Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department plans to take to support international election observation and rule-of-law monitoring mechanisms in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

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

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer provided on 10 March 2026 in response to Question 117243.

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 to support democratic participation in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

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

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer provided on 10 March 2026 in response to Question 117243.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to her Department's Eastern Neighbourhood Small Projects Programme, what the cost is of the project in Moldova entitled MOL: Fighting Fake News - Mis and Dis-Information Training 2026.

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

The Hon Member can find details of all programmes supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) at the Development Tracker website on GOV.UK.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to her Department's Eastern Neighbourhood Small Projects Programme, what is the nature and policy objectives of the project in Moldova labelled 'MOL: Stronger Services, Better chances.

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

The Hon Member can find details of all programmes supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) at the Development Tracker website on GOV.UK.

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 Turkish counterpart on the detention of opposition mayors in Turkiye, including Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu; and what diplomatic steps she is taking to help improve the situation in that country for opposition parties.

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

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 30 April 2025 in response to Question 47082.

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 Malaysian counterpart on the protection and support of Rohingya refugees.

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

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the response provided on 10 February to Question 110802.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of the level of the independence of the Nigerian judiciary; and whether judicial independence forms part of the Government’s criteria in assessing the credibility of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.

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

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer provided on 10 March 2026 in response to Question 117243.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Ministers in her Department have met with (a) David Taylor and (b) Asia House since 4 July 2024.

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

Details of ministerial meetings with external individuals and organisations are routinely published by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on a quarterly basis.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they were aware of the link between Peter Mandelson and Global Counsel when he was made Ambassador to the USA; and, if so, whether any advice was given to civil servants regarding that link and how to deal with any conflict of interest.

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

I refer the Noble Baroness to the Government's statement (Official Report, vol. 782, cols. 359-374) and release of information on 11 March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, on what basis Peter Mandelson's contract was terminated with the FCDO.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Peter Mandelson's contract required him to be given a period of notice.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Articles 22, 23 and 24, and Annex 6, of the draft UK-EU Treaty in respect of Gibraltar, (a) what estimate she has made of the UK’s contribution to the cost of the secretariat, (b) what process she will put in place to notify Parliament in advance of forthcoming decisions and (c) which documents exchanged through (i) the Cooperation Council and (ii) its respective specialist committees will be published.

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

I refer the Rt Hon Member to my statement to the House on 26 February, and the draft treaty documents published on the same day. I look forward to going over the detail of the new arrangements with her when the final text of the treaty is brought before the House for scrutiny 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 (a) Article 8(2) of the draft UK-EU Treaty in respect of Gibraltar, (i) what assessment she has made of the legal impact of this measure on (i) the UK and (ii) Gibraltar, and which international forums this provision applies to and (b) Article 9(2), what assessment she has made of the legal impact of this measure on (i) the UK and (ii) Gibraltar, and which international forums this provision applies to.

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

I refer the Rt Hon Member to my statement to the House on 26 February, and the draft treaty documents published on the same day. I look forward to going over the detail of the new arrangements with her when the final text of the treaty is brought before the House for scrutiny 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 Articles 10(2)(a) and 10(3) of the draft UK-EU Treaty in respect of Gibraltar, (a) what assessment she has made of the legal impact of this measure on (i) the UK and (ii) Gibraltar; and which legal instruments this provision would apply to once ratified.

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

I refer the Rt Hon Member to my statement to the House on 26 February, and the draft treaty documents published on the same day. I look forward to going over the detail of the new arrangements with her when the final text of the treaty is brought before the House for scrutiny 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 Article 13 of the draft UK-EU Treaty in respect of Gibraltar, how do these provisions differ from those contained in (a) the Trade and Cooperation Agreement and (b) the security and defence partnership between the EU and the UK.

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

I refer the Rt Hon Member to my statement to the House on 26 February, and the draft treaty documents published on the same day. I look forward to going over the detail of the new arrangements with her when the final text of the treaty is brought before the House for scrutiny in due course.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the provisions of Article 274 of the draft UK-EU Treaty in respect of Gibraltar, (a) what her planned timetable is for when the joint venture company in respect of the airport will be (i) established; and (ii) undertake day-to-day management of Gibraltar airport; and (b) if ownership of the airport will remain with the Ministry of Defence.

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

I refer the Rt Hon Member to my statement to the House on 26 February, and the draft treaty documents published on the same day. I look forward to going over the detail of the new arrangements with her when the final text of the treaty is brought before the House for scrutiny in due course.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they have taken in response to proposals by the government of Iraq to disarm Yazidi communities in Sinjar; and what assessment they have made of the risk that those proposals will leave the Yazidi population vulnerable to the continuation of mass atrocities.

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

The UK is firmly committed to the protection of ethnic and religious minorities in Iraq, and the safety and security of the Yazidi community, including those who were displaced by the Daesh insurgency. We regularly engage with the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government, as well as representatives from the Yazidi civil society and community, on the need for stability, security and long-term reconstruction in Sinjar. The UK is clear that any security arrangements in the area must protect civilians and support conditions for the safe, dignified and voluntary return of displaced Yazidis.

We continue to advocate for full implementation of the Sinjar Agreement including the recruitment and training of local security forces, which remains essential for stability in the district. The UK highlights the importance of including Yazidi representation in negotiations and plans for implementation of the Sinjar Agreement or any other mechanism, to enhance the agency and the safety of the Yazidi community.

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 its strategic partner Azerbaijan and the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia after the recent drone attacks launched from Iranian territory against Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

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

I spoke with Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister, Jeyhun Bayramov, on 9 March, expressing the UK's full solidarity with Azerbaijan in the face of the unacceptable Iranian drone strikes on Nakhchivan Airport and nearby sites. The UK condemns such attacks for threatening Azerbaijan's security and undermining regional stability. I also strongly welcomed the positive momentum towards a comprehensive peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and made clear that the UK fully supports the ongoing efforts by both sides to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Signal Group has undertaken work for the UK Government's Embassy in the United States.

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

The British Embassy in Washington engages on a regular basis with a wide range of organisations and partners across the United States in order to advance UK interests and the wider UK-US relationship.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when she plans to ratify the UK-EU agreement on Gibraltar.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 9 March in response to Question HL15025.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the taxation provisions of the draft UK-EU Treaty in respect of Gibraltar, if she will provide an economic impact assessment on changes to taxation as a result of the Treaty; pursuant to the provisions of Article 220, if she will provide an economic impact assessment on the carbon pricing provisions; and pursuant to the customs union provisions, if she will provide an economic impact on trade flows into Gibraltar.

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

I refer the Rt Hon Member to my statement to the House on 26 February, and the draft treaty documents published on the same day. I look forward to going over the detail of the new arrangements with her when the final text of the treaty is brought before the House for scrutiny in due course.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the provisions of Article 247(1) of the draft UK-EU Treaty in respect of Gibraltar, if she has a timetable for when a decision will be adopted by the Cooperation Council is scheduled to be made.

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

I refer the Rt Hon Member to my statement to the House on 26 February, and the draft treaty documents published on the same day. I look forward to going over the detail of the new arrangements with her when the final text of the treaty is brought before the House for scrutiny in due course.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the provisions on arrest and extradition of the draft UK-EU Treaty in respect of Gibraltar, if she will provide an estimate of the numbers of persons to be affected by those provisions each year.

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

I refer the Rt Hon Member to my statement to the House on 26 February, and the draft treaty documents published on the same day. I look forward to going over the detail of the new arrangements with her when the final text of the treaty is brought before the House for scrutiny in due course.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the provisions of Article 248 of the draft UK-EU Treaty in respect of Gibraltar, if she has undertaken an economic impact assessment of the introduction of transaction taxes.

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

I refer the Rt Hon Member to my statement to the House on 26 February, and the draft treaty documents published on the same day. I look forward to going over the detail of the new arrangements with her when the final text of the treaty is brought before the House for scrutiny in due course.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Pursuant to Article 121 of the draft UK-EU Treaty in respect of Gibraltar, if she will provide a definition for a ‘political offence’

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

I refer the Rt Hon Member to my statement to the House on 26 February, and the draft treaty documents published on the same day. I look forward to going over the detail of the new arrangements with her when the final text of the treaty is brought before the House for scrutiny 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 Article 7 of the draft UK-EU Treaty in respect of Gibraltar, what her expected timetable is for the (a) implementation plan to be confirmed and (b) removal of physical barriers to commence; what estimate she has made of the costs; and whether (i) UK-based and (ii) Gibraltar-based businesses will be contracted to undertake this work.

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

I refer the Rt Hon Member to my statement to the House on 26 February, and the draft treaty documents published on the same day. I look forward to going over the detail of the new arrangements with her when the final text of the treaty is brought before the House for scrutiny 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 draft UK-EU Treaty in respect of Gibraltar, if she will publish a list of the UK domestic legislation which will require amending to comply with the Treaty’s provisions.

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

I refer the Rt Hon Member to my statement to the House on 26 February, and the draft treaty documents published on the same day. I look forward to going over the detail of the new arrangements with her when the final text of the treaty is brought before the House for scrutiny in due course.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has undertaken an economic impact assessment on potential changes to trade flows between the UK and Gibraltar as a consequence of the draft UK-EU Treaty.

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

I refer the Rt Hon Member to my statement to the House on 26 February, and the draft treaty documents published on the same day. I look forward to going over the detail of the new arrangements with her when the final text of the treaty is brought before the House for scrutiny 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 (a) Article 49 of the draft UK-EU Treaty in respect of Gibraltar, what is her assessment of the potential impact of the cessation of long stay visas for Gibraltar; (b) Articles 50 and 51, what estimate she has made of the number of residence permits that will be (i) issued and (ii) renewed in each year once the Treaty comes into effect and whether she has made an estimate of (A) the number of permits that Spain may reject and (B) the additional cost of establishing the systems necessary to implement the provisions in this Article, and (c) Article 52, what estimate she has made of the number of persons will be affected by the transitional rule.

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

I refer the Rt Hon Member to my statement to the House on 26 February, and the draft treaty documents published on the same day. I look forward to going over the detail of the new arrangements with her when the final text of the treaty is brought before the House for scrutiny 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 Article 29 of the draft UK-EU Treaty in respect of Gibraltar, what provisions are in place for the (a) UK and (b) Gibraltar authorities to derogate from alignment from entry requirements with (i) current EU law and (ii) future changes to EU law; and with reference to Article 29(7), will the UK be compelled to align entry requirements to future changes to Union law.

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

I refer the Rt Hon Member to my statement to the House on 26 February, and the draft treaty documents published on the same day. I look forward to going over the detail of the new arrangements with her when the final text of the treaty is brought before the House for scrutiny 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 (a) Article 48(4) of the draft UK-EU Treaty in respect of Gibraltar, what timescales will the Spanish authorities be given to undertake their assessment of visa applications and (b) Article 48(6), on what evidential basis was the provision for a maximum annual limit of 15 visas determined.

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

I refer the Rt Hon Member to my statement to the House on 26 February, and the draft treaty documents published on the same day. I look forward to going over the detail of the new arrangements with her when the final text of the treaty is brought before the House for scrutiny 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 Article 32(3) of the draft UK-EU Treaty in respect of Gibraltar, whether the competent authorities of the Kingdom of Spain will be required to provide (a) reasons and (b) evidence to the UK authorities for determining that individuals concerned have the right of free movement.

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

I refer the Rt Hon Member to my statement to the House on 26 February, and the draft treaty documents published on the same day. I look forward to going over the detail of the new arrangements with her when the final text of the treaty is brought before the House for scrutiny in due course.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, (a) with reference to Article 53 of the draft UK-EU Treaty in respect of Gibraltar, what processes will follow instances whereby requests made for international protection are made to the Spanish authorities; and what rights to travel and remain in Gibraltar will an individual granted international protection by Spain have; and (b) with reference to the provisions of the draft UK-EU Treaty in respect of Gibraltar, how applications for international protection will be handled by authorities in Gibraltar where applicants have travelled from Spain to enter Gibraltar.

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

I refer the Rt Hon Member to my statement to the House on 26 February, and the draft treaty documents published on the same day. I look forward to going over the detail of the new arrangements with her when the final text of the treaty is brought before the House for scrutiny 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 Article 62 of the draft UK-EU Treaty in respect of Gibraltar, what her estimate is of the number of enhanced police checks she expects (a) the Spanish authorities to undertake in Gibraltar, and (b) the competent UK authorities to undertake in the contiguous frontier zone.

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

I refer the Rt Hon Member to my statement to the House on 26 February, and the draft treaty documents published on the same day. I look forward to going over the detail of the new arrangements with her when the final text of the treaty is brought before the House for scrutiny in due course.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, (a) with reference to Article 55 of the draft UK-EU Treaty in respect of Gibraltar, (i) if she will publish a precise schedule of offences and the laws they relate to to supplement the list in Annex 8 and (ii) whether Spanish authorities will be required to provide notification to the authorities of the UK and Gibraltar in respect of any individuals they are undertaking surveillance on in Gibraltar, and (b) with reference to Article 55 (2) and 56 (2) of the draft UK-EU Treaty in respect of Gibraltar, (A) when the administrative arrangements setting out the practical modalities will be established and (B) whether drafts will be published for scrutiny in advance of the Treaty coming into effect.

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

I refer the Rt Hon Member to my statement to the House on 26 February, and the draft treaty documents published on the same day. I look forward to going over the detail of the new arrangements with her when the final text of the treaty is brought before the House for scrutiny in due course.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 9 February 2026 to Question 110416 on Government Departments: Publicity, whether there are plans for HM Government Communications Centre to remove the HM reference in its public branding.

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

No.

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 to tackle the use of so-called guilt by blood tactics against Hong Kongers.

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

This Government will not tolerate any attempts by foreign governments to coerce, intimidate, harass, or harm their critics overseas. Home Office and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) ministers have raised directly with the Chinese authorities their strong opposition to the Hong Kong Police's use of arrest warrants and bounties. In the most recent Six-monthly Report to Parliament, the Foreign Secretary spoke out against the deliberate targeting of opposition voices in the UK and elsewhere. FCDO officials have reiterated the Government's deep concerns regarding transnational repression in engagements with Chinese officials and continue to engage regularly with likeminded partners about combatting transnational repression.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what criteria her Department uses when determining whether to call for the release of individuals detained overseas for activities related to the exercise of their human rights.

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

Each case reported to the UK Government is assessed on its own merits, and there are no fixed criteria of the type the Hon Member describes.

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 situation of women, girls and ethnic and religious minorities in Iran following the protests that began in December 2025; and what steps her Department is taking to prioritise women’s and minority rights in its policy and engagement on Iran.

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

The human rights situation in Iran, including for women, girls and minorities, has long been unacceptable. As the Foreign Secretary said to the House on 13 January: it takes huge bravery to protest and to speak out in the face of this oppression - especially for women who continue to endure severe repression in their daily lives. We led the call for a Special Session of the UN Human Rights Council during the protests, and supported the continuation of the mandate of the Independent Fact-Finding Mission - to investigate human rights violations on grounds of gender, ethnicity, religion, or belief - and for the Mission to conduct an urgent investigation into human rights violations perpetrated during the protests. We will continue to work with international partners to hold Iran accountable for its repression of women and girls, and minorities.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what support her Department is providing to British Nationals affected by travel disruption and flight cancellations in the Middle East, including those transiting through Qatar; and what guidance her Department has issued to affected travellers.

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

The safety and security of British nationals is our top priority. On 3 March, the Foreign Secretary spoke to the House about the consular support available to individuals in the Middle East, and assisted departures have now taken place from both Oman and Dubai. We will provide further updates on a regular basis, including details of our ongoing evacuation flights, as well as our efforts to secure an end to Iran's attacks on countries in the region, and the full resumption of normal commercial flights.

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 potential merits of running buses from Qatar to Oman for the purposes of repatriation.

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

The safety and security of British nationals is our top priority. On 3 March, the Foreign Secretary spoke to the House about the consular support available to individuals in the Middle East, and assisted departures have now taken place from both Oman and Dubai. We will provide further updates on a regular basis, including details of our ongoing evacuation flights, as well as our efforts to secure an end to Iran's attacks on countries in the region, and the full resumption of normal commercial flights.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the answer received on the 11 March to question 117877 on Middle East: Armed Conflict, what steps she is taking to include non-citizen UK residents in repatriation flights from the Middle East.

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

Guidance about who the UK Government can assist in a crisis is published on GOV.UK - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-deal-with-a-crisis-overseas#who-we-can-help-in-a-crisis.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what estimate he has made of a) the number of British citizens and their dependents who are seeking to return to the UK from the Middle East as of Monday 09 March and b) the number who have already returned since the Israeli-US military action in Iran.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 16 March in response to Question 118590.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations she has made to her Israeli counterpart on the bulldozing of parts of The Gaza War Cemetery in al-Tuffah.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 13 February in response to Question 111058.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the number of (1) schools, and (2) hospitals, in Iran that have been hit or destroyed since 28 February.

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

No such assessment or estimate is available at this time.

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 international counterparts on the likelihood of internal uprisings leading to regime change in Iran.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the public and parliamentary statements made by the Prime Minister on 28 February, 1 March, 2 March and 5 March, where he set out in depth the UK's position on this conflict.

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 potential impact of regime change in Iran on regional stability.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the public and parliamentary statements made by the Prime Minister on 28 February, 1 March, 2 March and 5 March, where he set out in depth the UK's position on this conflict.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, further to the Answer of 21 October 2025 to Question 81646, what specific policies, programmes or commitments have resulted from the Government’s engagement with Pakistan’s Human Rights and Interior Ministers regarding the protection of Christian and Hindu prisoners; and how frequently such ministerial or official-level engagement takes place.

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

The UK engages with the Government of Pakistan on the rights of religious minorities, including the treatment of Christian and Hindu prisoners, at Ministerial and official levels as appropriate. We do not comment on private diplomatic exchanges, but this engagement complements Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office work to strengthen the rule of law, prison oversight and minority protections, including through our High Commission's partnerships with civil society. We will continue to raise these concerns where appropriate and press for improved safeguards.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent representations her Department has made to the Government of Saudi Arabia regarding (a) the reported increase in executions in 2024 and 2025, (b) the execution of individuals convicted of offences committed when they were under 18, and (c) the cases of individuals facing execution for protest-related offences.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 11 December in response to Question 97116.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations she has made to her Pakistani counterpart on the denial of bail to Nadeem Masih; and what diplomatic steps she is taking to help tackle the impact of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws on freedom of religion or belief for religious minorities.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer given on 3 October to question 75585.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations she has made to the Syrian interim government on constitutional protections for the political, cultural and linguistic rights of Kurdish communities as part of the ongoing integration process between the Syrian interim government and the Syrian Democratic Forces.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the Written Ministerial Statement I made to the House on 28 January 2026. I can assure her that we continue to raise the protection of Kurdish civilians and other minority communities, as well as the importance of accountability and rule of law, as a constant subject of concern with the Syrian Government. On 27 February I spoke to Foreign Minister al-Shaibani and raised with him directly my concerns around the humanitarian situation in Kobane and the internally displaced persons camps. I also recently met with members of the UK Kurdish community to discuss their views on the 30 January agreement and their hopes for the future.

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 ensure unrestricted humanitarian access to civilian populations affected by recent military operations in North-East Syria.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the Written Ministerial Statement I made to the House on 28 January 2026. I can assure her that we continue to raise the protection of Kurdish civilians and other minority communities, as well as the importance of accountability and rule of law, as a constant subject of concern with the Syrian Government. On 27 February I spoke to Foreign Minister al-Shaibani and raised with him directly my concerns around the humanitarian situation in Kobane and the internally displaced persons camps. I also recently met with members of the UK Kurdish community to discuss their views on the 30 January agreement and their hopes for the future.

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 through diplomatic channels to ensure accountability for attacks on civilian populations in North-East Syria.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the Written Ministerial Statement I made to the House on 28 January 2026. I can assure her that we continue to raise the protection of Kurdish civilians and other minority communities, as well as the importance of accountability and rule of law, as a constant subject of concern with the Syrian Government. On 27 February I spoke to Foreign Minister al-Shaibani and raised with him directly my concerns around the humanitarian situation in Kobane and the internally displaced persons camps. I also recently met with members of the UK Kurdish community to discuss their views on the 30 January agreement and their hopes for the future.

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 ensure compliance with International Law with reference to cross-border military actions in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

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

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given on 11 March to Question 116086.

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 allies to help reduce tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

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

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given on 11 March to Question 116086.

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 protect Palestinian (a) children and (b) services which support them.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided by my colleague, Minister Chris Elmore MP, in Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office oral questions on 3 March, which - for ease of reference - is reproduced below:

Tens of thousands of children have been killed, injured, orphaned, or separated from their family during this conflict. The UK has medically evacuated 50 children for treatment in the UK, but help on the required scale can only be delivered on the ground in Gaza. We are providing £81 million in humanitarian and early recovery support this year, including social protection services, which have so far supported over 335,000 Palestinian children.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department has recently issued guidance to international travel operators who have reinstated flights to the United Arab Emirates.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 16 March in response to Question 118590.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps her Department is taking to (a) help stop executions and (b) promote human rights in Saudi Arabia.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 11 December in response to Question 97116.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations she has made to her Saudi counterpart on child defendant executions.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 11 December in response to Question 97116.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations she has made to her Saudi Arabian counterpart on the risk of execution of men convicted of alleged crimes committed as minors, such as Youssef al-Manasif, Jawad Abdullah Qureiris and Hassan Zaki al-Faraj.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 11 December in response to Question 97116.

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 number of executions in Saudi Arabia in 2025.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 11 December in response to Question 97116.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps her Department is taking to help end the use of administrative detention for Palestinians held by Israeli authorities.

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

The Government is concerned about Israel's extensive use of administrative detention which, according to international law, should be used only when security makes this absolutely necessary. Israeli authorities must either charge or release detainees. The UK calls for all such reports to be fully investigated. We also call on all parties to the conflict to grant the International Committee of the Red Cross immediate and unfettered access.

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 potential implications for its policies of the long-term education and skills needs of Rohingya children and young people in Bangladesh.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer he was provided on 27 February in response to Questions 112661-65 and add that I raised the matter of support for education in the Rohingya refugee camps when I visited Bangladesh last month.

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 teacher recruitment and training in Rohingya refugee education programmes supported by UK aid.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer he was provided on 27 February in response to Questions 112661-65 and add that I raised the matter of support for education in the Rohingya refugee camps when I visited Bangladesh last month.

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 prioritise education within the UK’s humanitarian response to the Rohingya crisis.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer he was provided on 27 February in response to Questions 112661-65 and add that I raised the matter of support for education in the Rohingya refugee camps when I visited Bangladesh last month.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they have taken since 28 February to ensure that access to Gaza is maintained for humanitarian aid.

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

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 11 March in response to PQ 118368 which, for ease of reference, has been reproduced below:

Despite some progress on humanitarian supplies entering Gaza since the ceasefire, aid flows remain insufficient and the majority of the population - including tens of thousands of children - are still experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity, with severe implications for their vulnerability and long-term health.

The temporary closure of all crossings into Gaza following the start of hostilities in the wider region has exacerbated these concerns. We welcome the reopening of the Kerem Shalom crossing, but we continue to urge the Israeli authorities to lift all restrictions on humanitarian relief agencies, and enable the resumption of aid at scale and through all crossings, so that supplies of aid can reach all those who desperately need them.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department has a strategy for monitoring (a) the protection of Iraqi religious minorities, (b) missing Yazidi women and children, (c) survivor recovery and (d) accountability for genocide-related crimes.

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

The UK is firmly committed to protecting ethnic and religious minorities in Iraq, and promoting Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB). Through our diplomatic presence, we regularly monitor and raise these issues with the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government, including the situation of missing Yazidi women and children, survivor recovery, and accountability for crimes committed by Daesh. FoRB-specific objectives are threaded throughout our programme work in Iraq, especially following Iraq's recognition as a UK FoRB priority country in October 2025. On Yazidi communities specifically, I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 17 March in response to Question HL15070.

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 barriers to secondary education for Rohingya children and young people in refugee camps in Bangladesh.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer he was provided on 27 February in response to Questions 112661-65 and add that I raised the matter of support for education in the Rohingya refugee camps when I visited Bangladesh last month.

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 access to education for Rohingya children in refugee camps in Bangladesh.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer he was provided on 27 February in response to Questions 112661-65 and add that I raised the matter of support for education in the Rohingya refugee camps when I visited Bangladesh last month.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what guidance has her Department issued for for families in the UK on reporting family members stranded overseas as a result of the ongoing situation in Iran including if they have lost contact with them.

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

Any family members in the UK concerned about the wellbeing of a British national overseas can routinely contact the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's consular support service, which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support British nationals in need of help. Further guidance can be found at this link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-deal-with-a-crisis-overseas.

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 support British nationals in Indonesia that are unable to travel home due to the conflict in the Middle East.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 16 March in response to Question 118590.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment was made of the potential impact of Lord Mandelson's shareholdings in Global Counsel on his suitability to be appointed as UK Ambassador to the United States prior to that appointment being made.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Lord Mandelson was investigated for misconduct under the Civil Servant Code.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, further to the Part of a Return to an Address of the Honourable the House of Commons dated 4 February 2026 relating to the appointment of Lord Mandelson as HM Ambassador to Washington, Volume 1, HC1774-I, 11 March 2026, whether the Permanent Under-Secretary had discussions with Lord Mandelson, when Ambassador to the United States, about the Epstein files released by the United States Department of Justice.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what representations, if any, they intend to make at the United Nations Security Council regarding the 1954 Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, in relation to the protection of cultural property in Iran and the wider region.

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

The UK remains fully committed to the 1954 Hague Convention. We continue to monitor developments in Iran and the wider region and we work with partners across the UN system to reinforce compliance with international humanitarian law, including obligations relating to the safeguarding of cultural heritage.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government when they intend to publish the next annual Human Rights and Democracy Report.

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

I refer the Noble Baroness to the letter sent to the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee on 6 March by the Minister for Multilateral and Human Rights, in response to her letter of 23 January on this issue, and I will arrange for a copy of his letter to be placed in the House of Lords library.

This Government remains firmly committed to the protection and promotion of human rights globally, and to reporting transparently on our actions. We are currently considering the most appropriate form of future reporting on our human rights work.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Lord Mandelson’s (a) salary and (b) allowances whilst a member of the Senior Civil Service were liable for income tax and National Insurance, and whether he was resident and domiciled in the UK for tax purposes.

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

The same tax rules applied to Mr Mandelson's remuneration as apply to all other permanent UK civil service staff working overseas on standard contracts for the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government when they last made representations to the government of Pakistan about the welfare of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

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

I refer the Noble Baroness to the answer given on 6 March to Question HL14686.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the new 'Patriotic Education Law' in China on freedom of religion or belief, particularly for teachers in religious institutions.

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

The environment for freedom of religion or belief in China is restrictive, including in relation to religious teaching. This Government stands firm on human rights, and we raise our concerns at the highest levels. The Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, Chancellor and Energy Secretary have all raised human rights in recent months with their counterparts (President Xi, Foreign Minister Wang, Vice Premier He and Vice Premier Ding respectively).

This Government champions freedom of religion or belief for all around the world. We work to uphold those rights through our position at the UN, G7 and other multilateral fora. We continue to monitor the situation for religious teaching in China, and maintain a dialogue with NGOs and international partners on the issue.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports of the killing of Palestinian aid workers near Rafah in March 2025.

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

I refer the the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 9 June 2025 in response to question HC56774 which, for ease of reference, is reproduced below:

We are appalled by repeated reports of mass casualty incidents, in which Palestinians have been killed when trying to access aid sites in Gaza. Desperate civilians who have endured 20 months of war should never face the risk of death or injury to simply feed themselves and their families. We call for an immediate and independent investigation into these events, and for the perpetrators to be held to account. Israel must immediately allow the UN and aid partners to safely deliver all types of aid at scale to save lives, reduce suffering and maintain dignity.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the status of the Ponsonby Rule as a constitutional convention.

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

The Ponsonby Rule on treaty scrutiny was put on a statutory footing by the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010. The Act requires treaties subject to ratification to be laid before Parliament for 21 sitting days.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps she took to support the recent democratic elections in Bangladesh.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 9 March in response to Question 112898.

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 support democracy and human rights in Bangladesh.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 9 March in response to Question 112898.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 29 January 2026 to PQ 108008, what the outcome was of her Department’s engagement concerning religious minority political representation in Syria; and what initiatives she is supporting to promote inclusive governance and improved conditions for those communities.

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

In all of our engagement with the Syrian Government, we have been clear of the importance of ensuring a fair representation of Syria's diverse communities in positions of authority and consulting widely on planned next steps for Syria's transition. We believe that this is fundamental to re-building trust and supporting Syria's longer-term stability. The Foreign Secretary raised the importance of inclusive governance and the need for greater representation of all groups, including women, with the Syrian Foreign Minister al- Shaibani during his visit to London in November. I also recently met with members of the UK Kurdish community to discuss their views on the 30 January agreement and their hopes for the future.

Since the recent escalation began, we have regularly engaged both the Syrian Government and the Syrian Democratic Forces and continue to press both sides to implement the 30 January agreement peacefully and in full, whilst also safeguarding humanitarian space and ensuring Kurdish participation in decision-making.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether non-British spouses of British nationals in Middle Eastern countries affected by Iranian strikes will be included in emergency evacuation and repatriation programmes.

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

The spouses and partners of British nationals who are not British nationals themselves may be registered to travel on any available government-chartered flights but will require a valid visa or permission to enter or remain that was granted for more than six months.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Jonathan Powell was paid as Special Envoy for BIOT negotiations; and whether he completed a declaration of interests as Envoy.

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

Yes, on both counts.

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 Saudi Arabia air strikes against anti-Houthi coalition partners in southern Yemen and the potential impact of those air strikes on the expansion of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, in Hadramout and other governorates.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the statement the I made to the House on 5 January, where I noted that the United Kingdom remains committed to supporting Yemen's unity, including the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council and the Government of Yemen. The United Kingdom continues to stay in regular contact with our partners in Yemen, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates about the situation, and we will continue to work closely with them. The Government does not comment on operational intelligence, or security matters, but will continue to work with regional and international partners to tackle the threat posed by Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.

Found: The FCDO will continue to fund the Independent Commission for Aid Impact as the primary means of independently

Found: State for Business and Trade and Seema Malhotra, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the FCDO

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

Found: The FCDO will continue to fund the Independent Commission for Aid Impact as the primary means of independently

Found: Dear Baroness Chapman, It has been over a month since you stated, before this Committee, that the FCDO

Found: The FCDO will continue to fund the Independent Commission for Aid Impact as the primary means of independently

Found: Projects in Sudan, Somalia and Tunisia that were previously described by FCDO as essential to counter

Found: OTJ0021 - Review of the UK – Overseas Territories Joint Declaration Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: We note that the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (‘FCDO”) is subject to a substantial budget

Found: National Action Plan 17 Conflict prevention and meaningful participation 192 Funding and Resourcing 28 FCDO

Found: National Action Plan 10 Conflict prevention and meaningful participation 11 2 Funding and Resourcing 16 FCDO

Found: Defence (MOm -- ... 1 1 1 -CablnetOffice(CO), ____ Forci n Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: fcdo.correspondence@fcdo.gov.uk House of Commons Palace of Westminster Westminster SW1A 0AA www.gov.uk/fcdo

Found: Actually, let me first mention how very grateful we are to the British Government and FCDO for their

Found: Actually, let me first mention how very grateful we are to the British Government and FCDO for their

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

Found: sustainable, including ‘The What Works’ programme within the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

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

Found: Seema Malhotra: I just wanted to add some FCDO perspective.

Found: Room WH 2.143 King Charles St London SW1A 2AH T +44 (0)20 7008 8297 www.gov.uk/fcdo

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on coordinating policy relating to the evacuation of pets during international emergencies.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

During international emergencies Defra officials work closely with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to coordinate policy and manage live operational issues, including in relation to emergency pet movements.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what evidential basis does her Department use when assessing the safety of return to (a) Kyiv City, (b) Lvivska Oblast and (c) other regions of western Ukraine.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

All asylum and human rights claims, including those from Ukrainian nationals, are carefully considered on their individual merits in accordance with our international obligations. Internal relocation is considered under Paragraph 339O of the Immigration Rules. Decision makers must consider whether the claimant would face a well-founded fear of persecution in the place of relocation, and, if not, whether it is reasonable to expect them to travel to, and stay, there.

Our guidance for considering asylum claims, which includes a section on internal relocation, is available on GOV.UK at: Assessing credibility and refugee status: caseworker guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Each individual assessment is made against the background of relevant case law and the latest available country of origin information. Our assessment of the situation in Ukraine is set out in the relevant Country Policy and Information Notes (CPINs) which are available on GOV.UK at. Ukraine: country policy and information notes - GOV.UK

The CPINs for Ukraine are based on evidence taken from a wide range of reliable sources, including reputable media outlets; local, national and international organisations, including human rights organisations; and information from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The evidence base for assessing safety of return is available in the footnotes and bibliography of the CPINs.

Asylum grant rates can vary for a number of reasons, including the protection needs of those who claim asylum in the UK. They can also be affected by operational resourcing and policy decisions, such as changes to the types of cases prioritised for decisions.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, for what the reason has there been a decrease in the grant rate for Ukrainian asylum applications from 74.2% in September 2023 to 4.5% in December 2025.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

All asylum and human rights claims, including those from Ukrainian nationals, are carefully considered on their individual merits in accordance with our international obligations. Internal relocation is considered under Paragraph 339O of the Immigration Rules. Decision makers must consider whether the claimant would face a well-founded fear of persecution in the place of relocation, and, if not, whether it is reasonable to expect them to travel to, and stay, there.

Our guidance for considering asylum claims, which includes a section on internal relocation, is available on GOV.UK at: Assessing credibility and refugee status: caseworker guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Each individual assessment is made against the background of relevant case law and the latest available country of origin information. Our assessment of the situation in Ukraine is set out in the relevant Country Policy and Information Notes (CPINs) which are available on GOV.UK at. Ukraine: country policy and information notes - GOV.UK

The CPINs for Ukraine are based on evidence taken from a wide range of reliable sources, including reputable media outlets; local, national and international organisations, including human rights organisations; and information from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The evidence base for assessing safety of return is available in the footnotes and bibliography of the CPINs.

Asylum grant rates can vary for a number of reasons, including the protection needs of those who claim asylum in the UK. They can also be affected by operational resourcing and policy decisions, such as changes to the types of cases prioritised for decisions.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what her policy is for internal relocation within Ukraine when determining asylum claims.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

All asylum and human rights claims, including those from Ukrainian nationals, are carefully considered on their individual merits in accordance with our international obligations. Internal relocation is considered under Paragraph 339O of the Immigration Rules. Decision makers must consider whether the claimant would face a well-founded fear of persecution in the place of relocation, and, if not, whether it is reasonable to expect them to travel to, and stay, there.

Our guidance for considering asylum claims, which includes a section on internal relocation, is available on GOV.UK at: Assessing credibility and refugee status: caseworker guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Each individual assessment is made against the background of relevant case law and the latest available country of origin information. Our assessment of the situation in Ukraine is set out in the relevant Country Policy and Information Notes (CPINs) which are available on GOV.UK at. Ukraine: country policy and information notes - GOV.UK

The CPINs for Ukraine are based on evidence taken from a wide range of reliable sources, including reputable media outlets; local, national and international organisations, including human rights organisations; and information from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The evidence base for assessing safety of return is available in the footnotes and bibliography of the CPINs.

Asylum grant rates can vary for a number of reasons, including the protection needs of those who claim asylum in the UK. They can also be affected by operational resourcing and policy decisions, such as changes to the types of cases prioritised for decisions.

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

Found: London SE1 7SR, www.imo.org/publications; email: sales@imo.org; telephone: 0207 735 7611, or from the FCDO

Found: Intersex Association, Laws on us, 2024, pp52, 90 40 Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Restructuring at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Found: However, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Offi ce (FCDO) has a Share Subscription Agreement

Found: Office, the Ministry for Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG), and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: (FCDO).

Found: David joined the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in 2003, having previously worked

Found: In a pandemic, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) will review travel advice for

Found: international strategy, requiring close co-ordination with the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: 40.1 0 0 40.1 LYNDA RAWSTHORNE 19/12/2025 19/12/2025 TRAVEL TO/FROM LONDON FOR URGENT MEETING WITH FCDO

Found: Deloitte To discuss and receive informal advice on an urgent international estates matter on behalf of FCDO

Found: cell">To discuss and receive informal advice on an urgent international estates matter on behalf of FCDO

Found: 2025

Found: ="govuk-table__cell">12/11/2025

Found: 12/11/2025 VIVALDI VIVALDI Social Care Care Home Visit Lucy Chappell 12/11/2025 India Department, FCDO

Found:

Found: MRC Dinner & Hotel No Lucy Chappell 20/11/2025 Bangor University Dinner No Lucy Chappell 17/11/2025 FCDO

Found: 3174.036286 3574 8395 6114 4799 5924 4836 DESNZ - - - - - 2102 120 - - - - - 2406 2687 - - - - - 4508 2807 FCDO

Found: Britain and Northern Ireland, that has a Memorandum of Understanding currently in place with the FCDO

Found: Sources were identified primarily by desk-based research and in consultation with the FCDO.

Found: has a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: Information on personal safety is available through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: Investment Partners Holdings 0.5 384 Berlin Embassy Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: "organisation-logos__logo">

Found: (FCDO).

Found: The GBCC is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: international strategy, requiring close co-ordination with the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: In December 2024, the FCDO set out five priorities for promoting and protecting human rights, rule of

Found: GOVERNMENTWHIPS’OFFICE MENTWHIPCO,DEFRA,DWP,FCDO,HO,HOUSEOFLORDS JANDWOLONDONSWIAOPW 02072196802 Telephone020