Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report of the European Parliament A-10-0067/2025 on the 2023 & 2024 Commission on Türkiye and the subsequent motion of 6 May, in particular paragraph 25 of the report where the parliament calls for Turkey to respect the role of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for Orthodox Christians; recognise its legal personality and the public use of the ecclesiastical title of Ecumenical Patriarch; and protect the value of UNESCO World Heritage sites the Hagia Sophia and Chora Museum.

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

The UK calls on Turkey, as a founding member of the Council of Europe, to uphold the rights of all religious groups in Turkey as enshrined within the Turkish constitution and to implement the recommendations of the Venice Commission and the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights. Decisions on the status of Hagia Sophia are a sovereign matter for Turkey. However, the Government expects Hagia Sophia and the Chora Museum, as part of a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site, to remain accessible to all and that their cultural and religious significance be preserved. We welcome assurances by the Turkish Government that the Hagia Sophia will remain open to people of all faiths and nationalities. The UK continues to work closely with UNESCO, its advisory bodies and partner governments, including Turkey, to promote the highest standards of heritage protection. This will ensure designated sites are protected effectively for the whole of humanity and for future generations.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment has his Department made of the effect of the Hong Kong National Security Law on the (a) safety and (b) rights of (i) British Nationals (Overseas) passport holders and (ii) their families in (A) cases of transnational repression targeting relatives of exiled activists and (B) other matters.

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

China's imposition of the National Security Law on Hong Kong has seen opposition stifled and dissent criminalised. It has significantly eroded the rights and freedoms of Hong Kongers. This government has consistently called on Beijing to repeal the National Security Law, including its extraterritorial reach. The UK is clear that any attempts by foreign Governments to coerce, intimidate or harm critics overseas, are unacceptable. In June, myself and the Security Minister met those recently targeted by Hong Kong police with arrest warrants.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 15 May 2025 to Question 50066 on Venezuela: Human Rights and Politics and Government, whether he plans to meet UK-based civil society organisations supporting democracy in Venezuela.

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

The UK remains gravely concerned about Venezuela's democratic future. The UK has been clear that Nicolas Maduro's claim to power is fraudulent and that the outcome of the presidential elections on 28 July 2024 was neither free nor fair. The UK Government will continue to support the restoration of democracy to Venezuela, which is essential for the well-being of the country and its people. We are in regular contact with international partners, civil society and political figures towards this end. The UK continues to pay testament to the millions of Venezuelans who turned out to vote on 28 July 2024.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to raise international awareness and promote accountability in response to reports of the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners and forced organ harvesting in China.

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

The environment for freedom of religion or belief in China is restrictive, which includes the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners. This Government stands firm on human rights, and we raise our concerns at the highest levels. The Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, Chancellor and Energy Secretary all raised human rights recently with their counterparts (President Xi, Foreign Minister Wang, Vice Premier He and Vice Premier Ding respectively).

This Government champions freedom of religion or belief for all abroad. We work to uphold the right to freedom of religion or belief through our position at the UN, G7 and other multilateral fora. We continue to closely monitor the situation for Falun Gong practitioners and maintain a dialogue with NGOs and international partners on the issue.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his counterparts in countries with tropical forests on steps to prevent forest fires since 5 July 2024.

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

The UK is determined to ensure action to protect and restore tropical forests is an international priority ahead of COP30 in Brazil in November 2025. Wildfires are a focus of the Canadian G7 Presidency in 2025 and the UK supports regional and international efforts to deepen collaboration to prevent forest fires.

The UK participated in a meeting of the Food and Agriculture Organization's Global Fire Management Hub in mid-June to discuss research findings and practical areas of cooperation to prevent forest fires. The UK is also co-chairing the Forests and Climate Leaders' Partnership with Guyana, where wildfires were discussed at a meeting in May, ahead of COP30 in Brazil.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what (a) support and (b) workplace protections are available to civil servants within the Department who have voiced concerns on Israel's conduct in Gaza.

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

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is committed to ensuring high standards of conduct in all that it does. It is the job of civil servants to deliver on the policies of the government of the day and to provide professional, impartial advice as set out in the Civil Service Code. We are proud of the work they do.

There are dedicated policies and processes in place which allow them to raise concerns if they have them without fear of victimisation, subsequent discrimination, disadvantage or dismissal. The FCDO also offers a range of pastoral care and support to staff including an Employee Assistance Programme for staff experiencing any personal or work-related issues.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 20 May 2025 to Question 53578 on Genocide Convention, whether his Department made an assessment of the merits that Israel was in breach of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in July 2024.

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

The UK's long-standing policy is that any formal determination as to whether genocide has occurred is a matter for a competent national or international court, rather than for governments or non-judicial bodies. It should be decided after consideration of all the evidence available in the context of a credible judicial process.

In the context of export licensing, Criterion 1 of the UK's Strategic Export Licensing Criteria requires respect for the UK's international obligations and commitments. We have carefully collated, reviewed and assessed relevant evidence concerning the Gaza conflict. In September, we took decisive action, stopping exports to the Israeli Defence Forces that might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law in the Gaza conflict. The action we have taken, as announced to Parliament, is consistent with all our legal obligations, including those under the Arms Trade Treaty and Genocide Convention, and we remain wholly committed to international law.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has taken recent steps with international partners to enable (a) the UN and (b) other humanitarian organisations to distribute aid in Gaza.

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

The UK has taken recent steps with international partners to support humanitarian aid delivery in Gaza. On 19 May, we issued a joint statement with 27 partners calling for the immediate resumption of aid, reaffirming support for the UN and other humanitarian organisations to deliver it independently and impartially. The statement also noted we could not support the new model approved by the Israeli cabinet for delivering aid, which has since been associated with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. I have consistently called for safe, unhindered access for humanitarian actors and backed the UN's aid proposal, which is grounded in humanitarian principles and includes safeguards against aid diversion. We continue diplomatic efforts to secure sustained access.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to apply sanctions in relation to removal of children from Ukraine by Russia.

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

Russia's forcible deportation of Ukrainian children is a despicable and systematic attempt to erase Ukrainian identity, and with it, Ukraine's future. We are playing our full part in international efforts to reunite these children with their families. In November 2024, we announced a third round of sanctions targeting those involved in forcibly deporting and indoctrinating Ukrainian children. We do not comment on any potential future designations as to do so could lessen their impact.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 9 June 2025 to Question 54744 on British Indian Ocean Territory: Sovereignty, whether he plans to bring forward legislative proposals before the end of the 21-day period set through the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010.

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

Primary legislation will be introduced as soon as Parliamentary time allows.

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 a complaint against Mauritius under the Treaty of Pelindaba on the storage of nuclear weapons on Diego Garcia; and whether the UK would cooperate with inspections of the base under that treaty.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the reply given to his PQs 18902 and 54633.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will have discussions at the United Nations with his international counterparts on the potential impact of international sanctions related to the invasion of Ukraine on the Russian economy.

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

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Ministers and officials regularly engage with international counterparts bilaterally and at key multilateral fora, such as at the United Nations, to discuss a range of sanctions issues including the potential impact of sanctions related to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Such discussions cover the effect of our collective sanctions, which have deprived Russia of at least $450 billion since February 2022. They cover the global impact of Russia's war on Ukraine and challenge false and damaging narratives on impact. We use sanctions to deter and disrupt malign behaviour and demonstrate our defence of international norms. Our sanctions are designed to reduce the flow of arms and funding. They are used to support peace processes and to respond to threats to international security.

We will continue to coordinate and cooperate with our international counterparts on sanctions issues at the United Nations and in a range of other fora, particularly the G7.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 5 June 2025 to Question 54676 on Diego Garcia: Military Bases and with reference to Article 4 of the UK/Mauritius agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, published on 22 May 2025, whether the UK will ensure (a) its storage of nuclear weapons at the base and (b) all other operations on Diego Garcia comply with Mauritius’ (i) current and (ii) future international law obligations under the (A) Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, (B) Treaty of Pelindaba and (C) Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Action Plan 2025-2027.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the reply given to his PQs 18902 and 54633.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with the UN in relation to comments by the special procedures of the UN Human Rights Council on 22 May 2025 on the (a) Supreme Court judgement in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers and (b) interim guidance issued by the Equality and Human Rights Commission on the practical implications of the UK Supreme Court judgment, published on 25 April 2025.

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

There have been no discussions with the UN in relation to the Human Rights Council Special Procedures news release on 22 May 2025.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the design of the Chagos Islands flag will change following the ratification of the Chagos treaty.

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

A British flag will continue to be flown at the UK-US Base on Diego Garcia as it has always done.

The British Indian Ocean Territory will cease to exist as a British Overseas Territory upon ratification of the treaty agreed between the UK and Mauritius.

No decision has yet been taken on any future use or adaptation of the current BIOT flag.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Annex IV of the UK-Mauritius agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, published on 22 May 2025, what estimate he has made of the average annual cost to the public purse of legal cases heard through the arbitration mechanism; and whether he has had discussions with (a) UK and (b) other lawyers on joining the tribunal.

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

Details of the arbitration mechanism, including the identities of arbitrators, will be agreed with Mauritius through the Joint Commission.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Article 4 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), which international court has jurisdiction on whether UK/US operations in Diego Garcia are in accordance with Mauritius’ membership of the Treaty of Pelindaba.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer given to his PQ 54633.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 9 June 2025 to Question 56193 on Chagos Islands: Sovereignty, whether sanctions would be placed on Mauritius should the confidentiality of notifications be breached.

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

There is no notification requirement for UK or US access, basing or over-flights around the base. Agreement to inform a host nation about military action from their territory is standard practice in basing arrangements. Any notification will take place after the event and will not require the UK to divulge sensitive information. Article 3(2) of the treaty clearly states that Mauritius cannot undermine, prejudice or otherwise interfere with the long-term, secure and effective operation of the Base on Diego Garcia, and that Mauritius shall cooperate to that end.

Article 14 of the Treaty sets out the role of the Joint Commission in resolving disputes. It is expected that the majority of security concerns that arise during the implementation of the Agreement will be resolved via the Joint Commission. If an issue arises that relates to the essential security interests of either the United Kingdom or Mauritius, which cannot be settled through the Joint Commission, Clause 3 of Article 14 provides the ability for direct Prime Ministerial consultation.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, published on 22 May 2025, whether Mauritius will be able to conduct marine research activities (a) on Diego Garcia, (b) in the 12 nautical mile zone from Diego Garcia, (c) in the 12 nautical mile to 24 nautical mile zone and (d) in the Chagos Archipelago.

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

I refer the Right Honourable Member to the answer of 11 June 2025 to question 54739.

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 changes in ODA following the Spending Review on the UK’s efforts to tackle antimicrobial resistance globally.

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

We will publish the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's final 2025/26 Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme allocations in the Annual Report & Accounts in July. Over the coming months, we will work through detailed decisions on how the ODA budget will be used in future years, informed by internal and external consultation and impact assessments, ahead of publishing indicative multi-year allocations in the autumn. We continue to work across Government and with our international partners to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through our programming and diplomatic engagement.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has held with his US counterpart on the appointment of a special economic envoy to Northern Ireland.

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

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland engaged extensively with contacts in the US Administration and Congress on Northern Ireland issues, including during his visit to Washington in March 2025. The role of US Special Envoy is currently unfilled.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he has taken to help reduce the (a) import and (b) processing of illicitly mined Sudanese gold by third countries.

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

The trade of illicit gold funds conflict, undermines the rule of law, and perpetuates human rights abuses. The UK Government engages with the gold industry as well as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development to support responsible sourcing and rigorous due diligence standards to enhance resilience to illicit gold and identify malign actors in the supply chain. Since the outbreak of the Sudan conflict, the UK has frozen the assets of nine commercial entities linked to the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces. Two of these sanctions target gold mining companies linked to the warring parties. In 2023, the UK also sanctioned three Russian-linked gold mining entities operating in Sudan. These sanctions were designed to disrupt the financial networks fuelling the war, press the parties to engage in a sustained and meaningful peace process, allow humanitarian access and to commit to a permanent cessation of hostilities. Although we do not speculate on future designations, our sanctions policy is continually under review. Furthermore, in our international engagement, we emphasise with all countries the need to refrain from actions that prolong the crisis, including those that may financially benefit the warring parties.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take diplomatic steps through the UN to help reduce the role of the illicit international gold trade in financing Sudan's civil war.

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

The trade of illicit gold funds conflict, undermines the rule of law, and perpetuates human rights abuses. The UK Government engages with the gold industry as well as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development to support responsible sourcing and rigorous due diligence standards to enhance resilience to illicit gold and identify malign actors in the supply chain. Since the outbreak of the Sudan conflict, the UK has frozen the assets of nine commercial entities linked to the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces. Two of these sanctions target gold mining companies linked to the warring parties. In 2023, the UK also sanctioned three Russian-linked gold mining entities operating in Sudan. These sanctions were designed to disrupt the financial networks fuelling the war, press the parties to engage in a sustained and meaningful peace process, allow humanitarian access and to commit to a permanent cessation of hostilities. Although we do not speculate on future designations, our sanctions policy is continually under review. Furthermore, in our international engagement, we emphasise with all countries the need to refrain from actions that prolong the crisis, including those that may financially benefit the warring parties.

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 United Arab Emirates counterparts on the import of illicit gold from Sudan.

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

The trade of illicit gold funds conflict, undermines the rule of law, and perpetuates human rights abuses. The UK Government engages with the gold industry as well as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development to support responsible sourcing and rigorous due diligence standards to enhance resilience to illicit gold and identify malign actors in the supply chain. Since the outbreak of the Sudan conflict, the UK has frozen the assets of nine commercial entities linked to the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces. Two of these sanctions target gold mining companies linked to the warring parties. In 2023, the UK also sanctioned three Russian-linked gold mining entities operating in Sudan. These sanctions were designed to disrupt the financial networks fuelling the war, press the parties to engage in a sustained and meaningful peace process, allow humanitarian access and to commit to a permanent cessation of hostilities. Although we do not speculate on future designations, our sanctions policy is continually under review. Furthermore, in our international engagement, we emphasise with all countries the need to refrain from actions that prolong the crisis, including those that may financially benefit the warring parties.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department plans to send election monitors to monitor the presidential election in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in October 2025.

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

In line with the rest of the international community except Turkey, the UK does not recognise the so-called "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus".

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has no plans to send election monitors to monitor the "election" taking place in the so-called "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" in October 2025.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 7 April 2025 to Question 41836 on Development Aid, if he will set out his spending plans for WASH programmes, in the context of the Spending Review 2025.

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

We will publish the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's final 2025/26 Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme allocations in the Annual Report & Accounts in July. Over the coming months, we will work through detailed decisions on how the ODA budget will be used in future years, informed by internal and external consultation and impact assessments, ahead of publishing indicative multi-year allocations in the autumn. In the meantime, our existing Water, Sanitation and Hygiene programmes will continue.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Spending Review 2025, published on 11 June 2025, how much funding has been allocated to overseas development aid programmes on neglected tropical diseases in this spending review period.

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

We will publish Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's final 2025/26 Official Development Assistance programme allocations in the Annual Report & Accounts in July.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to the Hong Kong authorities on the reported prosecution of Kwok Yin-sang, the father of a British National (Overseas) passport holder in exile Anna Kwok, in connection with her pro-democracy advocacy abroad.

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

The UK is closely monitoring the prosecution of Kwok Yin-sang, father of Anna Kwok. China's imposition of the National Security Law has significantly eroded the rights and freedoms of Hong Kongers, a situation that has worsened with the enactment of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. We call on Beijing to repeal the National Security Law, including its extraterritorial reach.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 10 April 2025 to Question 42468 on Development Aid: Cost Effectiveness, what impact assessments his Department undertook as part of the Spending Review; and if he will publish his Department's criteria for determining (a) the levels of ODA funding for the (i) 2025-26 and (ii) 2026-27 financial years and (b) whether those levels constitute value for money.

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

The Prime Minister has set out a new strategic vision for government spending on defence and security, and Official Development Assistance (ODA). Equality impact assessments are an essential part of how we make decisions on ODA allocations. Detailed decisions on how the ODA budget will be used are being worked through based on various factors including impact assessments.

Our initial 2025/26 ODA allocations aim to maximise the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office's flexibility ahead of setting final ODA allocations, while meeting legally binding commitments and existing live contracts and agreements and allowing crucial new work to continue through an exemptions process. They will play an important role in laying the foundations for the pivot in our approach to development and sharpening of our priorities to help smooth the transition to 0.3 per cent.

As part of the Spending Review for 2026/27 onwards, HMT set out the fiscal parameters for ODA over the Spending Review (SR) period. The Foreign Secretary led an evidence-based process to inform the Treasury's ODA allocations across departments for the SR period. Planned programming was assessed against effectiveness, delivery against our sharpened priorities, and coherence across government.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Spending Review 2025, published on 11 June 2025, how much funding will be available to support the UK’s global health security objectives in this spending review period; and what programmes this will be spent on.

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

We will publish Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO) final 2025/26 Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme allocations in the Annual Report & Accounts in July. Over the coming months, we will work through detailed decisions on how the ODA budget will be used in future years, informed by internal and external consultation and impact assessments, ahead of publishing indicative multi-year allocations in the autumn. We continue to work across Government and with our international partners to strengthen health security. The UK's role in helping secure the recent adoption of the Pandemic Agreement is a good example of that collective effort.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 5 June 2025 to Question 54745 on Chagos Island: Sovereignty, if he will make it his policy to extend the 21-day scrutiny period.

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

I refer the Rt Hon member to the reply to her PQs 54745 and 47650.

I appeared before the International Relations and Defence Committee/International Agreements Committee on 17 June and will appear before the Foreign Affairs Select Committee on 23 June as part of the process of scrutiny.

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 the Secretary of State for the Home Department on the potential merits of extending British National (Overseas) nationality status to BN(O) visa holders' dependents residing in the United Kingdom.

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

Those with BN(O) status and their eligible family members can come to the UK to live, study and work in virtually any capacity, on a pathway to citizenship. The UK committed in the Joint Declaration that no person would acquire British Dependent Territories citizen (BDTC) status (the precursor to BN(O) status) on or after 1 July 1997. Therefore, there are no plans to change this mechanism.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Spending Review 2025, published on 11 June 2025, how much funding has been allocated to the Tackling Deadly Diseases in Africa Programme in this spending review period.

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

The Tackling Deadly Diseases in Africa 2 programme is a five year programme which is saving lives and reducing the impact of disease outbreaks on populations in Africa. Now in its third year of implementation, the programme is strengthening regional health security capacity and leadership to prevent, detect and respond to health emergencies, protecting populations around the world, including the UK. We have signed a 3-year agreement to support the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organisation's Joint Emergency Action. We have offered significant support to the response to mpox in Africa through the World Health Organisation, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and the United Nations Children's Fund Burundi. The programme is also supporting outbreaks of cholera across Africa.

The Prime Minister has set out a new strategic vision for government spending on defence and security and Official Development Assistance (ODA). Detailed decisions on how the ODA budget announced in the Spending Review will be used will be worked through based on various factors including impact assessments.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department has taken to support water, sanitation and hygiene programmes through Overseas Development Assistance.

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

Our portfolio includes the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Systems for Health programme, which supports governments in eight countries to strengthen the systems needed to provide climate-resilient and inclusive WASH services. To help governments and others use data to inform decision-making we support the international monitoring mechanism which tracks WASH progress against global targets. We also continue to support progress through our political and diplomatic levers, including engagement with the G7, G20 and UN processes.

Following the Spending Review, internal allocations will be determined over the summer which will outline Official Development Assistance allocations from 2026/27 to 2028/29.

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 trends in the level of recruitment of children into (a) the military and (b) paramilitary groups in (i) Sudan and (ii) South Sudan.

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

As a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the UK is committed to supporting, promoting, and defending the UN Children and Armed Conflict mandate. The UN Secretary General's annual report on Children in Armed Conflict released earlier this month highlights the deteriorating situation globally, with a dramatic escalation in the number of violations in Sudan. We continue to work with partners, including through the UN Security Council, to call on the warring parties in Sudan to fully implement the Jeddah Declaration, which includes a commitment to refrain from recruiting and using children in hostilities.

Despite the introduction of a South Sudanese Government action plan on Children in Armed Conflict, all six grave violations against children continue to be carried out: recruitment and use of children; killing and maiming; rape and sexual violence; abduction and attacks on schools and hospitals; and denial of humanitarian access. The UK supported the 8 May renewal of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), which will enable it to continue its critical mandate, including protecting civilians and human rights monitoring.

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 South Sudanese government’s use of Fogbow to deliver food supplies in remote areas on (a) UK and (b) other humanitarian aid delivery.

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

The UK is gravely concerned about the humanitarian situation in South Sudan and is following developments carefully, including Fogbow operations. While the UK welcomes government-led action that responds to needs among all affected people residing in hard-to-reach areas, the UK view is that effective humanitarian action upholds humanitarian principles of neutrality, humanity, impartiality and independence, and ensures that in conflicts, military assets and escorts are only used to deliver aid as a last resort. Consistent adherence to these operating principles among humanitarian actors is key to maintain and enhance humanitarian access, build trust, and protect civilians including humanitarian personnel. Aid operations to the contrary could increase risks for civilians and other international and national humanitarian aid organisations.

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 Ugandan counterpart on the safety of civilians in South Sudan.

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

The UK Government has consistently called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of political detainees, and the protection of civilians in our engagement with the Government of South Sudan and other regional partners. On 3 April, the Minister for Africa met with President Museveni and discussed our shared concerns about the escalating tensions in South Sudan. On 8 May, the UK voted in favour of the extension of the mandate of the UN Mission in South Sudan, preserving its key role in the protection of civilians. On 4 June, our Ambassador to South Sudan attended an Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) convened conference to discuss South Sudan, stressing the urgent need for regional partners, including Uganda, to engage with the Government of South Sudan at the highest level, and supported the recommendation for an IGAD Heads of State visit to South Sudan.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to help prevent anti-Christian (a) violence and (b) persecution in Nigeria.

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

The UK regularly advocates for the protection of all vulnerable communities, including religious minorities at the UN, and other multilateral fora. Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB) is regularly raised with the Nigerian Government during bilateral discussions. For example, the Minister for Africa discussed FoRB and intercommunal violence, including the impact of competition over diminishing resources, with the Nigerian Foreign Minister on 30 May. UK programming addresses the systemic causes of intercommunal violence in Nigeria through locally led peace-building efforts. Our support aims to reduce intercommunal tensions by improving national resource management in northern Nigeria, alongside access to security and justice across Nigeria.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to support the decision of the Government of Zimbabwe to secure a service level agreement with the IMF.

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

A Staff-Monitored Programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an important step for Zimbabwe to take in order to make progress towards a Staff-Level Agreement and clearing its foreign debt arrears. The UK is an active participant in the Structured Dialogue on Arrears Clearance, a multilateral platform for Zimbabwe to discuss arrears with its creditors and other development partners. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) officials participated in a roundtable side event on Zimbabwe's arrears at both the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in April and the African Development Bank Annual Meetings in May. The FCDO is also regularly in contact with the IMF to discuss Zimbabwe's economic reforms, both at headquarters and in-country.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department supports the return of Zimbabwe to full membership of the Commonwealth.

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

The Government has always been clear that we want to see Zimbabwe return to the Commonwealth when the time is right. We recognise there has been progress, but further steps are needed on democracy, governance and human rights. Decisions on Commonwealth membership are for all member states. The UK has expressed support for a further Commonwealth assessment mission.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 6 May 2025 to Question 48939 on Land Mines, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of funding provision for de-mining for achieving the UK’s objectives in this policy area following the completion of the Spending Review.

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

The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office's final 2025/26 Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme allocations will be published in the Annual Report & Accounts in July. Over the coming months, we will work through detailed decisions on how the ODA budget will be used in future years, informed by internal and external consultation and impact assessments, ahead of publishing indicative multi-year allocations in the autumn. We will be taking a rigorous approach to ensure all ODA delivers value for money.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 10 June 2025 to Question 56764 on British Indian Ocean Territory: Marine Protected Areas, if he will list the dates and organisations that have held meetings with officials since July 2024.

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

On various occasions Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials have met with the Chagos Conservation Trust, the Zoological Society of London and the BIOT Administration's Chief Scientific Adviser as part of stakeholder engagement. The most recent dates include meetings on 10 October and 9 December 2024, 12 February, 14 March, 21 March, 15 April, and 17 April 2025. We do not intend to provide a running commentary.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 17 February to Question 28555 on Nutrition for Growth Summit, whether it his Department’s policy to spend £1.5 billion on nutrition objectives by 2030, in the context of the Spending Review 2025.

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

The Spending Review 2025 confirmed the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO) Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget from 2026/27 onwards. Over the coming months, the Department will undertake detailed planning to determine how this budget will be allocated. The FCDO is reviewing how these allocations will support existing and future commitments, with a continued focus on ensuring all ODA spending delivers value for money and advances the UK's development priorities.

At the 2025 Nutrition for Growth Summit, the UK reaffirmed its commitment to integrating nutrition objectives and investments across sectors including health, agriculture, humanitarian response, and climate to improve nutrition outcomes. Decisions on specific funding levels, including those relating to nutrition, will be made as part of the broader resource allocation process.

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) free and (b) fair presidential elections in the Ivory Coast in October 2025.

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

The UK is committed to promoting good governance and democracy in Côte d'Ivoire, including transparent and inclusive elections.

On 25-28 May, the Minister for Africa visited Côte d'Ivoire, and discussed with the President and his government the importance of open civic space, democratic debate, and strong electoral institutions.

Our Embassy in Abidjan is engaging with relevant state institutions and all political parties, emphasising the importance of peaceful and fair elections, whilst coordinating their efforts with international partners.

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 the recent decision by the Zimbabwean government to pay compensation to farmers whose land was confiscated.

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

We welcome Zimbabwe's recent payments to farmers whose land was confiscated. We understand that 379 farmers covered by the 2020 Global Compensation Deed, which includes some British nationals, have been compensated. There have also been initial payments to farmers covered by Bilateral Investment Protection & Promotion Agreements, such as Germany, Dutch and Swiss nationals. This is in line with commitments made by the Government of Zimbabwe in the Structured Dialogue on Arrears Clearance.

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 reductions in aid spending on the global influence of (a) China and (b) other countries.

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

To fund a necessary increase in defence spending, the Government has taken the decision in the current fiscal and economic circumstances to reduce our Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget.

This was not an ideological decision, but a hardheaded one, recognising that resources devoted to diplomacy, development and defence have had to evolve over time to reflect the global context.

The UK Government is fully committed to the UK playing a significant role on development; it is both in our national interest and in the interest of our partners.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made recent representations to his counterpart in South Sudan on the provision of aid supplies to remote regions in advance of disruption resultant from weather conditions.

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

The UK remains committed to supporting the humanitarian response in South Sudan, allocating £137 million to support the people of South Sudan in financial year 2024/2025. Recently published Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) figures showed over half of the population will experience high levels of acute food insecurity IPC Phase 3 or above between April and July 2025. As with the severe flooding seen in 2024, the UK is working closely with partners to ensure the pre-positioning of aid supplies ahead of the rainy season, ensuring that these supplies are able to reach the most vulnerable. These partners report that they have made strong progress against our shared preparation goals.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to help support a wide selection of candidates being available to eligible voters in the Ivory Coast for elections in October 2025.

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

Matters of electoral practices are a matter for the Government of Côte d'Ivoire. Candidates for the presidential election are selected by political parties and must comply with provisions set out in Côte d'Ivoire's constitution and related laws.

The UK, along with likeminded partners, is monitoring the electoral developments in Côte d'Ivoire closely, through regular engagement with government officials, civil society actors and opposition figures. Beyond this, the UK has, through diplomatic engagements, consistently emphasised the importance of elections being free and fair as well as the need for voters to be presented with meaningful choice.

These issues were raised by the Minister for Africa, during his recent visit to Côte d'Ivoire on 25-28 May, where he discussed with the President and his government the importance of open civic space, democratic debate, and strong electoral institutions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what criteria is being used to allocate development finance support to the (a) manufacturing, (b) agricultural and (c) energy sectors in Africa.

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

Our allocation of development finance to the highlighted sectors is currently informed by a mixture of criteria ranging from local priorities to alignment with overall Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) objectives. We will publish our Africa Approach later this year, outlining a transformed partnership that engages with African countries as equals and will inform future allocations. We will publish the FCDO's final 2025/26 Official Development Assistance programme allocations in the Annual Report & Accounts in July, and finalise budgets for the rest of the Spending Review period later this year.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs' oral contribution of 4 June 2025 in response to a question from the hon. Member for Eltham and Chislehurst, Official Report, column 344, what recent discussions he has had with his Canadian counterpart on Israel's access to the F-35 Global Supply Pool.

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

Conversations with F-35 partners occur regularly and cover a range of issues, however we are unable to disclose details of confidential conversations held within an international programme.

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 support the Arab Plan for Early Recovery, Reconstruction and Development.

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

The Foreign Secretary welcomed the Arab initiative of a Recovery and Reconstruction Plan for Gaza, alongside Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and Italy on 8 March. To prepare for implementation, the UK has been working with partners to build international support for the Arab plan. In addition, we are exploring innovative finance mechanisms to scale up financing. With our Egyptian partners, we will be co-chairing the Humanitarian and Reconstruction working group at the postponed Two State Solution conference. We will use this opportunity to further mobilise international support for the plan and cohere international donor support and planning.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will support the establishment of an independent public inquiry into the UK's involvement in Israeli operations in Gaza since October 2023.

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

The government does not support the establishment of an independent public inquiry into the UK's involvement in Israeli operations in Gaza since October 2023. The government has already set out the role of UK military operations in relation to Gaza. In support of ongoing hostage rescue activity, the Ministry of Defence has conducted surveillance flights over the eastern Mediterranean, including in airspace over Israel and Gaza. Surveillance aircraft are unarmed, do not have a combat role and have been tasked solely to locate hostages in order to uphold the government's primary responsibility: the security of its citizens.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his Department's news story entitled UK Chair statement: Ministerial Roundtable on Sudan, published on 20 February 2025, whether he plans to convene a follow-up meeting.

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

We do not plan to re-convene another Development Minister meeting in the immediate future. The Foreign Secretary recently hosted the London Sudan Conference in April alongside France, Germany, the Africa Union and EU which brought together senior figures from the international community to discuss the conflict in Sudan. UK Ministers remain engaged on the crisis with the Minister for Development visiting Chad in May which included a focus on Sudan.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 10 June 2025 to Question 56763 on Chagosssians: Finance, from which line from his Department's budget the Chagossian Trust Fund will be resourced; when the implementation discussions will commence; what discussions he has had with his Mauritian counterparts on the Committee they are establishing to oversee the implementation of projects for the Chagos Archipelago; and what engagement he plans to have with the Chagossian community in Britain on the Trust Fund.

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

We recognise the importance of the islands to Chagossians and have worked to ensure the agreement reflects this. We will increase our support to Chagossians, including through the establishment of a £40 million trust fund. The UK Government regularly engages with Chagossian groups and representatives at both official and Ministerial levels. The Foreign Secretary and I met Chagossian groups on 22 May 2025. We continue to have regular dialogue with Mauritius on a range of Treaty-related issues including the Chagossian Trust Fund. We will not provide a running commentary on continued engagement. As we have previously stated the costs associated with the deal will be split between the Ministry of Defence and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

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 Israeli counterparts on the use of military equipment supplied by the UK in military operations within (a) Gaza and (b) the West Bank.

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

There are no export licences currently being used for military operations in Gaza or the West Bank. This is subject to the specific measures taken to protect the global F-35 programme.

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 merits of taking steps with his international counterparts to establish an international fund for Israeli-Palestinian peace.

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

The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary are committed to convening a meeting for an international fund for Israeli-Palestinian peace. We welcome the opportunity to discuss further with civil society organisations their work and the prospects for peacebuilding. We want to make sure that the meeting will have the desired effect of building trust across the two communities, and that the timing is sensitive to the circumstances in the region. We will continue to use every diplomatic lever to bring about a ceasefire deal as the first step towards long-term peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians, and the wider region.

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 improve access for humanitarian (a) workers and (b) supplies into Sudan.

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

The UK is playing a leading role in response to the crisis in Sudan, including efforts to facilitate more consistent humanitarian access to help facilitate the delivery of lifesaving supplies and the provision of critical services. At the April London Sudan Conference, the Foreign Secretary highlighted the importance of humanitarian access. The co-chairs' statement from the Conference called on the warring parties to facilitate rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access in accordance with commitments made in the Jeddah Declaration, and in adherence with their obligations under international humanitarian law. He also announced £120 million which will deliver lifesaving support to more than 650,000 people.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if his Department will make provision to ensure that the current availability of visitation by UK Chagossians to their ancestral islands will continue after any transfer of sovereignty.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the reply to his previous question 59998.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential impact of their policies with regard to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories on Armenian Christians in Jerusalem; and whether they plan to take steps to help preserve their presence in the Old City.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK recognises that Jerusalem holds particular significance for many groups around the globe, especially the three Abrahamic faiths of Christianity, Islam and Judaism. It has been the position of the UK Government since 1967 that the Occupied Palestinian Territories (West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza) are not lawfully part of the State of Israel. In line with relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, we regard East Jerusalem as part of the Occupied Palestinian Territories. His Majesty's Government continue to support the cultural presence and identity in East Jerusalem. Our officials at the British Consulate General in Jerusalem regularly meet with members of the Christian community and Churches in Jerusalem, including the Armenian Patriarchate, to understand the impact of issues affecting their community.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he he has made of the potential merits of establishing a bilateral security agreement with Kosovo as an additional mechanism for the KFOR mission.

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

The Kosovo Force (KFOR) plays a vital part in maintaining a safe and secure environment in Kosovo, with a significant UK contribution including provision of the bulk of KFOR's Strategic Reserve Force which deployed to help manage down tensions in 2023. The UK provides a substantial package of bilateral security support to Kosovo through defence education, training, and advice under a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding. In Kosovo in April, the Foreign Secretary discussed with Kosovo's President Osmani the potential for enhancing the UK-Kosovo bilateral relationship, including through defence and security cooperation. We will take forward further discussions once a new Kosovan government is in place.

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 counterpart in the Republic of Ireland on recent events in Ballymena.

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

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland discussed this with the Tánaiste on 12 June.

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 effectiveness of Anguilla's ambulance fleet since the provision of UK Government funding in February 2025.

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

Earlier this year, the UK expanded Anguilla's ambulance fleet by providing two FCDO-funded ambulances from West Midlands Ambulance Service. These are now operational and have improved Anguilla's emergency response capacity. The West Midlands Ambulance Service will also assist with further training for Anguillan paramedics. This uplift was part of wider UK support for Anguilla's emergency services, including a new search-and-rescue vessel, and support to Anguilla's new Joint Emergency Services Control Room.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer given of 11 June 2025 to Question 54739 on British Indian Ocean Territory: Marine Protected Areas, if a Mauritius Marine Protected Area will be implemented to coincide with the implementation of the UK-Mauritius Treaty.

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

As the Treaty states, the terms of the management and support provided by the UK to Mauritius to establish and manage the Chagos Archipelago Marine Protected Area will be agreed between the Parties by a separate written instrument, as part of implementation of the Agreement.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel regarding its announcement of 29 May that 22 new Israeli settlements have been approved in the West Bank.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

We are clear that settlements are illegal under international law and undermine the prospects for peace. The Minister for the Middle East condemned the 22 new settlements announced by Israel on 29 May 2025 and we regularly urge Israel to halt settlement expansion in our diplomatic engagements. This government is committed to a two-state solution. It remains the only viable framework for a just and lasting peace.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure that (a) Chagossians resident in the UK and (b) all other Chagossians have (i) rights of abode, (ii) resettlement, (iii) return and (iv) other rights derived from the British Indian Ocean Territory (Constitution) Order 2004 for the outer islands.

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

I refer the Hon member to the reply to his previous PQ 59998.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the proposed EU security and defence partnership, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of proposed third-state rules on UK foreign policy autonomy in (a) Gibraltar, (b) the Falkland Islands and (c) other overseas territories.

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

The UK is sovereign over its Overseas Territories (OTs) and is responsible for their external affairs, defence, and security. The UK is proud of the significant role the OTs play to support the UK's, and North Atlantic Treaty Organization's, global security and defence objectives. The Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) will in no way impact that significant role, nor will it affect the security and defence relationship between the UK and our Overseas Territories. Furthermore, the SDP does not impact existing or future cooperation between European Union partners and UK Overseas Territories across the globe. The SDP is clear that UK Overseas Territories can be included in future arrangements or agreements.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has considered how his Department can ensure aid is distributed in a way which does not discriminate against religious minorities.

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

The UK is strongly committed to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all. Our programme funding is one of the several ways in which we work to champion the right to FoRB.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) works to ensure that Official Development Assistance (ODA) is allocated to those who are most vulnerable and most in need of this assistance irrespective of race, religion, or ethnicity. This includes religious minorities, who are assessed by our partners when determining those most in need of protection and assistance.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Nigeria about the large-scale killing targeting the Christian community in Benue State in Nigeria on 13 June.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK Government has not yet had any conversations about the violent attacks on 13 June. However, on 10 June, UK officials met with the member of the House of Representatives for a constituency in Benue State to discuss the root causes of insecurity in Benue state. In addition, the UK regularly engages with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), and the Office of Strategic Preparedness and Resilience (OSPRE) on conflict in Nigeria's middle belt. During my visit to Nigeria between 28-30 May, I raised Freedom of Religion and Belief and the root causes of insecurity in discussions with Nigerian counterparts, including the Foreign Minister and Deputy Speaker.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Falkland Islands will remain an Overseas Territory.

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

Yes. We will always resolutely defend the sovereignty and self-determination of the Falkland Islands, as I and other Ministers have made repeatedly clear in the House, and to the Members of the Legislative Assembly and Governor in my regular meetings with them. In line with the democratically expressed wishes of the people of the Falkland Islands - most recently in the 2013 referendum, the Falkland Islands will remain a self-governing UK Overseas Territory. The UK Government will always defend the Falkland Islanders' right to determine their own destiny.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what changes he plans to make to the British Indian Ocean Territory (Constitution) Order 2004 following the Treaty with Mauritius.

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

Following entry into force of the Treaty, Mauritius will be sovereign over the Chagos Archipelago and the British Indian Ocean Territory will no longer exist. The Government will bring forward a Bill as soon as parliamentary time allows, which will make provision inter alia for the ongoing governance of Diego Garcia.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will conduct a consultation with Chagossians on the (a) restoration of the right of (i) abode and (ii) resettlement, (b) loss of (A) visitation permissions and (B) practical assistance by the UK and (c) fishing and natural resources.

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

We recognise the importance of the islands to Chagossians and have worked to ensure the agreement reflects this. We will increase our support to Chagossians, including through: the establishment of a £40 million trust fund to benefit Chagossians; the ability Mauritius will have, for the first time, to resettle the islands other than Diego Garcia (in contrast to the 2016 Conservative Government that decided that a programme of resettlement on the Archipelago would not be taken forward by the UK); and work with Mauritius to start a new programme of visits for Chagossians to the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia. We have also maintained the current route to British citizenship for Chagossians, so all Chagossians will remain eligible and free to make their home in the UK. The UK Government regularly engages with Chagossians at both official and Ministerial levels and a new 'Contact Group' will facilitate dialogue between the Chagossian community and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on future programmes.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to recognise the State of Palestine.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK commitment to a two-state solution is unwavering.  We are committed to recognising a Palestinian state at a time that has the most impact in achieving this reality and is most conducive to long-term prospects for peace. We are clear that does not need to be at the end of a process. UK bilateral recognition is the single most important action the UK can take with regard to Palestinian statehood. That is why it is important to get the timing right so that it creates genuine momentum and is not simply a symbolic gesture. We are continuing to engage all partners on advancing a two-state solution and supporting the foundations of Palestinian statehood. Any UK decision to recognise another state is the prerogative of the Crown, acting on the advice of the Government.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 4 June 2025 to Question 57372 on Chagos Islands: Sovereignty, what the costs to his Department were of the Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia.

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

The payments to Mauritius will be split between the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Ministry of Defence. They will be published in the normal manner alongside other departmental spend in the annual accounts.

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 impact of changes in the level of Overseas Development Assistance on projects preventing the spread of malaria.

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

Detailed decisions on how the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget will be used are being worked through following the recent Spending Review and through resource allocation processes, informed by internal and external consultation and impact assessments. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is focused on ensuring that every pound is spent in the most impactful way.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that the government of Sudan used chemical weapons in 2024; and what are the implications for their Joint Analysis of Conflict and Stability assessment of the situation in Sudan, and their planned response to the situation in Sudan.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign Secretary made clear in his statement on 23 May that any use of chemical weapons is unacceptable. It is imperative that the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) engage constructively with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in order to facilitate a thorough and impartial investigation. We expect the SAF to abide by its obligations under the Chemical Weapon Convention not to develop, produce, possess, or use chemical weapons.

The recent US determination that the SAF have used chemical weapons does not automatically trigger an update to our Joint Analysis of Conflict and Stability (JACS) assessment on Sudan. The JACS process is triggered following specialist technical advice that new or updated joint analysis is needed for a particular country; it is context-dependent.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 9 June 2025 to Question 57196 on British Indian Ocean Territory: Sovereignty, whether changes were made to the (a) indexation measure for payments, (b) currency payments to be made and (c) the lease extension clause in the period between his oral statement of 7 October 2024 on British Indian Ocean Territory: Negotiations, Official Report, column 46, and the signing of the UK/Mauritius agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, published on 22 May 2025.

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

There has been no change to the terms of extension in the treaty. The treaty will last for 99 years and can be extended, securing the base well into the next century. As referenced in the UK/Mauritius joint statement on 3 October regarding the political agreement, indexation was always a part of the agreement. Between October and May, a shift to sterling values was agreed. At this point, we also strengthened provisions in the Treaty which secure the base and that will stop hostile actors or competitor states from establishing outposts in neighbouring islands. There was no increase to the overall quantum of the Agreement.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer given of 11 June 2025 to Question 54739 on British Indian Ocean Territory: Marine Protected Areas, whether he has had discussions with his Mauritian counterpart on their plans for fishing activities on the Chagos Archipelago.

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

As with the reply to the Rt Hon Lady's previous PQ 59325, the terms of the management and support provided by the UK to Mauritius to establish and manage the Chagos Archipelago Marine Protected Area will be agreed between the Parties by a separate written instrument, as part of implementation of the Agreement.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, following the International Court of Justice’s Advisory Opinion of 19 July 2024, what steps they are taking to prevent trade or investment relations that assist in the maintenance of the settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK is fully committed to international law and respects the independence of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). We continue to consider the Court's Advisory Opinion carefully, with the seriousness and rigour it deserves. The UK does not recognise the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including Israeli settlements, as part of Israel. Goods imported from the settlements are therefore not entitled to benefit from trade preferences under the UK-Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement. The UK also supports accurate labelling of settlement goods, so as not to mislead the consumer.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what recent assessment they have made of the situation and vulnerability of the Armenian community in Jerusalem; what plans they have to send a formal delegation to visit the Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem; and whether they plan to meet the Armenia Community in Jerusalem, and members of the Save the Armenian Quarter movement.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK recognises that Jerusalem holds particular significance for many groups around the globe, especially the three Abrahamic faiths of Christianity, Islam and Judaism. It has been the position of the UK Government since 1967 that the Occupied Palestinian Territories (West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza) are not lawfully part of the State of Israel. In line with relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, we regard East Jerusalem as part of the Occupied Palestinian Territories. His Majesty's Government continue to support the cultural presence and identity in East Jerusalem. Our officials at the British Consulate General in Jerusalem regularly meet with members of the Christian community and Churches in Jerusalem, including the Armenian Patriarchate, to understand the impact of issues affecting their community.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether RAF Akrotiri and Dhekelia will remain an Overseas Territory.

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

The UK Government retains sovereignty over the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia (SBAs) under the 1960 Treaty of Establishment. The UK Government remains resolutely committed to the SBAs, which make an important contribution to the security of Europe and the wider region.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make provision for legally binding agreement protections for Chagossian (a) cultural and (b) historical locations following implementation of the agreement with Mauritius on the British Indian Ocean Territory.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the reply given to his previous question 59998.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to provide rights of (a) abode, (b) resettlement and (c) return to Chagossians in the context of the British Indian Ocean Territory (Constitution) Order 2004.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the reply given to his previous question 59998.

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 the Ukrainian government on the adequacy of the availability of (a) insurance and (b) other mechanisms to help (i) support and (ii) de-risk foreign commercial engagement in Ukraine.

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

The UK works closely with the Ukrainian government on a range of insurance and other derisking measures to support investment in Ukraine. In March, I and the Minister of State (Gareth Thomas) hosted an insurance industry roundtable at Lloyd's of London jointly with Ministers from the Ukrainian Ministry of Economy to identify the barriers and opportunities to scale up insurance initiatives in Ukraine. We have subsequently supported the Government of Ukraine to establish an insurance task force to collaborate with industry and develop initiatives that make insurance more affordable and widely accessible. Beyond insurance, UK Ministers have discussed and provided support to Ukraine on export credit through UK Export Finance and on investment climate reform where we are providing technical expertise on investment promotion and financial sector reforms through the City-Ukraine hub. I look forward to further opportunities to raise these issues with business and insurance representatives at the upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome.

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 with (a) his international allied counterparts and (b) multilateral institutions to facilitate the availability of war-risk insurance for companies operating in Ukraine.

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

We have been working with the insurance industry, international partners and other government departments to lead international efforts on expanding the provision of insurance against war-related risks in Ukraine. Since the 2023 Ukraine Recovery Conference in London, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office - alongside other international donors - has supported war risk insurance solutions through the World Bank's Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, which international companies, including UK firms, can take advantage of.

The UK provided £20 million to the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) for a Ukraine Recovery focused Trust Fund to provide political risk insurance and trade guarantees for investments into Ukraine. The UK's contribution has galvanised other bilateral donors to contribute funding to scale up of this initiative to now over $115 million.

In December 2024 the UK committed £5 million to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to establish a complementary war risk insurance initiative to cover in-land cargo in partnership with AON and MS Amlin.

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 increase public awareness of changes to passport validity rules for UK travellers to the EU.

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

Before travelling overseas, we advise British Citizens to check the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's travel advice on gov.uk. This includes entry requirements by country and advice on passport validity. Our travel industry partners amplify our travel advice to their customers through their channels.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Chagossian people will be assured of their right of abode within the British Indian Ocean Territory before transfer of sovereignty.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the reply given to his previous question 59998.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 6 June 2025 to Question 54687 on St Helena: Bank Services and Financial Services, which of the areas set out will help support Saint Helena to provide (a) financial and (b) banking services to non-residents; and whether it is his policy to encourage the provision of such services, in the context of the steps taken by the Saint Helena government to become economically self-sufficient.

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

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) continues to support the St Helena Government to help strengthen its financial and banking sectors. This includes assistance to modernise financial infrastructure, enhance regulatory frameworks, and ensure compliance with international standards.

The provision of banking and financial services to non-residents is a matter for the St Helena Government. UK Government support has been designed to help St Helena ensure any expansion of services is carefully managed to mitigate reputational and financial crime risks. The FCDO remains engaged with the St Helena Government and the St Helena Financial Services Regulatory Authority to explore opportunities that support the goal of greater economic self-sufficiency, including through the responsible development of its financial services sector.

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 merits of the Commonwealth’s role in advancing the UK’s Global Britain strategy post-Brexit.

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

The Commonwealth will continue to be an ever-important network for the UK, particularly in these challenging geopolitical times. The UK will work with Commonwealth members to boost economic growth, tackle the climate and nature crisis and create opportunities for future generations. The Commonwealth presents a particularly significant opportunity for future UK economic growth, as it is home to some of our biggest trading partners, such as India, Canada and South Africa, as well as six of the world's ten fastest-growing economies.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 24 March 2025 to Question 36405 on International Day of Education, how much funding his Department will provide for global education in 2025-26 and subsequent financial years in the spending review period.

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

The transition to spending 0.3 per cent of Gross National Income (GNI) on Official Development Assistance (ODA) demands significant shifts in the scale and shape of our ODA spending, in line with the shifts underway as we modernise our approach to development. Our 2025/26 ODA allocations will play an important role in laying the foundations for the pivot in our approach to development and sharpening of our priorities to help smooth the transition to 0.3 per cent.

We will publish the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's final 2025/26 ODA programme allocations in the Annual Report & Accounts in July.

Found: The FCDO, supported by the DDTF, have engaged with likeminded international partners through bilateral

Found: Letter from the Minister for the Indo-Pacific, FCDO, responding to the 6 June 2025 joint EAC and IDC

Found: He and Paul McKell, Legal Director at the FCDO, also rejected the notion that the Agreement would constrain

Found: Letter from Foreign Secretary to the Chair, regarding the FCDO Spending Review Settlement, dated 16 June

Found: Letter from Stephen Doughty MP, Minister of State, FCDO, to the Chair and the Rt Hon Lord Goldsmith KC

Found: The Culture, Media and Sport Committee is concerned about the implications for the FCDO contribution

Found: a lot, in the context of the Scotland Office it is allowing us to do a lot of exporting with our FCDO

Found: for your letter of 4 June, following up your letter of 20 May requesting that Ministers from DBT, FCDO

Found: briefings on their markets by colleagues within the Department, colleagues overseas and across Whitehall (FCDO

Found: Jim Shannon: It will be the FCDO—both of them will be, actually. Chair: And this will also be FCDO.

Found: including setting out multi- year ODA DEL budget settlements for ODA programming, including for the FCDO

Found: we have brought energy in later on with support of the FCDO team.

Found: APM0044 - The FCDO's approach to value for money Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Written Evidence

Found: ADP0018 - The FCDO's approach to displaced people Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Written

Found: FCDO continues to lead on delivering conflict and stability programming more broadly and we work closely

Found: How does the FCDO ensure that the voices and rights of women, older people and marginalised communities

Found: we have brought energy in later on with support of the FCDO team.

Found: In the end, we learned from the spending review how the budgets of the FCDO were treated, especially

Found: your good offices as the Secretary of State to try to power up a more muscular response from the FCDO

Found: In the end, we learned from the spending review how the budgets of the FCDO were treated, especially

Found: Letter from the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs relating to the FCDO

Found: to work.3 Q2 Baroness Blackstone: I wonder whether you could tell us what changes you expect the FCDO

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

Found: Lord De Mauley: It has been reported that payments to Mauritius will be funded from the MoD and FCDO

Found: But at a very high level, aggregating FCDO spend is a challenge.

Found: But at a very high level, aggregating FCDO spend is a challenge.

Found: were part of the European Union for 40 years, the level of experience of specific issues within the FCDO

Found: generally, we engage regularly and closely with two departments in particular: the Foreign Office, or FCDO

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what comparative assessment she has made of the adequacy of the amount of funding available for (a) diplomacy in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and (b) defence in the Ministry of Defence.

Answered by Darren Jones - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Both the MOD and FCDO have recently had future budgets confirmed through Spending Review 25, where Government priorities are considered in the round.

Whilst the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has seen ODA reductions, they have been funded to pursue a variety of programming ambitions, reforms, and operating costs.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) budget is growing by £10.9bn in real terms from 2023-24 to 2028-29 and provides the resources and capital necessary for MOD to start delivering on the vision for defence set out in the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) which was published on 2 June 2025.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the targeting of Iranian scientists by the IDF on British (a) science and (b) scientists.

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

Science, innovation and technology are inherently international. The UK continues to work closely with international partners to harness the power of science and tech for global benefit.

We remain focused on ensuring stability in the Middle East. It is crucial that we now de-escalate the situation, stabilise the region, and get all parties back around the table to negotiate.

We have taken all necessary measures to protect UK interests, UK personnel, and to work with our allies to protect their interests as well. We urge all British Nationals, including scientists, to register their presence and monitor FCDO Travel Advice.

Found: poverty and helping the world’s most vulnerable; delivering value for money and delivery efficiency in FCDO

Found: poverty and helping the world’s most vulnerable; delivering value for money and delivery efficiency in FCDO

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

Aid Match APPG
Monday 23rd June 2025

Found: NGOs, they are desperate for vital funds, and yet the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s (FCDO

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

Found: Business and Trade (DBT)’s UK Defence & Security Exports (UKDSE), and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCDO

Found: Train Standard 136.80 Nil return 6.70 143.50 Tom Crick 2025-03-17 2025-03-19 DESNZ STAC Interviews and FCDO

Found: govuk-table__cell">2025-03-19

Found: with Nimshi Head of Science for Policy Evening meeting: Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office FCDO

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Found:

Found: DIGITAL MICROMETERS 506.4 12/03/2025 DBT1485677 DIGITAL MICROMETERS 506.4 19/03/2025 FCDO

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Found: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (“FCDO

Found: From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Department for Business and Trade Published 26

Found: From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Department for Business and Trade Published 26

Found: $1.4bn committed to funding development of mini-grids in Africa, chaired by the World Bank, AfDB, and FCDO

Found: From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Department for Business and Trade Published 26

Found: From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Department for Business and Trade Published 26

Found: From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Department for Business and Trade Published 26

Found: business environment Department for Business and Trade Office for Investment Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (“FCDO

Found: The FCDO has no objections to the meeting and will offer some background briefing if necessary.