Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the Monroe Doctrine.

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

It is for the United States to set its own security and defence policy, as it is for any government.

However, there are many issues and initiatives where we share common objectives with the US, ranging from the AUKUS treaty and our joint work on critical minerals, to the ongoing efforts to secure peace and stability in Gaza, Sudan and Syria.

We will continue to work with our closest partner to pursue those and other shared goals.

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 the return of children forcibly deported from Ukraine.

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

Last week, the Foreign Secretary visited Kyiv on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, where she announced £5 million of UK funding to support justice and accountability for victims and survivors of alleged Russian war crimes.

Together with First Lady Olena Zelenska, the Foreign Secretary met organisations that supported returned Ukrainian children from Russia, and a mother who was separated and now returned to her children.

I raised this issue in my statements to the UN on the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion on 24 February and hosted a lunch with Ministerial counterparts whilst there to drive forward action on this key issue.

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 Cabinet colleagues to conduct due diligence when licensing arms transfers to the United Arab Emirates to prevent weapons being used by the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan.

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

All export licence applications are assessed for the risk of diversion and are kept under careful and continual review. We have recently reviewed over 2,000 licences for the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The risk of diversion is complex and is the single biggest reason export licences are refused. We regularly refuse licences, including to the UAE, for this reason.

We carefully review any reports we receive, but to date, there is no evidence of UK weapons or ammunition being used in Sudan.

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 co-operative models on international development.

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

The Government is modernising its approach to development, moving from donors to investors, from delivering services to supporting systems, from providing grants to utilising our expertise, and from international interventions to supporting local solutions.

Country-led and community-led partnerships are at the heart of this approach, and we recognise the important contribution that cooperatives make to the prosperity of local communities, such as those in Zambia and Nepal working to improve smallholder farmers' access to markets, with the support of the UK.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the level of humanitarian aid entering Gaza.

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

Since the ceasefire, aid flows have increased and more crossings are partially reopened, but the level of need cannot be met unless more restrictions are lifted.

Medical equipment, components for field hospitals and basic shelter items must be allowed to enter to alleviate suffering.

We continue to raise with Israel, the US and regional partners the immediate requirement to lift restrictions on aid.

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 the Palestinian Authority on the Palestinian Authority Martyrs Fund.

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

The Palestinian Authority has committed publicly to the principle of non-violence, including a new social security system that will ensure future welfare payments are needs-based and delinked from violent actions.

An independent audit has been commissioned to verify the implementation of these and other reform commitments, and we will review the results when it is published.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what information her Department holds on whether the Chinese government’s sanctions on UK Parliamentarians, former Parliamentarians and their families have been removed.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the Prime Minister's statement to the House on 2 February, and to the responses provided in the Private Notice Question debate held in the House of Lords on the same date.

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 members of the Chagossian community in Britain.

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

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials have met Chagossian individuals and groups over 30 times since 2024. I have met with Chagossian groups and individuals four times. The new Chagossian Contact Group has held meetings in September and December 2025, and again in January. The group will continue to meet quarterly.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 25 November 2025 to Question 91405 on China: Embassies, on what statutory basis was the conditional diplomatic consent granted.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer he received on 28 October 2025 in response to Question 84207.

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 improve consular support for British nationals overseas.

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

Providing consular support is a vital public service, with more than 20,000 British people given tailored assistance each year.

We are continually investing in improvements, including integration of AI to improve efficiency, alongside staff training and crisis exercising to give a better service.

We are determined to reassure families that their voices are heard, which is why Ministers have held well over 20 meetings with the families of Brits detained abroad, and continually raise their cases with foreign governments at the highest levels.

In the last full financial year, the FCDO answered over 400,000 requests for consular support from British nationals overseas, and provided more tailored assistance in over 22,000 cases, including support for the families of more than 6,000 British nationals who had died overseas, and 3,500 who had been hospitalised.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had discussions with her Chinese counterpart on the civil war in Burma.

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

The UK continues to use its penholder role at the UN Security Council (UNSC) to shine a spotlight on the Myanmar crisis, and condemn airstrikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure, in meetings attended by China and other Security Council members. Details of the UNSC meeting convened by the UK on 22 December 2025 can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/elections-under-the-current-circumstances-in-myanmar-risk-provoking-further-violence-uk-statement-on-myanmar

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when her Department last published a report on religious persecution in Myanmar; and for what reason the frequency of such reports has reduced.

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

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office does not produce reports on religious persecution in Myanmar.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what estimate she has made of the cost of the public purse of the Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the details of the forecast cost at the time, and duration of the treaty set out in the Explanatory Memorandum published on 22 May 2025, and to the extensive discussion of all these issues and methodologies that has subsequently taken place during the passage of the Bill.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the her Department is taking to help ensure that governance arrangements in Montserrat support sustainable economic development and inward investment.

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

The UK is committed to meeting the reasonable assistance needs of Montserrat. Much of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) funding allocated to Montserrat is used to support major infrastructure projects and economic development, such as the construction of a new hospital, a new air traffic control tower, and supporting green energy transition including geothermal testing. The FCDO work in partnership with Government of Montserrat (GoM) and the Governor's Office to ensure all proposals are assessed in accordance with FCDO and GoM rules and procedures.

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 Polish counterpart on their membership of the Joint Expeditionary Force.

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

Poland is a vital UK ally and a NATO member, playing a central role in the defence of NATO's eastern flank and security in the Baltic region. Poland is also a crucial partner in supporting Ukraine, including through military, humanitarian and logistical assistance. Poland is not currently seeking membership of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), but has contributed to JEF exercises through the JEF Plus mechanism.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department has had discussions with the US Government on that Government's funding of UK think tanks and charities.

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

Ministers and officials in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office are in constant discussion with their US counterparts across a wide range of issues.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment has she made of the potential implications for her policies of the provisional measures order from the International Court of Justice regarding the Chagos Islands.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer to Questions 114799 and 114800.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when she plans to provide an answer to Question 111941.

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

I apologise for the delay in responding to the Hon Member's question. The question was answered on 2 March.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many emails classified as (a) OFFICIAL, (b) OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE and (c) SECRET and above were sent to the Inter Mediate email address of National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell, in relation to the Chagos Islands, prior to his appointment to the position of PM’s Envoy for the British Indian Ocean Territory sovereignty negotiations.

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

Mr Powell was appointed as the Prime Minister's Special Envoy in early August 2024. All information provided to him in that role was shared appropriately and in line with established procedures.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many meetings has National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell attended with the Government of Mauritius, including in the period he spent working with her Department prior to the commencement of his appointment as a Special Envoy, regarding the Chagos Islands.

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

Mr Powell was appointed as the Prime Minister's Special Envoy in early August 2024. All information provided to him in that role was shared appropriately and in line with established procedures.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what oversight mechanisms exist for ensuring that major development proposals submitted to Overseas Territory governments, including Montserrat, are assessed in a transparent and timely manner.

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

The UK is committed to meeting the reasonable assistance needs of Montserrat. Much of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) funding allocated to Montserrat is used to support major infrastructure projects and economic development, such as the construction of a new hospital, a new air traffic control tower, and supporting green energy transition including geothermal testing. The FCDO work in partnership with Government of Montserrat (GoM) and the Governor's Office to ensure all proposals are assessed in accordance with FCDO and GoM rules and procedures.

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 on consumer electricity prices in Montserrat of proposals to review and re-engineer the island’s energy grid.

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

The UK is committed to meeting the reasonable assistance needs of Montserrat. Much of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) funding allocated to Montserrat is used to support major infrastructure projects and economic development, such as the construction of a new hospital, a new air traffic control tower, and supporting green energy transition including geothermal testing. The FCDO work in partnership with Government of Montserrat (GoM) and the Governor's Office to ensure all proposals are assessed in accordance with FCDO and GoM rules and procedures.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what role the Governor of Montserrat plays in reviewing or advising on significant infrastructure and economic development proposals submitted to the Government of Montserrat.

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

The UK is committed to meeting the reasonable assistance needs of Montserrat. Much of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) funding allocated to Montserrat is used to support major infrastructure projects and economic development, such as the construction of a new hospital, a new air traffic control tower, and supporting green energy transition including geothermal testing. The FCDO work in partnership with Government of Montserrat (GoM) and the Governor's Office to ensure all proposals are assessed in accordance with FCDO and GoM rules and procedures.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assistance her Department provides to people in the Pitcairn islands with complex medical conditions that cannot be treated locally.

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

The UK remains committed to meeting the reasonable assistance needs of the Pitcairn Islands. Our funding supports a medical clinic on island and enables the Government of the Pitcairn Islands (GPI) to refer complex medical cases to Tahiti or New Zealand with support from an external healthcare provider.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when the National Security Advisor first received any (a) email and (b) other digital communications from her Department on the British Indian Ocean Territory prior to his commencement of the role as Special Envoy.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer given to Question 115118 on 3 March.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, on what dates Jonathan Powell had meetings with her Department to discuss the Chagos Islands in the period between 4 July 2024 and his appointment as Special Envoy in September 2024.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided in response to Questions 115117 on 3 March.

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 economic and energy security benefits to Montserrat of proposals submitted to the Government of Montserrat on the development of a data centre incorporating geothermal energy resources; and what role her Department has played in reviewing or supporting such proposals.

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

The UK is committed to meeting the reasonable assistance needs of Montserrat. Much of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) funding allocated to Montserrat is used to support major infrastructure projects and economic development, such as the construction of a new hospital, a new air traffic control tower, and supporting green energy transition including geothermal testing. The FCDO work in partnership with Government of Montserrat (GoM) and the Governor's Office to ensure all proposals are assessed in accordance with FCDO and GoM rules and procedures.

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 economic, educational and research benefits of establishing a bio-science laboratory in Montserrat; and whether UK officials have had discussions with the Government of Montserrat regarding proposals for such a facility.

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

The UK is committed to meeting the reasonable assistance needs of Montserrat. Much of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) funding allocated to Montserrat is used to support major infrastructure projects and economic development, such as the construction of a new hospital, a new air traffic control tower, and supporting green energy transition including geothermal testing. The FCDO work in partnership with Government of Montserrat (GoM) and the Governor's Office to ensure all proposals are assessed in accordance with FCDO and GoM rules and procedures.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the her Department has been consulted on proposals submitted to the Government of Montserrat on the development of geothermal energy capacity linked to digital infrastructure projects; and if he will place in the Library any correspondence or assessments relating to those proposals.

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

The UK is committed to meeting the reasonable assistance needs of Montserrat. Much of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) funding allocated to Montserrat is used to support major infrastructure projects and economic development, such as the construction of a new hospital, a new air traffic control tower, and supporting green energy transition including geothermal testing. The FCDO work in partnership with Government of Montserrat (GoM) and the Governor's Office to ensure all proposals are assessed in accordance with FCDO and GoM rules and procedures.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the UK Government is taking to support scientific research and laboratory infrastructure in Montserrat as part of its wider strategy for economic diversification in the Overseas Territories.

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

The UK is committed to meeting the reasonable assistance needs of Montserrat. Much of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) funding allocated to Montserrat is used to support major infrastructure projects and economic development, such as the construction of a new hospital, a new air traffic control tower, and supporting green energy transition including geothermal testing. The FCDO work in partnership with Government of Montserrat (GoM) and the Governor's Office to ensure all proposals are assessed in accordance with FCDO and GoM rules and procedures.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether (a) she or (b) any of her ministerial colleagues have met with the Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius since (i) 5 July 2024 and (ii) August 2025.

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

No meetings took place between ministers from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius from the period 5 July 2024 to August 2025.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department's negotiations with the Mauritian Government on control of the Chagos Islands made reference to UNCLOS Article 298.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 10 February in response to Question 110708.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what information her Department holds on discussions between Lord Mandelson and (a) the US Administration and (b) the National Security Adviser on the future of the Chagos Islands during the period that Lord Mandelson was the UK Ambassador to the United States of America; how many times she has met with the National Security Adviser since her appointment; what information her Department holds on the remuneration including expenses paid to Lord Mandelson (i) during the period that Lord Mandelson was the UK Ambassador to the United States of America and (ii) following the announcement of his termination from this role; and if she will ask her officials to undertake a review of (A) communications and (B) meetings between Lord Mandelson and (1) businesses, (2) foreign governments and (3) any other organisations and people not working for the UK Government in his capacity as the UK Ambassador to the United States of America.

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

I refer her to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12th February, the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, and Oral Statement on the 23 February which set out an update on the Government's process. We will set out further details in due course. The Government wishes 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, what assessment her Department has made of the projected level of loss of UK soft power in the Western Balkans in the next five years.

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

Last year, the Government invested over £31 million in programmes in the Western Balkans, supporting women and girls, protecting democratic values, and enhancing resilience to hostile state influences, including funding for counter-disinformation and cyber defence support. We will set out details of future funding allocations in the coming months, we continue to be committed to pursuing a wide range of objectives in partnerships across the region focussed on stability, security, and prosperity among other issues.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when the US government informed the Government of the pending disclosure of files relating to (a) Peter Mandelson and bi) Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

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

The UK has had no advance notice of specific disclosures on the US Justice Department's website.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what was the first meeting with the Government of Mauritius, after 5th July 2024, attended by National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell in association with her department.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer given to Question 115118 on 3 March.

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 that UK trade policy supports the sustainability of rural communities in West Africa that are reliant on the banana export trade.

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

The UK's Economic Partnership Agreements and Developing Countries Trading Scheme provide West and Central African partners with preferential access to the UK market, supporting growth, employment, and development of resilient agricultural supply chains. This preferential access has enabled West African banana‑exporting countries, including Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, to strengthen their position in the UK market, underpinning rural livelihoods in sectors where women play a significant role.

We have also supported the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and worked with TradeMark Africa to strengthen trade corridors on the continent, including tackling the barriers that women face when engaging in cross‑border trade.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what step she is taking with his African counterparts to help ensure that women in the West and Central African banana trade are supported and employed.

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

The UK's Economic Partnership Agreements and Developing Countries Trading Scheme provide West and Central African partners with preferential access to the UK market, supporting growth, employment, and development of resilient agricultural supply chains. This preferential access has enabled West African banana‑exporting countries, including Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, to strengthen their position in the UK market, underpinning rural livelihoods in sectors where women play a significant role.

We have also supported the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and worked with TradeMark Africa to strengthen trade corridors on the continent, including tackling the barriers that women face when engaging in cross‑border trade.

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 its allies to help uphold human rights in Cameroon.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer given on 24 November 2025 to Question 91527 following elections in Cameroon. Further to this, the UK continues to work with international partners, including through the UN and G7, to encourage the Government of Cameroon to uphold human rights. Through our British High Commission in Yaoundé, we regularly raise concerns and urge stronger democratic governance and engagement with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer 17 November 2026 to Question 89462 on Armenia: Religious Freedom, what steps her Department is taking to monitor developments in relations between the Government of Armenia and the Armenian Apostolic Church; whether she is taking steps to support efforts to protect the Church and to seek accountability for attacks against it; and what metrics she is using to assess the potential impact of those steps.

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

UK officials in London and at the our Embassy in Yerevan continue to monitor developments in the relationship between the Armenian Government and the Armenian Apostolic Church. We have consistently underlined the importance of all actions being fully in line with Armenia's constitutional and legal framework, ensuring that due process is respected and that all individuals are treated fairly under the law, with judicial proceedings remaining transparent and impartial. The Government remains firmly committed to the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of religion or belief worldwide.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will sanction Russian judges and court officials involved in using Russian anti-terror and other domestic laws to penalise Ukrainian prisoners of war.

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

Independent reporting by the UN Commission of Inquiry and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Moscow Mechanism has highlighted widespread abuses of prisoners of war, including violations of their fundamental rights. The UK has been clear that prisoners of war must be treated humanely and in full accordance with the Geneva Conventions and has called on Russia to meet its obligations under international humanitarian law. As per the UK's long-standing policy, it would not be appropriate to speculate about any future sanctions action, but - having already imposed on Russia the largest and most severe package of sanctions ever imposed on a major economy, alongside our international partners - we keep the scope for further action under constant review.

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 with international partners to help tackle organised immigration crime.

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

Immigration crime is an international problem, and it can only be solved through international cooperation.

That is why we have worked to develop agreements with France, Germany and Italy and others to break the business model of the criminal gangs, and why we are working upstream in Iraq, the Balkans, Ethiopia and elsewhere to disrupt smuggling supply chains, and reduce the drivers of illegal migration.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the reduction in the level of Official Development Assistance funding on the Global Health Partnerships scheme.

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

The UK should be proud of the progress made in international development this century. But the world has changed, and so must we. With less money, we must make choices and focus on greater impact

The Global Health Workforce Programme, led by the Department of Health and Social Care and delivered by organisations including Global Health Partnerships, is closing at the end of March 2026.

Efforts are being made with delivery partners to ensure the sustainability of projects beyond the programme’s lifetime.

We remain committed to international development and will continue to support countries to build resilient, sustainable health systems.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Pakistan about criminal proceedings against former Prime Minister Imran Khan, political workers, lawyers and journalists, including cases brought under anti-terrorism legislation; and what assessment they have made of the compatibility of those prosecutions, including proceedings in military courts, with Pakistan's international obligations on due process and fair trial rights.

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

I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.

As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.

We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.

In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of Opinion No. 22/2024 concerning Imran Ahmad Khan Niazi (Pakistan) adopted by the United Nations' Working Group on Arbitrary Detention on 18 June 2024; what assessment they have made of the use of detention against opposition figures, journalists and civilians in Pakistan; and what representations they have made to the government of Pakistan about detentions.

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

I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.

As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.

We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.

In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to impose sanctions under the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020 against Pakistani officials implicated in human rights abuses.

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

I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.

As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.

We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.

In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether any files relating to the overseas travel or official engagements of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in his capacity as UK Special Representative or Trade Envoy have been withheld, removed, or redacted from transfer to the National Archives under exemptions in the Public Records Act 1958; and what public interest test has been applied to those decisions.

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

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided in the House of Commons on 11 February in response to Question 111463, which - for ease of reference - is reproduced below:

The release of historical records relating to members of the Royal Family is governed by the Public Records Act, the application of Freedom of Information exemptions that persist beyond 20 years, and the Code of Practice on the Management of Records issued under section 46 the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) continues to operate in accordance with these statutory obligations. The FCDO does not set the legislation nor define which individuals are covered by the legislation.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they have taken to further their commitment in the UK Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan 2023-2027 to support and champion women human rights defenders.

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

The UK is unwavering in its commitment to the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, as the Foreign Secretary made clear in last November's 25th anniversary events, and we are looking to refresh the UK WPS National Action Plan this year, to ensure continued international leadership on the issue.

In Colombia, the UK supports human rights defenders and victims through programming and diplomatic engagement, and - following the launch of Colombia's own WPS National Action Plan, which the UK supported - we continue to work with the Colombian Government and civil society to support its implementation. UK funding has helped advance accountability and ensure access to services for thousands of survivors of conflict-related sexual violence in Colombia over the last decade. This includes supporting the Colombian transitional justice system to open the first macro case on sexual violence.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what actions they are taking to promote the protection of women human rights defenders in Colombia, especially those supporting victims of sexual- and gender-based violence.

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

The UK is unwavering in its commitment to the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, as the Foreign Secretary made clear in last November's 25th anniversary events, and we are looking to refresh the UK WPS National Action Plan this year, to ensure continued international leadership on the issue.

In Colombia, the UK supports human rights defenders and victims through programming and diplomatic engagement, and - following the launch of Colombia's own WPS National Action Plan, which the UK supported - we continue to work with the Colombian Government and civil society to support its implementation. UK funding has helped advance accountability and ensure access to services for thousands of survivors of conflict-related sexual violence in Colombia over the last decade. This includes supporting the Colombian transitional justice system to open the first macro case on sexual violence.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether future UK aid and security cooperation with Pakistan will be conditioned on measurable improvements in human rights, including (1) the treatment and release of reported political detainees, (2) access to medical care and legal counsel for political detainees, (3) the use of military courts for civilians, and (4) the humane treatment of prisoners in custody.

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

I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.

As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.

We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.

In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have sought assurances from the government of Pakistan that (1) former Prime Minister Imran Khan and other political detainees will be granted immediate access to independent medical care, including their personal physicians, and (2) no detainee will be subjected to medical neglect or prolonged solitary confinement.

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

I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.

As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.

We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.

In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to propose measures in Commonwealth institutions, such as suspending the government of Pakistan from relevant councils or ministerial forums, in response to continued reports of the suppression of political dissent by the government of Pakistan.

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

I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.

As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.

We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.

In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 26 March 2025 (HL5660), and in light of recent disclosures arising from the release of files relating to Jeffrey Epstein, whether they will consider undertaking a review of records relating to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's activities as UK global trade envoy.

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

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided in the House of Commons on 11 February in response to Question 111463, which - for ease of reference - is reproduced below:

The release of historical records relating to members of the Royal Family is governed by the Public Records Act, the application of Freedom of Information exemptions that persist beyond 20 years, and the Code of Practice on the Management of Records issued under section 46 the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) continues to operate in accordance with these statutory obligations. The FCDO does not set the legislation nor define which individuals are covered by the legislation.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, following reports of the suppression of political dissent in Pakistan by the government of Pakistan, what assessment they have made of the impact of UK development assistance to Pakistan; and whether they will review their aid programmes as a result.

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

I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.

As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.

We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.

In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to introduce sanctions against Pakistani officials implicated in human rights abuses; and what criteria they apply to determine sanctions against individuals in cases involving serious human rights abuses, such as torture.

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

I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.

As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.

We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.

In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports of the use of coercive tactics by Pakistan's security agencies against its judiciary; and what steps they are taking to support judicial independence in Pakistan.

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

I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.

As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.

We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.

In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Pakistan about compliance with the Commonwealth Charter, including commitments to the rule of law and judicial independence.

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

I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.

As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.

We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.

In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports of abductions, custodial torture and enforced disappearances of civilians, including political workers and journalists, in Pakistan, particularly those held in military custody; and what representations they have made to the government of Pakistan about its obligations under international human rights law and the Convention Against Torture.

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

I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.

As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.

We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.

In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) reports that security forces in Pakistan use lived fire on protestors in Islamabad on 25 and 26 November 2024, and (2) the treatment of protestors in Pakistan, including mass detentions, disappearances and custodial abuse; and whether they plan to support an independent international investigation into that treatment.

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

I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.

As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.

We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.

In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Pakistan about reports that former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been (1) denied access in custody to lawyers, family members and independent medical care, and (2) in solitary confinement; and what assessment they have made of the risks those conditions pose to his health and safety.

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

I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.

As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.

We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.

In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Pakistan about reports that visas for family members of former Prime Minister Imran Khan have been delayed or denied.

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

I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.

As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.

We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.

In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 12 February 2026 to question 111937, what the outcome was of the meetings with Mauritius in a) January and b) July 2009 on the sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided to Question 109314 on 09 February 2026.

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 109314 on Chagos Islands: Sovereignty, with reference to the Answer of 26 January 2010 to Question HL1306, what the respective positions on sovereignty were that were set out.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided to Question 109314 on 09 February 2026.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 12 February 2026 to question 111937, which Ministers were present at the meetings with Mauritius in a) January and b) July 2009.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided to Question 109314 on 09 February 2026.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 12 February 2026 to question 111937, what the respective views on the issue of sovereignty at that time were.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided to Question 109314 on 09 February 2026.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many directors with responsibility for human resources are employed across her Department and its executive agencies; and how many of those directors hold professional HR qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development or equivalent professional bodies.

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

Information on which directors within the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and its executive agencies hold professional HR qualifications, including CIPD or equivalent, is not held centrally. Identifying this would require requests across numerous overseas posts and agencies and could only be compiled at disproportionate cost.

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 109314 on Chagos Islands: Sovereignty, what were the objections expressed by Mauritius regarding the creation of the Marine Protected Area.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided to Question 109314 on 09 February 2026.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 3 October 2025 to Question 75586, whether safeguards, oversight mechanisms and conditions apply to UK assistance to Bangladesh to help ensure that such funding does not contribute to discrimination or persecution of Hindu minority communities.

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

All UK official development assistance (ODA) funded programmes operate under the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office's Programme Operating Framework, which requires robust controls, mandatory oversight, and compliance with cross‑government project delivery standards, alongside strengthened safeguarding due‑diligence measures and transparency obligations to ensure accountable, safe, and effective use of public funds.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Government it taking to strengthen international relations with Japan.

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

The UK-Japan bilateral relationship is at its strongest in decades, underpinned by our enhanced Global Strategic Partnership. As the Prime Minister set out in his statement to the House on 2 February, our priorities for deepening our partnership further include working together for peace and security and boosting growth and resilience through cooperation in tech and innovation, energy, and trade. I also refer him to the details of my own visit to Japan in December, including the speech I made to the Tokyo Economic Security Forum on 15 December.

www.gov.uk/government/news/indo-pacific-minister-seema-malhotra-visits-japan

www.gov.uk/government/speeches/tokyo-economic-security-forum-keynote-address

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 Nikkei's investigation entitled Chinese state company helps Russian ally build ammunition plant, published on 23 February 2026.

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

We have taken action, including sanctions, against entities supporting Russia's military‑industrial complex. As the Prime Minister made clear in Beijing, we continue to urge China to prevent such activity and to use its influence to press Russia towards a just and lasting peace.

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 (a) the United States, (b) Australia, (c) Canada and (d) the European Union on coordinated action to secure Jimmy Lai’s release.

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

On his questions relating to Jimmy Lai, I refer the Hon Member to the answers provided in the Urgent Question debate on 9 February, and I will keep him and other members updated on all further steps that the UK will take alongside our international partners to call for Mr Lai's release, and for the protection of his health and wellbeing while he remains in detention. On the question of sanctions, the Hon Member will be aware that we never comment on potential designations as to do so would undermine their impact. And on the six-monthly report on Hong Kong, he will be aware that the last such report was published on 23 October 2025, less than four months ago.

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 secure Jimmy Lai’s access to independent medical professionals and appropriate treatment while in custody.

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

On his questions relating to Jimmy Lai, I refer the Hon Member to the answers provided in the Urgent Question debate on 9 February, and I will keep him and other members updated on all further steps that the UK will take alongside our international partners to call for Mr Lai's release, and for the protection of his health and wellbeing while he remains in detention. On the question of sanctions, the Hon Member will be aware that we never comment on potential designations as to do so would undermine their impact. And on the six-monthly report on Hong Kong, he will be aware that the last such report was published on 23 October 2025, less than four months ago.

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 that Jimmy Lai is not transferred from detention in Hong Kong to mainland China.

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

On his questions relating to Jimmy Lai, I refer the Hon Member to the answers provided in the Urgent Question debate on 9 February, and I will keep him and other members updated on all further steps that the UK will take alongside our international partners to call for Mr Lai's release, and for the protection of his health and wellbeing while he remains in detention. On the question of sanctions, the Hon Member will be aware that we never comment on potential designations as to do so would undermine their impact. And on the six-monthly report on Hong Kong, he will be aware that the last such report was published on 23 October 2025, less than four months ago.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when she next plans to publish a six-monthly report on Hong Kong.

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

On his questions relating to Jimmy Lai, I refer the Hon Member to the answers provided in the Urgent Question debate on 9 February, and I will keep him and other members updated on all further steps that the UK will take alongside our international partners to call for Mr Lai's release, and for the protection of his health and wellbeing while he remains in detention. On the question of sanctions, the Hon Member will be aware that we never comment on potential designations as to do so would undermine their impact. And on the six-monthly report on Hong Kong, he will be aware that the last such report was published on 23 October 2025, less than four months ago.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department has made an assessment of the level of backlog in maintenance and urgent repairs across its overseas estate.

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

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) continually reviews its global estate to maintain a world-class platform for promoting UK interests and maximising value for British taxpayers' money. On the specific questions raised by the Hon Member, I refer him to the extensive evidence gathered by the Public Accounts Committee during its recent inquiry into the cost of maintaining the UK's diplomatic estate, and to the official FCDO response to the Committee's report, both available at this link: https://committees.parliament.uk/work/9099/Cost-of-maintaining-the-FCDO-s-overseas-estate/publications

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether any overseas diplomatic properties are (a) under-occupied and (b) not used for front-line diplomatic and consular activity.

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

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) continually reviews its global estate to maintain a world-class platform for promoting UK interests and maximising value for British taxpayers' money. On the specific questions raised by the Hon Member, I refer him to the extensive evidence gathered by the Public Accounts Committee during its recent inquiry into the cost of maintaining the UK's diplomatic estate, and to the official FCDO response to the Committee's report, both available at this link: https://committees.parliament.uk/work/9099/Cost-of-maintaining-the-FCDO-s-overseas-estate/publications

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment her Department has made of whether the adequacy of levels of investment in overseas diplomatic property.

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

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) continually reviews its global estate to maintain a world-class platform for promoting UK interests and maximising value for British taxpayers' money. On the specific questions raised by the Hon Member, I refer him to the extensive evidence gathered by the Public Accounts Committee during its recent inquiry into the cost of maintaining the UK's diplomatic estate, and to the official FCDO response to the Committee's report, both available at this link: https://committees.parliament.uk/work/9099/Cost-of-maintaining-the-FCDO-s-overseas-estate/publications

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department has assessed the potential impact of the condition of its overseas estate on the delivery of diplomatic and consular functions.

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

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) continually reviews its global estate to maintain a world-class platform for promoting UK interests and maximising value for British taxpayers' money. On the specific questions raised by the Hon Member, I refer him to the extensive evidence gathered by the Public Accounts Committee during its recent inquiry into the cost of maintaining the UK's diplomatic estate, and to the official FCDO response to the Committee's report, both available at this link: https://committees.parliament.uk/work/9099/Cost-of-maintaining-the-FCDO-s-overseas-estate/publications

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many urgent repairs were requested across Foreign Office assets abroad in each year since 2015.

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

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) continually reviews its global estate to maintain a world-class platform for promoting UK interests and maximising value for British taxpayers' money. On the specific questions raised by the Hon Member, I refer him to the extensive evidence gathered by the Public Accounts Committee during its recent inquiry into the cost of maintaining the UK's diplomatic estate, and to the official FCDO response to the Committee's report, both available at this link: https://committees.parliament.uk/work/9099/Cost-of-maintaining-the-FCDO-s-overseas-estate/publications

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what is the total estimated cost of maintaining its assets overseas in each year since 2021.

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

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) continually reviews its global estate to maintain a world-class platform for promoting UK interests and maximising value for British taxpayers' money. On the specific questions raised by the Hon Member, I refer him to the extensive evidence gathered by the Public Accounts Committee during its recent inquiry into the cost of maintaining the UK's diplomatic estate, and to the official FCDO response to the Committee's report, both available at this link: https://committees.parliament.uk/work/9099/Cost-of-maintaining-the-FCDO-s-overseas-estate/publications

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether any overseas assets are currently vacant.

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

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) continually reviews its global estate to maintain a world-class platform for promoting UK interests and maximising value for British taxpayers' money. On the specific questions raised by the Hon Member, I refer him to the extensive evidence gathered by the Public Accounts Committee during its recent inquiry into the cost of maintaining the UK's diplomatic estate, and to the official FCDO response to the Committee's report, both available at this link: https://committees.parliament.uk/work/9099/Cost-of-maintaining-the-FCDO-s-overseas-estate/publications

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what consideration she has given to imposing sanctions under the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020 on officials involved in the prosecution, sentencing or detention of Jimmy Lai.

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

On his questions relating to Jimmy Lai, I refer the Hon Member to the answers provided in the Urgent Question debate on 9 February, and I will keep him and other members updated on all further steps that the UK will take alongside our international partners to call for Mr Lai's release, and for the protection of his health and wellbeing while he remains in detention. On the question of sanctions, the Hon Member will be aware that we never comment on potential designations as to do so would undermine their impact. And on the six-monthly report on Hong Kong, he will be aware that the last such report was published on 23 October 2025, less than four months ago.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the UK is taking during its presidency of the UN Security Council to raise concerns about the prosecution of Jimmy Lai and rights in Hong Kong.

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

On his questions relating to Jimmy Lai, I refer the Hon Member to the answers provided in the Urgent Question debate on 9 February, and I will keep him and other members updated on all further steps that the UK will take alongside our international partners to call for Mr Lai's release, and for the protection of his health and wellbeing while he remains in detention. On the question of sanctions, the Hon Member will be aware that we never comment on potential designations as to do so would undermine their impact. And on the six-monthly report on Hong Kong, he will be aware that the last such report was published on 23 October 2025, less than four months ago.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the estimated value of property owned by her Department overseas was in each year since 2021.

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

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) continually reviews its global estate to maintain a world-class platform for promoting UK interests and maximising value for British taxpayers' money. On the specific questions raised by the Hon Member, I refer him to the extensive evidence gathered by the Public Accounts Committee during its recent inquiry into the cost of maintaining the UK's diplomatic estate, and to the official FCDO response to the Committee's report, both available at this link: https://committees.parliament.uk/work/9099/Cost-of-maintaining-the-FCDO-s-overseas-estate/publications

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what estimate her Department has made of the value of property it owns overseas.

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

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) continually reviews its global estate to maintain a world-class platform for promoting UK interests and maximising value for British taxpayers' money. On the specific questions raised by the Hon Member, I refer him to the extensive evidence gathered by the Public Accounts Committee during its recent inquiry into the cost of maintaining the UK's diplomatic estate, and to the official FCDO response to the Committee's report, both available at this link: https://committees.parliament.uk/work/9099/Cost-of-maintaining-the-FCDO-s-overseas-estate/publications

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the representations made by the Government to the Chinese authorities (a) before and (b) since the imposition of the 20-year prison sentence on Jimmy Lai; and what undertakings were sought and received about Jimmy Lai during the Prime Minister's visit to China.

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

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the responses given in the Urgent Question debate on 9 February. We will continue to update the House on Jimmy Lai's case.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will publish the minutes of the meeting between Baroness Chapman of Darlington and Inter Mediate of 22 October 2024.

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

Consistent with long-standing policy, the Government does not routinely publish the minutes of meetings held by ministers or officials with external organisations.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Questions 261-263 of the oral evidence session of the Foreign Affairs Committee entitled Oral evidence: Work of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, HC 385, 3 November 2025, if she will list the specific measures that were put in place with Lord Mandelson in relation to his Global Counsel shares and clients.

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

I refer the Hon. Member to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12 February, the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, and Oral Statement on the 23 February which set out an update on the Government's process. We will set out further details in due course. The Government wishes 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, pursuant to the answer of 30 January 2025 to Question 24250 on Lord Mandelson, whether Lord Mandelson declared membership of any third party organisations in his declaration of interest as Ambassador, including (a) trade unions, (b) advisory bodies, (c) charities and (d) other corporate bodies.

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

I refer the Hon. Member to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12 February, the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, and Oral Statement on the 23 February which set out an update on the Government's process. We will set out further details in due course. The Government wishes 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 she has made representations to the Government of China on the potential merits of the release of Pastor Ezra Jim Mingri.

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

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given to question 75048 on 16 September.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she (a) has taken and (b) intends to take to persuade (i) India and (ii) China to cease providing armaments to the Burmese military regime; and for what reason that regime's military attache has been permitted to remain in the United Kingdom.

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

The UK regularly raises the Myanmar crisis with China and other neighbouring countries, including at the UN Security Council (UNSC). Most recently, in December 2025, the UK convened a UNSC meeting, where we condemned military airstrikes against civilians. A summary is available on gov.uk at the link below:

https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/elections-under-the-current-circumstances-in-myanmar-risk-provoking-further-violence-uk-statement-on-myanmar

UK sanctions include a comprehensive arms embargo on Myanmar, and our 19th round of sanctions in 2024 targeted companies involved in the procurement of aviation fuel and equipment to the Myanmar Armed Forces. As a long-standing policy, we do not speculate on further enforcement action, or comment on individual personnel.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many and what proportion of staff in her Department have (a) office-based, (b) hybrid and (c) remote-working contracts.

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

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office employs approximately 17,500 staff across hundreds of locations worldwide, many of which operate with locally managed HR arrangements and procedures. The information the Hon Member has requested is therefore not centrally held and could only be collated and verified at disproportionate cost.

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 implications for her policies of differences between the (a) former State Administrative Council and (b) current State Security and Peace Commission in Myanmar as instruments of the Burmese military regime; and for what policy reason the sanctioning of the former body has not been carried forward to apply to its successor.

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

The UK Government uses sanctions to achieve a range of foreign and security policy objectives. We consider designations under our sanctions regimes, including the Myanmar Sanctions Regulations, as guided by the evidence and the objectives of the sanctions regime. It would not be appropriate to speculate about future sanctions designations as to do so could reduce their impact.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of the Sovereign Wealth Fund being established in Anguilla on the UK economy.

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

The Government of Anguilla is responsible for devolved matters. UK Government officials including in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office play an ongoing role supporting our Overseas Territories to pursue sustainable economic and fiscal strategies.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what financial or technical assistance her Department provides to support implementation of the Global Charter for Children’s Care Reform in Sri Lanka.

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

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has committed to provide technical assistance to signatories of the Global Charter on Children's Care Reform, where needed, to support the development and implementation of national children's care reform commitments. This technical assistance can support activities such as developing national care reform strategies and action plans, strengthening laws and policies, building the capacity of the children's social care workforce, improving data and monitoring systems, and supporting the transition from institutional to family‑based care.

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 Hong Kong and Chinese authorities following the conviction of the father of US-based activist Anna Kwok; what assessment she has made of the potential implications of this case for the risk of reprisals against the family members of Hong Kong activists living overseas; and what steps the Government is taking with international partners to deter further such actions.

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

The UK closely monitored the trial of Kwok Yin-sang, and British diplomats attended his verdict on 11 February. This Government will not tolerate any attempts by foreign governments to coerce, intimidate, harass, or harm their critics overseas. We have raised our concerns regarding the Hong Kong Police's use of arrest warrants and bounties directly with the Hong Kong authorities, and officials engage frequently with like-minded international partners about these issues.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether they will require their department and agencies to offer payroll deductions to all employees to enable them to join a credit union.

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

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has no such plans.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many items of correspondence relating to the British Council her Department has received since 5 July 2024.

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

Regarding items of correspondence, the requested information could only be accurately collated and verified for the purposes 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 press release entitled Dr Christian Turner CMG appointed as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the United States of America, of 18 December 2025, whether Dr Turner was a Direct Ministerial Appointment; and whether he was appointed by open and fair competition.

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

Dr Turner was appointed following an open, fair and competitive recruitment process.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether it is her Department's policy that (a) Ministers and (b) special advisers use the disappearing messages function on Whatsapp on Government devices.

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

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the Cabinet Office guidance on the use of non-corporate communication channels, published under the previous government, on 30 March 2023: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/non-corporate-communication-channels-for-government-business.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department has made a decision on how much ODA will be allocated to Education Cannot Wait for their replenishment in 2026.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 9 December 2025 in response to Question 95975.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether in future financing for Ukraine, in line with the policy conditions for macro-financial assistance proposed by the European Parliament and the Council of Europe in its ‘Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and the of the Council implementing enhanced cooperation on the establishment of the Ukraine Support Loan for 2026 and 2027’, the UK government will advocate that a proportion of any financial contribution be used to assist in the financing of compensation, as a form of reparation, to victims who have suffered harm as a result of Russia’s armed aggression.

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

We welcome the progress made towards delivery of the EU's €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan: this will be critical to meeting Ukraine's pressing needs. The loan's regulation also makes clear financing may be used by Ukraine to assist in the financing of compensation, as a form of reparations, to those individuals who have suffered damage from the illegal actions of Russia. This includes cases through the Claims Commission for Ukraine established under the auspices of the Council of Europe, of which the UK is a signatory. We remain committed to accountability and the principle that Russia should pay for the damage it has caused. We will continue to coordinate with G7 and EU partners to ensure that Ukraine gets the funding it needs.

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Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Answer of 15 January 2026 to Question 104140, whether her Department made an assessment on the security implications for the British Overseas Territories in the Caribbean following the US's intervention in Venezuela.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

Alongside the FCDO and other Government Departments, we continue to monitor the security situation in the Caribbean and undertake regular assessments of the requirements for Defence support to those Overseas Territories.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent steps have been taken to ensure adequate levels of awareness of rule changes for dual nationals being implemented on 25th February 2026.

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

We have included information for dual citizens in our electronic travel authorisation (ETA) communications campaign since 2023. Public information strongly advising dual citizens to travel with a valid UK passport or certificate of entitlement (CoE) has been available since October 2024, including official guidance on GOV.UK. In November 2025, we announced the enforcement of ETA from 25 February 2026, which included information about the requirement for dual citizens: No permission, no travel: UK set to enforce ETA scheme - GOV.UK. We provide explicit written and spoken guidance to people who naturalise or register as British citizens, including through their application and at citizenship ceremonies, and since the start of the year we have also emailed people who have registered or naturalised in the last 10 years where we hold useable contact details. This supplements our wider updates via GOV.UK, engagement, promotion via Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) networks, and media engagement in the week that carrier enforcement commenced.

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Found: Funding for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s (FCDO) Overseas cluster and MoD’s Defence

Found: Funding for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s (FCDO) Overseas cluster and MoD’s Defence

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