Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of (a) the human rights situation in (i) the Occupied Palestinian Territories, (ii) the West Bank and (iii) East Jerusalem and (b) the position paper entitled Legal analysis and recommendations on implementation of the International Court of Justice, Advisory Opinion, Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, published by the United Nations Palestinian Rights Committee on 18 October 2024.

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

We continue to work with our international partners, including at the UN, to put pressure on Israel to show the world it is complying with international humanitarian law. The UK does not disagree with the central findings of the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) Advisory Opinion on the 'Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem'. We are of the clear view that Israel should bring an end to its presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories as rapidly as possible - but we are clear that every effort must be made to create the conditions for negotiations towards the two-state solution. Our commitment to a two-state solution is unwavering. The UK abstained on the UN General Assembly resolution in September because it did not provide sufficient clarity to advance a negotiated two-state solution. The UK respects the independence of the ICJ.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, following recent attacks on Ahmadi Muslim mosques and the desecration of graves in Pakistan, in which police are reported to have been involved, what steps they are taking to urge the government of that country to protect such mosques’ graves and uphold its obligations under international human rights law.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

We are aware of reports of the desecration of Ahmadi mosques and graves in Pakistan. The UK strongly condemns all instances of hate or violence directed towards Ahmadiyya Muslims and other marginalised religious communities in Pakistan. The Minister for Afghanistan and Pakistan underlined the importance of promoting religious tolerance and harmony when he met with Pakistan's Human Rights Minister Azam Tarar on 4 September. On 28 October, the British High Commissioner to Pakistan raised concerns around threats of violence directed towards Ahmadiyya Muslims in Pakistan with the Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Alongside our diplomatic engagement, we continue to support projects promoting the rights of religious minorities in Pakistan, including facilitating interfaith dialogue and protecting marginalised communities from hate speech online.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Ethiopian counterpart on the conflict in Amhara region.

Answered by Anneliese Dodds - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK regularly discusses the conflict in Amhara with the Ethiopian government, condemning violence and calling for a peaceful resolution. On 15 August, the Foreign Secretary discussed the conflict with the then Ethiopian Foreign Minister, including its impact on civilians and on stability in the region. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Africa and I have both recently visited Ethiopia and raised the conflict in Amhara at the highest levels.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help ensure consular access to British tourists in Egypt who have been arrested.

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

The FCDO, via our consular staff, is available 24/7 to provide consular support to British nationals abroad. Whenever the FCDO is informed of the arrest of a British national in Egypt, our consular officials aim to make contact as soon as possible to seek more information and assess their situation, including requesting consular access. In the event consular access is delayed or denied, we can raise this with the Egyptian authorities where appropriate.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to support the United Nations Pact for the Future; and, if so, why.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

On 22 September, the Pact for the Future and its accompanying annexes, a Global Digital Compact and Declaration on Future Generations, was adopted by consensus in the United Nations General Assembly. In a speech to the General Assembly on 26 September, the Prime Minister emphasised the UK's support for the Pact for the Future. The Pact provides a critical opportunity for UN Member States to make real-world impact to turbocharge delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals and set a blueprint for how reinvigorated multilateralism can respond to today and tomorrow's challenges.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the matters raised in the Amnesty International press release entitled Ethiopia: Human rights bodies failure to act as justice continues to elude victims of atrocities, published on 6 August 2024.

Answered by Anneliese Dodds - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Amnesty International press release on 6 August has drawn attention to the conduct of actors across northern Ethiopia. Their reporting is consistent with UN investigations which found that all sides committed major human rights abuses, some of which might amount to crimes against humanity. The UK has consistently called for accountability for victims across Ethiopia and is supporting Ethiopia's transitional justice efforts, including by working with national human rights organisations to enhance evidence collection that could support criminal procedures.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help ensure that UK aid is able to pass into the Amhara region of Ethiopia.

Answered by Anneliese Dodds - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

With active conflict leading to humanitarian access restrictions across much of Amhara, we are aware that aid agencies struggle to deliver assistance to civilians across the region. We are providing funding for a UN-led civil-military coordination team in Amhara, which negotiates humanitarian access throughout the region. This will improve the ability of partners to deliver humanitarian support, including UK-funded aid to affected peoples.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has met with his Bangladeshi counterpart since 4 August 2024.

Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK Government is supporting Bangladesh's Interim Government as it works to create a pathway to a more inclusive, democratic and prosperous future for the people of Bangladesh. In October, the Foreign Secretary met with Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Adviser during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and discussed democracy in Bangladesh, climate and the Rohingya. The British High Commission in Dhaka will continue to engage with the Interim Government in Bangladesh on mutual key priorities.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking with his international counterparts to help tackle climate change.

Answered by Anneliese Dodds - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary focused on action on climate and nature at the UN General Assembly and with Commonwealth leaders at CHOGM. We will send a strong delegation to COP29, including the new the UK Special Representative for Climate.

We are seizing the opportunity of this year's three COPs on biodiversity, climate and desertification, to drive international progress with partners. This will include building a Global Clean Power Alliance, taking our mission to make the UK a Clean Energy Superpower to the international stage, and pushing for an ambitious new climate finance goal at COP29.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his counterparts in the Pacific region on the potential merits of upgrading Honorary Consulates in (a) the Solomon Islands, (b) Vanuatu and (c) Tuvalu to High Commissions.

Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK has High Commissions with accredited resident High Commissioners in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, the latter of which was opened in 2019. The UK High Commissioner to Fiji is also the accredited non-resident High Commissioner to Tuvalu. The UK does not have Honorary Consulates in the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu or Tuvalu.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his Pakistani counterpart on reversing anti-blasphemy legislation.

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

Pakistan is a FCDO human rights priority country. We work to protect and promote human rights in Pakistan through our diplomatic engagement and programme funding. This includes regularly raising concerns about the misuse of blasphemy laws, both in principle and in relation to specific cases. I underlined the importance of promoting religious tolerance and harmony with Pakistan's Human Rights Minister Azam Tarar on 4 September.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with F-35 programme partners on the risk of components supplied to Israel being used to commit violations of international law.

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

On day one in office, the Foreign Secretary commissioned a thorough review into Israel's compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL), given the grave concerns about the conduct and consequences of the war in Gaza for civilians. The UK's robust export licensing criteria states that the Government will not issue export licences if there is a clear risk that the items might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of IHL. Given the conclusions of the review, on 2 September the Government suspended around 30 export licences to Israel, effectively covering all arms exports for use in the current conflict in Gaza, exempting components for F-35 aircraft which, for reasons outlined in the Foreign Secretary's Statement and the Business and Trade Secretary's Written Ministerial Statement, have been excluded from the suspension.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Israeli counterpart on allowing medical aid into Gaza.

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

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is intolerable, and we remain deeply concerned by the impact of the conflict on access to medical facilities and healthcare. We are clear that Israel can and must do more to get aid into Gaza. The Prime Minister stressed this in a call with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu on 19 October; the Foreign Secretary reiterated this in his call with Foreign Minister Katz on 27 October. The UK is committed to alleviating the suffering in Gaza and we provide significant funding to partners, including support to UK-Med to run field hospitals in Gaza. On 17 October we announced the UK will match up to £10 million of public donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee's Middle East humanitarian appeal.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Huawei's press article entitled, Safe Mauritius, the Inspiration for Heaven, published in October 2018, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the security provisions within Mauritius’ telecommunications system; and if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of those provisions on the use of the telecommunications system by his Department's officials.

Answered by Anneliese Dodds - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

As previously referenced in the Answer to 10968, this is the subject of an ongoing police investigation in Mauritius, and we are unable to provide further comment. We continue to monitor the situation.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2024 to Question 6280 on Gaza: Air Force, whether his Department used information from the Ministry of Defence on unarmed UK surveillance aircraft operations when making its International Humanitarian Law assessment on Israel, published on 2 September 2024.

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

We are unable to comment on the detail of intelligence matters, for operational security reasons. The government is clear on the fundamental importance of the international rule of law. The UK's robust export licensing criteria states that the Government will not issue export licences if there is a clear risk that the items might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Following our review into Israel's compliance with IHL in Gaza, this Government concluded that a clear risk does exist, and we have suspended export licences for such items that could be used in the current conflict in Gaza.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of providing a list of LGBTQ+ friendly travel destinations in travel guidance to British citizens.

Answered by Anneliese Dodds - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

FCDO travel advice provides information to help British nationals, including those who are LGBT+, make informed decisions about their foreign travel.

No travel is completely safe. We try to make objective judgements and we will advise against travel when we judge that the level of risk is unacceptably high.

We recognise, however, that LGBT+ people can face particular risks and challenges due to the stigma, discrimination and even violence that they can experience around the world. This is why the FCDO, in addition to country-specific advice, has worked with LGBT+ people and organisations to develop specific gov.uk guidance for LGBT+ people travelling abroad: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender-foreign-travel-advice.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 24 October (HL1546), whether they discussed the marine protected area of the Chagos Islands during their negotiations with the government of Mauritius; and if so, what assurances were given.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The negotiations covered discussions on environmental protections in the Chagos Archipelago, including of the Marine Protected Area. The UK and Mauritius committed to cooperating on combatting environmental threats such as illegal fishing, with a shared objective of protecting one of the world's most important marine environments. This will include the establishment of a new Mauritian Marine Protected Area.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the risk to diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and the United States of America of officials from the Labour Party campaigning for one of the candidates in the United States presidential election; and whether the Prime Minister’s current or former Chief of Staff, or his Political Office, authorised that campaigning.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Party political matters are not for the Government to address. The UK-US relationship is built on a foundation of our deep security, military and intelligence links, as well as our unique cultural and people-to-people ties. President-elect Trump has been a steadfast supporter of the special and enduring relationship the US and UK have enjoyed for many years. As the Prime Minister has said previously, he has already established a good relationship with President-elect Trump over dinner in September and looks forward to working with him in the coming months and years ahead.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government how much they will pay per annum to lease Diego Garcia; and what is the expected total cost of the financial support that the UK has agreed to give to Mauritius, including any cost of annual payments.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The agreement is subject to the finalisation of a treaty which the Government intends to complete over the coming months. Further details will remain confidential until the final version of the Treaty has been signed by both sides. Details of financial arrangements are held in the confidential exchange of letters that accompanies the draft treaty, which we do not plan to make public unless compelled to by parliament in due course. While we continue to finalise the treaty, making these figures public would put into question our reliability as a negotiating partner and undermine the security of the base.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans he has to show climate leadership for children at COP29.

Answered by Anneliese Dodds - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Children are disproportionately at risk from the effects of climate change, and children and young people will be at the forefront of shaping a resilient, sustainable future. The UK-led Glasgow Climate Pact urges Parties and stakeholders to ensure meaningful youth participation and representation in multilateral, national and local decision-making processes. We have championed this approach at COP29, with the Minister of State for Development meeting with youth climate activists from developing countries, and UK Special Representative for Climate Rachel Kyte attending events alongside universities and the UN Youth Office to highlight the critical role of youth in climate action.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he made of the potential implications for his policies of Iran’s (a) compliance with United Nations Security Council resolutions, (b) attempts to develop its military nuclear programme and (c) deployment of missiles against civilian targets in Israel before the vote in the UN General Assembly on draft decision A/C.1/79/L.32 on missiles.

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

The UK supported draft decision A/C.1/79/L.32 alongside international partners to ensure missiles remained on the agenda of the 81st session of the UN 1st Committee. We are clear that Iran continues to destabilise the region through its political, financial, and military support for its proxies and partners - in direct contravention of multiple UNSCRs. Iran also continues to escalate its nuclear programme, which has no credible civilian justification. We will continue to tackle this destabilising behaviour by holding Iran to account at the UN and in other multilateral fora. The UK is also prepared to use all diplomatic levers to ensure that Iran never develops a nuclear weapon.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans he has to support Afghan women (a) in Afghanistan and (b) living as refugees (i) in the UK and (ii) around the world.

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

The UK remains one of the most significant donors to Afghanistan. The FCDO is planning £161 million in aid this financial year (2024-25) with 50 per cent targeted towards women and girls. In the first year after the Taliban takeover, the UK provided £17 million to support Afghan people in neighbouring countries, primarily Tajikistan, Iran and Pakistan. We have repeatedly condemned Taliban restrictions on women and girls' rights, including through UN Security Council and Human Rights Council resolutions. The Home Office is responsible for the support of refugees in the UK.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether (a) he and (b) any Ministers from his Department held meetings with Representative Vincent Yao from the Taipei Representative Office in the UK in (i) September and (ii) October.

Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign Secretary and other FCDO ministers did not hold any meetings with Representative Vincent Yao in September or October.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to take steps to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Australia on matters relating to the (a) sports and (b) cultural sectors.

Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK maintains a strong and modern partnership with Australia across sporting and cultural fields, fostering mutual understanding and people-to-people ties. Over the next year, significant sporting events, including the England Women's Cricket and British Lions tours to Australia, will showcase our enduring sporting links. The British Council collaborates closely with Australian institutions as exemplified by the 2022 UK-Australia Season of Culture. We remain committed to deepening these connections, including when looking ahead to Australia's hosting of the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032. There are several major UK contemporary visual arts and museum exhibitions touring to Australia in 2025.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to make representations to the next US President on appointing a US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs.

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

We continue to work constructively with Joe Kennedy III, the current US Special Envoy, and look forward to his upcoming visit to Northern Ireland. Economic growth is a key component of our foreign policy agenda and the central mission of this Government. The UK has a thriving trading and investment relationship with the US that encourages mutual growth across the whole of the UK. The Chancellor announced that the Northern Ireland Executive will be provided with a £18.2 billion settlement in 2025/26 - the largest in real terms in the history of devolution.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his department has plans to increase funding for (a) NGOs and (b) human rights defenders operating in Afghanistan who are promoting the human rights of (i) women, (ii) girls, (iii) LGBTQ+ people and (iv) religious and (v)non-religious minorities.

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

Ministers are reviewing the FCDO's Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget to ensure it delivers on our priorities. We are committed to transparency and will publish ODA allocations for 2024-25. We are planning £161 million in aid this financial year (2024-25), with 50 per cent targeted for women and girls. UK funding supports several NGOs who promote human rights in Afghanistan, including those of women and minorities. We also contribute to an Afghanistan Resilience Trust Fund project that supports civil society, particularly women-led organisations.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Government plans to take at COP29 to help mitigate the impact of climate change on global religious minorities.

Answered by Anneliese Dodds - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Representing over 80% of the world's population, faith and spiritual groups have an important perspective on climate change. We are committed to supporting vulnerable and marginalised groups who are experiencing the worst impacts of the climate crisis, including religious minorities, women and girls, disabled people and indigenous peoples.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Colombian counterpart on the UK-Colombia Bilateral Investment Treaty.

Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK has consistently been one of the leading international investors in Colombia. UK investors are protected by the Bilateral Investment Treaty and use it to inform their investment decisions. Since the formation of the new government, FCDO and DBT officials have discussed the content and provisions of the Treaty with the Colombian Government, including impact on various sectors. The Colombian Government has committed to working with us to ensure the agreement can continue to deliver benefits for UK businesses and Colombia.

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 March 2023 to Question 165277 on Diplomatic Service: British Nationals Abroad, how many UK nationals were provided with consular assistance after reporting that they had been a victim of (a) domestic violence or abuse and (b) rape or other sexual assault in calendar year 2023.

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

Between 1 January and 16 October 2023, The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provided consular assistance in 214 new victim of crime cases related to domestic violence and 355 new victim of crime cases related to rape and sexual assault.

The FCDO introduced a new consular case management system in October 2023. A transition phase is in progress and therefore we are currently unable to provide the data requested between 16 October 2023 and 31 December 2023.

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 March 2023 to Question 165278 on Diplomatic Service: British Nationals Abroad, how many UK nationals were provided with consular assistance after reporting that they had been a victim of (a) assault and (b) theft in calendar year 2023.

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

Between 1 January and 16 October 2023, The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provided consular assistance in 228 new victim of crime cases related to assault and 260 new victim of crime cases related to theft.

The FCDO introduced a new consular case management system in October 2023. A transition phase is in progress and therefore we are currently unable to provide the data requested between 16 October 2023 and 31 December 2023.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent progress he has made on providing support to the Hazara Muslim community in Afghanistan.

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

The Government continues to call for the human rights of all Afghans to be protected, including those of Hazara communities, most recently in our statement at the UN Human Rights Council on 27 September. We condemn recent attacks against Hazaras. In line with The Hazara Inquiry report's recommendations, we continue to monitor and document discrimination and abuses against Hazaras, including through our support for the UN Special Rapporteur. Officials from the UK Mission to Afghanistan regularly press the Taliban on human rights abuses and the rights of minorities in Afghanistan.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure a sustainable approach to fishing in the Overseas Territories.

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

Working together with the Overseas Territories , the UK Government is supporting the development of sustainable marine management practices within the OTs through the Blue Belt Programme. Since 2016, this support has included development of appropriate monitoring and enforcement frameworks to manage fishing activities; scientific monitoring and advice to provide precautionary catch limits; development of risk management tools to ensure fisheries are managed sustainably with minimal impact on associated or dependent ecosystems; training and capacity building within OTs to effectively manage fisheries; remote monitoring and surveillance to tackle potential illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities; and ensuring OTs meet requirements of relevant Regional Fisheries Management Organisations. I recently discussed these issues on my visit to OTs in the Caribbean and will discuss them again with Leaders at the upcoming Joint Ministerial Council.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what information his Department holds on whether any Sri Lankan nationals on Diego Garcia hold criminal records.

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

The FCDO does not have any information about Sri Lankan migrants' criminality that pre-dates their arrival on British Indian Ocean Territory. Any criminality on BIOT has been dealt with and recorded as appropriate by the BIOT police and BIOT Courts.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure that no fishing boats operate within the British Indian Ocean Territory Marine Protected Area.

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

The Blue Belt Ocean Shield Programme provides maritime domain awareness capabilities to tackle Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing activities within BIOT. This includes extensive, risk-based, remote satellite surveillance, tasking of satellite imagery to detect illegal activity, frequent intelligence support and providing training for fisheries patrols. The Programme also provides regional coordination to tackle IUU fishing through relevant Regional Fisheries Management Organisations and Flag States (Including bilateral engagement with relevant Flag States), and comprehensive compliance and enforcement frameworks to deter IUU activity.

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 implications for his policies of levels of crime in the Turks and Caicos islands.

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

The UK is committed across government to supporting the Overseas Territories to reduce crime levels affecting their residents. I visited the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) in early November to understand better the security situation there, and I am in regular contact with colleagues in other UK Government departments on how best we can support the Overseas Territories. The FCDO support in TCI this year includes: deploying privately contracted Authorised Firearms Officers; continuing to embed serious crime investigators within the police; and strengthening border security by procuring new marine assets, delivering advanced coastal sensors, and funding the accommodation of US air crews based in TCI to improve maritime surveillance.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what information his Department holds on how many citizens of (a) Haiti and (b) the Dominican Republic are resident in Turks and Caicos.

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

The FCDO does not hold this data. In line with the Turks and Caicos (TCI) Constitution, immigration is a devolved matter for the TCI Government, and therefore the FCDO does not hold details on any nationalities. However, the FCDO is aware of the ongoing pressure of inward immigration, including irregular migration, on TCI including from Haiti and is supporting its authorities to strengthen its border security. This support includes procuring new marine assets for its police force; delivering the rollout of advanced coastal sensors; and funding the accommodation of US air crews based in TCI to improve maritime surveillance.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent representations he has made to his counterparts in (a) Kuwait, (b) Qatar and (c) Bahrain on their obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; and what steps he is taking to support participative democracy in those countries.

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

His Majesty's Government continues to engage across a range of human rights priorities with Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain. We remain committed to the promotion of universal freedoms and upholding human rights globally and encourage all countries to meet their international and domestic human rights commitments.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will meet with the hon. Member for Tiverton and Minehead to discuss a case of international child abduction.

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

The Government takes International Parental Child Abduction (IPCA) very seriously. When a British child has been abducted, the FCDO's consular staff provide empathetic and practical support to those affected, including to signpost them to relevant partner organisations. The FCDO has also published guidance to assist parents affected by IPCA. FCDO Consular staff will contact the hon. Member for Tiverton and Minehead for more details of the case, to offer relevant advice.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the memorandum of understanding with the Government of St Helena, agreed on 15 October 2024, if he will publish (a) the accounting officer’s advice on the scheme, (b) the costings of the scheme, (c) the details of the accommodation that will be provided and (d) the assessment of the potential merits of using St Helena.

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

We do not routinely publish policy advice and assessments from officials. The UK Government has agreed to a one-off funding of £6.65million with the Government of St Helena for initiatives to improve public health and education outcomes, and also local IT systems. The UK Government will support the Government of St Helena to care for and process any potential migrants. The St Helena Government will be responsible for determining what accommodation should be provided to any migrants transferred, with technical support from the UK Government.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the interim arrangements set out in the memorandum of understanding between the UK Government and the Government of St Helena on migrant arrivals on (a) the number of migrants, (b) the cost per migrant and (c) the estimated time that migrants covered by this provision will stay on St Helena.

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

No new migrants have arrived on the British Indian Ocean Territory since 2022.  The UK will support the Government of St Helena to care and process any potential migrants. Each case will be unique and the UK will provide the necessary support to the Government of St Helena.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made representations to the United Nations on the attendance of the UN Secretary General at the BRICS summit in Russia.

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

The Foreign Secretary spoke to the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres prior to the BRICS Summit in Kazan, where the UNSG reiterated his position that Russia's invasion of Ukraine had violated the United Nations Charter and international law. The meetings that the Secretary-General chooses are a matter for him, not the UK Government. The UK Government continues to bring economic and diplomatic pressure to bear on Russia, including through sanctions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help support (a) religious tolerance and (b) the Rohingya people in (i) Myanmar and (ii) Bangladesh.

Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK is committed to supporting religious minorities in Myanmar and we continue to raise our concerns over discrimination against ethnic and religious minorities in international fora. We are deeply concerned about the situation of the Rohingya. Since 2017, the UK has provided over £48 million in aid including cash assistance and water, sanitation and hygiene services to the Rohingya and other Muslim minorities in Rakhine State. In Bangladesh, we have provided £391 million in humanitarian assistance to support the Rohingya since 2017.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the treaty on the transfer of sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius will guarantee Chagossians (a) the right to return to the outer islands, (b) restitution of the islands and (ci) an independent award of compensation after consultation with the Chagossian people.

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

We recognise the importance of the Chagos Archipelago to Chagossians and have worked to ensure the agreement with Mauritius reflects their interests. Under the terms of the agreement, Mauritius will be free to implement a programme of resettlement on the islands, other than Diego Garcia, and we will finance a new trust fund for Mauritius in support of Chagossians. Separate to the agreement, we will increase our support to Chagossians in the UK and will work with Mauritius to restart visits to the islands at the earliest opportunity, including Diego Garcia, for Chagossians.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assistance his Department has offered to the Spanish government, in the context of recent floods in that country.

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

The Foreign Secretary and I were shocked and saddened to see the devastating scenes in Spain, and by the deaths and damage caused by heavy flooding. The Foreign Secretary has been in touch with the Foreign Minister of Spain to express the UK's condolences and offer our support; the Prime Minister and I have also contacted our counterparts. Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected. The British Embassy in Madrid and Consulates in affected areas are providing consular support to affected British Nationals.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will raise the detention in Azerbaijan of Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu during COP29 climate conference in November.

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

I [Minister Doughty] raised the detention of prominent academic Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov during our call on 31 October, and with Presidential Representative Elchin Amirbayov on 29 October. The UK consistently advocates for Dr Ibadoghlu to receive all appropriate medical access and treatment, and for a fair legal process. We will continue to raise his case alongside wider human rights issues of concern.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will raise with the UN the attendance of the UN Secretary General at the BRICS summit in Russia on 24 October 2024.

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

The Foreign Secretary spoke to the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres prior to the BRICS Summit in Kazan, where the UNSG reiterated his position that Russia's invasion of Ukraine had violated the United Nations Charter and international law. The meetings that the Secretary-General chooses are a matter for him, not the UK Government. The UK Government continues to bring economic and diplomatic pressure to bear on Russia, including through sanctions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has met with the administrators of (a) Tristan da Cunha and (b) Ascension Island since the Government’s asylum agreement with St Helena was concluded.

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

The new arrangement with St Helena does not apply to Tristan da Cunha or Ascension Island. The Chief Islander from Tristan da Cunha and Councillors from Ascension Island will attend the UK Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) in London later this month. I have also met virtually with the Chief Islander and members of the Ascension Islands Council.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the World Food Programme and Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations' report on Hunger Hotspots June to October 2024, published in June 2024, what assistance he is providing to the (a) five countries and (b) territories on the highest level of alert at risk of famine.

Answered by Anneliese Dodds - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK is deeply concerned by the findings of the June-October 2024 Hunger Hotspots report. We are the second largest government donor to the World Food Programme (WFP) and to date in 2024 have contributed over $360 million to WFP programmes, including in Palestine, Sudan, South Sudan and Haiti.

At the G20 Development Ministers Meeting in Brazil in July, I [the Minister for Development] announced the UK would join the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty when it launches this month, to increase political support, unlock finance, share and learn, and work with partners to scale-up lasting solutions to tackle hunger and poverty.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the World Food Programme and Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations' report on Hunger Hotspots June to October 2024, published in June 2024, what steps his Department is taking to help tackle hunger in the countries included in the report.

Answered by Anneliese Dodds - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK is deeply concerned by the findings of the June-October 2024 Hunger Hotspots report. We are the second largest government donor to the World Food Programme (WFP) and to date in 2024 have contributed over $360 million to WFP programmes, including in Palestine, Sudan, South Sudan and Haiti.

At the G20 Development Ministers Meeting in Brazil in July, I [the Minister for Development] announced the UK would join the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty when it launches this month, to increase political support, unlock finance, share and learn, and work with partners to scale-up lasting solutions to tackle hunger and poverty.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the World Food Programme and Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations' report on Hunger Hotspots June to October 2024, published in June 2024, what assessment he has made of the implications for his Department’s policies of the impact of La Niña weather phenomenon; and what assistance he is providing to the countries and territories which are most impacted.

Answered by Anneliese Dodds - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK is closely monitoring the potential development of La Niña conditions and in particular the risk of food security impacts in the Horn of Africa and Southern Africa.

The UK is a committed humanitarian donor, channelling over £277 million in humanitarian aid to African Countries in 2023 and is already operating humanitarian programmes in those countries of concern highlighted in the Hunger Hotspots report. Those programmes are standing by to adapt as required. On 22 August, I [the Minister for Development] announced an additional £15 million of vital assistance to Sudan, South Sudan and Chad.

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Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 4 November 2024 to Question 11881 on Research Finance, if her Department will publish a tabular summary of Capital DEL allocated in the Budget to research and development by Department for 2024-25.

Answered by Darren Jones - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The departmental research and development (R&D) allocations for 2024-25 are set out in the table below. The numbers represent departmental plans as of Autumn Budget 2024, which reflect underspends identified through the Public Spending Audit 2024-25, including as a result of lower Horizon association costs than previously budgeted for.

In 2025-26, the government has allocated £20.4 billion for investment in R&D – more than ever before which reflects its focus on growth. This includes the protection of £6.1 billion for core research.

*rounded to nearest £100m

**rounded to nearest £10m

Individual departments have been rounded to reflect the possibility that allocations can change as a result of in-year inter-department budget transfers.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of (a) creating a Gaza Family visa scheme modelled on the Ukraine Family Scheme visa and (b) deferring biometric requirements for those eligible for family reunion but unable to leave Gaza.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities)

The Government is determined to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and rapidly increase aid, ensuring humanitarian support is reaching people there.

The government is keeping existing visa pathways under review in response to events. Palestinian nationals who wish to come to the UK can do so via the existing range of routes available. Immediate family members of British citizens and those settled in the UK who wish to come and live in the UK can apply under one of the existing family visa routes.

The FCDO is also providing consular assistance to those with British nationality, or dual nationality including British, who are in Gaza or who have left Gaza to a third country.

Any application for a UK visa will be assessed against the requirements of the Immigration Rules.

Biometrics, in the form of fingerprints and facial images, underpin the UK immigration system and are integral to national security. We recently published updated guidance on Gov.UK that sets out the circumstances where we may predetermine an application before a person attends a visa application centre to enrol their biometric information or when we may excuse the person from having to enrol their biometrics before they travel to the UK.

Where a relevant application is made, consideration will be given to compelling compassionate factors that are raised.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what support his Department provides for (a) wind and (b) solar power in the Overseas Territories.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) leads the relationship with the Overseas Territories, and any work this Department has conducted in this area has been done via FCDO.

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