure those with LIA registers provide the maximum possible degree of access and transparency, whilst protecting the right to privacy in line with each OT's respective constitutions. Fee rates are part of this discussion. The UK's expectation remains for the OTs and Crown Dependencies to establish fully public registers of beneficial ownership.

The UK is committed to expanding economic cooperation with the OTs. Sustainable economic prosperity is important to the whole UK family. The FCDO co-convened an OT Trade and Investment Study Visit in March 2026 bringing together senior representatives from across the OTs - including from TCI - to strengthen awareness of UK capabilities, and give our support to commercial partnerships and economic development opportunities. The UK Government remains available to provide advice and technical support where requested.

We regularly raise our expectations on publicly accessible and legitimate interest access registers of beneficial ownership with OTs and Crown Dependencies, and I most recently discussed this with the Premier of the TCI on 10 August.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement of 3 July 2025 on Implementation of Beneficial Ownership Registers across the Overseas Territories, what the evidential basis is for the statement that the Turks and Caicos Islands launched their legitimate interest register on 30 June 2026.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

Establishing wider access to beneficial ownership data including to those with a legitimate interest - is a step forward towards enabling greater scrutiny of illicit finance. The UK welcomed Turks and Caicos Island's (TCI) Legitimate Interest Access (LIA) Register of Beneficial Ownership when it launched in 2025. But we are clear that there is more work to be done. We are working with TCI and other Overseas Territories (OTs) to ensure those with LIA registers provide the maximum possible degree of access and transparency, whilst protecting the right to privacy in line with each OT's respective constitutions. Fee rates are part of this discussion. The UK's expectation remains for the OTs and Crown Dependencies to establish fully public registers of beneficial ownership.

The UK is committed to expanding economic cooperation with the OTs. Sustainable economic prosperity is important to the whole UK family. The FCDO co-convened an OT Trade and Investment Study Visit in March 2026 bringing together senior representatives from across the OTs - including from TCI - to strengthen awareness of UK capabilities, and give our support to commercial partnerships and economic development opportunities. The UK Government remains available to provide advice and technical support where requested.

We regularly raise our expectations on publicly accessible and legitimate interest access registers of beneficial ownership with OTs and Crown Dependencies, and I most recently discussed this with the Premier of the TCI on 10 August.

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 counterparts in the UN concerning action against the evasion of sanctions against North Korean coal.

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

Sanctions play an important role in restricting North Korea's (DPRK) nuclear proliferation and destabilising activities and the United Nations (UN) is a vital forum for ensuring UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) accountability.

On 30 April, the UK supported a UN Security Council open briefing on non-proliferation, to discuss the DPRK's continued UNSCR violation, including through illicit coal and iron ore exports. Subsequently, on 29 May the UK together with G7+ partners issued a Joint Statement on DPRK Sanctions Accountability, highlighting ongoing maritime sanctions evasion and calling for the 1718 Committee to act swiftly to designate the vessels involved.

The UK also continues to highlight at the Security Council Russia's systematic erosion of the UN sanctions architecture. Russia's April 2024 veto of the 1718 Committee Panel of Experts has undermined our collective ability to monitor DPRK sanctions violations. The UK and ten international partners subsequently established the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team to fill the information gap.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Israeli counterpart on halting the E1 West Bank Settlement Plan.

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

The UK is clear Israeli settlements are illegal under international law and undermine the viability of a two-state solution. On 20 August, the UK and international partners issued a statement condemning the publication of tenders for E1 settlement. We summoned the Israeli Chargé d’Affaires to FCDO and demanded an immediate reversal.

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 her policies of the provision in the Turks and Caicos Islands' Beneficial Ownership (Amendment) Regulations 2025 which prohibits a person who has obtained information from the register from disclosing it to any other person, subject to a $25,000 penalty.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

Establishing wider access to beneficial ownership data including to those with a legitimate interest - is a step forward towards enabling greater scrutiny of illicit finance. The UK welcomed Turks and Caicos Island's (TCI) Legitimate Interest Access (LIA) Register of Beneficial Ownership when it launched in 2025. But we are clear that there is more work to be done. We are working with TCI and other Overseas Territories (OTs) to ensure those with LIA registers provide the maximum possible degree of access and transparency, whilst protecting the right to privacy in line with each OT's respective constitutions. Fee rates are part of this discussion. The UK's expectation remains for the OTs and Crown Dependencies to establish fully public registers of beneficial ownership.

The UK is committed to expanding economic cooperation with the OTs. Sustainable economic prosperity is important to the whole UK family. The FCDO co-convened an OT Trade and Investment Study Visit in March 2026 bringing together senior representatives from across the OTs - including from TCI - to strengthen awareness of UK capabilities, and give our support to commercial partnerships and economic development opportunities. The UK Government remains available to provide advice and technical support where requested.

We regularly raise our expectations on publicly accessible and legitimate interest access registers of beneficial ownership with OTs and Crown Dependencies, and I most recently discussed this with the Premier of the TCI on 10 August.

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 a $250 non-refundable fee per search request for the Turks and Caicos register of beneficial ownership on journalists and civil society organisations.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

Establishing wider access to beneficial ownership data including to those with a legitimate interest - is a step forward towards enabling greater scrutiny of illicit finance. The UK welcomed Turks and Caicos Island's (TCI) Legitimate Interest Access (LIA) Register of Beneficial Ownership when it launched in 2025. But we are clear that there is more work to be done. We are working with TCI and other Overseas Territories (OTs) to ensure those with LIA registers provide the maximum possible degree of access and transparency, whilst protecting the right to privacy in line with each OT's respective constitutions. Fee rates are part of this discussion. The UK's expectation remains for the OTs and Crown Dependencies to establish fully public registers of beneficial ownership.

The UK is committed to expanding economic cooperation with the OTs. Sustainable economic prosperity is important to the whole UK family. The FCDO co-convened an OT Trade and Investment Study Visit in March 2026 bringing together senior representatives from across the OTs - including from TCI - to strengthen awareness of UK capabilities, and give our support to commercial partnerships and economic development opportunities. The UK Government remains available to provide advice and technical support where requested.

We regularly raise our expectations on publicly accessible and legitimate interest access registers of beneficial ownership with OTs and Crown Dependencies, and I most recently discussed this with the Premier of the TCI on 10 August.

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 Turks and Caicos Islands Government on the level of fees to search their register of beneficial ownership.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

Establishing wider access to beneficial ownership data including to those with a legitimate interest - is a step forward towards enabling greater scrutiny of illicit finance. The UK welcomed Turks and Caicos Island's (TCI) Legitimate Interest Access (LIA) Register of Beneficial Ownership when it launched in 2025. But we are clear that there is more work to be done. We are working with TCI and other Overseas Territories (OTs) to ensure those with LIA registers provide the maximum possible degree of access and transparency, whilst protecting the right to privacy in line with each OT's respective constitutions. Fee rates are part of this discussion. The UK's expectation remains for the OTs and Crown Dependencies to establish fully public registers of beneficial ownership.

The UK is committed to expanding economic cooperation with the OTs. Sustainable economic prosperity is important to the whole UK family. The FCDO co-convened an OT Trade and Investment Study Visit in March 2026 bringing together senior representatives from across the OTs - including from TCI - to strengthen awareness of UK capabilities, and give our support to commercial partnerships and economic development opportunities. The UK Government remains available to provide advice and technical support where requested.

We regularly raise our expectations on publicly accessible and legitimate interest access registers of beneficial ownership with OTs and Crown Dependencies, and I most recently discussed this with the Premier of the TCI on 10 August.

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 Turks and Caicos Islands Government on enabling searches by beneficial owner.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

Establishing wider access to beneficial ownership data including to those with a legitimate interest - is a step forward towards enabling greater scrutiny of illicit finance. The UK welcomed Turks and Caicos Island's (TCI) Legitimate Interest Access (LIA) Register of Beneficial Ownership when it launched in 2025. But we are clear that there is more work to be done. We are working with TCI and other Overseas Territories (OTs) to ensure those with LIA registers provide the maximum possible degree of access and transparency, whilst protecting the right to privacy in line with each OT's respective constitutions. Fee rates are part of this discussion. The UK's expectation remains for the OTs and Crown Dependencies to establish fully public registers of beneficial ownership.

The UK is committed to expanding economic cooperation with the OTs. Sustainable economic prosperity is important to the whole UK family. The FCDO co-convened an OT Trade and Investment Study Visit in March 2026 bringing together senior representatives from across the OTs - including from TCI - to strengthen awareness of UK capabilities, and give our support to commercial partnerships and economic development opportunities. The UK Government remains available to provide advice and technical support where requested.

We regularly raise our expectations on publicly accessible and legitimate interest access registers of beneficial ownership with OTs and Crown Dependencies, and I most recently discussed this with the Premier of the TCI on 10 August.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with international counterparts on the conflict in Sudan.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I have just returned from Ethiopia, where I met with my Ethiopian counterparts and the African Union to discuss regional efforts to end the conflict. Ending the horrific conflict in Sudan remains a priority for this Government.

The Foreign Secretary has discussed the conflict in Sudan with all Quad members [US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt] and will continue to work with all counterparts with influence over the warring parties to push for a ceasefire, humanitarian access, protection of civilians and an inclusive, civilian-led transition.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his Israeli counterpart on oil exploration in Palestinian waters off the coast of the occupied Gaza Strip.

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

I have not had discussions with my Israeli counterpart specifically on oil exploration in Palestinian waters off the coast of Gaza.

We support efforts to promote Palestinian economic development and long-term stability and continue to work with international partners to advance peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.

The UK remains committed to a two-state solution, with a safe and secure Israel living alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the EU's announcement of a ban on the purchase and import of Sudanese gold on the purchase and import of such gold to the UK.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The illicit gold trade in Sudan is fuelling a war that has devasted the lives of millions. On 16 July, the UK designated eleven individuals and entities linked to the illicit gold and finance networks sustaining the war in Sudan, complementing the recent action taken by the EU. For more details on these designations, I refer the Rt Hon Member to the press release issued on 16 July, linked below.

UK sanctions illicit gold networks fuelling Sudan’s war amid crisis around El Obeid - GOV.UK

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 EU counterparts concerning the latter's' adoption of a ban on purchases and importation of Sudanese gold.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The illicit gold trade in Sudan is fuelling a war that has devasted the lives of millions. On 16 July, the UK designated eleven individuals and entities linked to the illicit gold and finance networks sustaining the war in Sudan, complementing the recent action taken by the EU. For more details on these designations, I refer the Rt Hon Member to the press release issued on 16 July, linked below.

UK sanctions illicit gold networks fuelling Sudan’s war amid crisis around El Obeid - GOV.UK

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that funding is protected for programmes supporting women who have suffered conflict-related sexual violence in Colombia.

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

The UK is committed to supporting victims of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) in Colombia. UK funding has helped advance accountability and support for thousands of survivors of CRSV over the last ten years. This includes support to the transitional justice elements of the 2016 Peace Agreement in documenting cases of sexual violence in conflict. With women's organisations, our support has ensured survivors of sexual violence, including indigenous women, receive justice and support. The UK regularly raises CRSV and violence against vulnerable communities at United Nations (UN) Security Council Sessions on Colombia and supported the launch of Colombia's first Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan. We will continue to work with the Government of Colombia, international partners and civil society on this agenda, in line with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Women and Girls Strategy.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, on what date the Illicit Finance Summit 2026 will be held.

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

This Government is committed to tackling illicit finance and corruption at home and internationally. To this end, the Foreign Secretary will host an Illicit Finance Summit. Further details will be announced in due course.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent representations he has made to the Government of Iran regarding the ten individuals convicted in connection with the January 2026 protests in Isfahan who are reportedly at risk of execution.

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

We condemn in the strongest terms the ongoing executions of protesters and use of the death penalty by the Islamic Republic of Iran. On 12 August 2026, the UK signed a joint statement alongside our Canadian and European allies specifically calling on Iran to immediately end the use of the death penalty and highlighting that the use of capital punishment to silence dissent, intimidate communities, and punish individuals exercising their human rights can never be justified.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Israeli counterpart on the use of the Unlawful Combatants Law to detain Palestinian doctors.

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

The UK government has regularly engaged with Israeli counterparts to express deep concern about the detention and treatment in detention of Palestinian doctors and other detainees. We have been consistently clear that all detainees, including doctors, must be treated with dignity and in full accordance with international law we have been clear that any allegations of torture or mistreatment must be thoroughly investigated.

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 potential implications for her policies of the investment case for pleasure-inclusive sexual health published in the British Medical Journal, and its implications for UK Official Development Assistance.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has not yet engaged with the World Health Organisation on the topic of pleasure-based sexual and reproductive health or assessed the merits or implications of this approach for UK-funded sexual and reproductive health and rights policies and programming, including HIV and STI prevention programmes.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to support efforts to recognise gender-based persecution more explicitly as a crime against humanity.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

Persecution on gender grounds is codified as a crime against humanity under the Rome Statute. In partnership with UN Women and the International Criminal Court, the UK is supporting the development of the Gender Persecution Principles (GPP), an initiative that aims to advance understanding, prevention, and accountability for gender persecution. The initiative will help ensure Governments, humanitarian groups, UN bodies, and civil society adopt a more unified approach to tackling gender-based persecution. The UK launched this collaboration at the Commission on the Status of Women in March 2026.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to WPQ 8165 answered on 29 July 2026 about Chagos Islands: Sovereignty and the oral contribution of the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, during Departmental Questions on 1 September 2026, whether the issue of the UK Government's costs arising from the Chagos Treaty have been raised during discussions with the US Government.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

We worked in lockstep with the US in developing and testing the deal to ensure that it meets all UK and US security requirements. We have always been clear that the US Government must be content with the agreement before we proceed with ratifying the treaty. We will continue to work with the US and Mauritius to find a way forward that is in the UK's best interests and protects our national security.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the investment case for pleasure-inclusive sexual health published in the British Medical Journal, what assessment his Department has made of its value for money compared with other international HIV and STI prevention interventions funded through UK aid.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has not yet engaged with the World Health Organisation on the topic of pleasure-based sexual and reproductive health as published in the British Medical Journal, or assessed the merits or implications of this approach for UK-funded sexual and reproductive health and rights policies and programming, including HIV and STI prevention programmes.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with the World Health Organisation on the investment case for pleasure-inclusive sexual health published in the British Medical Journal.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has not yet engaged with the World Health Organisation on the topic of pleasure-based sexual and reproductive health as published in the British Medical Journal, or assessed the merits or implications of this approach for UK-funded sexual and reproductive health and rights policies and programming, including HIV and STI prevention programmes.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department plans to take to restore Official Development Assistance allocations in this Parliament; and if he will set out a path to do so.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Government is committed to returning to spending 0.7 per cent of Gross National Income (GNI) on Official Development Assistance (ODA) as soon as fiscal circumstances allow.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 10 July 2026 to Question 13240, how many overseas posts are currently classified as qualifying hardship posts for the purpose of additional journeys for staff posted overseas.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the response provided on 29 July to question HL2091.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs,  what the total expenditure on additional journeys for civil servants serving at qualifying hardship posts has been since 4 July 2024, broken down by department.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

The requested data is not centrally held by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and could only be collated and verified for the purpose of answering this question at disproportionate cost.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the comments made by the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, during Departmental Questions on 1 September 2026, how much of the funding for the UK- Mauritius Treaty on the Chagos Archipelago will be allocated from the existing spending review settlement for the FCDO.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

Payments will be published in the normal manner alongside other departmental spend in the annual accounts. No payments are due under the terms of the UK-Mauritius agreement until the Treaty has been ratified.

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 potential merits of incorporating pleasure-inclusive approaches into UK-funded sexual and reproductive health programmes overseas.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has not yet engaged with the World Health Organisation on the topic of pleasure-based sexual and reproductive health or assessed the merits or implications of this approach for UK-funded sexual and reproductive health and rights policies and programming, including HIV and STI prevention programmes.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Answer of 11 March 2026 to Question 110793 on Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: Flexible Working, how many and what proportion of full-time staff on full pay, classed as 1.0 FTE, work compressed hours over a four day week.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The requested data is not centrally held by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and could only be collated and verified for the purpose of answering this question at disproportionate cost.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much his Department has spent on social media influencers since July 2024.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The requested data is not centrally held by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and could only be collated and verified for the purpose of answering this question at disproportionate cost.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with the Cabinet Office and the Joint Intelligence Committee on incorporating the findings of the national security assessment on global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security into country and regional risk planning.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Nature Security Assessment is a cross-government assessment, and the response must be cross-government too, as the risks cut across food security, supply chains, economic stability, international development, security and resilience. We recognise the importance of taking a whole-of-government perspective on climate and nature security, and are working together to strengthen our capabilities on analysis, foresight and strategic policy response.

We have launched the Government's first Taskforce on the National Security and Resilience Risks of a Changing Climate and Nature Loss, bringing together security, military and academic experts to help Government identify priority risks, strengthen cross-government coordination and turn evidence into practical action.

We are also addressing nature-related risks at source through our International Climate Finance (ICF) programme. The UK's ICF4 Strategy places nature at its core, investing in the protection and restoration of forests, oceans, freshwater and other critical ecosystems that support global stability, resilience and prosperity.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many times his department has granted Developed Vetting clearance contrary to a recommendation of refusal by UK Security Vetting since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

As has been the case under successive administrations, the Government does not comment on security matters.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether officials have had discussions with counterparts in (a) Brazil, (b) the Democratic Republic of the Congo, (c) Canada and (d) South East Asian states regarding the six ecosystem regions identified as critical to UK national security in the national security assessment on global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Assessment has informed our programming and engagement with international partners on ecosystem degradation and nature loss, given their growing implications for economic prosperity, resilience and security. In Brazil, the assessment is helping shape our strategy at Post and our engagement with Brazil. This includes dialogue on the Tropical Forests Forever Facility, for which the UK will invest £400 million, as announced on 3rd September: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/investment-boost-for-climate-action-and-forest-protection

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the national security assessment on global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security, whether officials have had discussions with Russia-adjacent and Canadian counterparts regarding the resilience of boreal forests.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Assessment has informed our programming and engagement with international partners on ecosystem degradation and nature loss, given their growing implications for economic prosperity, resilience and security. In Brazil, the assessment is helping shape our strategy at Post and our engagement with Brazil. This includes dialogue on the Tropical Forests Forever Facility, for which the UK will invest £400 million, as announced on 3rd September: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/investment-boost-for-climate-action-and-forest-protection

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the national security assessment on global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security, whether officials have had discussions with the Government of Brazil on the resilience of the Amazon rainforest.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Assessment has informed our programming and engagement with international partners on ecosystem degradation and nature loss, given their growing implications for economic prosperity, resilience and security. In Brazil, the assessment is helping shape our strategy at Post and our engagement with Brazil. This includes dialogue on the Tropical Forests Forever Facility, for which the UK will invest £400 million, as announced on 3rd September: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/investment-boost-for-climate-action-and-forest-protection

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Government plans to restore Official Development Assistance spending to 0.7 per cent of Gross National Income.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Government is committed to returning to spending 0.7 per cent of Gross National Income on Official Development Assistance when the fiscal circumstances allow.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, who will represent the UK at the Global Partnership for Education replenishment summit in New York on 23 September 2026; whether the Government intends to announce the UK's contribution to the Partnership’s 2026-30 replenishment at or in advance of the summit; and when such an announcement is expected to be made.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

Our pledge to the Global Partnership for Education is subject to Treasury approval. UK representation at the event is being confirmed as part of the UK's overall United Nations General Assembly programme.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of any potential conflict of interest associated with the former US Ambassador and companies referenced in the investments announced during US state visit in September 2025.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Honourable Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 1 June, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address, and the answers given by the former Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister in response to questions during the General Debate on 3 June.

There is an established regime in place for the management of interests held by Ambassadors or High Commissioners. This ensures that steps are taken to avoid or mitigate any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the press release entitled UK strengthens commitment to global development as Foreign Secretary becomes UK Governor to the World Bank, published on 27 July 2026, whether his appointment as UK Governor to the World Bank will result in an increase in the administrative costs of the Department.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The World Bank Group (WBG) is one of the UK's most important multilateral development partners, and the Foreign Secretary is pleased to take on the role of UK Governor to the WBG.

The UK's Official Development Assistance allocations were published in March 2026, which includes the planned contributions to the World Bank Group and other multilateral organisations. We protected our contribution to the World Bank Group due to the development outcomes and the value for UK taxpayers' money that it delivers.

There are no new contributions planned before the next replenishment of the Bank's International Development Association (IDA) in 2028. The Bank's administrative budget is funded from the income from its operations and rather than additional shareholder contributions. Ministerial costs related to travel to WBG meetings are published.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the National Audit Office's letter of 12 August 2026 concerning the West Bank Protection Consortium, if he will publish the (a) WBPC-specific value-for-money analysis and external evaluation reviewed by the National Audit Office and (b) assessment and other documentation recording the risk of demolition of UK-funded assets.

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

Before funding is committed and disbursed to any partners, we ensure that due diligence and value for money considerations are carried out in line with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office programme operating framework. We also monitor effectiveness through our general programme oversight including annual reviews, partner engagement, and monitoring visits to scrutinise performance. Our business cases and annual review processes consider the risks to and around our Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) support.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the press release entitled UK strengthens commitment to global development as Foreign Secretary becomes UK Governor to the World Bank, published on 27 July 2026, whether additional funding will be provided to the World Bank or its affiliated institutions as a consequence of the changes announced.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The World Bank Group (WBG) is one of the UK's most important multilateral development partners, and the Foreign Secretary is pleased to take on the role of UK Governor to the WBG.

The UK's Official Development Assistance allocations were published in March 2026, which includes the planned contributions to the World Bank Group and other multilateral organisations. We protected our contribution to the World Bank Group due to the development outcomes and the value for UK taxpayers' money that it delivers.

There are no new contributions planned before the next replenishment of the Bank's International Development Association (IDA) in 2028. The Bank's administrative budget is funded from the income from its operations and rather than additional shareholder contributions. Ministerial costs related to travel to WBG meetings are published.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the press release entitled UK strengthens commitment to global development as Foreign Secretary becomes UK Governor to the World Bank, published on 27 July 2026, what changes to UK Official Development Assistance spending allocations are planned as a result of the Foreign Secretary assuming the role of UK Governor to the World Bank.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The World Bank Group (WBG) is one of the UK's most important multilateral development partners, and the Foreign Secretary is pleased to take on the role of UK Governor to the WBG.

The UK's Official Development Assistance allocations were published in March 2026, which includes the planned contributions to the World Bank Group and other multilateral organisations. We protected our contribution to the World Bank Group due to the development outcomes and the value for UK taxpayers' money that it delivers.

There are no new contributions planned before the next replenishment of the Bank's International Development Association (IDA) in 2028. The Bank's administrative budget is funded from the income from its operations and rather than additional shareholder contributions. Ministerial costs related to travel to WBG meetings are published.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with international partners on developing a co-ordinated approach to sanctions against individuals responsible for serious acts of violence in the West Bank.

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

The UK continues to engage closely with international partners in relation to settler violence, settler terrorism, and wider violence and insecurity in the West Bank. In June, the UK announced co-ordinated sanctions with international partners targeting individuals and entities involved in financing and enabling settler violence in the occupied West Bank. This was the fourth round of sanctions on violent settlers, including sanctioning Ministers Smotrich and Ben-Gvir in their personal capacity for repeated incitement of violence against Palestinian civilians.

We continue to work with our partners to identify further steps to counter settler violence, promote peace and security, and uphold international law. We have made clear to the Government of Israel that those responsible for violence in the West Bank must be held accountable.

Found: manages the assessment process and seeks advice on gifting proposals from advisers in the MOD and the FCDO

Found: Compensation of Employers) and Miscellaneous Amendment Regulations 1994 came into force 06/04/2026 FCDO

Found: visit consisted of: • Meetings with and support from the British High Commission, officials from the FCDO

Found: In these cases, FCDO -supported programmes may use licensing arrangements that encourage investment

Found: Its position is out of sync with Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) policies which regard

Found: the Red Cross’s Global Initiative on IHL; strengthened humanitarian diplomacy capability across the FCDO

Found: Chapman of Darlington Minister of State (International Development and Africa) Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: I value your Committee’s scrutiny of the FCDO.

Found: Miliband Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: Kirsty McNeill MP Minister of State for International Development and Africa Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: Its position is out of sync with Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) policies which regard

Found: approach is being applied in relation to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and whether the FCDO

Found: HM Government, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Foreign, Commonwealth & Development

Found: policy exchange with Spanish counterparts in January, where a DCMS delegation consisting of DCMS and FCDO

Found: FCDO 64 11.1. FCDO 64 11.2. British Council 65 11.3. FCDO Services 67 12. HMRC 68 12.1.

Found: Figure for 2024/25 includes 3 ALBs FCDO British Council 23,500,000 22,600,000 46,800,000 4

Found: gave to the committee will result in PAC support for the current deal we are discussing with the FCDO

Found: The FCDO, the British Council, and HM Treasury are now formally agreed on the key terms of the long-term

Found: COP31, CBD COP17 and wider Rio Convention processes are being coordinated jointly by DESNZ, Defra and FCDO

Found: Is British diplomatic capacity—and I mean across government, not just in the FCDO—big enough or effective

Found: Energy My husband, Matthew Leach, works for the Modern Energy Cooking Services programme, funded by FCDO

Found: Lainston Chair, International Agreements Committee House of Lords London SW1A 0PW www.gov.uk/fcdo

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the FCDO Services Annual Report and Accounts 2025 to 2026, HC 458, 3 July 2026, which central government bodies did the HMRC investigation into unpaid taxes in relation to IR35 compliance cover, and how many central government bodies other than FCDO Services had irregularities identified by HMRC.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

HMRC cannot comment on specific organisations. However, Government Departments publish information on their compliance with the Off-Payroll Working (IR35) rules in their Annual Report and Accounts.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Border Force press release entitled Border Force: don't let drug smugglers steal your future, published on 17 July 2026, what metrics will be used to assess the effectiveness of the public awareness campaign.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Border Force activity highlighted in the press release formed part of wider operational and safeguarding work to raise awareness of the risks of criminal exploitation by organised crime groups involved in drug smuggling. The activity was delivered using existing Border Force resources, staff and communication channels.

Border Force undertakes internal reviews of operational activity to identify lessons learned and inform future safeguarding and prevention work. There are currently no plans to publish internal evaluations produced for operational learning purposes.

Border Force does not hold data on the number of UK nationals arrested overseas for attempting to smuggle cannabis into the UK.

Border Force does not hold data on the number of UK nationals recruited by organised criminal groups to smuggle controlled drugs into the UK.

As part of its safeguarding work, Border Force works with a range of partners, including the travel industry and media organisations, to raise awareness of the risks of criminal exploitation. Border Force has not engaged directly with social media companies as part of this activity.

The activity was intended to raise awareness of the risks associated with organised criminal groups exploiting individuals to act as drug couriers. Border Force considers a range of information when reviewing such activity, including operational intelligence, detection trends, media reach and feedback from frontline officers and partners.

The Home Office and operational partners work closely with international partners to prevent illegal drug trafficking and disrupt the organised crime groups enabling it. There is frequent and ongoing engagement with the Government of Thailand on countering drug trafficking from Thailand, including by senior Home Office, FCDO, National Crime Agency and Border Force officials. In July 2026, Thai authorities introduced a scheme to fine drug couriers who are caught smuggling cannabis out of Thailand to any other country. So far, almost 100 couriers have been caught, over 60 of whom were heading for the UK.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Border Force press release entitled Border Force: don't let drug smugglers steal your future, published on 17 July 2026, whether her Department plans to publish an evaluation of the campaign's effectiveness.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Border Force activity highlighted in the press release formed part of wider operational and safeguarding work to raise awareness of the risks of criminal exploitation by organised crime groups involved in drug smuggling. The activity was delivered using existing Border Force resources, staff and communication channels.

Border Force undertakes internal reviews of operational activity to identify lessons learned and inform future safeguarding and prevention work. There are currently no plans to publish internal evaluations produced for operational learning purposes.

Border Force does not hold data on the number of UK nationals arrested overseas for attempting to smuggle cannabis into the UK.

Border Force does not hold data on the number of UK nationals recruited by organised criminal groups to smuggle controlled drugs into the UK.

As part of its safeguarding work, Border Force works with a range of partners, including the travel industry and media organisations, to raise awareness of the risks of criminal exploitation. Border Force has not engaged directly with social media companies as part of this activity.

The activity was intended to raise awareness of the risks associated with organised criminal groups exploiting individuals to act as drug couriers. Border Force considers a range of information when reviewing such activity, including operational intelligence, detection trends, media reach and feedback from frontline officers and partners.

The Home Office and operational partners work closely with international partners to prevent illegal drug trafficking and disrupt the organised crime groups enabling it. There is frequent and ongoing engagement with the Government of Thailand on countering drug trafficking from Thailand, including by senior Home Office, FCDO, National Crime Agency and Border Force officials. In July 2026, Thai authorities introduced a scheme to fine drug couriers who are caught smuggling cannabis out of Thailand to any other country. So far, almost 100 couriers have been caught, over 60 of whom were heading for the UK.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Border Force press release entitled Border Force: don't let drug smugglers steal your future, published on 17 July 2026, what the cost will be of the public awareness campaign.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Border Force activity highlighted in the press release formed part of wider operational and safeguarding work to raise awareness of the risks of criminal exploitation by organised crime groups involved in drug smuggling. The activity was delivered using existing Border Force resources, staff and communication channels.

Border Force undertakes internal reviews of operational activity to identify lessons learned and inform future safeguarding and prevention work. There are currently no plans to publish internal evaluations produced for operational learning purposes.

Border Force does not hold data on the number of UK nationals arrested overseas for attempting to smuggle cannabis into the UK.

Border Force does not hold data on the number of UK nationals recruited by organised criminal groups to smuggle controlled drugs into the UK.

As part of its safeguarding work, Border Force works with a range of partners, including the travel industry and media organisations, to raise awareness of the risks of criminal exploitation. Border Force has not engaged directly with social media companies as part of this activity.

The activity was intended to raise awareness of the risks associated with organised criminal groups exploiting individuals to act as drug couriers. Border Force considers a range of information when reviewing such activity, including operational intelligence, detection trends, media reach and feedback from frontline officers and partners.

The Home Office and operational partners work closely with international partners to prevent illegal drug trafficking and disrupt the organised crime groups enabling it. There is frequent and ongoing engagement with the Government of Thailand on countering drug trafficking from Thailand, including by senior Home Office, FCDO, National Crime Agency and Border Force officials. In July 2026, Thai authorities introduced a scheme to fine drug couriers who are caught smuggling cannabis out of Thailand to any other country. So far, almost 100 couriers have been caught, over 60 of whom were heading for the UK.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of previous Border Force public awareness campaigns in reducing the number of UK nationals recruited as drug couriers.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Border Force activity highlighted in the press release formed part of wider operational and safeguarding work to raise awareness of the risks of criminal exploitation by organised crime groups involved in drug smuggling. The activity was delivered using existing Border Force resources, staff and communication channels.

Border Force undertakes internal reviews of operational activity to identify lessons learned and inform future safeguarding and prevention work. There are currently no plans to publish internal evaluations produced for operational learning purposes.

Border Force does not hold data on the number of UK nationals arrested overseas for attempting to smuggle cannabis into the UK.

Border Force does not hold data on the number of UK nationals recruited by organised criminal groups to smuggle controlled drugs into the UK.

As part of its safeguarding work, Border Force works with a range of partners, including the travel industry and media organisations, to raise awareness of the risks of criminal exploitation. Border Force has not engaged directly with social media companies as part of this activity.

The activity was intended to raise awareness of the risks associated with organised criminal groups exploiting individuals to act as drug couriers. Border Force considers a range of information when reviewing such activity, including operational intelligence, detection trends, media reach and feedback from frontline officers and partners.

The Home Office and operational partners work closely with international partners to prevent illegal drug trafficking and disrupt the organised crime groups enabling it. There is frequent and ongoing engagement with the Government of Thailand on countering drug trafficking from Thailand, including by senior Home Office, FCDO, National Crime Agency and Border Force officials. In July 2026, Thai authorities introduced a scheme to fine drug couriers who are caught smuggling cannabis out of Thailand to any other country. So far, almost 100 couriers have been caught, over 60 of whom were heading for the UK.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Border Force press release entitled Border Force: don't let drug smugglers steal your future, published on 17 July 2026, whether discussions have taken place with social media companies on tackling the recruitment of UK nationals by organised criminal gangs advertising drug smuggling opportunities online.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Border Force activity highlighted in the press release formed part of wider operational and safeguarding work to raise awareness of the risks of criminal exploitation by organised crime groups involved in drug smuggling. The activity was delivered using existing Border Force resources, staff and communication channels.

Border Force undertakes internal reviews of operational activity to identify lessons learned and inform future safeguarding and prevention work. There are currently no plans to publish internal evaluations produced for operational learning purposes.

Border Force does not hold data on the number of UK nationals arrested overseas for attempting to smuggle cannabis into the UK.

Border Force does not hold data on the number of UK nationals recruited by organised criminal groups to smuggle controlled drugs into the UK.

As part of its safeguarding work, Border Force works with a range of partners, including the travel industry and media organisations, to raise awareness of the risks of criminal exploitation. Border Force has not engaged directly with social media companies as part of this activity.

The activity was intended to raise awareness of the risks associated with organised criminal groups exploiting individuals to act as drug couriers. Border Force considers a range of information when reviewing such activity, including operational intelligence, detection trends, media reach and feedback from frontline officers and partners.

The Home Office and operational partners work closely with international partners to prevent illegal drug trafficking and disrupt the organised crime groups enabling it. There is frequent and ongoing engagement with the Government of Thailand on countering drug trafficking from Thailand, including by senior Home Office, FCDO, National Crime Agency and Border Force officials. In July 2026, Thai authorities introduced a scheme to fine drug couriers who are caught smuggling cannabis out of Thailand to any other country. So far, almost 100 couriers have been caught, over 60 of whom were heading for the UK.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Border Force press release entitled Border Force: don't let drug smugglers steal your future, published on 17 July 2026, what data the Department holds on the number of UK nationals recruited by organised criminal gangs to smuggle controlled drugs into the UK in each of the last five years.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Border Force activity highlighted in the press release formed part of wider operational and safeguarding work to raise awareness of the risks of criminal exploitation by organised crime groups involved in drug smuggling. The activity was delivered using existing Border Force resources, staff and communication channels.

Border Force undertakes internal reviews of operational activity to identify lessons learned and inform future safeguarding and prevention work. There are currently no plans to publish internal evaluations produced for operational learning purposes.

Border Force does not hold data on the number of UK nationals arrested overseas for attempting to smuggle cannabis into the UK.

Border Force does not hold data on the number of UK nationals recruited by organised criminal groups to smuggle controlled drugs into the UK.

As part of its safeguarding work, Border Force works with a range of partners, including the travel industry and media organisations, to raise awareness of the risks of criminal exploitation. Border Force has not engaged directly with social media companies as part of this activity.

The activity was intended to raise awareness of the risks associated with organised criminal groups exploiting individuals to act as drug couriers. Border Force considers a range of information when reviewing such activity, including operational intelligence, detection trends, media reach and feedback from frontline officers and partners.

The Home Office and operational partners work closely with international partners to prevent illegal drug trafficking and disrupt the organised crime groups enabling it. There is frequent and ongoing engagement with the Government of Thailand on countering drug trafficking from Thailand, including by senior Home Office, FCDO, National Crime Agency and Border Force officials. In July 2026, Thai authorities introduced a scheme to fine drug couriers who are caught smuggling cannabis out of Thailand to any other country. So far, almost 100 couriers have been caught, over 60 of whom were heading for the UK.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Border Force press release entitled Border Force: don't let drug smugglers steal your future, published on 17 July 2026, what data the Department holds on the number of UK nationals arrested overseas for attempting to smuggle cannabis into the UK in each of the last five years.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Border Force activity highlighted in the press release formed part of wider operational and safeguarding work to raise awareness of the risks of criminal exploitation by organised crime groups involved in drug smuggling. The activity was delivered using existing Border Force resources, staff and communication channels.

Border Force undertakes internal reviews of operational activity to identify lessons learned and inform future safeguarding and prevention work. There are currently no plans to publish internal evaluations produced for operational learning purposes.

Border Force does not hold data on the number of UK nationals arrested overseas for attempting to smuggle cannabis into the UK.

Border Force does not hold data on the number of UK nationals recruited by organised criminal groups to smuggle controlled drugs into the UK.

As part of its safeguarding work, Border Force works with a range of partners, including the travel industry and media organisations, to raise awareness of the risks of criminal exploitation. Border Force has not engaged directly with social media companies as part of this activity.

The activity was intended to raise awareness of the risks associated with organised criminal groups exploiting individuals to act as drug couriers. Border Force considers a range of information when reviewing such activity, including operational intelligence, detection trends, media reach and feedback from frontline officers and partners.

The Home Office and operational partners work closely with international partners to prevent illegal drug trafficking and disrupt the organised crime groups enabling it. There is frequent and ongoing engagement with the Government of Thailand on countering drug trafficking from Thailand, including by senior Home Office, FCDO, National Crime Agency and Border Force officials. In July 2026, Thai authorities introduced a scheme to fine drug couriers who are caught smuggling cannabis out of Thailand to any other country. So far, almost 100 couriers have been caught, over 60 of whom were heading for the UK.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Border Force press release entitled Border Force: don't let drug smugglers steal your future, published on 17 July 2026, what discussions have taken place with the Government of Thailand on preventing organised criminal groups recruiting UK nationals to act as drug couriers.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Border Force activity highlighted in the press release formed part of wider operational and safeguarding work to raise awareness of the risks of criminal exploitation by organised crime groups involved in drug smuggling. The activity was delivered using existing Border Force resources, staff and communication channels.

Border Force undertakes internal reviews of operational activity to identify lessons learned and inform future safeguarding and prevention work. There are currently no plans to publish internal evaluations produced for operational learning purposes.

Border Force does not hold data on the number of UK nationals arrested overseas for attempting to smuggle cannabis into the UK.

Border Force does not hold data on the number of UK nationals recruited by organised criminal groups to smuggle controlled drugs into the UK.

As part of its safeguarding work, Border Force works with a range of partners, including the travel industry and media organisations, to raise awareness of the risks of criminal exploitation. Border Force has not engaged directly with social media companies as part of this activity.

The activity was intended to raise awareness of the risks associated with organised criminal groups exploiting individuals to act as drug couriers. Border Force considers a range of information when reviewing such activity, including operational intelligence, detection trends, media reach and feedback from frontline officers and partners.

The Home Office and operational partners work closely with international partners to prevent illegal drug trafficking and disrupt the organised crime groups enabling it. There is frequent and ongoing engagement with the Government of Thailand on countering drug trafficking from Thailand, including by senior Home Office, FCDO, National Crime Agency and Border Force officials. In July 2026, Thai authorities introduced a scheme to fine drug couriers who are caught smuggling cannabis out of Thailand to any other country. So far, almost 100 couriers have been caught, over 60 of whom were heading for the UK.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the FCDO Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26, HC521, of 16 July 2026, page 43, what is Project RESET.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Project RESET is a cross-government programme led by HM Treasury, working with the Cabinet Office, the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority and departments, to reform the spending control and accountability framework. Its purpose is to improve value for money and enable faster delivery of government priorities by giving departments greater autonomy while strengthening their accountability for spending and delivery decisions.

The reforms increase delegated authority for departments, replace separate central controls with a more streamlined and integrated approvals process, and establish clearer expectations for transparency, data sharing and early engagement on complex or high-risk proposals. They also focus central expertise and assurance on the most strategically important major projects, including through a more targeted Government Major Projects Portfolio.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, further to the answer of 29 April 2026 to Question HL16694 on FCDO: Artworks, if she will publish the equivalent information for (a) installed and (b) deinstalled Government Art Collection works since July 2024 for (i) HM Treasury and (ii) 11 Downing Street, including the GAC reference number.

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

Artworks installed and de-installed in government buildings are routinely published here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-art-collection-gac-artworks-installed-and-deinstalled-from-government-buildings

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, which organisations have (a) had departmental Civil Servants seconded to HMRC and the Valuation Office since July 2024 and (b) seconded organisational staff to HMRC and the Valuation Office in that period.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

Since July 2024, HMRC civil servants have been seconded to the following organisations:
• Gambling Commission
• Office for Environmental Protection
• St Helena Government
• Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA)
• Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
• Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
• Nesta
• Pubs Code Adjudicator
• TaxAid
• Resolution Foundation
• Bank of England
• London School of Economics
• National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)
• GCHQ
• University College London (UCL)
• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
• British Indian Ocean Territory
• Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR)
• St James's Palace
• National Crime Agency (NCA)
• Falkland Islands Government
• Alexander Mann Solutions
• UK Government Investments
• Isle of Man Government
• Arts Council NI
• HMG Gibraltar
• Financial Ombudsman Service

The VOA seconded out civil servants to:
• HM Treasury
• LocatEd (then an arms-length body of the Department for Education).

During the same period, HMRC has received inward secondees from:
• the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
• Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS)
• Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP)
• Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT)
• Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).

The VOA received inward secondees from:
• Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
• Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL)
• Department for Transport (DfT)
• HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS)
• Home Office (HO)
• Ministry of Justice (MoJ)
• Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
• Food Standards Agency (FSA)
• HM Land Registry
• Ministry of Defence (MOD)
• Legal Aid Agency
• HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS)
• HM Treasury
• LocatED

Found: Missions and International Organisations / Ceremonial Unit, Protocol Directorate, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: £7.8 million FCDO, BIST and Government Commercial Agency Resilient telecoms Working across government

Found: Prime Minister’s Office, 10 Downing Street, Department for Business and Trade, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: Cameron as the new Permanent Under-Secretary (PUS), at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: Cameron as the new Permanent Under-Secretary (PUS), at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: "govuk-table__cell">CD - Corporate & Delivery

Found: "govuk-table__cell">CD - Corporate & Delivery

Found: 83659773-2-2025 836888.84 Home Office Home Office 04/02/2025 AR REFUNDS CTRL CD - Corporate & Delivery FCDO

Found: 54870686-1-2025 548710.55 Home Office Home Office 15/01/2025 OTHER ICT COSTS CD - Corporate & Delivery FCDO

Found: "govuk-table__cell">CD - Corporate & Delivery

Found: 102384-0-4-2025 176404.71 Home Office Home Office 17/04/2025 OTHER ICT COSTS CD - Corporate & Delivery FCDO

Found: "govuk-table__cell">CD - Corporate & Delivery

Found: 1452275-3-2025 1452275 Home Office Home Office 19/03/2025 OTHER ICT COSTS CD - Corporate & Delivery FCDO

Found: Home Office Home Office 31/07/2025 TRANSLATOR COMMS - Communications Directorate FOREIGN COMMONWEALTH & DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

Found: Home Office Home Office 04/08/2025 MOBILE PHONES DDaT - Digital Data & Technology FOREIGN COMMONWEALTH & DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

Found: "govuk-table__cell">CD - Corporate & Delivery

Found: class="govuk-table__cell">COO - Home Office Digital

Found: 113009-22000-5-2025 22000 Home Office Home Office 12/05/2025 AR REFUNDS CTRL CD - Corporate & Delivery FCDO

Found: govuk-table__cell">COO - Chief Operating Officer Group

Found: 2025 16989848.85 Home Office Home Office 15/12/2025 Outcome Based COO - Chief Operating Officer Group FCDO

Found: 2025 120491.63 Home Office Home Office 18/11/2025 Outcome Based COO - Chief Operating Officer Group FCDO

Found: govuk-table__cell">COO - Chief Operating Officer Group

Found: 705996.13 Home Office Home Office 01/10/2025 TELEPHONE COO - Home Office Digital FOREIGN COMMONWEALTH & DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

Found: 576276-9-2025 576276 Home Office Home Office 09/09/2025 CONT OUT SERV OTHER COO - Home Office Digital FCDO

Found: FCO FOI team details Information Rights Unit Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Room WH2.177

Found: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office FCDO

Found: 0 [X] 0 [X] 0 0 [X] 0 [X] 0 0 [X] 0 [X] 0 0 [X] 0 [X] Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office FCDO

Found: "govuk-table__cell">PPRS sought clarification from Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO

Found: (FCDO) on how the opportunities were advertised.

Found: Rental of Property or Building200373612026-07-23 00:00:00FOREIGN, COMMONWEALTH & DEVELOPMENT OFFICE (FCDO

Found: /BG

Found: Coverage

Found: Coverage

Found: Commonwealth Office, King Charles Street LONDON United Kingdom SW1A 2AH Central Government 10023600 FCDO

Found: Resources (STAAR) programme, an initiative funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: 12 AP, Discussions to end Sudan war resume in Cairo as it nears the 3-year mark,14 January 2026 13 FCDO

Found: delivering over 50 evaluations for UK Government and international clients, including FCDO

Found: ’ experience delivering over 50 evaluations for UK Government and international clients, including FCDO

Found: Commonwealth Office, King Charles Street LONDON United Kingdom SW1A 2AH Central Government 10023600 FCDO

Found: rule 39 indication be granted) is received from the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: £7.8 million FCDO, BIST and Government Commercial Agency Resilient telecoms Working across government

Found: Prime Minister’s Office, 10 Downing Street, Department for Business and Trade, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: KINGDOM Yes WDA(H) 53552 FOREIGN, COMMONWEALTH & DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

Found: 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR or found on the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: A smaller number of countries require notarisation, apostillisation from the FCDO, and legalisation