Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of their partnership with the World Bank on the position of the City of London as a global financial centre.

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

The UK works closely with the World Bank (WB) to strengthen the position of the City of London as a global financial centre. The World Bank Group has 70 staff members in London, which is one of three International Finance Corporation (IFC) Treasury Hubs.

IFC, WB's private sector arm, has an active committed investment portfolio of over $5.2 billion with UK businesses. The UK is the largest investor country for the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), with an exposure of $7.4 billion.

The City is also a centre of innovation. For example, last month, with support from the UK, the IFC sold $500 million of assets on the London Stock Exchange in a breakthrough transaction which will create a new asset class for UK and international investors.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she made continued access for Jewish and Christian communities to holy sites in the State of Palestine a condition of UK recognition.

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

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 29 October to Question 83047.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will make an assessment of the level of (a) human rights and (b) democracy in the State of Palestine.

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

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 29 October to Question 83047.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has made free and fair elections a condition of the UK's recognition of the State of Palestine.

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

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 29 October to Question 83047.

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 countries withdrawing from the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction on civilians in conflict zones.

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

The UK is a State Party to the Ottawa Treaty and our commitment to the Treaty is unwavering. The Treaty plays an important role in how we protect civilians, advance the security of our allies and our own national security. We nonetheless recognise the security concerns raised by Allies who have decided to withdraw, as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and acknowledge their sovereign right to do so. We have welcomed statements made by each withdrawing State to continue their national commitments for Humanitarian Mine Action, their commitment to International Humanitarian Law and the norms promoted by the Treaty and we continue to work closely with them to support the principles of the Treaty. We continue to support efforts to reduce the risks from landmines and the UK's Global Mine Action Programme (GMAP) will provide over £27 million this financial year (25/26 FY) on interventions in 12 countries.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her international counterparts on strengthening the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction.

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

The UK is a State Party to the Ottawa Treaty and our commitment to the Treaty is unwavering. The Treaty plays an important role in how we protect civilians, advance the security of our allies and our own national security. We nonetheless recognise the security concerns raised by Allies who have decided to withdraw, as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and acknowledge their sovereign right to do so. We have welcomed statements made by each withdrawing State to continue their national commitments for Humanitarian Mine Action, their commitment to International Humanitarian Law and the norms promoted by the Treaty and we continue to work closely with them to support the principles of the Treaty. We continue to support efforts to reduce the risks from landmines and the UK's Global Mine Action Programme (GMAP) will provide over £27 million this financial year (25/26 FY) on interventions in 12 countries.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to help tackle the use of anti-personnel mines in international conflicts.

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

The UK is a State Party to the Ottawa Treaty and our commitment to the Treaty is unwavering. The Treaty plays an important role in how we protect civilians, advance the security of our allies and our own national security. We nonetheless recognise the security concerns raised by Allies who have decided to withdraw, as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and acknowledge their sovereign right to do so. We have welcomed statements made by each withdrawing State to continue their national commitments for Humanitarian Mine Action, their commitment to International Humanitarian Law and the norms promoted by the Treaty and we continue to work closely with them to support the principles of the Treaty. We continue to support efforts to reduce the risks from landmines and the UK's Global Mine Action Programme (GMAP) will provide over £27 million this financial year (25/26 FY) on interventions in 12 countries.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the UK will support Palestinian membership of the United Nations, in the context of UK recognition of the State of Palestine.

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

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 29 October to Question 83047.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she plans to withdraw recognition of the State of Palestine in the event that Hamas break any conditions of that recognition.

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

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 29 October to Question 83047.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she made the proscription of Hamas by the Government of the State of Palestine a condition of UK recognition.

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

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 29 October to Question 83047.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what her Department's policy is on the status of East Jerusalem, in the context of the UK's recognition of the State of Palestine.

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

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 29 October to Question 83047.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what support and guidance they are providing to non-governmental organisations and official Palestinian bodies, excluding Hamas, to help ensure the security and safety of women and children from internal violence within Gaza.

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

The UK has allocated £74 million so far this financial year to support the humanitarian response in Gaza. This includes £3 million for the United Nations Population Fund, which supports their response and early recovery under four pillars: sexual and reproductive health; sexual violence; adolescents and youths; and interagency coordination. We are also working closely with partners to support implementation of the next phase of the US-led peace plan, including establishing transitional security arrangements. Within this work, we will continue to prioritise the needs of civilians, particularly women and children.

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 measure the potential impact of UK leadership in multilateral development fora on global poverty reduction outcomes.

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

The Government is committed to working with a range of multilateral organisations and international institutions to pursue our shared goals across a number of policy objectives, including sustainable development and poverty reduction.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department has identified priority sectors for future UK-backed multilateral development funding following the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund 2025, Development Committee plenary, October 2025.

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

The Government is committed to working with a range of multilateral organisations and international institutions to pursue our shared goals across a number of policy objectives, including sustainable development and poverty reduction.

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 UK technical assistance to the World Bank’s capacity-building programmes.

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

The Government is committed to working with a range of multilateral organisations and international institutions to pursue our shared goals across a number of policy objectives, including sustainable development and poverty reduction.

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-funded multilateral programmes align with the Sustainable Development Goals review cycle to 2030.

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

The Government is committed to working with a range of multilateral organisations and international institutions to pursue our shared goals across a number of policy objectives, including sustainable development and poverty reduction.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the role her Department will be in discussions on debt sustainability and restructuring under the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable.

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

The Government is committed to working with a range of multilateral organisations and international institutions to pursue our shared goals across a number of policy objectives, including sustainable development and poverty reduction.

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 since the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund 2025 Annual Meetings on the alignment of development financing with climate adaptation priorities.

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

The Government is committed to working with a range of multilateral organisations and international institutions to pursue our shared goals across a number of policy objectives, including sustainable development and poverty reduction.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to her joint letter with the Home Secretary to the Planning Inspectorate on the Chinese Embassy, dated 14 January 2025, what discussions her Department had with their Chinese counterparts on the planning application for the Chinese Embassy between 5 July 2024 and 14 January 2025.

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

I refer the Rt Hon. Member to the answer given to question 24158.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will consider allowing Palestinian students starting studies at UK universities in 2025 to apply to bring dependent children to the UK.

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

On 27 October, the Government updated our guidance on scholarships for students from Gaza to confirm that it was now also seeking to support the departure of the dependents of those students who are eligible under immigration rules. Full details can be found here (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/support-for-students-travelling-to-the-uk-from-gaza/scholarships-for-students-from-gaza).

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 21 October 2025 to Question 78429 on National Security: China, what information her Department holds on whether hostile activity by China is carried out from within the diplomatic buildings in the UK.

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

Upholding national security and keeping the public safe is the first duty of this Government. This principle underpins not only our relationship with China, but all our international relationships. However, it would not be appropriate to comment on any specific national security issue.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Answer of 20 October 2025 to Question HL10734 on USA: Diplomatic Service, whether the ongoing work involved expenditure whilst Lord Mandelson was Ambassador.

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

Refurbishment work at our Embassy in Washington DC began in June 2019. The majority of work was completed in 2023, with limited aspects ongoing.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will set out her Department's plans for staffing reorganisation including (a) the number of staff in each of the next five years and (ii) total staffing costs in each of the next five financial years.

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

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is undertaking a phased restructure of its workforce in line with the Spending Review settlement. Further details will be set out in the usual way in due course.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to support British citizens in the Caribbean impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

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

I refer the Hon. Member to my statement to the House on 4 November 2025, Official Report, vol. 774, col. 33WS to 35WS.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Brazil to encourage the protection of the rights and livelihoods of indigenous and traditional peoples.

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

The UK is committed to supporting Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs) in Brazil to prevent illegal deforestation. At COP26, we helped mobilise the Forest Tenure Pledge to advance IPLC land and resource rights and we will support its next phase at COP30. We support IPLCs across the Amazon through our Official Development Assistance (ODA) programmes and initiatives. Through the Amazon Catalyst for Forest Communities (AMCAT) programme, we are working in Brazil to strengthen land tenure for IPLCs and Afro-descendants. We also support the REDD Early Movers (REM) programme in the Brazilian States, Mato Grosso and Acre, which includes dedicated support for Indigenous Territories. Additionally, we work with the Brazilian Government through the Intergovernmental Forest Tenure Group and the Forest, Climate and Land Partnership (FCLP) to advance inclusive land tenure reforms.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the Egyptian authorities concerning the arrest of 14 religious leaders and human rights activists since 13 September; and what diplomatic steps they are taking to ensure their release.

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

The UK champions human rights and Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for all, and we regularly raise human rights concerns with the Egyptian authorities where appropriate.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what action they are taking, through aid or other support, to ensure the success of efforts to prevent illegal and indiscriminate deforestation in areas in Brazil occupied by indigenous and traditional peoples.

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

The UK is committed to supporting Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs) in Brazil to prevent illegal deforestation. At COP26, we helped mobilise the Forest Tenure Pledge to advance IPLC land and resource rights and we will support its next phase at COP30. We support IPLCs across the Amazon through our Official Development Assistance (ODA) programmes and initiatives. Through the Amazon Catalyst for Forest Communities (AMCAT) programme, we are working in Brazil to strengthen land tenure for IPLCs and Afro-descendants. We also support the REDD Early Movers (REM) programme in the Brazilian States, Mato Grosso and Acre, which includes dedicated support for Indigenous Territories. Additionally, we work with the Brazilian Government through the Intergovernmental Forest Tenure Group and the Forest, Climate and Land Partnership (FCLP) to advance inclusive land tenure reforms.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what diplomatic steps they have taken to protect Christian communities in Syria following reports in September of Christians from six churches in Suweida fleeing violence.

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

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 26 September 2025 to Question HL10173.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many staff were involved in conducting the Equality Impact Assessment of Official Development Assistance programme allocations for 2025 to 2026, published on 22 July 2025; and how many hours were spent by (a) Departmental staff and (b) external consultants in its preparation.

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

The requested information is not readily available, and could only be obtained for the purposes of answering this question at disproportionate cost.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government how much they spend on iodine fortification programmes via international aid.

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

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) does not directly fund traditional iodine fortification programmes but currently supports a range of nutritionally impactful interventions, including home fortification and supplementation containing iodine. Through our support to initiatives like the Child Nutrition Fund, a platform that aims to transform how nutrition is financed and delivered, the fund intends to contribute to reaching 320 million children and women annually with essential nutrition services by 2030. FCDO is also a long-standing and significant funder of CGIAR, which drives progress on biofortified crops. With UK support, 300 million people were estimated as consuming CGIAR-supported biofortified foods by 2024.

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 access to humanitarian aid for women and children in Gaza.

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

The UK is actively supporting humanitarian efforts in Gaza, with a particular focus on protecting vulnerable groups including women and children. In August, the UK announced £3 million funding for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), to contribute to UNFPA's response and early recovery results under four key pillars: Sexual and Reproductive Health; Gender-Based Violence; Adolescents and Youth; Interagency Coordination. This funding addressed the urgent needs of women and girls facing violence within Gaza. The UK has also funded United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) with £9.7 million to support provision of ready-to-use infant formula, water, sanitation and hygiene services, psychosocial services for children, and social protection to children. We continue to call on Israel to fully enable the UN and other humanitarian organisations to be able to deliver humanitarian aid in Palestine.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent diplomatic steps she has taken with international partners to help ensure that (a) pregnant women and (b) breastfeeding women and (c) young children can access (i) healthcare and (ii) humanitarian aid in Gaza.

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

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 4 November to Question 85841.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent steps she has taken to help eradicate polio in (a) Afghanistan and (b) Pakistan.

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

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided to question 76022 on 17 September 2025.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UN Secretary-General’s report entitled Situation concerning Western Sahara: report of the Secretary-General, published on 30 September 2025, if she will call for an independent human rights body to monitor human rights in (a) occupied Western Sahara and (b) refugee camps.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer provided on 29 October to Question 84938.

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 steps taken by the interim Syrian regime on (a) the (i) identification and (ii) the safe disposal of chemical weapons and (b) the protection of the rights of minorities since December 2024.

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

The UK welcomes the Syrian Government's commitment to ridding Syria of the Assad regime's chemical weapons. We continue to engage the Syrian Government to support their efforts to locate, secure and destroy chemical weapons left by the Assad regime. The UK has committed over £2.8 million to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to support the OPCW's verification of the destruction of chemical weapons in Syria.

The UK welcomes efforts by the Syrian Government to protect the rights of all Syrians, regardless of religious or ethnic background. This includes their investigations into outbreaks of sectarian violence in coastal areas and Suwayda, and their facilitation of the UN to investigate human rights violations. We will continue to judge the Syrian Government on its actions not its words.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the UN Secretary-General’s report entitled Situation concerning Western Sahara: report of the Secretary-General, published on 30 September 2025, and whether she plans to raise that report at the Security Council.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 30 October to Question 85129.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent diplomatic steps she has taken with international counterparts to help ensure the protection of Christian communities in Yemen.

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

The UK remains committed to freedom of religion or belief for all. We are concerned about the situation facing minority communities in Yemen, including Christians, particularly in areas under Houthi control. Reports indicate that minorities cannot practise their faith freely and that they face harassment and discrimination. We raise these concerns regularly with international partners, including at the UN Security Council and Human Rights Council, pressing for respect for human rights and accountability for violations. The UK will continue to use its diplomatic influence and humanitarian support to protect civilians in Yemen, including Christian communities, and to work closely with the UN to press for an inclusive peace process.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what support she will provide to British citizens who have (a) family, (b) property and (c) businesses impacted by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica.

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

I refer the hon. member to the written ministerial statement published on 4 November.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to support British citizens who (a) live in Jamaica and (b) are travelling in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa.

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

I refer the hon. member to the written ministerial statement published on 4 November.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to coordinate with the (a) Jamaican authorities and (b) regional disaster-management agencies to help ensure that UK assistance is (i) effective and (ii) reaches the most impacted communities.

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

I refer the hon. member to the written ministerial statement published on 4 November.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department plans to take to support Jamaican authorities to ensure that (a) search and rescue efforts and (b) UK aid are able to access the hardest hit areas of Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa.

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

I refer the hon. member to the written ministerial statement published on 4 November.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to support the restoration of critical infrastructure in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa: and what assessment she has made of the potential role of UK companies.

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

I refer the hon. member to the written ministerial statement published on 4 November.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for the Government's (a) trade and (b) security cooperation with the US of the (i) deportation and (ii) detention centre activities of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

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

US immigration policy is a matter for the US authorities. Our Embassy in Washington works closely with US officials to understand how their policies impact British citizens and we update UK travel advice accordingly.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had recent discussions with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on US Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centres.

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

US immigration policy is a matter for the US authorities. Our Embassy in Washington works closely with US officials to understand how their policies impact British citizens and we update UK travel advice accordingly.

Found: November 2025 Baroness Chapman Minister for International Development and Africa Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: Uniquely perhaps among arm’s length bodies that are sponsored by the FCDO, we are not big enough to

Found: that Ismahane touched on, there is a funding mechanism that opened a couple of years ago, through FCDO

Found: The FCDO has systems to manage casework, because managing people is normal for it as an organisation

Found: that Ismahane touched on, there is a funding mechanism that opened a couple of years ago, through FCDO

Found: billion between 2021/2 and 2025/6 on mitigation and adaptation across four Government Departments: FCDO

Found: The Permanent Undersecretary at the FCDO will write to the chair of the Foreign Affairs

Found: The Foreign Secretary’s letter also says that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: range of sources including media outlets; local, national and international organisations; and the FCDO

Found: of Journalists in Gaza:** Support for international media freedom and journalist safety through the FCDO

Found: IGF0064 - Innovation and global food security Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Written

Found: through the UK-CGIAR Centre, a research hub built on a partnership between the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: IGF0064 - Innovation and global food security Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Written

Found: through the UK-CGIAR Centre, a research hub built on a partnership between the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: Initially conceived and funded by the Research and Evidence Directorate of FCDO (formerly DFID) in 2005

Found: With support from BBSRC, FCDO and the Gates Foundation, CVIM was established to fulfil an unmet global

Found: With support from BBSRC, FCDO and the Gates Foundation, CVIM was established to fulfil an unmet global

Found: Initially conceived and funded by the Research and Evidence Directorate of FCDO (formerly DFID) in 2005

Found: years of experience investing in early-stage agribusinesses, including through our partnership with FCDO

Found: is a global partnerships programme co-funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: and is currently jointly funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: is a global partnerships programme co-funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: and is currently jointly funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: years of experience investing in early-stage agribusinesses, including through our partnership with FCDO

Found: UKRI works closely with DSIT, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and other Official

Found: Through the FCDO, the UK supports programmes like the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP

Found: Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the CLIC Secretariat and its members

Found: Through the FCDO, the UK supports programmes like the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program

Found: Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the CLIC Secretariat and its members

Found: UKRI works closely with DSIT, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and other Official

Found: & Health (ANH) Academy Science-Policy Platform (hereafter, “ANH Science-Policy Platform”), a joint FCDO

Found: Health (ANH) Academy Science- Policy Platform (hereafter, “ANH Science-Policy Platform”), a joint FCDO

Found: (APM0008) 10 Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, FCDO Programme Operating

Found: (APM0008) 10 Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, FCDO Programme Operating

Found: Kate Foster: We continue to work closely here with teams and experts across the FCDO—particularly the

Found: Kate Foster: We continue to work closely here with teams and experts across the FCDO—particularly the

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

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions she has had with her international counterparts on the regulation of satellites in space.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology leads the UK’s international engagement on the regulation of satellites in space. This includes representation at the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and regular bi-and multi-lateral dialogues with partners at official and ministerial level.

Ofcom, the independent telecommunications regulator sponsored by DSIT, represents UK interests at the International Telecommunication Union, which deals with the international regulation of radio frequency spectrum for space activities. FCDO leads on arms control in space through the UN First Committee.

Ministers and officials will be discussing the regulation of satellites in space as part of the Department's international engagement over the coming months.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, for what reason the Government Digital Service does not list Taiwan as a place of residence.

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

Government Digital Service currently uses the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) list of recognised countries to ensure consistency across UK government services. This policy is under review.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the status is of sanctions on Sutton Place in Woking constituency.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

OFSI does not generally comment on specific cases. For further information about how OFSI takes licensing decisions, please see the OFSI’s general guidance here, and OFSI’s supplemental licensing guidance here.

Designations under UK sanctions regimes are published on the OFSI Consolidated List, which provides details of individuals and entities subject to financial sanctions, including asset freezes. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) also maintains the UK sanctions List, which outlines relevant regimes and listings. Where a designated person (DP) owns or controls economic resources, such as property, those resources are subject to an asset freeze. This means that dealing with or making funds or economic resources available to or for the benefit of a DP, whether directly or indirectly, is prohibited unless authorised by either a General Licence or Specific Licence from OFSI or an applicable legislative exception.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she has taken to ensure that (a) the Border Force and (b) UK national security agencies are aware of the identities of high-risk individuals released in prisoner exchanges in the Middle East.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The Home Secretary has not had any engagement with Israeli authorities to discuss these matters. Since October 2023, a specialist team of experts from the FCDO have been providing support to family members in the UK and Israel. Officials have offered support to the hostage families forum, including through ministerial and senior official engagement.

We have also connected the families with specialist agencies and organisations that can offer practical and psychological support, including FCDO-funded partner Hostage International.

The Home Office uses various tools to detect and disrupt travel by terrorists, by criminals and by individuals excluded from the UK; previously deported from the UK; or using lost, stolen or revoked documents and visas. This includes the use of domestic and international watchlists.

It is a longstanding policy that HMG does not comment on the specific data held on the watchlist, how the data is used, or its source, as to do so would be harmful to the national security of the UK.

Found: UK and the EU to agree to extend the title, initially until 31 March 2027 and then annually 1 FCDO

Found: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) guidance on treaties explains the government therefore

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

Found: Trends England 2024 238 British Council (2023) - Language Trends England 2023 239 For instance, FCDO

Found: Spend by Department Figure 4: Total Spend by Department Spend (£m) Spend (%) Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: managed a PPE donation made by a third party Not available Medicom Healthcare Holding David Reed, FCDO

Found: (CO, FCDO) The National Security Strategy 2025 and Strategic Defence Review 2025 identify climate change

Found: deploy £11.6bn with a commitment to ensuring balance between adaptation and mitigation across DESNZ, FCDO

Found: deploy £11.6bn with a commitment to ensuring balance between adaptation and mitigation across DESNZ, FCDO

Found: The FCDO guidance later changed , permitting individuals to give evidence from So uth Africa by videolink

Found: Spend by Department Figure 4: Total Spend by Department Spend (£m) Spend (%) Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: FCDO Services spending over £500, September 2025

Found: FCDO Services spending over £500, September 2025

Found: FCDO Services spending over £500, September 2025

Found: Trends England 2024 238 British Council (2023) - Language Trends England 2023 239 For instance, FCDO

Found: implements trade sanctions under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 on behalf of the FCDO

Found: Any correspondence or consultation with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office regarding this

Found: SE has also moved its USA staff on to the FCDO platform, resulting in savings of c. £210k annually.

Found: Scottish Government officials are liaising with FCDO and NSS on arrangements.