Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she has taken in response to the situation in Iran.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the Foreign Secretary's statement to the House on 13 January, and to my responses in the Urgent Question debate on 19 January.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking with international counterparts to ensure Doctors Without Borders are able to access Gaza to provide aid to Palestinians.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the statement to the House I made on 5 January, and to the joint statement issued by the Foreign Secretary and several of her counterparts on 30 December, available on GOV.UK here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/jointstatementon-the-gaza-humanitarian-response. My officials continue to engage closely with Médecins Sans Frontières on this issue.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the answer to Question 104985, whether the Government is aware of which independent audit firm the Palestinian Authority has contracted to complete the review of curriculum reform.

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

I currently have nothing further to add to the previous answer to which the Hon Member refers in his question. As and when there is further information to report on this matter, I will update him and other Members accordingly.

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 Taliban's decision to permanently ban women and girls from education.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 12 January in response to Question 103187.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with international partners on modern slavery in Afghanistan.

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

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials are working closely with international partners on this issue, as well as broader human rights concerns in Afghanistan. Officials consistently raise human rights concerns with the Taliban and urge them to reverse their inhuman restrictions. We continue to support the UN Special Rapporteur and his mandate to document human rights abuses in Afghanistan. Upholding human rights is not only a moral imperative but also essential for building a stable, inclusive and prosperous country for all Afghans.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what progress she has made on making an assessment of the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 12 November 2025 to Question 85800.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what recent discussions they have had with the government of China about the redevelopment of the UK embassy in Beijing; and whether they discussed the construction of a new Chinese embassy in London in those talks.

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

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 April 2025 to Question HL6121, and to the subsequent statement made to the House by Baroness Anderson of Stoke‑on‑Trent on 26 January setting out the decision taken by the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

We have been clear throughout that the planning decision was for the Secretary of State at MHCLG to make in an independent, quasi-judicial capacity.

While it has been clear for a number of years that we need to rebuild our own Embassy in Beijing, which is in a poor condition and not suitable for managing a diplomatic relationship with a country as consequential to UK and global interests as China, that cannot be, and has not been, factored into this planning decision by the Secretary of State at MHCLG.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what action she is taking to help stop illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answers given to Question 907375 on 20 January, Question 77510 on 15 October 2025, and Question 74580 on 17 September 2025.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department is taking steps to implement the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 12 November 2025 to Question 85800.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the security situation in North-East Syria on humanitarian operations; and what steps she is taking to support the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

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

I refer the Hon Member to my written ministerial statement on 28 January.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government how much Official Development Assistance they contributed to the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in (1) 2023, (2) 2024, and (3) 2025.

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

The table below shows UK ODA funding in 2023 and 2024 provided to the International Committee of the Red Cross, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The figures do not capture funding to Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement organisations where they are a partner further down the delivery chain.

Figures for 2025 will be published in due course.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answers by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 17 September 2025 (HL10206) and 23 September 2025 (HL10204), what definition of a woman they use when engaging in joint UK-EU programmes relating to women; whether it differs from the self-identification policy adopted by the European Institute for Gender Equality; and whether they plan to change the UK definition in light of the Supreme Court ruling in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers.

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

The Supreme Court decision concerned the definition of a woman in the context of the UK Equality Act 2010.

If the Noble Baroness wishes to specify the UK-EU programmes that she has in mind, I will be happy to examine whether her question arises in relation to those programmes.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what support her Department has offered to the a) Republic of Mozambique, b) Republic of Zimbabwe and c) Republic of South Africa following the recent flooding incidents in those countries; and what direct engagement has taken place between His Majesty's Government and Ministers in each nation about the recovery effort.

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

The UK was one of the first countries to step up with lifesaving assistance for Mozambique. We delivered a £2 million increase in humanitarian funding, building on earlier action in 2025 to help communities prepare for increasingly frequent climate-related disasters. This support enabled the deployment of a specialist UK International Search and Rescue team, which saved dozens of lives, and helped provide emergency sanitation and health support to those most in need through local partners. The Minister of State for Development has just returned from Mozambique and saw first-hand the impact of the UK's flexible and rapid response to the crisis.

We have not had any direct ministerial engagement with Zimbabwe or South Africa on this matter, but we continue to monitor the situation closely.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of allegations of sexual and gender based violence against women and girls from ethnic minority groups in Syria, including abduction as sex slaves, and how the UK is supporting documentation, survivor assistance, and accountability in the context of those allegations, including in remote areas.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer given on 1 August 2025 to the question HL9684.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government when they intend to announce the 2026 Official Development Assistance budget allocations; and whether they will make the announcement by means of an oral statement to both Houses.

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

The allocations in question will be set out in the coming months, and we will confirm details of that planned announcement in the normal way in due course.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will have discussions with her counterpart in Pakistan about the abduction of Women in Balochistan.

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

The UK remains deeply concerned by reports of human rights abuses in Pakistan, including in Balochistan. Advocating for civil and political rights is a core part of the UK's diplomatic engagement with Pakistan. To that end, I raised human rights issues on several occasions with Pakistan's Interior and Human Rights Ministers and Deputy Prime Minister last year. Our High Commission in Islamabad also regularly engages on these issues with the Government of Pakistan at the highest levels, as well as supporting a variety of UK-funded programmes promoting human rights in Pakistan. We will continue to urge the Government of Pakistan to guarantee the rights of all people in Pakistan in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what their latest assessment is of the political situation in Cote d'Ivoire.

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

The UK welcomes the largely peaceful conduct of Côte d'Ivoire's recent presidential and legislative elections, and the appointment of a new government. We will continue to strengthen our trade and investment partnership, supporting jobs and growth in both our countries, and work with Côte d'Ivoire in addressing regional insecurity.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has made an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of the report by Resilience and Reconstruction entitled Disinformation, UK Democracy, and Attitudes toward Ukraine & Russia in the UK, published on January 2026; and whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of social media platform algorithms on the spread of misleading or hostile state-aligned narratives in relation to (a) the war in Ukraine and (b) other matters.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 21 January to Question 105450. As concerns the algorithms of social media platforms, the Online Safety Act gives Ofcom the power to request information on their design, including as this relates to allegations of illegal mis- and disinformation.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations her Department has made to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their proxies about the registration of international non-governmental organisation activity in Darfur, Sudan, and ensuring humanitarian access.

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

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer provided by the Foreign Secretary to her question during Topical Questions on 20 January. The UK continues to use all diplomatic channels to maintain pressure on the warring parties to allow unrestricted humanitarian access. The UK Special Representative to Sudan regularly engages with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and regional partners, making clear the UK's demands for urgent humanitarian relief, a civilian-led transition, and adherence to international law.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will make a statement on the recent ministerial visit to Yemen.

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

I updated the House on my visit to Yemen in November in my oral statement on 5 January, and my responses to oral questions on 20 January.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People’s Congress work on a draft bill on Antarctic Activities and Environmental Protection Law on British sovereign interests in the Antarctic.

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

All Antarctic Treaty Parties have a responsibility to ensure their activities in Antarctica are undertaken in accordance with the Antarctic Treaty and its Environmental Protocol.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the transfer of Diego Garcia to Mauritius on the risk of nuclear proliferation across the African continent, in the context of the influences of (a) Iran, (b) Russia, (c) China and (d) other actors.

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

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer provided on 9 September 2025 in response to Question 70432.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports of attacks and sexual violence against the Kurds in North East Syria; and what discussions they have held with the governments of Turkey and Syria about these attacks.

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

I refer the Noble Baroness to my written ministerial statement HLWS1285, made on 28 January.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have held with the new government of Syria regarding the protection and political inclusion of the Kurds and other minorities in the new government.

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

I refer the Noble Baroness to my written ministerial statement HLWS1285, made on 28 January.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what their latest assessment is of the political situation in the Tigray region of Ethiopia.

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

The Government remains deeply concerned about the evolving situation in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. We speak to all parties on a regular basis, and we continue to support efforts to implement the African Union-led Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, including through funding for monitoring and compliance mechanisms, and the safe, voluntary and dignified returns of Internally Displaced Peoples.

However, implementation of that agreement remains slow, and preparations for the national elections scheduled for 1 June have been hampered by disagreements over security assessments and the registration status of the Tigray People's Liberation Front. In the last week of January, clashes between Tigrayan Forces and the Ethiopian National Defence Forces occurred in the disputed areas of Western and Southern Tigray. While these appear to have subsided, they contribute to a highly fragile and unpredictable security environment.

The Foreign Secretary raised these issues with the Government of Ethiopia during her recent visit to Addis Ababa.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they had with conservation groups that have financially supported the Chagos marine reserve during negotiations with the government of Mauritius about the future protection of the environment on and around the islands.

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

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer given in the House of Commons on 21 November 2025 to Question 90684, which is reproduced below for ease of reference:

We welcome the 3 November announcement by the Mauritian government confirming plans for the establishment of a Marine Protected Area after entry into force of the Treaty. The proposed zones of the future protected area will utilise the internationally recognised categories of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

There will be no commercial fishing across the entire 640,000 square kilometre area. The Great Chagos Bank will be given one of the highest levels of protection, with the rest of the Marine Protected Area categorised as a highly protected conservation zone. There will be limited provision for controlled levels of artisanal fishing in confined zoned areas intended for resettlement, to allow for subsistence fishing by any Chagossian communities that resettle, while maintaining the commitment to nature conservation.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what reassurance they have had from the government of Mauritius in relation to its capabilities to prevent illegal fishing in the Chagos Islands marine protected area since July 2024.

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

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer given in the House of Commons on 21 November 2025 to Question 90684, which is reproduced below for ease of reference:

We welcome the 3 November announcement by the Mauritian government confirming plans for the establishment of a Marine Protected Area after entry into force of the Treaty. The proposed zones of the future protected area will utilise the internationally recognised categories of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

There will be no commercial fishing across the entire 640,000 square kilometre area. The Great Chagos Bank will be given one of the highest levels of protection, with the rest of the Marine Protected Area categorised as a highly protected conservation zone. There will be limited provision for controlled levels of artisanal fishing in confined zoned areas intended for resettlement, to allow for subsistence fishing by any Chagossian communities that resettle, while maintaining the commitment to nature conservation.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what commitments they have had from the government of Mauritius since July 2024 in relation to the conservation of the marine environment of the Chagos Islands marine protected area.

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

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer given in the House of Commons on 21 November 2025 to Question 90684, which is reproduced below for ease of reference:

We welcome the 3 November announcement by the Mauritian government confirming plans for the establishment of a Marine Protected Area after entry into force of the Treaty. The proposed zones of the future protected area will utilise the internationally recognised categories of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

There will be no commercial fishing across the entire 640,000 square kilometre area. The Great Chagos Bank will be given one of the highest levels of protection, with the rest of the Marine Protected Area categorised as a highly protected conservation zone. There will be limited provision for controlled levels of artisanal fishing in confined zoned areas intended for resettlement, to allow for subsistence fishing by any Chagossian communities that resettle, while maintaining the commitment to nature conservation.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Mauritius in relation to the conservation of the environment of the Chagos Islands since July 2024.

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

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer given in the House of Commons on 21 November 2025 to Question 90684, which is reproduced below for ease of reference:

We welcome the 3 November announcement by the Mauritian government confirming plans for the establishment of a Marine Protected Area after entry into force of the Treaty. The proposed zones of the future protected area will utilise the internationally recognised categories of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

There will be no commercial fishing across the entire 640,000 square kilometre area. The Great Chagos Bank will be given one of the highest levels of protection, with the rest of the Marine Protected Area categorised as a highly protected conservation zone. There will be limited provision for controlled levels of artisanal fishing in confined zoned areas intended for resettlement, to allow for subsistence fishing by any Chagossian communities that resettle, while maintaining the commitment to nature conservation.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to progress the Chagossian people's right to self-determination.

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

I refer the Noble Baroness to the responses I gave on this issue in the Committee debate on the Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill on Tuesday 25 November 2025.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the progress by the Working Group on the Strengthening of the Biological Weapons Convention in its seventh session in December 2025.

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

The UK plays an active role in the Working Group on the strengthening of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention, and we attach particular importance to the establishment of a Science and Technology Mechanism and an International Cooperation and Assistance Mechanism within the Convention.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with technology companies regarding the use of platforms such as Telegram for foreign intelligence recruitment and sabotage planning.

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

In her speech on 9 December 2025, to mark the centenary of the Locarno Treaty, the Foreign Secretary highlighted the significant security challenge Russian interference poses to the UK and our partners. Cdr Dominic Murphy, the Met's head of counter-terrorism, has been clear that we are seeing younger people drawn into conducting this activity on behalf of foreign states and has urged parents to pay attention to what their children are doing online. The successful prosecution in March 2024 under the National Security Act of two individuals responsible for an East London Arson incident on a London warehouse, storing supplies and technology destined for Ukraine, stands as stark warning to the consequences of this activity. The Government continues to support our world class law enforcement agencies in disrupting state threats including through the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) who have constructive relationships with the major social media platforms which have significant reach in the UK. DSIT engages with them on issues, emerging online narratives, or events that may pose a risk to UK public safety or national security.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Russia about the death of reporter Ryan Evans.

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

We remain deeply saddened by the death of Mr Ryan Evans in Ukraine in 2024 following a Russian strike. The UK Government continues to support efforts to ensure accountability for crimes committed in Ukraine. This includes supporting the independent investigation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) into the situation in Ukraine, as well as providing assistance to Ukrainian domestic investigations and prosecutions of core international crimes.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what support, if any, they have provided to the British Virgin Islands in developing and implementing their public beneficial ownership registers.

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

HMG has supported Overseas Territories (OT), including the British Virgin Islands, with the development and implementation of accessible registers of beneficial ownership by offering and providing clear requirements and expectations, legal analysis, legislative drafting support, technical workshops and by funding an expert non-governmental organisation (NGO), Open Ownership, to provide tailored support as necessary. Some OTs have received direct funding to help establish their registers, and we remain open to further requests. Minister Doughty's Written Ministerial Statement of 13 Jan 2026 provides an update on latest progress and agreements on next steps. The Government's ultimate expectation remains for the OTs to implement fully public registers of beneficial ownership.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to set out in detail the Anti-Corruption Champion’s proposals concerning the development of tourism sectors in the British Overseas Territories; whether the territories were consulted before these recommendations were made or the related strategy launched; to what extent the success of such proposals depends on overseas territory participation; and whether His Majesty’s Treasury will provide financial or technical assistance to support their implementation.

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

The UK Government has regular discussions with the Overseas Territories (OTs) about ways in which they can strengthen and diversify their economies, attract increased investment, and improve transparency. The Anti-Corruption Champion's remarks on economic development, including opportunities in the tourism sector, are a welcome contribution to those discussions.

At the 2025 Joint Ministerial Council, we discussed with the OTs the infrastructure and credit finance offer from UK Export Finance (UKEF), and organised a business engagement session delivered with British Expertise International to enhance trade and investment links. We will continue to work in partnership with the OTs and consider requests for technical assistance, capacity building support, or, where eligible, financial instruments such as those available through UKEF. We remain committed to supporting the OTs in strengthening their economic resilience, and delivering sustainable long-term prosperity.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether the Prime Minister’s special envoy for negotiations regarding the British Indian Ocean Territory sovereignty dispute was aware of the 1966 Agreement (1) when negotiating in Washington DC on behalf of the UK Government during 2024 and 2025, and (2) when the agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago was signed on 22 May 2025.

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

I refer the Noble Baroness to the answer I provided on 22 December in response to Question HL12715, and I gently point out to her that the Government has always been aware of the Exchange of Letters to which I referred in that answer, even if they appear to have taken some Opposition parties by surprise.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to update the strategy set out in the White Paper, The Overseas Territories: Security, Success and Sustainability, published in June 2012.

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

As per my written ministerial statement of 13 January (HLWS1237), the Joint Ministerial Council meeting in November 2025 agreed that the 2012 White Paper continues to serve as the foundation of the UK-Overseas Territories modern partnership, complemented by recent statements and agreements. The UK Government intends to develop a charter to underscore and refresh commitments around how the UK Government engages with the Overseas Territories as well as Compacts with those Overseas Territories which wish to agree them.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to her Department’s World News Story entitled Cameroon: UK supports new generation of Central Africa researchers, published on 29 January 2026, what assessment she made of the potential impact of allocating the funding provided to Congo Rainforest Alliance for Forest Training for Sustainable Development to forest protection and community-based conservation on development and research for climate resilience.

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

The Congo Rainforest Alliance for Forest Training (CRAFT) for Sustainable Development programme is a major milestone in advancing world‑class, locally led scientific research across the Congo Basin. Further details of all FCDO-funded programmes can be found at the Development Tracker website on GOV.UK. Each proposed programme is assessed in advance for the impact it will have on the UK's partnership objectives in the country in question, and for its cost-effectiveness in achieving that impact. Each approved programme is subsequently evaluated on an ongoing basis for its performance against agreed objectives, and for its delivery on time and on budget.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to her Department’s world news story entitled Cameroon: UK supports new generation of Central Africa researchers, published on 29 January 2026, what measures are in place to evaluate the long-term outcomes of UK investment in the Congo Rainforest Alliance for Forest Training programme.

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

The Congo Rainforest Alliance for Forest Training (CRAFT) for Sustainable Development programme is a major milestone in advancing world‑class, locally led scientific research across the Congo Basin. Further details of all FCDO-funded programmes can be found at the Development Tracker website on GOV.UK. Each proposed programme is assessed in advance for the impact it will have on the UK's partnership objectives in the country in question, and for its cost-effectiveness in achieving that impact. Each approved programme is subsequently evaluated on an ongoing basis for its performance against agreed objectives, and for its delivery on time and on budget.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK Antarctic Strategy to 2035, what recent assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the rapid growth and diversification of tourism on the British Antarctic Territories.

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

All the issues raised by the Hon Member, including the protection of biosecurity, the prohibition of non-native species, and the impact of tourism, are important for the UK Government and are reflected in the objectives of our UK Antarctic Strategy published on 1 December 2025. We discuss and monitor these issues regularly alongside the international partners who share our interests in Antarctica, and we have invested heavily in the modern scientific research capabilities that help us to keep these issues under review.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK Antarctic Strategy to 2035, what discussions she has had with Antarctic Parties on the protection of UK sovereign interests in the British Antarctic Territories.

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

All the issues raised by the Hon Member, including the protection of biosecurity, the prohibition of non-native species, and the impact of tourism, are important for the UK Government and are reflected in the objectives of our UK Antarctic Strategy published on 1 December 2025. We discuss and monitor these issues regularly alongside the international partners who share our interests in Antarctica, and we have invested heavily in the modern scientific research capabilities that help us to keep these issues under review.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK Antarctic Strategy to 2035, what assessment her Department has made of biosecurity risks in the British Antarctic Territories.

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

All the issues raised by the Hon Member, including the protection of biosecurity, the prohibition of non-native species, and the impact of tourism, are important for the UK Government and are reflected in the objectives of our UK Antarctic Strategy published on 1 December 2025. We discuss and monitor these issues regularly alongside the international partners who share our interests in Antarctica, and we have invested heavily in the modern scientific research capabilities that help us to keep these issues under review.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK Overseas Territories biodiversity strategy, published on 12 January 2026, if she will set out the minimum biosecurity standards for ports and airports serving the British Antarctic Territories.

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

All the issues raised by the Hon Member, including the protection of biosecurity, the prohibition of non-native species, and the impact of tourism, are important for the UK Government and are reflected in the objectives of our UK Antarctic Strategy published on 1 December 2025. We discuss and monitor these issues regularly alongside the international partners who share our interests in Antarctica, and we have invested heavily in the modern scientific research capabilities that help us to keep these issues under review.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the resilience of British Antarctic Territory infrastructure and logistics, including the sole dependency on HMS Protector.

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

All the issues raised by the Hon Member, including the protection of biosecurity, the prohibition of non-native species, and the impact of tourism, are important for the UK Government and are reflected in the objectives of our UK Antarctic Strategy published on 1 December 2025. We discuss and monitor these issues regularly alongside the international partners who share our interests in Antarctica, and we have invested heavily in the modern scientific research capabilities that help us to keep these issues under review.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what information her Department holds on the policy reasons why his Department commenced negotiations with the Government of Mauritius on the sovereignty of a) Diego Garcia and b) the wider Chagos Archipelago in 2009.

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

In 2009/10 interactions between the UK and Mauritius focussed on the creation of the Marine Protected Area (MPA), which the UK declared in 2010 and which Mauritius objected to. It was not until 2022, under the previous government, that negotiations regarding sovereignty began.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what her planned timetable is for introducing a ban on the provision of UK based maritime services that enable the transport and export of Russian liquefied natural gas; and when she expects such a ban to enter into force.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 5 February 2026 to Question 109565.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to her Department’s World News Story entitled Cameroon: UK supports new generation of Central Africa researchers, published on 29 January 2026, what steps she is taking to help ensure that research produced through the Congo Rainforest Alliance for Forest Training for Sustainable Development programme will support (a) forest governance, (b) biodiversity protection and (c) climate resilience.

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

The Congo Rainforest Alliance for Forest Training (CRAFT) for Sustainable Development programme is a major milestone in advancing world‑class, locally led scientific research across the Congo Basin. Further details of all FCDO-funded programmes can be found at the Development Tracker website on GOV.UK. Each proposed programme is assessed in advance for the impact it will have on the UK's partnership objectives in the country in question, and for its cost-effectiveness in achieving that impact. Each approved programme is subsequently evaluated on an ongoing basis for its performance against agreed objectives, and for its delivery on time and on budget.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to her Department’s world news story entitled Cameroon: UK supports new generation of Central Africa researchers, published on 29 January 2026, what steps she has taken to ensure that the £9.1 million of International Development funding achieves value for money; and what criteria she uses to assess the effectiveness of that funding in achieving the UK's development objectives.

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

The Congo Rainforest Alliance for Forest Training (CRAFT) for Sustainable Development programme is a major milestone in advancing world‑class, locally led scientific research across the Congo Basin. Further details of all FCDO-funded programmes can be found at the Development Tracker website on GOV.UK. Each proposed programme is assessed in advance for the impact it will have on the UK's partnership objectives in the country in question, and for its cost-effectiveness in achieving that impact. Each approved programme is subsequently evaluated on an ongoing basis for its performance against agreed objectives, and for its delivery on time and on budget.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to her Department's world news story entitled Cameroon: UK supports new generation of Central Africa researchers, published on 29 January 2026, what proportion of that funding is provided directly to Central African institutions.

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

The Congo Rainforest Alliance for Forest Training (CRAFT) for Sustainable Development programme is a major milestone in advancing world‑class, locally led scientific research across the Congo Basin. Further details of all FCDO-funded programmes can be found at the Development Tracker website on GOV.UK. Each proposed programme is assessed in advance for the impact it will have on the UK's partnership objectives in the country in question, and for its cost-effectiveness in achieving that impact. Each approved programme is subsequently evaluated on an ongoing basis for its performance against agreed objectives, and for its delivery on time and on budget.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what initiatives her Department supports that mitigate adverse effects of resource extraction on low-income countries.

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

The UK works with resource-rich developing countries to reduce potential negative impacts of resource extraction. Programming through the Jobs and Inclusive Growth Centre of Excellence supports the sustainable development of critical mineral resources across Asia, Africa, and South America including by co-developing sustainable production roadmaps, alongside research and policy advice. Our Forest Governance, Markets and Climate Programme promotes responsible mining practices that protect forests, conserve biodiversity, and respect the rights and livelihoods of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

The UK's strong multilateral presence enables us to shape global standards, including through the G7 and Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. The UK's longstanding position is that all UK businesses should respect human rights and the environment throughout their supply chains in line with the OECD Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct and UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when she is scheduled to next meet the delegation of hon. Members and representatives from the Sikh Federation on the detention of Jagtar Singh Johal.

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

Ministers and officials from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office meet on a regular basis with Mr Johal's family and other representatives advocating on his behalf, and have also responded to correspondence from more than 150 Members of Parliament about Mr Johal's case since 2020.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many hon. Members have written to (a) her and (b) her predecessors during the detention of Jagtar Singh Johal.

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

Ministers and officials from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office meet on a regular basis with Mr Johal's family and other representatives advocating on his behalf, and have also responded to correspondence from more than 150 Members of Parliament about Mr Johal's case since 2020.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel about the repair of graves in the Gaza war cemetery in al-Tuffah.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided by the Minister for the Middle East and North Africa on 13 February in response to Question 111058, which - for ease of reference - is reproduced below:

The Gaza War Cemetery in al-Tuffah holds the remains of more than 3,000 men who gave their lives in the First and Second World Wars, the majority from the United Kingdom, but many also from Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Poland, South Africa and other countries. As I said in the General Debate on 5 February, that includes Private William Jordan and Private Wilfrid Ogden, from my own constituency, who died during the Battles for Gaza in 1917.

There is justifiable distress in our country and elsewhere at the reports that the cemetery has been damaged by Israeli bulldozers, and we also deplore the reports that the cemetery has been used for Hamas military operations. Brave servicemen laid to rest overseas should never have had their graves defiled in this way. Alongside our international partners, we are raising our concerns about this with the Israeli authorities, and we will work with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to ensure that - when the circumstances allow - they are able to go to Gaza, assess what damage has been done, and do what is necessary to repair that damage.

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 US counterpart on the future sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago since 20 January 2026.

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

The UK Government keeps in regular contact with our counterparts in the United States and Mauritius regarding progress on the implementation of the agreement. We do not intend to provide a running commentary on these conversations.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations she has received from her Mauritian counterpart on the UK-Mauritius Treaty since 1 January 2026.

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

The UK Government keeps in regular contact with our counterparts in the United States and Mauritius regarding progress on the implementation of the agreement. We do not intend to provide a running commentary on these conversations.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department has made an assessment of the value for money of the International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian Peace.

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

The conference which will support the establishment of an International Peace Fund for Israel and Palestine is not scheduled to take place until 12 March, but I can assure the Hon Member that we will assess the impact of our support for that fund 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 assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of border arrangements in Gaza for supporting eligible students to travel to study in the UK.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 12 January in response to Question 103313.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will provide an estimate of the proportion of UK-funded aid to Gaza that has been held up at the Israeli border and prevented from entering Gaza.

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

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic, and the UK is doing all we can to alleviate suffering. All allocations under our Humanitarian Programme are publicly available on Development Tracker. While much UK‑funded aid has entered Gaza, many urgently needed supplies remain stuck at the border due to Israeli restrictions. The UK will continue to press for the entry of all consignments of UK‑funded aid that have been delayed by restrictions and closed routes, so that assistance reaches those who need it most.

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 support students in Gaza with confirmed offers from UK universities to come to the UK; and whether her Department has set a timetable for the provision of that support.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 12 January in response to Question 103313.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking with international partners to support the reconstruction of Gaza.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the second half of the answer provided on 26 January in response to Question HL13572 which, for ease of reference, is copied below:

The UK is providing £81 million for humanitarian and early recovery support for Palestine this financial year. Last month, supplies of UK-funded tents entered Gaza, providing urgent shelter for 12,000 vulnerable civilians, and we will continue to push for the entry of further UK-funded aid, including tents and shelter kits, which have so far been unable to reach those in need. On 30 December 2025, the Foreign Secretary issued a joint statement alongside a number of international partners calling on the Government of Israel to remove restrictions hindering the delivery of essential humanitarian aid.

The UK is supporting the US-led plan for Gaza's post-conflict stability, as well as exploring the mobilisation of private-sector finance to support Palestinian-led reconstruction of Gaza. We have also deployed UK civilian and military experts to support the Civil-Military Coordination Centre that aims to coordinate reconstruction efforts in Gaza. In addition, the UK has announced £4 million of funding for the United Nations Mine Action Service to help clear rubble, protect civilians and aid workers, and enable the safe delivery of aid. In total, the UK is providing £116 million for Palestine this financial year for humanitarian aid, support for Palestinian economic development, and strengthening Palestinian Authority governance and reform.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when she last spoke to her Israeli counterpart regarding the decision to restrict the operations of international non-governmental organisations in Gaza and the West Bank.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the statement I made on 5 January, and to the joint statement issued by the Foreign Secretary and several of her counterparts on 30 December 2025, which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/jointstatementon-the-gaza-humanitarian-response.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her counterpart to Bahrain on (a) the protection of the rights of and (b) access to medical treatment for (i) Ebrahim Sharif, (ii) Dr Abduljalil Al-Singace and (iii) Hassan Mushaima and his family.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answers provided to questions 100851 on 6 January 2026, and HL12137 on 2 December 2025.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to help ensure that genocide is not committed in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 9 June 2025 to Question 55524.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Department for International Development commissioned a study on the value for money of people to people programmes in Israel and Palestine in 2021.

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

Value for money is embedded across all of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's work. We employ robust systems and frameworks, and constantly review our programmes, to ensure we achieve high standards of value for money and use UK taxpayers' money responsibly. We work with partners across the world to maximise impact and improve value for money. This includes leveraging both public and private finance to support our development objectives to deliver economies of scale and world class expertise to make UK taxpayers' money go further.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when the last Joint Analysis of Conflict and Stability strategic assessment was carried out to evaluate the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

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

Regular and ongoing cross-government analysis of the situation in the Middle East takes place, with support from external experts, to inform the UK's policy-making. This rolling analysis incorporates multiple assessment types and is updated as required.

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 (a) make representations to the Iranian authorities on lifting the internet blackout and (b) assist Iranian citizens to stay connected via alternative channels.

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

We continue to urge Iran to immediately restore access to the internet and communications. Iran must respect its citizens' fundamental rights and freedom.

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 protect and support Kurdish communities in North-East Syria.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the Written Ministerial Statement I made to the House on 28 January 2026.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with (a) her Israeli counterpart, (b) the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and (c) the Royal British Legion on the bulldozing of parts of The Gaza War Cemetery in al-Tuffah.

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

The Gaza War Cemetery in al-Tuffah holds the remains of more than 3,000 men who gave their lives in the First and Second World Wars, the majority from the United Kingdom, but many also from Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Poland, South Africa and other countries. As I said in the General Debate on 5 February, that includes Private William Jordan and Private Wilfrid Ogden, from my own constituency, who died during the Battles for Gaza in 1917.

There is justifiable distress in our country and elsewhere at the reports that the cemetery has been damaged by Israeli bulldozers, and we also deplore the reports that the cemetery has been used for Hamas military operations. Brave servicemen laid to rest overseas should never have had their graves defiled in this way. Alongside our international partners, we are raising our concerns about this with the Israeli authorities, and we will work with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to ensure that - when the circumstances allow - they are able to go to Gaza, assess what damage has been done, and do what is necessary to repair that damage.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her Pakistani counterpart on the alleged forced disappearances of Muhammad Bakhsh Sajidi, Naeem Sajidi and Rafeeq Baloch.

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

The UK is deeply concerned by reports of enforced disappearances in Pakistan, including in Balochistan. We regularly raise concerns about human rights with the Government of Pakistan at senior levels and continue to underline the importance of upholding civil and political rights and the rule of law. We urge the Pakistani authorities to investigate all allegations of enforced disappearances promptly, transparently and effectively, to hold those responsible to account, and to provide justice to victims and their families.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of reports of Palestinian civilian deaths since the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza.

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

We urge all parties to respect the terms of the ceasefire that came into effect on 10 October 2025, and we continue to press for the implementation in full of the 20-point peace plan endorsed by the United Nations Security Council on 17 November 2025.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations she has made to her Israeli counterpart on the future of the Ibrahimi Mosque.

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

The UK strongly condemns the Israeli Security Cabinet's decision of 8 February to expand Israeli control over the West Bank. The major changes to land, enforcement, and administrative powers proposed in the West Bank will harm efforts to advance peace and stability. The UK recognises the significance of the Ibrahimi Mosque/Cave of the Patriarchs for the faiths of Christianity, Islam and Judaism. It is important that Israel respects the arrangements regarding the holy sites in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, and avoids taking actions contrary to those arrangements, or the wider interests of peace and stability. We call on Israel to reverse these decisions immediately.

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 adequacy of Pakistan’s compliance with its obligations under international human rights conventions, particularly in relation to enforced disappearances.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 6 February to question 107345.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many people who married members of the so-called Islamic State have been repatriated to the UK from Syria.

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

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

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps she is taking to help protect religious minorities in Eritrea.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 20 January in response to Question 105072.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, following the opening of criminal cases against 122 foreign mercenaries fighting with the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan, what inquiries they have made to (1) ascertain whether any of them are British citizens or residents, and (2) explore whether they could be prosecuted in the UK.

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

The UK is deeply concerned by the use of foreign mercenaries in the Sudan conflict, and we would urge anyone with information of UK nationals seeking to act as mercenaries or otherwise participate in the conflict to share that information with the police, who would then be able to make evidence-based and operationally-independent decisions about whether to investigate or charge any such individuals. There are a wide range of criminal and terrorism offences that can be used to prosecute returning foreign fighters, which carry the possibility of a sentence up to and including life imprisonment. Decisions on prosecutions are taken independently by the police and Crown Prosecution Service on a case-by-case basis.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what interim arrangements are in place to manage border and entry for Gibraltar pending the implementation of the UK-EU Gibraltar treaty.

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

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

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her (a) Spanish and (b) European Union counterparts on the application of Schengen entry rules to passengers travelling to Gibraltar.

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

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

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether UK citizens will retain unrestricted access to Gibraltar once the UK-EU Gibraltar treaty and associated border arrangements are fully implemented.

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

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

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has reviewed the legal and regulatory frameworks governing Gibraltar’s aviation, immigration and border arrangements.

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

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

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had discussions with European counterparts on the potential merits of introducing sanctions against refineries that are buying Russian crude oil.

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

In 2025 we sanctioned several refineries and terminals in third countries for importing Russian energy. Our action, and that of our partners, is having an impact. Russia's oil export revenues are now at their lowest since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and Russia's overall energy revenues fell by over 24 per cent in 2025 compared to the year before. In October 2025, we also announced our intention to ban the import of oil products refined in third countries from Russian-origin crude oil.

On the question of potential further sanctions, we keep these matters under constant review, but it has been the long-standing policy of the UK under successive governments not to comment on specific future designations as to do so would risk lessening their impact.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, which authorities are responsible for controlling Schengen entry checks at Gibraltar’s airport and ports, and how the Government ensures UK travellers are not subject to improper enforcement.

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

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

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department has issued guidance to (a) airlines and (b) British travellers on Schengen entry requirements for flights to Gibraltar that may be diverted into the Schengen zone.

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

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

Found: The largest being a transfer from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office for £6.5 million for

Found: Chair of the International Development Committee House of Commons London SW1A 0AA www.gov.uk/fcdo

Found: The letter addresses questions about FCDO staffing, referencing a previous committee session with Sir

Found: The FCDO has one of the most effective and best organised networks of climate attachés in the world

Found: FCDO) and international partners.

Found: uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/10883207 9 Department for Science, Innovation and Technology & Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: communication, especially at an official level within the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (“FCDO

Found: into practical, time-bound commitments, with clearer ownership across UK departments beyond the FCDO

Found: wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Financial-support-for-climate-action-implications-of-the-ICJ-AO.pdf iv FCDO

Found: It was also proposed that the FCDO consider a small number of pathfinder Territories of different types

Found: this engagement through our desk officers in the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development office (FCDO

Found: Day-to-day engagement is channelled through UK Government departments, notably the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/10883207 9 Department for Science, Innovation and Technology & Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: collaboration can be inconsistent. 3.2 During my employment with the St Helena Government (2017–2021), FCDO

Found: an issue does not sit solely with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and Department

Found: Planet Fund review found under performance by Defra.spending target backloaded to the later years led FCDO

Found: Cassel (2024) argues that mainstreaming climate policy would enable the FCDO to connect geopolitics and

Found: Cassel (2024) argues that mainstreaming climate policy would enable the FCDO to connect geopolitics

Found: Owner: DESNZ and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). 7.4.

Found: community energy—as models that could be exported through Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: sites/default/files/documents/issues/disability/cop29-ndc-tool-rights-persons-with- disabil.pdf 12 FCDO

Found: , chaired the Ministerial roundtable “Tackling the Global Water and Climate Crisis” hosted by the FCDO

Found: SUM(B43:C43)-109Fire Pensions to MHCLG Local Government-115=SUM(B44:C44)Marginal Platform Costs to FCDO

Found: (JMSC Funding RDEL element) Transfer to MOD RE funding for National Shipping Office Transfer from FCDO

Found: How the FCDO assesses VfM against its core principles; d.

Found: How the FCDO assesses VfM against its core principles; d.

Found: Automated Vehicle Education (PAVE) UK Programme 2025- 26. 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 BCT from FCDO

Found: This funding has been provided to MOD by the FCDO. 5.

Found: • ISF Biosecurity funding of £1.1m from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

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

Found: Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Oral Evidence

Found: That is why you have an FCDO and why we have a State Department.

Found: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Oral Evidence

Found: (FCDO) for Language and curriculum (Prog) 11,000 (Section B) BCT (IN) from Cabinet

Found: (FCDO) for Language and curriculum (Prog) 11,000 (Section B) BCT (IN) from Cabinet

Found: FCDO Services spending over £500, December 2025

Found: FCDO Services spending over £500, December 2025

Found: FCDO Services spending over £500, December 2025

Found: FCDO Services spend over £25,000, January 2026

Found: FCDO Services spend over £25,000, January 2026

Found: FCDO Services spend over £25,000, January 2026

Found: of ResignationNILOther Public AppointmentsRoleDate of AppointmentDate of ResignationMember of the FCDO

Found: the four-year ASEAN Economic Integration Programme (ASEAN EIP)1, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: FROMLORDKATZMBEGOVERNMENTWHIPS’OFFICE GOV 02072196802 HIP.CO,DEFRA,DWP,FCDO,HO,HOUSEOFLORDS WoLONDONSW1AOPW

Found: FROMLORDKATZMBEGOVERNMENTWHIPS’OFFICE GOVERNMENTWHIPCO,DEFRA,DWP,FCDO,110,HOUSEOFLORDS SOANDWOLONDONSWIAOPW

Found: FROMLORDKATZMBEGOVERNMENTWIIIPS’OFFICE NTWHIPCO,DEFRA,DWP,FCDO,HO,HOUSEOFLORDS WOLONDONSWIAOPW 02072196802

Found: Country-based staff are employed by FCDO under their terms and conditions and staffing costs are reimbursed