Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports by the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab that a drone typically operated only by the Chinese army is being used by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Darfur; whether this constitutes a breach of the United Nations embargo on the sale of armaments to parties engaged in the conflict; and whether they intend to raise this with the warring parties.

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

The Government remains extremely concerned about reports of external support to the warring parties in Sudan, and we have repeatedly called on all international actors to end the supply of weapons, finance, and personnel, and use whatever influence they have to bring the warring parties to the negotiating table.

Last year, we worked closely with international partners to secure the renewal of the long-standing UN arms embargo on Darfur. The UK will support its further renewal in September and will continue to push for the embargo to be extended to the whole of Sudan. We expect all countries to comply with their obligations under UN sanctions regimes.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 2 June 2026 to Question 3899 on Diego Garcia: Military Bases, what progress he has made with the United States and with Mauritius on the way forward for the UK-Mauritius Agreement since 13 April 2026.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer mentioned in his question. Future updates will be provided to the House in the normal way in due course.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Prime Minister's Joint Statement on the situation in the West Bank: 22 May 2026, if she will (a) urgently send British diplomats to visit the village of Khan al-Ahmar in the West Bank with other Heads of Mission and (b) make it her policy to sanction any UK company or company operating in the UK that submits a construction tender to build on illegally settled land in the West Bank.

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

On 3 June British diplomats visited the community in Khan al-Ahmar. We continue to follow developments in the West Bank closely. On the wider issue of illegal settlements, I refer the Hon Member to the answers that the Foreign Secretary and I gave at Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Oral Questions on 21 April.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the implications for freedom of religion or belief of the new criminal court procedures issued in Afghanistan by the Taliban in January, including rules relating to corporal punishment and religious practice.

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

Afghanistan is a focus country for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's strategy on freedom of religion or belief, announced in July 2025, and officials regularly press the Taliban to respect the human rights of all Afghans. We work with international partners to maintain collective pressure on the Taliban to reverse their oppressive restrictions, including new criminal court procedures. We continue to support the United Nations Special Rapporteur and his mandate to document human rights abuses in Afghanistan. Human rights and basic freedoms are not only a moral imperative but also essential for building a stable, inclusive and prosperous country for all Afghans. Without inclusive governance that reflects Afghanistan's religious, ethnic, gender and cultural diversity, we will never see an Afghanistan at peace with itself and its neighbours.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with international partners on the detention and enforced disappearance of Christians in areas of Yemen under Houthi control since December 2025.

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

We are deeply concerned about the situation facing Christian communities in Yemen, particularly in areas under Houthi control, where reports indicate that minorities cannot practise their faith freely, and routinely face harassment and discrimination.

We raise these concerns regularly with international partners, including at the UN Security Council and Human Rights Council, and continue to press for respect for human rights and accountability for violations. The UK condemns all forms of persecution based on religion or belief and will continue to advocate for the protection of Christians and other minorities in Yemen. More broadly, the UK will continue to use its diplomatic influence and humanitarian support to try and protect all civilians in Yemen, and press for an inclusive peace process under UN auspices.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the Government of Mexico on the protection of the Christian and indigenous communities displaced in May by organised criminal violence in Guerrero State.

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

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided in the House of Commons on 8 June in response to Question 5388 - which for ease of reference is reproduced below:

The UK is committed to promoting freedom of religion or belief and to the freedom of expression globally. We are concerned by reports of violence against indigenous and rural communities in Mexico. Any violence against indigenous communities must be fully investigated. We regularly engage with the Mexican authorities and civil society on the issue of the protection of civilians, as well as with the UN in Mexico on the effective investigation of crimes against human rights defenders.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department has conducted a written equality or non-discrimination assessment of UK ODA spending on Palestine covering differential provision of infrastructure, legal advocacy, protection services, and educational support between Palestinian and Jewish communities in Area C.

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

Value for money is embedded across all of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's work. We employ robust systems and frameworks, and continuously review our programmes, to ensure the effective and responsible use of UK taxpayers' money. Documentation related to our active and former programmes in Palestine is available on DevTracker: DevTracker Programme GB-GOV-13-OODA-AHRC-C4WCAGQ-R6SBCMZ-AYRNVWK.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what outputs the Palestine Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning programme (PALMEL, GB-GOV-1-400409) has produced to date on value for money of UK-funded programmes in Palestine; and whether any such assessment covers differential provision of services between communities in Area C.

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

Value for money is embedded across all of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's work. We employ robust systems and frameworks, and continuously review our programmes, to ensure the effective and responsible use of UK taxpayers' money. Documentation related to our active and former programmes in Palestine is available on DevTracker: DevTracker Programme GB-GOV-13-OODA-AHRC-C4WCAGQ-R6SBCMZ-AYRNVWK.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the findings of the recent report by Human Rights First, Bahrain’s Rulers Return to 2011 Repression Methods, published on 22 May, which includes reports of mass arrests, enforced disappearances, citizenship revocations, and torture in custody.

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

The Government is aware of the recent report by Human Rights First on Bahrain, and the cases it refers to. The UK maintains a constructive and longstanding partnership with Bahrain, through which we raise human rights issues as required, and support practical reform. We will continue to work with the Government of Bahrain to make further progress in line with international standards, and to encourage the thorough investigation and timely conclusion of cases where human rights concerns are raised.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Türkiye on the continued use of entry bans and deportations affecting foreign Christian workers and clergy.

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

Freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) is a priority for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the right to FoRB is clearly enshrined in the Turkish constitution. We continue to urge respect for religious freedoms, which are essential to the long-term health of Turkish democracy.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to (a) provide humanitarian aid and (b) promote compliance with international humanitarian law in Lebanon.

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

As I stated during the Urgent Question debate on 3 June, the UK is already one of the largest humanitarian donors in Lebanon, and has committed £30 million in additional humanitarian support to respond to this crisis through trusted partners, including the United Nations and the Lebanese Red Cross. We have been clear in our engagements with all parties that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected in line with international humanitarian law.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has made representations to her Cuban counterpart on (a) the detention of Jonathan Muir Burgos and (b) the Christian community in the last 12 months.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 8 June in response to Question 5332.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Sudan to ensure that those responsible for the deaths of at least 30 people and injury of more than 60 people in drone strikes thought to have been carried out by the Rapid Support Forces in North Darfur are brought to justice.

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

We remain concerned about the pattern of drone warfare in Sudan including attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure. Co-hosting the International Sudan Conference in Berlin on 15 April, we joined other participants in calling on the warring parties to end the conflict and adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law. Previously, on 26 February, we launched the Coalition on Atrocity Prevention and Justice in Sudan, bringing together likeminded partners to press for accountability, advance justice and bolster local peacebuilding and protection efforts.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what funding from the UK Government has been provided for the transition from conflict to peace in Colombia in the years 2018-2022 and 2022-2026 as part of the 2016 peace agreement.

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

The UK has been a leading international advocate of Colombia's peace process. Since 2016, the UK has committed over £80 million to support the implementation of the agreement and we are one of the largest UN Trust Fund donors. The Hon Member can find details of all programmes supported in Colombia on the GOV.UK Development Tracker (https://devtracker.fcdo.gov.uk/).

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what engagement she has had with officials in (i) the USA, (ii) Mexico and (iii) Canada to discuss the safety of British citizens attending the FIFA World Cup 2026.

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

The UK Government, including officials, embassy staff, and policing partners, are in regular contact with their Canadian, Mexican and US counterparts on a range of issues, including security and public safety planning for the World Cup, and the arrangements for British nationals travelling to watch the tournament. We keep our travel advice under regular review to ensure it reflects the latest assessment of risk to British nationals.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions the Foreign Secretary has had with the Iranian Ambassador since 28 April regarding Iranian linked proxy violence in the United Kingdom; and what assessment they have made of the impact of such activity on social cohesion and threats to the UK's Iranian and Jewish communities.

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

HMG regularly makes clear to Iran that the threats it poses to UK‑based citizens are unacceptable and must cease immediately. The Foreign Secretary raised this issue directly with her Iranian counterpart, FM Araghchi, on 8 May.

The police and security services continue to work tirelessly to protect Iranian dissidents, journalists and Jewish communities from the threat posed by Iran. It is vital that we also step up our support to protect social cohesion. On 30 April, the Government announced a further £25 million of immediate funding in 2026/27 to strengthen policing, protect Jewish communities and provide reassurance in response to the terrorist attack in Golders Green and recent spate of antisemitic attacks. In addition, £40 million is available for the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme, and £5 million is available to protect all other faiths groups through the Places of Worship Protective Security Scheme.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Jonathan Powell was subject to security vetting (a) before or (b) after he was appointed as the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on the Chagos negotiations.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 3 March in response to Question 115118.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the level of humanitarian need in Chad.

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

The conflict in Sudan has so far forced over 1.3 million people over the border into Chad, placing significant pressure on already vulnerable communities.

During her visit to the border region in February, the Foreign Secretary pledged the UK’s continued support for humanitarian relief efforts, including £56 million of bilateral support for Chad in the last financial year.

But we know that funding alone cannot resolve this crisis. That is why we continue to work intensively alongside our international partners to seek an end to the conflict and an urgent increase in humanitarian access.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the potential merits of banning trade with Israeli settlements.

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

Last week, the Foreign Secretary, alongside the Department for Business and Trade, strengthened our business risk guidance to make it clear and unambiguous that British citizens and businesses should not conduct any economic or financial activities in illegal Israeli settlements.

That brings our business guidance into line with our long-standing position that settlements are illegal under international law and an obstacle to peace. We will continue to co-ordinate with our international partners and look at further concrete steps we can take to counter settlement expansion, promote peace and security, and maintain the viability of a two-state solution.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has made an assessment of the potential implications for her polices of the governance framework for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector established under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan; and whether she has raised this framework with Shell plc in discussions on its prospective onshore operations in the Niger Delta.

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

We continue to raise with Shell, including at Ministerial level, the importance of action to address the risks of pollution from oil production in the Niger Delta, in line with international standards. The regulation of companies within Nigeria and the governance framework for the oil and gas sectors are, however, matters for the Government of Nigeria. The UK therefore encourages a coordinated effort between the Nigerian Government, oil and gas companies, and local communities to bring an end to all forms of oil contamination in Nigeria.

The Gulf of Guinea remains an important global energy-producing region, and the UK is committed to supporting Nigeria to realise its energy transition ambitions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions her Department has had with Shell plc regarding environmental standards to uphold upon its return to onshore operations in the Niger Delta; and whether the Government has sought assurances that those operations will meet or exceed relevant Nigerian, UK and international standards.

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

We continue to raise with Shell, including at Ministerial level, the importance of action to address the risks of pollution from oil production in the Niger Delta, in line with international standards. The regulation of companies within Nigeria and the governance framework for the oil and gas sectors are, however, matters for the Government of Nigeria. The UK therefore encourages a coordinated effort between the Nigerian Government, oil and gas companies, and local communities to bring an end to all forms of oil contamination in Nigeria.

The Gulf of Guinea remains an important global energy-producing region, and the UK is committed to supporting Nigeria to realise its energy transition ambitions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the strategic importance of the Gulf of Guinea oil and gas sector to UK energy security; and whether she plans to increase engagement with Niger Delta producing communities.

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

We continue to raise with Shell, including at Ministerial level, the importance of action to address the risks of pollution from oil production in the Niger Delta, in line with international standards. The regulation of companies within Nigeria and the governance framework for the oil and gas sectors are, however, matters for the Government of Nigeria. The UK therefore encourages a coordinated effort between the Nigerian Government, oil and gas companies, and local communities to bring an end to all forms of oil contamination in Nigeria.

The Gulf of Guinea remains an important global energy-producing region, and the UK is committed to supporting Nigeria to realise its energy transition ambitions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what role the UK is playing in ongoing UN processes to develop and strengthen an internationally agreed definition and global monitoring framework for homelessness.

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

The UK is a member of the UN Intergovernmental Expert Working Group on Adequate Housing for All, and was consulted at the Expert Group and Intersessional Thematic Meeting on the Definition of Homelessness, which met in October 2025 to work on improving the consistency, comparability, and scope of member states' data on homelessness. The Group will meet again in November 2026 to review recommendations that will inform the UK-supported UN-Habitat strategy for 2026-29, including its goals to reduce homelessness globally.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans she has to engage with the Government of Zimbabwe following their election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term.

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

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) ministers and officials have been in touch with their counterparts in Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Trinidad & Tobago and Zimbabwe following their election as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for the 2027-2028 term. The UK looks forward to working closely with them to progress our shared priorities in the Council, maintain international peace and security, and uphold the UN Charter.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans she has to engage with the Government of Austria following their election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term.

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

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) ministers and officials have been in touch with their counterparts in Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Trinidad & Tobago and Zimbabwe following their election as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for the 2027-2028 term. The UK looks forward to working closely with them to progress our shared priorities in the Council, maintain international peace and security, and uphold the UN Charter.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has made representations to the Government of Russia on the prosecution of (a) Jehovah’s Witnesses and (a) other religious groups under extremism legislation in the last 12 months.

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

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer I gave him on 1 June in response to Question 2671. We will update him if and when there are further developments to report.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans she has to engage with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago following its election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term.

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

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) ministers and officials have been in touch with their counterparts in Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Trinidad & Tobago and Zimbabwe following their election as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for the 2027-2028 term. The UK looks forward to working closely with them to progress our shared priorities in the Council, maintain international peace and security, and uphold the UN Charter.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans she has to engage with the Government of Kyrgyzstan following its election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term.

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

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) ministers and officials have been in touch with their counterparts in Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Trinidad & Tobago and Zimbabwe following their election as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for the 2027-2028 term. The UK looks forward to working closely with them to progress our shared priorities in the Council, maintain international peace and security, and uphold the UN Charter.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans she has to engage with the Government of Portugal following its election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term.

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

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) ministers and officials have been in touch with their counterparts in Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Trinidad & Tobago and Zimbabwe following their election as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for the 2027-2028 term. The UK looks forward to working closely with them to progress our shared priorities in the Council, maintain international peace and security, and uphold the UN Charter.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, which (a) bilateral and (b) multilateral development programmes supported by the UK include interventions aimed at preventing or reducing homelessness in low- and middle-income countries.

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

The UK is a member of the UN Intergovernmental Expert Working Group on Adequate Housing for All, and was consulted at the Expert Group and Intersessional Thematic Meeting on the Definition of Homelessness, which met in October 2025 to work on improving the consistency, comparability, and scope of member states' data on homelessness. The Group will meet again in November 2026 to review recommendations that will inform the UK-supported UN-Habitat strategy for 2026-29, including its goals to reduce homelessness globally.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she plans to advocate within the G20 for greater recognition of homelessness as a global development priority.

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

The UK is a member of the UN Intergovernmental Expert Working Group on Adequate Housing for All, and was consulted at the Expert Group and Intersessional Thematic Meeting on the Definition of Homelessness, which met in October 2025 to work on improving the consistency, comparability, and scope of member states' data on homelessness. The Group will meet again in November 2026 to review recommendations that will inform the UK-supported UN-Habitat strategy for 2026-29, including its goals to reduce homelessness globally.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that officials working on human rights and international development have access to appropriate (a) tools, (b) training, and (c) research on freedom of religious belief.

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

All staff working in this area are equipped with the knowledge, skills and resources needed to support delivery of the Government's Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) strategy. The UK Special Envoy for FoRB also plays an active role in strengthening our capability, through his engagement with officials in the UK and overseas, helping to build understanding of the issues, and support implementation of the Government's approach.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help prevent human rights abuses and atrocities in Amhara in Ethiopia.

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

The ongoing conflict in Amhara has led to significant humanitarian needs, including rising food insecurity, and widespread conflict-related human rights violations and abuses. In coordination with international partners, the UK continues to use its voice in multilateral fora, including the Human Rights Council, to call for accountability for the abuses and atrocities committed in the conflict to date, and we raise these issues on a regular basis with the Government of Ethiopia.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many times employees of Global Counsel visited the UK Embassy in Washington following the appointment of Lord Mandelson, where (a) Lord Mandelson and (b) his office as Ambassador was involved in facilitating the visit.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 1 June, which sets out the information available in response to the Humble Address. Aside from those ministers and senior UK officials whose meetings with external organisations are declared in quarterly transparency returns, it has never been the practice under any government routinely to publish details of all other external meetings.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps she is taking to promote UK soft power.

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

Soft power is fundamental to the UK's impact and reputation around the world. It builds relationships, promotes our values, and helps support our growth, prosperity and security.

The Government is determined to make maximum use of all our soft power assets towards these ends, and in particular, our continued support for the British Council and BBC World Service will enable them to maintain their outstanding work across the globe over the current spending review period.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will take steps to include tackling international tax abuse in the Illicit Finance Summit.

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

December's Illicit Finance Summit will focus on strengthening global enforcement against illicit finance, including by forging new partnerships on information sharing and asset recovery.

It will also agree new partnerships to tackle high-risk methods of moving dirty money, namely laundering in the property sector, misuse of crypto-assets, and trading in illicit gold.

By driving greater transparency, stronger enforcement and higher global standards, we will, alongside international partners, make it harder to hide or misuse money, including through tax evasion.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the UK's priorities for the G20 Summit in the US.

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

The G20 Leaders’ Summit will take place in Florida in December, preceded by the meeting of Foreign Ministers in Georgia in October, and the meeting of Finance Ministers in North Carolina in August.

All these meetings will have at their heart the need to restore growth and stability to the world economy, and to deal with the ongoing impact of the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz.

It is in all our interests for these meetings to be a success, and we are working closely with our US counterparts towards that end.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of the potential implications for her Department's policies of the human rights situation in Hong Kong.

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

On 26 March, the Foreign Secretary published the Government’s latest six-monthly report on Hong Kong, which repeated our concerns about the continued erosion of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong, in breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration.

Ministers and officials continue to raise these concerns on a regular basis directly with the Chinese Government, most recently when the Foreign Secretary visited China earlier this month. She also raised the case of Jimmy Lai with Foreign Minister Wang Yi, urging his release on humanitarian grounds.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her Department's policies of the adequacy of progress made in the disarming of Hamas under the terms of the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict.

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

The UK is committed to supporting the implementation of the 20-point Gaza Peace Plan in full.

Alongside our international partners, we have been clear that Hamas must decommission its weaponry and must no longer be allowed to pose a threat to Israel’s security.

We will continue to support international efforts on a credible plan to achieve those goals, as part of the wider transition process set out in Phase 2 of the Peace Plan.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking under the International Strategic Framework on Women and Girls to help counter the global backlash against gender equality.

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

The International Strategic Framework on Women and Girls 2026 sets out how the UK will work with partners to deliver lasting change, reflecting the scale of challenges facing women and girls globally. Evidence will underpin all our work, and we are committed to rigorous reporting and governance to ensure effective delivery.

I refer the Rt. Hon Member in particular to the 'deliverables' section of the framework, which sets out some of the key steps we will take to protect and advance the rights of women and girls, and to Paragraph 51, which sets out how we will monitor and evaluate progress against the goals of the framework.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to help ensure that that the commitments in the International Strategic Framework on Women are being delivered.

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

The International Strategic Framework on Women and Girls 2026 sets out how the UK will work with partners to deliver lasting change, reflecting the scale of challenges facing women and girls globally. Evidence will underpin all our work, and we are committed to rigorous reporting and governance to ensure effective delivery.

I refer the Rt. Hon Member in particular to the 'deliverables' section of the framework, which sets out some of the key steps we will take to protect and advance the rights of women and girls, and to Paragraph 51, which sets out how we will monitor and evaluate progress against the goals of the framework.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the status is of her Department's industrial dispute with the PCS trade union.

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

It is regrettable that the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) remains in dispute with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office regarding the restructure process. We remain committed to continuing constructive engagement with all our recognised trade unions on this and other workforce matters.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Civil Service 2024/2025 External Expenditure on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion publication, updated 6 May 2026, if he will publish the LGBT+ diversity materials; what the cost was; and who the suppliers were.

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

The materials in question, including t-shirts and placards, were purchased under the previous government at a cost of £383.34, to support the representation of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) at the London Pride event, held on 29 June 2024. The FCDO has been similarly represented at London Pride each year since 2022, and our overseas posts regularly take part in Pride events around the world as part of the Department's work to promote the human rights, and oppose the persecution, of LGBT+ people internationally.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the publication, FCDO Areas of Research Interest (ARI), of 11 May 2026, paragraph 10.2, through what mechanisms her Department will research political regime transitions.

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

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions (a) the Prime Minister and (b) Ministers in her Department have had with the Chinese Government on the new Chinese Embassy.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 4 March in response to Question 113792.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much bilateral ODA funding is planned to be provided to Mauritius (a) this year and (b) in each of the next five years.

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

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the information available on Official Development Assistance-funded programmes, via the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO) Development Tracker website, and to the upcoming publication of the FCDO's Annual Report and Accounts for 2025/26, which will set out programme outturn for that financial year and plans for the period up to the end of 2028/29.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what value of resources (a) have been provided since 22 May 2025; and (b) will be provided to Mauritius under the UK-Mauritius Strategic Partnership Framework in each of the next five years.

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

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the information available on Official Development Assistance-funded programmes, via the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO) Development Tracker website, and to the upcoming publication of the FCDO's Annual Report and Accounts for 2025/26, which will set out programme outturn for that financial year and plans for the period up to the end of 2028/29.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the publication, FCDO Areas of Research Interest (ARI), of 11 May 2026, paragraph 6.2, what her Department's definition is of anti-rights movements; and what rights will be considered as part of the research.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the introduction to the section to which his question refers, which explains the remit of the FCDO's own research portfolio in relation to gender equality, and the attacks on women's rights which form an important part of that work.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the publication, FCDO Areas of Research Interest (ARI), of 11 May 2026, paragraph 3.1, for what reason the research uses the metric of gender rather than sex.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the introduction to the section to which his question refers, which explains the remit of the FCDO's own research portfolio in relation to gender equality, and the attacks on women's rights which form an important part of that work.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Government press release entitled Bid to supply soft furnishings and accessories to the British High Commission Nairobi, if she will assess the potential merits of prioritising Lancashire-based businesses for contracts.

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

Like other government departments, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office conducts its procurement processes in line with public procurement regulations and the principles of proportional, transparent, fair, and non-discriminatory competition. This supports delivery of value for money for the UK taxpayer.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Civil Service 2024/2025 External Expenditure on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion publication, updated 6 May 2026, what the Diplomats for Equality event was; who attended that event; where it took place; who the suppliers were; and what the cost was.

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

The event in question was used as an opportunity for external engagement between the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and dozens of staff from different countries working in London-based embassies, to share perspectives, build connections and promote inclusive workplaces. The event took place at the FCDO offices in King Charles Street, in January 2025, at a total cost of £2,036.36.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to tackle the global persecution of the Baha'i community in (i) Iran, (ii) Yemen, (iii) Qatar, (iv) Egypt and (v) elsewhere.

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

The UK strongly condemns the persecution of Baha'i communities in many countries around the world. Last July, shortly before launching the Government's strategy on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), the UK Special Envoy for FoRB, David Smith MP, met the then Baha'i International Community UN Representative, Simin Fahandej, to discuss the persecution of the Baha'i in Iran and elsewhere.

The UK has also raised the targeting of Baha'i communities in international statements, including at the UN Human Rights Council, and supported action to strengthen international scrutiny of Iran. The Special Envoy engages regularly with Baha'i representatives, including the Director of the UK Baha'i Office of Public Affairs, Padideh Sabeti, who also contributed to the launch of the Government's FoRB Strategy.

We will continue to raise the persecution of Baha'i communities with relevant countries, and in multilateral fora as appropriate.

Found: In research funded by the FCDO, it is found that the UK is materially exposed to globally-interconnected

Found: ensure each Territory National Security Strategy puts climate change at its heart, support efforts by FCDO

Found: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has lead responsibility within the UK Government

Found: The need for close DBT-FCDO coordination is demonstrated vividly by the recent debacle surrounding

Found: • The FCDO will be using the platform of the Games to engage in bilateral and multilateral discussions

Found: OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office- Written evidence Annex A: Points on which

Found: Chapman of Darlington Minister of State (International Development and Africa) for Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: We work really closely with lots of Departments on it, including the FCDO.

Found: resolve interdepartmental disagreements between DBT, the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: current arrangements for the UK Critical Minerals Strategy distribute responsibility across DBT, FCDO

Found: The FCDO should rebalance its engagement towards commercial and economic diplomacy, as well as promoting

Found: by Jun Du’s primary fieldwork conducted in Shenzhen, Dongguan and Shanghai in December 2025 in the FCDO-sponsored

Found: Creative Industries, Media and Arts, regarding performing arts and music sectors, 2 April 2026 39 FCDO

Found: . Nuclear detonations (separate risks owned by Home Office and FCDO) – Met Office is contracted by

Found: I do apologise for arriving late, like a response from the FCDO to a written question.

Found: The United Kingdom signed on that date through FCDO Minister of State Stephen Doughty MP.

Found: It is important that market access work is linked up with the Economic Diplomacy work at the FCDO and

Found: Recent cutbacks by FCDO and DBT in overseas markets risks the UK’s ability to effectively address market

Found: For £163 million in Grant-in-Aid from the FCDO, the UK benefits from approximately £1 billion of soft

Found: Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and with UK Government international teams (FCDO

Found: In 2024-25, FCDO grant in aid funding to British Council was £166.1m of which £126.5m was ODA funding

Found: Academics from some of our institutions have been seconded to work within FCDO as Senior Research Fellows

Found: An Arm’s-Length Body of the FCDO, it works in over 100 countries to build connections, understanding

Found: of which has sustained, funded partnerships with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: Build Equitable Partnerships16. 3.4 Higher education and research partnerships are also crucial to FCDO

Found: Response to House of Commons International Development Committee Inquiry Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: How can the FCDO mobilise higher education and research partnerships to achieve its commitments towards

Found: Foundation, it has been provided with $70M through the joint funding support of Wellcome and the UK’s FCDO

Found: FCDO plays a key role in enabling research partnerships and supporting higher education in this new

Found: This is a question for the FCDO more than HEIs.

Found: UK universities already teach over 650,000 students outside the UK, but no FCDO mechanism channels this

Found: beginning of 2020, just before the pandemic, LSTM held £79 million of ODA related grants through FCDO

Found: Sussex, with IDS, receives one of the largest numbers of FCDO Chevening Scholars each year, with 90

Found: HER0038 - FCDO's approach to higher education and research partnerships Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: 1 | Russon (2026) FCDO education and higher education partnerships Written Evidence to the International

Found: demands, as well as in-depth knowledge of the global higher education environment will allow the FCDO

Found: We have a long- standing and deep engagement with the FCDO, which has included language, thematic and

Found:  How can the FCDO mobilise higher education and research partnerships to achieve its commitments towards

Found: Higher education partnerships can help the FCDO move beyond generic commitments by identifying barriers

Found: disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and prevented 183 million cases of neglected disease.13 How can the FCDO

Found: The RSE underscores the importance of recognising the broader ecosystem of FCDO UK- funded schemes, particularly

Found: regarding the Media Freedom Coalition (MFC), which is supported by a research partnership with the FCDO

Found: By investing in TNE and TNR partnerships, the FCDO is supporting deep, lasting institutional relationships

Found: How can the FCDO mobilise higher education and research partnerships to achieve its commitments towards

Found: research partnerships’ contribution to the UK’s influence on the global stage; - Suggestions on how FCDO

Found: has shaped operational and strategic decision-making in complex crises globally, including for the FCDO

Found: 1.1 The FCDO continues to identify global health as a priority area within its wider development strategy

Found: The FCDO can mobilise higher education partnerships more effectively towards SDG4 by supporting models

Found: and research partnerships, working closely with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: effectiveness, global value chains, and public-private partnerships, and we have direct experience as FCDO

Found: invested in midwifery and maternal health workforce development in the DRC, including through the FCDO-funded

Found: research initiatives but also align strategically with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s (FCDO

Found: education (HE) and research partnerships play in the FCDO’s wider development strategy, and then how the FCDO

Found: These partnerships have enabled research and capacity strengthening for key elements of FCDO strategy

Found: Capability has been delivering Professional Military Education in partnership with the MoD and the FCDO

Found:  How can the FCDO mobilise sport in higher education and sports research partnerships to achieve its

Found: may not represent all international graduates. [10] Recommendations (implementable and time-bound) ● FCDO

Found: Professor of Law at Newcastle University), as an academic who has spent four years on loan to the FCDO

Found: DPN0032 - The UK’s development partnership with Nigeria Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Written

Found: Electoral Commission’s investigations into foreign actors could inform foreign policy and action by the FCDO

Found: support for women and girls. 4 The Foreign Secretary has also made broader work on Women and Girls a FCDO

Found: The Foreign Secretary has also made broader work on Women and Girls a FCDO core priority, as announced

Found: London, 28 May 2026. 33 FCDO, ‘UK and partners unite to sanctions ministers inciting West Bank violence

Found: FCDO/MOD/DBT: which economic-security deliverables will be reported under the UK- EU Security and Defence

Found: Cross-departmental working has improved since the reset however, EU-relevant policy spans DBT, DSIT, FCDO

Found: tenth anniversary of the UK referendum on 1 Business and Trade Committee – UK trade with the EU 2 FCDO

Found: How is FCDO work at UK and post coordinated with other Government work on the topic?

Found: undertake any STEM research, including in veterinary science, they must first receive clearance from the FCDO

Found: Chapman of Darlington Minister of State (International Development and Africa) Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: What are the governance arrangements for the ISF following the change, and what role does FCDO now play

Found: Someone in the FCDO said to me the other day, “In your day, you stayed quite a long time—two years.

Found: Someone in the FCDO said to me the other day, “In your day, you stayed quite a long time—two years

Found: by c £90m due to one-off budget exchange from 2024/25 into 2025/26, plus additional funding from FCDO

Found: Chapman of Darlington Minister of State (International Development and Africa) for Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: for your letter of 15 May to the Foreign Secretary and me about the timing of the publication of FCDO

Found: Friday, 15 May 2026 Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP Foreign Secretary Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: The Overseas (FCDO) and Defence (MoD) Clusters are exceptions; their ERP systems were implemented

Found: FCDO’s most recent annual accounts quotes that the multilateral and human rights directorate of the FCDO

Found: the World Service, by which licence fee payers fund around 75% with an additional grant from the FCDO

Found: from the BBC licence fee as well as funding from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: combination of the BBC’s licence fee and a grant from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: Full government funding should be restored from the FCDO budget.[11] Where the BBC retreats - as when

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department permits civil servants employed in the UK to work from overseas on a regular basis.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra does not permit employees to work overseas on a regular basis and has a robust policy and application process for use in exceptional circumstances only. All exceptional cases must comply with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and other regulatory requirements and be authorised at a senior level.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether his Department permits civil servants employed in the UK to work from overseas on a regular basis.

Answered by Jake Richards - Assistant Whip

The Ministry of Justice uses the term international remote working (IRW) to describe working remotely outside the UK. IRW is defined as when an employee wants to undertake the full responsibilities of their role remotely from abroad, for a short-term and fixed period. It is different to official travel, and personal travel with access to Ministry of Justice devices/information assets for occasional and business critical reasons.

The Ministry of Justice IRW policy states that employees may request to work their full responsibilities from abroad in exceptional circumstances, for example, supporting a family member overseas who needs urgent and immediate help. Such arrangements may be approved for a maximum of 30 calendar days in a rolling 12-month period. Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis and subject to a rigorous approval process.

The Ministry of Justice has delegated responsibility for these decisions and complies with FCDO and other relevant regulatory requirements when considering requests from employees to work temporarily overseas.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department permits civil servants employed in the UK to work from overseas on a regular basis.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

Overseas remote working is only permitted on a temporary basis; permanent working outside the UK in a DBT role is not allowed.

Approval is granted in exceptional circumstances (e.g. a family funeral), before or after annual leave visiting family/friends, or accompanying a spouse or accredited partner on a UK Civil Service or Military posting.

Time limits vary: up to three months for exceptional circumstances, and three weeks at a time (maximum four weeks in a rolling 12‑month period) for working around annual leave.

Exceptional circumstances including bereavement are not regular occurrences.

Remote working is not permitted in FCDO high-risk countries.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the answer of 18 March 2026, to Question 116483, on MHCLG: Publicity, if he will list each supplier which has undertaken translation activities for the department since July 2024; and the amount of expenditure on each supplier.

Answered by Samantha Dixon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Since July 2024 the Department has spent £172,362.29 on translation activities to the following suppliers:

These translation services largely support the department’s engagement with bereaved families, survivors and local residents affected by the 2017 Grenfell Tower tragedy. The services also support a range of departmental activity, including resettlement schemes (such as those for people fleeing the war in Ukraine) and Welsh language translation.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what mechanisms will be introduced in the Sovereign Grant Review to prevent overlap of funding between the Sovereign Grant and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in respect of (1) inbound state visits to the UK, (2) outbound visits by members of the Royal Family, and (3) the monarch’s costs as Head of the Commonwealth.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

Expenditure met from the Sovereign Grant and that met by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) budgets serve distinct purposes.

The Sovereign Grant provides funding to support the official duties of working Members of the Royal Family, including staff, overseas travel to conduct and prepare for outward State Visits and the maintenance of the Occupied Royal Palaces. The FCDO and other departments meet separate costs associated with the UK’s diplomatic activity, both in the UK and overseas.

The FCDO funds in-country arrangements for outward State Visits, including accommodation and wider hosting arrangements. For inward State Visits, the FCDO funds the accommodation of the visiting delegation, as well as gifts and certain ceremonial activity, such as the State Banquet.

For activity undertaken in respect of His Majesty’s role as Head of the Commonwealth, the Sovereign Grant, FCDO and other departments fund respective activities that support the UK’s diplomatic objectives. Costs associated exclusively with The King’s role as Head of the Commonwealth may be met by the host country or participating Commonwealth member states. As with inward and outward visits, there remains a clear distinction between funding provided by the Sovereign Grant, and the funding provided by the FCDO and other departments for Commonwealth-related activity.

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what discussions a) Ministers and b) officials in his Department have had with the Soft Power Council.

Answered by Douglas Alexander - Secretary of State for Scotland

Since the Soft Power Council was established in January 2025, it has met four times. Information about the Soft Power Council and its meetings is available on GOV.UK, including meeting dates, terms of reference, and abridged minutes of discussions.

The Scotland Office meets regularly with the FCDO to discuss how to harness Scotland’s immense soft power potential to boost exports and attract inward investment.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions a) Ministers and b) officials in her Department have had with the Soft Power Council.

Answered by Rachel Blake - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

No Government Department Ministers beyond FCDO and DCMS have met the Soft Power Council as a group. Further information about the Soft Power Council and its meetings is available on GOV.UK. Beyond this, the information you requested regarding discussions is not held centrally and could only be collated and verified for the purposes of answering this question at disproportionate cost.

Found: Written statement on a Departmental Minute setting out details of a new liability undertaken by the FCDO

Found: (FCDO).

Found: British Council Key facts The loan support that the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Offi ce (FCDO

Found: (FCDO) agreed to provide a £60 million loan to the British Council in July 2020.

Found: (FCDO) leads the UK government’s response to humanitarian crises overseas, including

Found: FCDO sees this as increasingly important.

Found: FCDO allocated £100 million to the HCF in 2025-26 and £75 million in 2026-27 .

Found: the-world-factbook/countries/burkina-faso/ • Ethnologue: www.ethnologue.com (for information on languages) • FCDO

Found: Indicates a referenced Treaty document on UK Treaties website [FCDO] ****- For Kosovo, please see the

Found: Group on Defence Industrial 1 Which, dependant on context, is likely to be BEIS, DCMS, DIT, or FCDO

Found: That is why I’m pleased my colleagues at the FCDO are pursuing a new international public-private partnership

Found: FCDO Minister Stephen Doughty said:  The UK is ramping up pressure on Putin’s regime and cutting off

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

Found: Regional Development Banks and Funds The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has assumed

Found: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) In the context of digital standards, FCDO supports

Found:

Found: Earlier in his career, Michael worked primarily in the Home Office (with stints at Ofsted and the FCDO

Found: 10036582 Fazakerley Primary School Formosa Drive United Kingdom L10 7LD Wider Public Sector 10023600 FCDO

Found: certificate You can get a document or certificate legalised with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCDO

Found: without her parents’ consent or hers.”’56 9.6.5 The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: Elsewhere, ceremonies are arranged by FCDO staff.

Found: countries have departments which lead on the distribution of aid, like the UK’s Foreign & Commonwealth Development Office

Found: Working closely with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and UK Overseas Territories

Found:

Found:

Found: obligations under the Agreement and worked closely with Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: Earlier in his career, Michael worked primarily in the Home Office (with stints at Ofsted and the FCDO

Found: Technology (DSIT), Department for Transport (DfT), Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: throughout the project, including representatives from CO, DBT, DCMS, Defra, DESNZ, DfT, DHSC, DSIT, DSTL, FCDO