Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they are having with the African Union before their 39th Summit in February.

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

Ministers and officials are in regular discussion with the African Union (AU), and with individual member states about a range of shared priorities, including the AU Summit.

Baroness Chapman, the Minister for Development and Africa, attended this year's Summit, and addressed African Heads of State and Government at an event about Africa's Health Security. She is one of only two European Ministers attending the summit and is the first UK Minister to be invited in a decade, a signal of the strength of our relationship.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what aspects of the implementation of the UK-EU Gibraltar treaty she considers non-negotiable; and how this negotiating position will protect UK citizens and Gibraltar residents.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 27 June 2025 to Question 60853, and I look forward to going over the detail of the new arrangements with her when the final text of the treaty is brought before the House for scrutiny in due course.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the expansion of the United States' Mexico City Policy, which restricts international non-governmental organizations from using federal funds to provide abortion services or related information, on UK-funded international development programmes; and what steps they are taking to mitigate any resulting effects.

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

I refer the Noble Baroness to the answer provided on 23 January 2025 to Question HL3786.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the decision to issue a licence authorising the release within 90 days of the proceeds from the 2022 sale of Chelsea Football Club for humanitarian support in Ukraine, what the deadline is for the completion of this process.

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

On 17 December 2025, His Majesty's Government issued a licence which permits the transfer of over £2.5 billion proceeds from the club's sale into a new foundation for humanitarian purposes in Ukraine. We would have preferred to take this action with the cooperation of Mr Abramovich and his company, Fordstam Ltd, and we continue to urge him to honour the commitments he made in 2022. But if Mr Abramovich fails to act quickly, this Government is fully prepared to go to court to enforce his previous commitments if necessary.

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 impact of UK sanctions on Sudanese military actors in stopping conflict in Sudan.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 5 February. We keep the impact of all our sanctions designations under constant review.

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 effectiveness of the evidence used by the US in its designation of Bidzina Ivanishvili; and whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of applying sanctions on people linked to the repression of (a) civil society, (b) independent media and (c) political oppression in Georgia.

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

The UK remains resolute in our support for civil society, independent media and democratic freedoms in Georgia. Legislation introduced by the Georgian Government over recent years continues to target non-governmental organisations, opposition leaders and independent voices. We are monitoring developments closely and working with international partners. The UK has imposed targeted sanctions on senior Interior Ministry figures responsible for violent attacks on protesters, judges for abusing their positions, and high-ranking officials for enabling serious human rights violations. I cannot comment on potential future sanctions designations, as doing so could undermine their effectiveness.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel following the demolition of the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine in East Jerusalem.

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

I refer the Lord Bishop to the joint statement issued by the Foreign Secretary and a number of her overseas counterparts on 28 January, which - for ease of reference - is reproduced below:

We the Foreign Ministers of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Norway, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom strongly condemn the demolitions by the Israeli authorities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) headquarters in East Jerusalem, on 20 January 2026.

This unprecedented act against a United Nations agency by a UN Member State marks the latest unacceptable move to undermine their ability to operate. We urge the Government of Israel to abide by its international obligations to ensure the protection and inviolability of United Nations premises in accordance with the provisions of the UN General Convention (1946) and the Charter. We call upon the Government of Israel, a member of the United Nations, to halt all demolitions.

We reiterate our full support for UNRWA's indispensable mission to provide essential services and humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including East Jerusalem. We welcome UNRWA's commitment to reform and implementation of the recommendations of the Colonna Report to ensure they meet the highest standards on neutrality and integrity. UNRWA is a service provider delivering healthcare and education to millions of Palestinians across the region, particularly in Gaza, and must be able to operate without restrictions. We reiterate our deep concern regarding the application by the Government of Israel of legislation, adopted by the Knesset in October 2024 and strengthened in December 2025, forbidding any contact between Israeli state entities and officials and UNRWA, prohibiting and de facto preventing any UNRWA presence within Israel and in Jerusalem including the supply of electricity, water and gas to properties registered under UNRWA.

Israel agreed to President Trump's 20-Point Plan, which committed to the entry and distribution of aid into Gaza, led by the UN and Red Crescent and without interference. We call on the Government of Israel to fully abide by its obligations to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip in accordance with international law. Despite the increase in aid entering Gaza, conditions remain dire and supply is inadequate for the needs of the population. Therefore, we call on the Government of Israel to take the following urgent and essential steps:

- Allow the expanded, safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid and services throughout the whole of Gaza and the West Bank in accordance with international humanitarian law.

- Ensure that international NGOs are able to operate in Gaza, including by lifting restrictive registration requirements.

- The reopening of all crossing points, including the announced plans to re-open the Rafah crossing in both directions.

- And lift persistent restrictions on humanitarian goods' imports, including items considered to have a "dual use" that are essential to humanitarian and early recovery operations.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the use of charitable funds originating from the UK being used to support and maintain illegal settlements in Palestine; and whether they will undertake a review of this practice.

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

Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are illegal under international law and harm prospects for a two-state solution. The Government and the Charity Commission expect charities in the UK to act lawfully, in line with their charitable purposes and for the public benefit. Any concerns about charities engaging in inappropriate or unlawful activity should be referred to the Charity Commission.

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 continue funding for the elimination of lymphatic filariasis in Africa; how she plans to uphold commitments under the Kigali Declaration on Neglected Tropical Diseases; and what steps she is taking to ensure that pharmaceutical drug donations for preventive chemotherapy programmes are utilised to protect communities from preventable and treatable diseases.

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

The UK has played a leading role on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and remains committed to tackling today's key global health challenges within the framework of a modern development partnership approach. The UK continues to invest in NTD research, including £3 million support to the Coalition for Operational Research on NTDs (COR-NTD) for research on Female Genital Schistosomiasis. We are also proud to provide up to £15 million to support the Eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis in Africa (ELFA) programme as part of the World Health Organisation 2030 NTD Road Map to prevent, control and eliminate NTDs by 2030. Announcements on future Official Development Assistance budgets will be made in due course.

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 maintain global leadership on neglected tropical diseases, including fulfilling commitments under the Kigali Declaration and supporting delivery of the WHO NTD Roadmap 2021–2030; and if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of reductions in Official Development Assistance on those commitments.

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

The UK has played a leading role on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and remains committed to tackling today's key global health challenges within the framework of a modern development partnership approach. The UK continues to invest in NTD research, including £3 million support to the Coalition for Operational Research on NTDs (COR-NTD) for research on Female Genital Schistosomiasis. We are also proud to provide up to £15 million to support the Eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis in Africa (ELFA) programme as part of the World Health Organisation 2030 NTD Road Map to prevent, control and eliminate NTDs by 2030. Announcements on future Official Development Assistance budgets will be made in due course.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of reductions in Official Development Assistance on global efforts to eliminate neglected tropical diseases; and what steps her Department is taking to mitigate risks identified by the World Health Organization.

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

The UK has played a leading role on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and remains committed to tackling today's key global health challenges within the framework of a modern development partnership approach. The UK continues to invest in NTD research, including £3 million support to the Coalition for Operational Research on NTDs (COR-NTD) for research on Female Genital Schistosomiasis. We are also proud to provide up to £15 million to support the Eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis in Africa (ELFA) programme as part of the World Health Organisation 2030 NTD Road Map to prevent, control and eliminate NTDs by 2030. Announcements on future Official Development Assistance budgets will be made in due course.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government when they expect to conclude negotiations with the government of the United States of America on amendments to the 1966 Exchange of Notes to ratify the UK-Mauritius Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia.

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

We continue to work closely with the US to ensure that the necessary arrangements are in place for the future governance of the base. Excellent progress is being made on updating the UK-US Agreement, which will be finalised before the treaty between the UK and Mauritius is ratified.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government when they plan to publish their formal response to the International Court of Justice's Advisory Opinion on Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, published on 19 July 2024.

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

I refer the Lord Bishop to the answer provided on 1 August 2025 to Question HL9653.

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 international partners on Stepan Latypov; and what assessment she has made of the level of opportunity to secure his release in prisoner exchanges.

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

We are deeply concerned by and condemn the ongoing domestic repression imposed by the Lukashenko regime, and call for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining political prisoners.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when she plans to respond to the letter sent on 12 December 2025 by the hon. Member for Twickenham.

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

I apologise for the delay in responding to the Hon Member, a response was issued on 18 February 2026.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will publish what assistance UK Embassies have provided to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor since July 2024.

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

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office staff overseas would not normally provide any assistance to non-working Royals on private visits overseas, and we can find no record of any contact between Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and our overseas network during the period in question.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 13 November 2025 to Question 88303 on Prime Minister: Correspondence, what progress he has made on responding to the correspondence of 15 August 2025 from the Rt hon. Member for Brentwood and Ongar on Lord Mandelson.

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

I apologise for the delay in responding to the Hon Member's correspondence. A response was issued on 13 February.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, is Lord Mandelson currently in receipt of a government salary.

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

No.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government when was the last ministerial meeting with the Chief Commissioner of the Independent Commission for Aid Impact.

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

I refer the Noble Baroness to my appearance before the International Development Committee on 20 January, where I addressed these issues at length.

The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office are working through detailed decisions on how the Official Development Assistance budget will be used from 2026/27 to 2028/29, informed by internal and external consultation and impact assessments. Funding decisions relating to the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) are part of this process. We plan to publish indicative allocations in the coming months.

I met ICAI's Chief Commissioner on 18 September at ICAI office.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government when they will make a decision about the future of the Independent Commission for Aid Impact.

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

I refer the Noble Baroness to my appearance before the International Development Committee on 20 January, where I addressed these issues at length.

The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office are working through detailed decisions on how the Official Development Assistance budget will be used from 2026/27 to 2028/29, informed by internal and external consultation and impact assessments. Funding decisions relating to the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) are part of this process. We plan to publish indicative allocations in the coming months.

I met ICAI's Chief Commissioner on 18 September at ICAI office.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment her department has made of the adequacy of the Government’s sanctions decisions following United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803.

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

We keep the impact of all UK sanctions designations under constant review.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of reports that a Christian researcher in Egypt has been sentenced under blasphemy laws, including the potential impact on religious minorities freedom in that country.

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

The UK is committed to defending freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all, and we continue to regularly raise rights concerns with the Egyptian authorities where appropriate.

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 Egyptian counterpart on the potential impact of the use of Egyptian national identity cards to record a person's religion on the level of religious discrimination.

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

The UK is committed to defending freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all, and we continue to regularly raise rights concerns with the Egyptian authorities where appropriate.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council has been reimbursed for security costs incurred during the visits of a) President Trump, b) President Macron and c) President Steinmeier.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 13 January in response to Question 104390.

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 Chevening Scholarships and Fellowships programme on building lasting positive relationships between the UK and the home country of students.

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

For more than forty years since its establishment under Margaret Thatcher's government, the Chevening Programme has been creating long-lasting relationships with future generations of leaders, decision makers and businesspeople from across the globe. Information about funding and impact is available on the Development Tracker website (https://devtracker.fcdo.gov.uk/programme/GB-GOV-3-CHEVENING/summary) and in the most recent Chevening Annual Impact Report (https://www.chevening.org/impact/chevenings-2023-2024-annual-impact-report/). Chevening's 60,000 alumni community includes 22 current or former heads of state or government while around 15 per cent of alumni hold prominent positions in government and 10 are currently serving as Ambassadors/High Commissioners in the UK. Most have maintained close links with the UK and our overseas network, helping strengthen long term bilateral relationships, supporting the UK's international priorities, delivering trade deals and unlocking access to key stakeholders.

In the financial year 2025-26, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) allocated £59.4 million to Chevening of which 97 per cent (£57.7 million) was defined as development spend. Further budget information, including on aid spending, is published in FCDO's Annual Reports and Accounts (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fcdo-annual-report-and-accounts-2024-to-2025). Information on previous years is also available on the GOV.UK website. No decision has been made as yet on the future budget allocation for the Chevening scholarships programme.

In the last 5 years, FCDO has awarded the following numbers of scholarships:

We work closely with the Home Office on issues related to visas and migration. Scholars all agree to Chevening's return home policy when they apply for the scheme.

An independent evaluation of the FCDO's scholarships programmes was carried out in 2023. Further details of this review including a copy of the UK Government's response to the review can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-public-body-review-of-fcdo-funded-scholarship-schemes-uk-government-response.

190 Chevening scholars have studied at the University of Essex over the last 10 years.

In 2025/26 the top 3 Universities in terms of enrolment were London School of Economics and Political Science, University College London and the University of Sussex.

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 value for money for UK taxpayers provided by the Chevening Scholarships and Fellowships programme.

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

For more than forty years since its establishment under Margaret Thatcher's government, the Chevening Programme has been creating long-lasting relationships with future generations of leaders, decision makers and businesspeople from across the globe. Information about funding and impact is available on the Development Tracker website (https://devtracker.fcdo.gov.uk/programme/GB-GOV-3-CHEVENING/summary) and in the most recent Chevening Annual Impact Report (https://www.chevening.org/impact/chevenings-2023-2024-annual-impact-report/). Chevening's 60,000 alumni community includes 22 current or former heads of state or government while around 15 per cent of alumni hold prominent positions in government and 10 are currently serving as Ambassadors/High Commissioners in the UK. Most have maintained close links with the UK and our overseas network, helping strengthen long term bilateral relationships, supporting the UK's international priorities, delivering trade deals and unlocking access to key stakeholders.

In the financial year 2025-26, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) allocated £59.4 million to Chevening of which 97 per cent (£57.7 million) was defined as development spend. Further budget information, including on aid spending, is published in FCDO's Annual Reports and Accounts (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fcdo-annual-report-and-accounts-2024-to-2025). Information on previous years is also available on the GOV.UK website. No decision has been made as yet on the future budget allocation for the Chevening scholarships programme.

In the last 5 years, FCDO has awarded the following numbers of scholarships:

We work closely with the Home Office on issues related to visas and migration. Scholars all agree to Chevening's return home policy when they apply for the scheme.

An independent evaluation of the FCDO's scholarships programmes was carried out in 2023. Further details of this review including a copy of the UK Government's response to the review can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-public-body-review-of-fcdo-funded-scholarship-schemes-uk-government-response.

190 Chevening scholars have studied at the University of Essex over the last 10 years.

In 2025/26 the top 3 Universities in terms of enrolment were London School of Economics and Political Science, University College London and the University of Sussex.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the annual budget is for the Chevening Scholarships and Fellowships programme; and how this compares with the previous five years’ budgets.

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

For more than forty years since its establishment under Margaret Thatcher's government, the Chevening Programme has been creating long-lasting relationships with future generations of leaders, decision makers and businesspeople from across the globe. Information about funding and impact is available on the Development Tracker website (https://devtracker.fcdo.gov.uk/programme/GB-GOV-3-CHEVENING/summary) and in the most recent Chevening Annual Impact Report (https://www.chevening.org/impact/chevenings-2023-2024-annual-impact-report/). Chevening's 60,000 alumni community includes 22 current or former heads of state or government while around 15 per cent of alumni hold prominent positions in government and 10 are currently serving as Ambassadors/High Commissioners in the UK. Most have maintained close links with the UK and our overseas network, helping strengthen long term bilateral relationships, supporting the UK's international priorities, delivering trade deals and unlocking access to key stakeholders.

In the financial year 2025-26, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) allocated £59.4 million to Chevening of which 97 per cent (£57.7 million) was defined as development spend. Further budget information, including on aid spending, is published in FCDO's Annual Reports and Accounts (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fcdo-annual-report-and-accounts-2024-to-2025). Information on previous years is also available on the GOV.UK website. No decision has been made as yet on the future budget allocation for the Chevening scholarships programme.

In the last 5 years, FCDO has awarded the following numbers of scholarships:

We work closely with the Home Office on issues related to visas and migration. Scholars all agree to Chevening's return home policy when they apply for the scheme.

An independent evaluation of the FCDO's scholarships programmes was carried out in 2023. Further details of this review including a copy of the UK Government's response to the review can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-public-body-review-of-fcdo-funded-scholarship-schemes-uk-government-response.

190 Chevening scholars have studied at the University of Essex over the last 10 years.

In 2025/26 the top 3 Universities in terms of enrolment were London School of Economics and Political Science, University College London and the University of Sussex.

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 the proportion of people who were awarded the Chevening Scholarships and Fellowships programme and went on to work as (a) government officials and (b) industry leaders in their home countries.

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

For more than forty years since its establishment under Margaret Thatcher's government, the Chevening Programme has been creating long-lasting relationships with future generations of leaders, decision makers and businesspeople from across the globe. Information about funding and impact is available on the Development Tracker website (https://devtracker.fcdo.gov.uk/programme/GB-GOV-3-CHEVENING/summary) and in the most recent Chevening Annual Impact Report (https://www.chevening.org/impact/chevenings-2023-2024-annual-impact-report/). Chevening's 60,000 alumni community includes 22 current or former heads of state or government while around 15 per cent of alumni hold prominent positions in government and 10 are currently serving as Ambassadors/High Commissioners in the UK. Most have maintained close links with the UK and our overseas network, helping strengthen long term bilateral relationships, supporting the UK's international priorities, delivering trade deals and unlocking access to key stakeholders.

In the financial year 2025-26, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) allocated £59.4 million to Chevening of which 97 per cent (£57.7 million) was defined as development spend. Further budget information, including on aid spending, is published in FCDO's Annual Reports and Accounts (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fcdo-annual-report-and-accounts-2024-to-2025). Information on previous years is also available on the GOV.UK website. No decision has been made as yet on the future budget allocation for the Chevening scholarships programme.

In the last 5 years, FCDO has awarded the following numbers of scholarships:

We work closely with the Home Office on issues related to visas and migration. Scholars all agree to Chevening's return home policy when they apply for the scheme.

An independent evaluation of the FCDO's scholarships programmes was carried out in 2023. Further details of this review including a copy of the UK Government's response to the review can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-public-body-review-of-fcdo-funded-scholarship-schemes-uk-government-response.

190 Chevening scholars have studied at the University of Essex over the last 10 years.

In 2025/26 the top 3 Universities in terms of enrolment were London School of Economics and Political Science, University College London and the University of Sussex.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what proportion of Chevening scholars comply with the requirement to return to their home countries after study; and what enforcement mechanisms exist where this condition is breached.

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

For more than forty years since its establishment under Margaret Thatcher's government, the Chevening Programme has been creating long-lasting relationships with future generations of leaders, decision makers and businesspeople from across the globe. Information about funding and impact is available on the Development Tracker website (https://devtracker.fcdo.gov.uk/programme/GB-GOV-3-CHEVENING/summary) and in the most recent Chevening Annual Impact Report (https://www.chevening.org/impact/chevenings-2023-2024-annual-impact-report/). Chevening's 60,000 alumni community includes 22 current or former heads of state or government while around 15 per cent of alumni hold prominent positions in government and 10 are currently serving as Ambassadors/High Commissioners in the UK. Most have maintained close links with the UK and our overseas network, helping strengthen long term bilateral relationships, supporting the UK's international priorities, delivering trade deals and unlocking access to key stakeholders.

In the financial year 2025-26, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) allocated £59.4 million to Chevening of which 97 per cent (£57.7 million) was defined as development spend. Further budget information, including on aid spending, is published in FCDO's Annual Reports and Accounts (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fcdo-annual-report-and-accounts-2024-to-2025). Information on previous years is also available on the GOV.UK website. No decision has been made as yet on the future budget allocation for the Chevening scholarships programme.

In the last 5 years, FCDO has awarded the following numbers of scholarships:

We work closely with the Home Office on issues related to visas and migration. Scholars all agree to Chevening's return home policy when they apply for the scheme.

An independent evaluation of the FCDO's scholarships programmes was carried out in 2023. Further details of this review including a copy of the UK Government's response to the review can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-public-body-review-of-fcdo-funded-scholarship-schemes-uk-government-response.

190 Chevening scholars have studied at the University of Essex over the last 10 years.

In 2025/26 the top 3 Universities in terms of enrolment were London School of Economics and Political Science, University College London and the University of Sussex.

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 the number of Chevening Scholarship and Fellowship recipients who have studied at Universities in Essex in the last 10 years.

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

For more than forty years since its establishment under Margaret Thatcher's government, the Chevening Programme has been creating long-lasting relationships with future generations of leaders, decision makers and businesspeople from across the globe. Information about funding and impact is available on the Development Tracker website (https://devtracker.fcdo.gov.uk/programme/GB-GOV-3-CHEVENING/summary) and in the most recent Chevening Annual Impact Report (https://www.chevening.org/impact/chevenings-2023-2024-annual-impact-report/). Chevening's 60,000 alumni community includes 22 current or former heads of state or government while around 15 per cent of alumni hold prominent positions in government and 10 are currently serving as Ambassadors/High Commissioners in the UK. Most have maintained close links with the UK and our overseas network, helping strengthen long term bilateral relationships, supporting the UK's international priorities, delivering trade deals and unlocking access to key stakeholders.

In the financial year 2025-26, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) allocated £59.4 million to Chevening of which 97 per cent (£57.7 million) was defined as development spend. Further budget information, including on aid spending, is published in FCDO's Annual Reports and Accounts (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fcdo-annual-report-and-accounts-2024-to-2025). Information on previous years is also available on the GOV.UK website. No decision has been made as yet on the future budget allocation for the Chevening scholarships programme.

In the last 5 years, FCDO has awarded the following numbers of scholarships:

We work closely with the Home Office on issues related to visas and migration. Scholars all agree to Chevening's return home policy when they apply for the scheme.

An independent evaluation of the FCDO's scholarships programmes was carried out in 2023. Further details of this review including a copy of the UK Government's response to the review can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-public-body-review-of-fcdo-funded-scholarship-schemes-uk-government-response.

190 Chevening scholars have studied at the University of Essex over the last 10 years.

In 2025/26 the top 3 Universities in terms of enrolment were London School of Economics and Political Science, University College London and the University of Sussex.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, which universities have enrolled the highest number of Chevening Scholarship and Fellowship recipients.

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

For more than forty years since its establishment under Margaret Thatcher's government, the Chevening Programme has been creating long-lasting relationships with future generations of leaders, decision makers and businesspeople from across the globe. Information about funding and impact is available on the Development Tracker website (https://devtracker.fcdo.gov.uk/programme/GB-GOV-3-CHEVENING/summary) and in the most recent Chevening Annual Impact Report (https://www.chevening.org/impact/chevenings-2023-2024-annual-impact-report/). Chevening's 60,000 alumni community includes 22 current or former heads of state or government while around 15 per cent of alumni hold prominent positions in government and 10 are currently serving as Ambassadors/High Commissioners in the UK. Most have maintained close links with the UK and our overseas network, helping strengthen long term bilateral relationships, supporting the UK's international priorities, delivering trade deals and unlocking access to key stakeholders.

In the financial year 2025-26, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) allocated £59.4 million to Chevening of which 97 per cent (£57.7 million) was defined as development spend. Further budget information, including on aid spending, is published in FCDO's Annual Reports and Accounts (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fcdo-annual-report-and-accounts-2024-to-2025). Information on previous years is also available on the GOV.UK website. No decision has been made as yet on the future budget allocation for the Chevening scholarships programme.

In the last 5 years, FCDO has awarded the following numbers of scholarships:

We work closely with the Home Office on issues related to visas and migration. Scholars all agree to Chevening's return home policy when they apply for the scheme.

An independent evaluation of the FCDO's scholarships programmes was carried out in 2023. Further details of this review including a copy of the UK Government's response to the review can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-public-body-review-of-fcdo-funded-scholarship-schemes-uk-government-response.

190 Chevening scholars have studied at the University of Essex over the last 10 years.

In 2025/26 the top 3 Universities in terms of enrolment were London School of Economics and Political Science, University College London and the University of Sussex.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether funding towards Chevening Scholarships and Fellowships is recorded as UK foreign aid spending.

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

For more than forty years since its establishment under Margaret Thatcher's government, the Chevening Programme has been creating long-lasting relationships with future generations of leaders, decision makers and businesspeople from across the globe. Information about funding and impact is available on the Development Tracker website (https://devtracker.fcdo.gov.uk/programme/GB-GOV-3-CHEVENING/summary) and in the most recent Chevening Annual Impact Report (https://www.chevening.org/impact/chevenings-2023-2024-annual-impact-report/). Chevening's 60,000 alumni community includes 22 current or former heads of state or government while around 15 per cent of alumni hold prominent positions in government and 10 are currently serving as Ambassadors/High Commissioners in the UK. Most have maintained close links with the UK and our overseas network, helping strengthen long term bilateral relationships, supporting the UK's international priorities, delivering trade deals and unlocking access to key stakeholders.

In the financial year 2025-26, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) allocated £59.4 million to Chevening of which 97 per cent (£57.7 million) was defined as development spend. Further budget information, including on aid spending, is published in FCDO's Annual Reports and Accounts (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fcdo-annual-report-and-accounts-2024-to-2025). Information on previous years is also available on the GOV.UK website. No decision has been made as yet on the future budget allocation for the Chevening scholarships programme.

In the last 5 years, FCDO has awarded the following numbers of scholarships:

We work closely with the Home Office on issues related to visas and migration. Scholars all agree to Chevening's return home policy when they apply for the scheme.

An independent evaluation of the FCDO's scholarships programmes was carried out in 2023. Further details of this review including a copy of the UK Government's response to the review can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-public-body-review-of-fcdo-funded-scholarship-schemes-uk-government-response.

190 Chevening scholars have studied at the University of Essex over the last 10 years.

In 2025/26 the top 3 Universities in terms of enrolment were London School of Economics and Political Science, University College London and the University of Sussex.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many Chevening Scholarships and Fellowships have been granted in each of the last five years.

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

For more than forty years since its establishment under Margaret Thatcher's government, the Chevening Programme has been creating long-lasting relationships with future generations of leaders, decision makers and businesspeople from across the globe. Information about funding and impact is available on the Development Tracker website (https://devtracker.fcdo.gov.uk/programme/GB-GOV-3-CHEVENING/summary) and in the most recent Chevening Annual Impact Report (https://www.chevening.org/impact/chevenings-2023-2024-annual-impact-report/). Chevening's 60,000 alumni community includes 22 current or former heads of state or government while around 15 per cent of alumni hold prominent positions in government and 10 are currently serving as Ambassadors/High Commissioners in the UK. Most have maintained close links with the UK and our overseas network, helping strengthen long term bilateral relationships, supporting the UK's international priorities, delivering trade deals and unlocking access to key stakeholders.

In the financial year 2025-26, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) allocated £59.4 million to Chevening of which 97 per cent (£57.7 million) was defined as development spend. Further budget information, including on aid spending, is published in FCDO's Annual Reports and Accounts (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fcdo-annual-report-and-accounts-2024-to-2025). Information on previous years is also available on the GOV.UK website. No decision has been made as yet on the future budget allocation for the Chevening scholarships programme.

In the last 5 years, FCDO has awarded the following numbers of scholarships:

We work closely with the Home Office on issues related to visas and migration. Scholars all agree to Chevening's return home policy when they apply for the scheme.

An independent evaluation of the FCDO's scholarships programmes was carried out in 2023. Further details of this review including a copy of the UK Government's response to the review can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-public-body-review-of-fcdo-funded-scholarship-schemes-uk-government-response.

190 Chevening scholars have studied at the University of Essex over the last 10 years.

In 2025/26 the top 3 Universities in terms of enrolment were London School of Economics and Political Science, University College London and the University of Sussex.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether independent evaluations of the Chevening programme have been commissioned in the last ten years.

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

For more than forty years since its establishment under Margaret Thatcher's government, the Chevening Programme has been creating long-lasting relationships with future generations of leaders, decision makers and businesspeople from across the globe. Information about funding and impact is available on the Development Tracker website (https://devtracker.fcdo.gov.uk/programme/GB-GOV-3-CHEVENING/summary) and in the most recent Chevening Annual Impact Report (https://www.chevening.org/impact/chevenings-2023-2024-annual-impact-report/). Chevening's 60,000 alumni community includes 22 current or former heads of state or government while around 15 per cent of alumni hold prominent positions in government and 10 are currently serving as Ambassadors/High Commissioners in the UK. Most have maintained close links with the UK and our overseas network, helping strengthen long term bilateral relationships, supporting the UK's international priorities, delivering trade deals and unlocking access to key stakeholders.

In the financial year 2025-26, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) allocated £59.4 million to Chevening of which 97 per cent (£57.7 million) was defined as development spend. Further budget information, including on aid spending, is published in FCDO's Annual Reports and Accounts (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fcdo-annual-report-and-accounts-2024-to-2025). Information on previous years is also available on the GOV.UK website. No decision has been made as yet on the future budget allocation for the Chevening scholarships programme.

In the last 5 years, FCDO has awarded the following numbers of scholarships:

We work closely with the Home Office on issues related to visas and migration. Scholars all agree to Chevening's return home policy when they apply for the scheme.

An independent evaluation of the FCDO's scholarships programmes was carried out in 2023. Further details of this review including a copy of the UK Government's response to the review can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-public-body-review-of-fcdo-funded-scholarship-schemes-uk-government-response.

190 Chevening scholars have studied at the University of Essex over the last 10 years.

In 2025/26 the top 3 Universities in terms of enrolment were London School of Economics and Political Science, University College London and the University of Sussex.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on 5 December 2025 (HC94719), what progress they have made in their response to the persecution of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.

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

I have no further information to provide at this point, but I will continue to keep the House updated as and when there are new developments to report.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many Daesh-affiliated members, or families of former Daesh fighters, have been brought to the UK from Syria over the past year; what risk assessment they are undertaking about this; and what steps they are taking to ensure that Daesh-affiliated members do not pose a threat to minorities against whom the FCDO accuse Daesh of committing genocide and crimes against humanity.

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

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided to question HL13920 on 12 February 2026.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what progress they have made in United Kingdom participation in the Rabat Process.

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

The UK has consistently stressed the importance of cooperation with our international partners to tackle irregular and illegal migration. The Government has taken steps towards participation in the Rabat Process following the publication of the UK-EU Common Understanding on 19 May 2025, including discussion with European and African partners.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the global level of antisemitism; and how the protection of Jewish communities is reflected in the UK’s foreign policy.

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

Antisemitism is completely abhorrent and has no place in our or any society. The global rise in antisemitism is deeply concerning and the UK is taking a strong lead in tackling it in all its forms at home and overseas.

In a speech marking Holocaust Memorial Day on 26 January, the Foreign Secretary underlined her commitment to working with partners around the world to tackle antisemitism, including close collaboration with Canada and Australia in the wake of recent attacks. She also announced that Jon Pearce MP would be appointed as the UK Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust Issues.

This appointment represents the UK's unwavering commitment to the protection of the Jewish community in the UK and abroad. The Envoy will ensure that the UK continues to play a prominent role in international discussions on all Holocaust related matters, including working with international partners, and representing the UK in relevant international fora, including as Head of the UK Delegation to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).

In 2024, the UK supported the development of new Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism, which are largely based on the UK's best practice in tackling antisemitism. We continue to urge countries to adopt these guidelines, as well as the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that Israel sprayed glyphosate over areas of south Lebanon; what assessment they have made of the impact of spraying glyphosate on environmental and human health; and whether they have discussed that matter with the government of Israel.

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

The UK is concerned by reports that Israel sprayed herbicide over Lebanese territory in early February and that the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon operations were impacted by this operation. The UK urges all parties to adhere to the Cessation of Hostilities agreement in place since 2024 and in particular to avoid any threat to civilians or the UN Mission.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will make representations to her French counterpart to recommend the forfeiture of Peter Mandelson’s decoration of the Legion of Honour.

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

That is a matter for the French authorities, as was the original decision to make the award.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, which Government Department arranged the Prime Minister's meeting with Palantir on 27 February 2025.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 7 November 2025 to question 86672.

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 the number of times that George Osborne (a) visited the British Ambassador to the United States of America and (b) met with officials from the British Embassy in the United States, since he ceased to be a Member of Parliament.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 22 September 2025 to question 76553.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of proscribing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp.

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

While the UK keeps the list of proscribed organisations under close review, it has been the long-standing policy under successive governments not to comment on whether a specific organisation is or is not being considered for proscription.

On the wider issue of our response to the Iranian regime, I refer my Hon Friend to the Urgent Question debate on 3 February, and to the announcement on sanctions made the previous day: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-announces-sanctions-against-perpetrators-of-human-rights-violations-in-iran.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 5 February 2026 to question 108357 on Syria: Islamic State, how many Islamic State-linked individuals have been repatriated to the United Kingdom from the al-Roj camp.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 6 February 2025 in response to Question 27530.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 23 January 2026, whether (a) she, (b) Ministers in her Department and (c) her officials have discussed ‘pay for slay’ payments with representatives of the Palestinian Authority.

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

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer she received on 12 January in response to Question 103247.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether foreign aid has been distributed in Afghanistan since 2021.

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

The Hon Member can find details of all UK Official Development Assistance spending in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO) annual accounts, or in the annual statistics on international development published on GOV.UK.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her Israeli counterpart on the opening of a humanitarian corridor between Gaza and the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the statement to the House I made on 5 January, and to the joint statement issued by the Foreign Secretary and several of her counterparts on 30 December, available on GOV.UK here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/jointstatementon-the-gaza-humanitarian-response.

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 Israeli counterpart on access to Gaza for a) Palestinian doctors and b) international doctors.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the statement to the House I made on 5 January, and to the joint statement issued by the Foreign Secretary and several of her counterparts on 30 December, available on GOV.UK here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/jointstatementon-the-gaza-humanitarian-response.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Pursuant to the Answer of 23 January 2026 to Question 105663, on Palestine: Terrorism, when she will undertake an assessment of (a) the number of recipients of ‘pay for slay’ payments and (b) alternative ways the Palestinian Authority is making payments to terrorists.

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

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer she received on 12 January in response to Question 103247.

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 international partners on establishing independent international monitoring of attacks against Kurdish civilians in Aleppo and Northern Syria.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the Written Ministerial Statement I made to the House on 28 January 2026, and I can assure her that we continue to raise the protection of Kurdish civilians as a constant subject of concern with the Syrian Government.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the protection and political inclusion of Kurdish communities form part of the UK’s conditions for diplomatic engagement with the Syrian Government.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the Written Ministerial Statement I made to the House on 28 January 2026, and I can assure her that we continue to raise the protection of Kurdish civilians as a constant subject of concern with the Syrian Government.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will call for an end to the military detention of Palestinian children on the basis international juvenile justice standards.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer of 20 January to Question 907383.

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 Syrian and Iraqi counterparts on the security and protection of Yazidis and other minority faith communities in Syria.

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

We have consistently advocated for an inclusive political transition in Syria and underlined the importance of protecting the rights of all, regardless of religious or ethnic background, both publicly and as part of our engagement with the Syrian Government. I raised this with the Syrian Foreign Minister during his visit to London in November and further pressed the point on the importance of human rights when we spoke last month.

Supporting stabilisation and safe returns of Yazidis to Sinjar, the Yazidi homeland, is a priority for the UK and part of our Freedom of Religion or Belief strategy (FoRB). In July 2025 the former Minister for Human Rights and the UK Special Envoy for FoRB met with Mir Hazem Tahsin Beg, the Prince of the Yazidis. We also raise threats to minority faith communities in regular engagements with the Government of Iraq, the Kurdistan Regional Government, and in multilateral fora. For example, at Iraq's Universal Periodic Review at the UN Human Rights Council in June, we recommended that Iraq upholds the right for minorities to freely practice their religion or belief, without fear of persecution.

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 recent attacks on Kurdish-majority neighbourhoods in Syria including civilian casualties and displacement.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the Written Ministerial Statement I made to the House on 28 January 2026, and I can assure her that we continue to raise the protection of Kurdish civilians as a constant subject of concern with the Syrian Government.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 23 January 2026, if any funding provided by the UK Government has been used to support the Palestinian Authority’s ‘Pay for Slay’ payment schemes.

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

No. The UK's official development assistance to Palestine is directed at humanitarian relief, support for Palestinian economic development, and strengthening Palestinian Authority governance and reform.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Government has taken in the last six months to fulfil its obligations to prevent genocide under the Genocide Convention in Palestine.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 18 September to Question 72500.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Government has taken to adhere to the Genocide Convention in relation to the conflict in Palestine.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 18 September to Question 72500.

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 uphold international law in the West Bank.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answers that the Foreign Secretary and I provided on these issues at departmental oral questions on 20 January, and the statement I made to the House on the Middle East on 5 January. We will continue to update the House on these issues on a similarly regular basis over the weeks and months to come.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps is the Government taking to help ensure that the ceasefire in Gaza is maintained.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answers that the Foreign Secretary and I provided on these issues at departmental oral questions on 20 January, and the statement I made to the House on the Middle East on 5 January. We will continue to update the House on these issues on a similarly regular basis over the weeks and months to come.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of planned levels of funding for the BBC World Service on women and minority groups in countries with limited press freedom.

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

Grant-in-Aid funding for the next three years for the BBC World Service will be decided through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office allocations process. We will not speculate in the interim on the impact of those allocations.

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 Cabinet colleagues on the resources available to the BBC World Service.

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

Grant-in-Aid funding for the next three years for the BBC World Service will be decided through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office allocations process. The BBC Charter Review, launched in December, is looking at potential World Service funding mechanisms for the longer-term.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will take steps to (a) ensure the funding of the BBC Monitoring service and (b) restore dedicated funding for BBC Monitoring by her Department.

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

As the Rt Hon Member was told in the response of 10 February 2025 to Question 28444, the Government does not provide any funding to BBC Monitoring. That remains a matter for the BBC itself.

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 the potential risk of gold imported into the United Kingdom via Switzerland originating from conflict-affected areas of Sudan, including gold transiting through and refined in the United Arab Emirates; whether her Department has assessed the adequacy of due-diligence requirements for transit and refining hubs such as the UAE; and what steps she is taking to improve enforcement and traceability to prevent conflict gold entering UK supply chains.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question 95190.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to ensure effective due diligence when assessing applications for export licences for UK military equipment that could be re-exported onwards to the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the Urgent Question debate on this issue held on 15 December 2025.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to provide humanitarian aid to people in Sudan.

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

I refer my Hon Friend to the statement made by the Foreign Secretary on 5 February following her recent visit to the Chad-Sudan border.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department has investigated and reviewed licenses of arms components in the context of arms used by the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answers provided in the Urgent Question debate on this issue held on 15 December 2025.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many letters to her Department relating to the British Council have received a substantive response since 5 July 2024; and what the average response time was.

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

As the Minister responsible, I have had a number of meetings with the leadership team within the British Council, details of which are routinely disclosed in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's quarterly publications of ministerial transparency data. My office also deals with a large amount of correspondence relating to the British Council and my other areas of responsibility, all of which we seek to respond to as promptly as possible.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many meetings she has held with the (a) Chief Executive and (b) Chair of the British Council since 5 September 2025.

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

As the Minister responsible, I have had a number of meetings with the leadership team within the British Council, details of which are routinely disclosed in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's quarterly publications of ministerial transparency data. My office also deals with a large amount of correspondence relating to the British Council and my other areas of responsibility, all of which we seek to respond to as promptly as possible.

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 Christian clergy and lay believers in Nicaragua are able to practice freedom of religion and belief.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 3 November 2025 to Question 85308. We share widespread international concern about the suppression of democratic, religious, and other fundamental freedoms in Nicaragua.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, which ten countries' students have received the greatest number of Chevening Scholarships and Fellowships in the last ten years.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 23 February to question 112516. The top 10 countries in terms of scholar numbers were Indonesia, Brazil, Pakistan, Mexico, India, China, Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa and Malaysia.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the projected spending for the Chevening Scholarships programme is for each year from 2026 to 2030.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 23 February to question 112516. The top 10 countries in terms of scholar numbers were Indonesia, Brazil, Pakistan, Mexico, India, China, Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa and Malaysia.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the budget is for the Chevening Scholarships programme in each year from 2024 to 2030.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 23 February to question 112516. The top 10 countries in terms of scholar numbers were Indonesia, Brazil, Pakistan, Mexico, India, China, Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa and Malaysia.

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 UK-funded mine action and demining programmes include (a) child-focused victim assistance, (b) access to prosthetics, (c) physical rehabilitation, (d) psychosocial support, and (e) education for children injured by explosive weapons.

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

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's main humanitarian mine action programme, the Global Mine Action Programme (GMAP), prioritises preventing casualties, increasing access to basic services, and improving livelihoods, including through targeted interventions that benefit children. Over half of GMAP's beneficiaries are children, which includes mine risk education to over 540,000 children since 2024. It does not provide direct victim assistance, as our assessment is that improving health systems through wider UK funded health programmes is a more effective and equitable way of helping all injured civilians. Where practicable, we do require GMAP's implementing partners to refer victims on for medical care and rehabilitation, and GMAP's work does enable access to medical support and facilities.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 19 November 2025 to Question 90695, what further steps she is taking with international partners to support Official Development Assistance programming for sexual health and reproductive rights internationally in the context of the recent broadening of the scope of the US’s Mexico City Policy.

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

Details of all Official Development Assistance allocations for the period up to 2028/29 will be set out in the coming months, including for programmes related to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights.

Found: A refreshed White Paper could:  Clarify cross government responsibilities beyond the FCDO  Provide

Found: We have a positive relationship with the FCDO and we work closely with the Governor’s Office to progress

Found: GOVERNANCE AND PROBITY Although the Overseas Territories are largely self-governing, Governors and the FCDO

Found: For those questions which relate to the responsibilities of FCDO, HMRC, DFT and MHCLG, I respond on

Found: that the UK and its partners are considering a full ban on services for Russian oil exports.4 1 FCDO

Found: The first application we will hear is from Sarah Champion on spending of the FCDO, I presume in particular

Found: FCDO has estimated that joint UK, US, and EU measures have deprived Russia of more than $450 billion

Found: Have you seen or been aware of cuts from the FCDO— previously DFID—to civilian society?

Found: FCDO Follow Up Questions Overseas Development Assistance The Committee asked about ODA allocations

Found: through sticking to the original International Climate Finance (ICF) target of £11.6 billion (ICF3) (FCDO

Found: Have you seen or been aware of cuts from the FCDO— previously DFID—to civilian society?

Found: Atlas with other government departments and organisations, including Migrant Help, the NHS, DWP and FCDO

Found: In the last year, FCDO has become a powerful advocate for localisation, directing more resources to

Found: We are certainly working with the FCDO around a framework to engage further with the electorate on

Found: How can international partners, such as the FCDO, support Jamaica in effectively addressing a few of

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of industry-led standards, including those of the London Bullion Market Association, to prevent conflict-linked gold from Sudan entering the United Kingdom market; and whether she plans to introduce statutory oversight of gold-supply-chain due diligence.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The trade of illicit gold funds undermines the rule of law and perpetuates human rights abuses. Gold extraction and smuggling operations represent a significant loss to Sudan and undermine effective resource governance. The UK has imposed sanctions on a number of individuals and businesses who are allegedly involved in the exploitation of gold resources in Sudan. Companies must conduct appropriate due diligence to ensure full compliance with these sanctions.

The UK Government engages with the gold industry, in particular the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) and the World Gold Council, as well as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to support responsible sourcing and rigorous due diligence standards to enhance resilience to illicit gold and identify malign actors in the supply chain. As the UK is an OECD member, businesses in the UK apply the OECD's Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk areas, including the LBMA. The UK is a global leader in tackling illicit gold flows, recently hosting a joint FCDO-HMRC Gold Conference and launching a public-private partnership with industry to clamp down on illicit flows.

The Government recognises the importance of high regulatory standards in financial markets. For over-the-counter wholesale markets for precious metals like the London Bullion Market, the Financial Conduct Authority recognises the Global Precious Metals Code, which sets out the standards and best practice expected from market participants in these markets.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what information his Department holds on whether the First Minister of Scotland discussed reserved matters during his visit to Dublin in November 2025.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Secretary of State for Scotland

International affairs are reserved under the Scotland Act, and it is essential that the UK speaks with one voice overseas.

FCDO guidance on the overseas activity of devolved government ministers only covers ministerial-level engagement. Accordingly, UK Government officials were not involved in this meeting, and, therefore, hold no information on it.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what information his Department holds on whether the First Minister of Scotland discussed reserved matters with the Irish Leader of the Opposition on 27 November 2025.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Secretary of State for Scotland

International affairs are reserved under the Scotland Act, and it is essential that the UK speaks with one voice overseas.

FCDO guidance on the overseas activity of devolved government ministers only covers ministerial-level engagement. Accordingly, UK Government officials were not involved in this meeting, and, therefore, hold no information on it.

Found: Council Resolution 2803, […], 21 November 2025 7 Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spends the majority of UK ODA.

Found: (FCDO).

Found: distributors and importers , it is estimated that 99% of manufacturers, 98% of importers and 99% of 25 FCDO

Found: Trade and Industry (DTI)', 'UK Export Finance (UKEF)', 'Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: Media 0.0 0.0 Government of Northern Ireland 0.0 0.0 Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: and will complete this in the near future, once the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: substantive commitments organised by relevant teams across government in the Government Commercial Function, FCDO

Found: 173,947.20 Digital MAY-2025 Savanta Group Ltd 48,000.00 Marketing research MAY-2025 FCDO

Found:

Found: Media enquiries Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk Telephone 020 7008 3100 Email the FCDO Newsdesk (monitored

Found: and will complete this in the near future, once the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: substantive commitments organised by relevant teams across government in the Government Commercial Function, FCDO

Found: GOVERNMENT WHIP DfE, HO, MOJ, NIO, SO AND WO 020-7219 6802 from the lord lemos government whip fcdo

Found: GOVERNMENT WHIP DfE, HO, MOJ, NIO, SO AND WO 020-7219 6802 from the lord lemos government whip fcdo

Found: senior roles in the UK Government including as Director for British Investment Partnerships at the FCDO

Found: senior roles in the UK Government including as Director for British Investment Partnerships at the FCDO

Found: Since joining the FCDO in 2008, he has worked in a number of foreign policy and corporate roles in

Found: Head of the Palestinian Mission to the UK, [redacted s.38(1)(b)] – Attaché Hamish Falconer MP – FCDO

Found: Previously, served as Deputy Director of Finance and Control in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: • [redacted section 30 (b)(i)] • The Cabinet Secretary met FCDO Minister Catherine West on 8 August