Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether they are considering setting a 25% minimum of the foreign aid budget for to essential services for children.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK Government is committed to improving the lives of children through our international development work. We support essential services for children, including by investing in maternal and newborn health and nutrition, childhood vaccinations, foundational learning, ending child marriage and supporting children's care reform. We have no plans to set specific spending targets for children. Our focus is on ensuring that all development resources deliver the greatest possible 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 October 2026, to Question 28802, on Chagos Islands: Sovereignty, whether the change to the social time preference rate has increased the forecast cost of the Treaty over the 99 year period.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

The United Kingdom Government set out the cost of the UK-Mauritius Agreement at the time of signature, which remains just over £100 million per annum in today's money. The forecast total cost of the Agreement using the Net Present Value method depends on a range of factors, including the date of entry into force of the Agreement. The Government is working with the US and Mauritius to find a diplomatic resolution that protects UK national security and works for all partners. We will not be providing a running commentary of these discussions, or of any forecast entry into force date.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to raise concerns about the environmental impact of mining and glacier loss on the Tibetan Plateau; and what representations he has made on independent environmental monitoring in that region.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

We regularly engage China on climate and environmental issues, including through the UK-China Climate Dialogue. The Government is concerned about glacier loss, and tackling the climate and environmental crisis is a priority for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. We have supported research into climate and environmental risks including for the Tibetan Plateau. The UK also supports climate resilience in the wider Himalayan region, outside of China, through the Climate Action for a Resilient Asia programme, including the Himalayan Resilience Enabling Action Programme.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Wood of Anfield on 2 October (HL3675), whether it is customary for them to confer with the relatives of a victim of war regarding the circumstances of the death in advance of an autopsy.

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

UK consular officials routinely share information related to a British nationals' death overseas with their next of kin. The consular service has no direct role in post mortem processes. A funeral director in the country where the death took place can also do this.

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 press release entitled UK calls for fundamental reset of global financial system for developing countries, published on 14 October 2026, what proportion of private capital mobilised through UK-supported development finance has been (a) invested in commercially sustainable projects and (b) required ongoing public subsidy and financial guarantees.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Scaling up private capital mobilisation is essential for delivering the Government's priorities on inclusive growth and climate. UK-supported development finance seeks to mobilise private capital into investments which are commercially sustainable, or have a pathway towards commercial sustainability. His Majesty's Government development finance instruments seek to crowd in private investment that would not otherwise occur, whilst ensuring we avoid distorting markets.

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 press release entitled UK calls for fundamental reset of global financial system for developing countries, published on 14 October 2026, what additional financial commitments his Department plans to make.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Any expenditure will be agreed through normal departmental business planning processes and managed within the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's Spending Review settlement.

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 press release entitled UK calls for fundamental reset of global financial system for developing countries, published on 14 October 2026, if he will set out the safeguards that will be applied to ensure that debt relief and aid contributions are accompanied by sustainable public finances in the recipient country and transparent reporting on the use of funds.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Reducing high debt service costs will create more fiscal space and allow partner countries to scale public investment. The government will also work in partnership with developing countries to support them to raise more domestic revenues, improving the efficiency of public spending, and tackling waste, corruption, and illicit flows. Delivery is managed through staff in the UK and overseas, the oversight of UK Delegations to the Multilateral Development Banks and established programme management processes.

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 press release entitled UK calls for fundamental reset of global financial system for developing countries, published on 14 October 2026, what assessment his Department has made of the financial risks to the UK arising from the proposals to lengthen repayment terms, reduce interest rates and provide for debt restructuring for developing countries through multilateral development banks.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Reducing high debt service costs will create more fiscal space and allow partner countries to scale public investment. The government will also work in partnership with developing countries to support them to raise more domestic revenues, improving the efficiency of public spending, and tackling waste, corruption, and illicit flows. Delivery is managed through staff in the UK and overseas, the oversight of UK Delegations to the Multilateral Development Banks and established programme management processes.

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 press release entitled UK calls for fundamental reset of global financial system for developing countries, published on 14 October 2026, what assessment his Department has made of the risk of fraud, corruption or diversion of funds under the proposed expansion of development finance.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Reducing high debt service costs will create more fiscal space and allow partner countries to scale public investment. The government will also work in partnership with developing countries to support them to raise more domestic revenues, improving the efficiency of public spending, and tackling waste, corruption, and illicit flows. Delivery is managed through staff in the UK and overseas, the oversight of UK Delegations to the Multilateral Development Banks and established programme management processes.

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 press release entitled UK calls for fundamental reset of global financial system for developing countries, published on 14 October 2026, what comparative assessment his Department has made of the value for money of contributing to multilateral development banks and other foreign aid channels in delivering the proposed reforms.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Multilateral development banks (MDBs) are leading development actors and a central part of the UK's international development toolkit, allowing us to achieve a level of scale and impact that is not possible through our bilateral programmes alone. The MDBs' financial model allows them to leverage shareholder capital, borrowing at low rates from international capital markets using their strong credit ratings and on-lending many multiples of the initial capital to countries at favourable rates. This offers strong value for money for the UK taxpayer. For example, in the case of the lending arm of the World Bank, £1 in capital from a shareholder such as the UK can enable up to £10 of additional lending to middle income countries over ten years.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has made any requests to interview any diplomats from the People's Republic of China following allegations embassy staff pointed taser and stun guns at protestors on 3rd July 2026.

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

The Metropolitan Police are actively investigating this matter. As the investigation remains ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further or speculate on the outcome. However, the Government is clear that any attempt by a foreign state to coerce, intimidate, harass or harm individuals on UK soil will not be tolerated.

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 press release entitled UK calls for fundamental reset of global financial system for developing countries, published on 14 October 2026, what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of implementing the proposals in that press release during the next five financial years.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Any expenditure will be agreed through normal departmental business planning processes and managed within the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's Spending Review settlement.

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 US counterpart concerning the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons' role in relation to potential chemical weapons use in Sudan.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Rt Hon. Member to the response provided to Question HL3376 on 6 October 2026. As we set out in our national statement at the 113th Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on 6 October, we note with particular concern reports of chemical weapon use in Sudan and continue to call for the completion of a thorough, transparent, impartial and credible national investigation and for its findings to be shared with the OPCW as soon as possible.

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 adequacy of the Sudanese Armed Forces' investigation into chemical weapons use.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Rt Hon. Member to the response provided to Question HL3376 on 6 October 2026. As we set out in our national statement at the 113th Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on 6 October, we note with particular concern reports of chemical weapon use in Sudan and continue to call for the completion of a thorough, transparent, impartial and credible national investigation and for its findings to be shared with the OPCW as soon as possible.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, further to Conflict Resolution Department (CRD) Conflict Resolution Programme, IATI Identifier: GB-GOV-1-400035, Transaction reference GB-GOV-1-400035-403, for what reason there was a negative payment to Inter Mediate of £-368,297 on 23 February 2026.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

The transaction identified in DevTracker is an internal correction. No negative payment was transacted.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with the Government of Colombia and international partners regarding proposed changes to the remit of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia; and what role the UK intends to play in supporting continued independent monitoring of peace-agreement implementation.

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

The UK remains a leading international advocate of Colombia's 2016 Peace Agreement. As penholder on Colombia at the UN Security Council, we continue to support the work of the UN Verification Mission and engage regularly with the Government of Colombia and international partners on peace process issues. Since 2016, the UK has committed over £80 million to support implementation of the Agreement, including transitional justice, reintegration and the protection of conflict-affected communities. The UK continues to support transitional justice mechanisms established under the Agreement and emphasises the importance of victims' rights and the independence of these institutions. We remain committed to supporting independent monitoring of implementation through the UN Verification Mission and we support the new international verification mechanism for the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) sanctions. We are concerned by continuing violence affecting communities, victims, social leaders and former combatants, and regularly encourage Colombian authorities to strengthen protection measures, improve security guarantees and tackle the root causes of violence.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of security guarantees and protections for communities and victims involved in the implementation of Colombia's Peace Agreement.

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

The UK remains a leading international advocate of Colombia's 2016 Peace Agreement. As penholder on Colombia at the UN Security Council, we continue to support the work of the UN Verification Mission and engage regularly with the Government of Colombia and international partners on peace process issues. Since 2016, the UK has committed over £80 million to support implementation of the Agreement, including transitional justice, reintegration and the protection of conflict-affected communities. The UK continues to support transitional justice mechanisms established under the Agreement and emphasises the importance of victims' rights and the independence of these institutions. We remain committed to supporting independent monitoring of implementation through the UN Verification Mission and we support the new international verification mechanism for the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) sanctions. We are concerned by continuing violence affecting communities, victims, social leaders and former combatants, and regularly encourage Colombian authorities to strengthen protection measures, improve security guarantees and tackle the root causes of violence.

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 implications for his policies of reports that Russia is restricting the peaceful religious activities of Jehovah’s Witnesses and Protestant Christian organisations.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

The UK remains committed to championing freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all. No one should live in fear because of what they do or do not believe in. The UK Special Envoy for FoRB, David Smith MP, plays a critical role in this. Reports of restrictions on peaceful religious activity reinforce the importance of this commitment.

The Government regularly condemns the Kremlin's dire domestic human rights record in international fora. The UK will continue to call on the Russian Government to uphold its international commitments on FoRB, and to end its persecution of religious minorities, including Jehovah's Witnesses and protestant communities.

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 persuade the EU to renew sanctions on Russian billionaires.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

We continue to work closely with the EU and other international partners to increase economic pressure on Russia. It is for the EU to comment on their sanctions decisions.

As the Prime Minister has made clear, the UK is committed to further sanctions on Russia. To date, the UK has sanctioned over 3,500 individuals, entities and ships under our Russia sanctions regime, of which over 3,300 were imposed since the full-scale invasion in 2022 and 500 imposed in 2026 alone.

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 potential impact of interdicting Russian shadow fleet vessels transiting the English Channel carrying diesel bound for the United States on international relations with the United States.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

I refer the Hon Member to the answer given to question 33975 on 15 October.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of South America on the UK's long-term diplomatic, economic and strategic interests.

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

The UK Government recognises the growing importance of South America to the UK's long-term diplomatic, economic and strategic interests. The region offers significant opportunities for UK growth and economic security, including through trade, investment, critical minerals, clean energy and resilient supply chains. It is also central to tackling shared challenges including serious and organised crime, climate change and biodiversity loss. We are therefore strengthening partnerships across the region while working with partners on trade and investment, critical minerals, climate and nature, regional security and the rules-based international system. Our engagement is focused on areas where the UK can add distinctive value and advance our long-term prosperity, security and global influence.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraph 51 of his Department's document entitled UK International Strategic Framework on Women and Girls, published on 20 May 2026, what his planned timetable is for completing the delivery plan; and what steps his Department plans to take to report publicly on its implementation.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Work is underway across the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to implement the UK International Strategic Framework on Women and Girls and put in place arrangements to monitor progress and establish governance mechanisms. As set out in the Framework, rigorous reporting and governance will monitor delivery against our goals on women and girls and support transparency and accountability.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what guidance his Department has issued on international engagement by devolved administrations under Schedule 5 of the Scotland Act 1998; and what assessment he has made of trends in the level of activities of the Scottish Government’s international hubs.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) regularly issues detailed guidance on international engagement by Devolved Governments, including to our Embassies and High Commissions, to ensure that the UK Government's reservation on foreign affairs is protected. The FCDO monitors international activity undertaken by the Devolved Governments, including the Scottish Government. The majority of Scottish Government overseas staff are located on the FCDO platform, enabling close working and co-operation.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether (a) Ministerial and (b) Permanent Secretary meetings with Inter Mediate are redacted from gov.uk transparency returns.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office publishes details of Ministers' and senior officials' external meetings in accordance with the Government's transparency requirements. Previous publications show meetings between Inter Mediate and the Minister for Multilateral and Human Rights on 23 March 2026, in Haiti; and with the previous Minister for International Development Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 2 July 2025, in Haiti. Meeting information can be withheld under specific circumstances, but there are no records of exemptions being used for meetings with Inter Mediate.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the cost was of settling the legal action arising out of the dismissal of Sir Olly Robbins broken down into (a) legal costs incurred and (b) compensation paid.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

The Department does not publish details of individual human resources (HR) cases.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps his Department is taking to tackle (a) the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Cuba, and (b) the impact of US sanctions on food, fuel and medicine supplies and the effect of prolonged power blackouts on Cuban citizens.

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

The UK remains concerned about the serious humanitarian situation in Cuba, particularly shortages of fuel, food and essential medicines. Fuel shortages are disrupting essential services and constraining the delivery of humanitarian assistance. The UK supports humanitarian relief through international and multilateral partners including the World Food Programme, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the UN Central Emergency Response Fund. We continue to engage with international partners and assess what further practical support may be possible, while balancing competing humanitarian priorities globally.

The UK has consistently opposed the longstanding US embargo against Cuba, including through our voting position at the UN. We consider the embargo harmful to the Cuban people and counterproductive. Recent US measures affecting fuel supplies, finance and economic activity have compounded humanitarian pressures. Cuba's current challenges cannot, however, be explained by sanctions alone. Sustainable improvement also requires domestic economic reform.

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 on the quality of evidence relating to the alleged use of chemical weapons at the Al Jaili oil refinery of a delay to the examination of that evidence by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Rt Hon. Member to the response provided to Question HL3376 on 6 October 2026. As we set out in our national statement at the 113th Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on 6 October, we note with particular concern reports of chemical weapon use in Sudan and continue to call for the completion of a thorough, transparent, impartial and credible national investigation and for its findings to be shared with the OPCW as soon as possible.

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 progress of the investigation by the Sudanese Armed Forces into the use of chemical weapons.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Rt Hon. Member to the response provided to Question HL3376 on 6 October 2026. As we set out in our national statement at the 113th Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on 6 October, we note with particular concern reports of chemical weapon use in Sudan and continue to call for the completion of a thorough, transparent, impartial and credible national investigation and for its findings to be shared with the OPCW as soon as possible.

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 human rights and democratic values in the context of strategic security partnerships.

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

The Government promotes human rights, democratic values and the rule of law through its strategic security partnerships. Through these partnerships the UK strengthens oversight, promotes accountability, and encourages responsible contracting.

The UK supports international initiatives, including the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights and the International Code of Conduct Association for Private Security Providers, to improve standards in security provision and reduce the risk of human rights abuses. The UK also works through multilateral and regional security fora, including the United Nations, the G7 and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, to promote human rights, democratic values and the rule of law internationally.

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 proposed reforms relating to Colombia's Special Jurisdiction for Peace and proposed budget allocations on the implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement, judicial independence and victims' rights.

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

The UK remains a leading international advocate of Colombia's 2016 Peace Agreement. As penholder on Colombia at the UN Security Council, we continue to support the work of the UN Verification Mission and engage regularly with the Government of Colombia and international partners on peace process issues. Since 2016, the UK has committed over £80 million to support implementation of the Agreement, including transitional justice, reintegration and the protection of conflict-affected communities. The UK continues to support transitional justice mechanisms established under the Agreement and emphasises the importance of victims' rights and the independence of these institutions. We remain committed to supporting independent monitoring of implementation through the UN Verification Mission and we support the new international verification mechanism for the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) sanctions. We are concerned by continuing violence affecting communities, victims, social leaders and former combatants, and regularly encourage Colombian authorities to strengthen protection measures, improve security guarantees and tackle the root causes of violence.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraphs 278 and 279 of the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion of 19 July 2024 and his Oral Statement of 8 September 2026 on Israel and Palestine, what steps he plans to take to give effect to the obligations on third States identified by the Court.

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

As the Foreign Secretary set out on 8 September, the Government's official view is that Israel's occupation is unlawful. Consistent with this, the Government will continue to distinguish between Israel within its internationally recognised borders and the territory that Israel has occupied since 1967. The Foreign Secretary set out on 8 September that we will now in addition refuse all licence applications for arms and other exports that materially contribute to the occupation. He also set out our belief that the unlawfulness of the occupation should be reflected in the economic relationships we choose to have with the occupied territories and announced a series of measures including an import ban on goods from illegal settlements.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department had any discussions with US counterparts regarding reports that a US diplomat suspected of possessing indecent images of children was removed from the UK before police questioning could take place.

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

We expect all foreign diplomats in the UK to abide by our laws; in the same way we expect all UK diplomats to abide by local laws when posted overseas. The Metropolitan Police and US law enforcement are liaising regarding the investigation, and the Government remains in close contact with the US Embassy, including at Ministerial level. While a live US investigation is ongoing, we cannot comment any further.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when he plans to publish the Statutory Instruments required to implement the provisions of The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and International Committee of the Red Cross (Status) Act 2025.

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

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office continues to work towards implementing the Statutory Instruments required to implement the provisions of The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and International Committee of the Red Cross (Status) Act 2025. The arrangements with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association have been agreed. Negotiations with the International Committee of the Red Cross are ongoing. Once complete, the Statutory Instruments for both Organisations will be laid before the house.

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 Government of Indonesia concerning restrictions on the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s freedom to worship and reports of discrimination against its members.

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

We strongly condemn all instances of hate and violence against the Ahmadiyya community. The UK remains committed to championing freedom of religion or belief for all. Last year, we launched the UK's Freedom of Religion or Belief Strategy. The UK, including Embassy officials, engages with religious minority communities, including Ahmadiyya, in Indonesia. The UK regularly raises concern around instances of violence against minority religious groups with Indonesian Government officials, most recently in September 2026. The UK's Human Rights Ambassador Eleanor Sanders raised the restrictions facing Ahmadiyya during her visit to Jakarta in 2025. Through programming, the UK has supported training in Indonesia on inter-faith mediation for community leaders and on understanding legal rights for religious minority communities.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the proposed "double lock" on arms sales to Israel will cover incorporation licenses.

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

All licences for exports to Israel, including incorporation licences, will be assessed on whether they make a material contribution to the unlawful occupation. We will refuse those that do.

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 Bezalel Smotrich’s comments on 6 October 2026 on the annexation of southern Lebanon on Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity; and what diplomatic, legal and practical measures he is taking to protect civilians, prevent annexation and secure the withdrawal of Israeli forces in the context of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

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

I spoke to the Lebanese FM and Ambassador recently to reiterate our support for the government of Lebanon and the sovereignty and security territorial integrity of Lebanon.

Found: MID0001 - The work of the Minister for International Development Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: Letter from FCDO on the Civilian Stabilisation Group Correspondence

Found: . ● UK Government BIST and FCDO teams operating overseas work alongside Scottish Government and Scottish

Found: GIB0001 - UK-EU Agreement on Gibraltar Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Written Evidence

Found: FCDO resourcing You also asked how the Department will retain the expertise of our Sudan and atrocity

Found: Planned FCDO multilateral global-health spending is expected to fall by about 23%, bilateral ODA by

Found: For much of our 76-year history, we have worked with FCDO and its predecessors across more than 30 countries

Found: Department for International Development (DFID) into the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: We note that the Foreign Secretary in May 2026 announced in Parliament that FCDO had decided not to

Found: for SDG4: To achieve commitments towards Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), the FCDO

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

Found: While there is some transparency about FCDO funding allocations, project information through DevTracker

Found: reductions in the UK ODA budget have had a deep impact on global health research budgets outside the FCDO

Found: Moving beyond emergency stabilisation, the FCDO should leverage humanitarian-development-peace nexus

Found: It is now several years since DfID/FCDO have invited applications for such work, whether from UK-based

Found: With ODA spending increasingly taking place outside of the FCDO, government departments such as the

Found: Despite the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) explicit commitment to ensure Independent

Found: highlights the risk of cumulative funding losses of USD $30–50 million annually from other donors such as FCDO

Found: IPPF also provides ongoing technical and policy support to the FCDO and parliamentarians on SRHR in

Found: . █ Establish a Voices and Accountability forum within the FCDO to engage civil society groups from

Found: To maximise impact, the FCDO should prioritise predictable, multi-year funding and avoid abrupt cuts

Found: Reviews, conducted and published on DevTracker by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: As the FCDO focuses on systems strengthening, this must include support for stronger local and regional

Found: FCDO.

Found: have a significant impact on the UK’s ability to deliver science and technological innovations; the FCDO

Found: FCDO also supported system-strengthening work specifically for people with severe psychosocial disabilities

Found: UK Aid Cuts Confirmed in FCDO Annual Accounts 2024 to 2025.

Found: young people have safe, meaningful influence over conflict analysis, mediation, peace processes, 1 FCDO

Found: The Committee should ask which measure of need the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

Found: FCDO feedback on Chad analysis also helped establish a formal validation mechanism for national products

Found: Groupe URD in its study on humanitarian and stabilisation action in the Central Sahel, funded by the FCDO

Found: VITA is an SRF-funded project, funded by FCDO. 9.3.

Found: Recommendation: The FCDO should establish a dedicated Local Faith Actor funding window across its Sahel

Found: Source iv Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, “We remain concerned by the deteriorating security

Found: primarily focused on the humanitarian portfolio (through SHAPP), there is uncertainty over future FCDO

Found: UKSA’s cyber resilience guidance notes involvement from DBIST, MOD, FCDO and DfT, among others.

Found: It also hosts its Sahel Regional Fund (SRF), an FCDO-funded, NGO-led pooled fund to locally channel

Found: THE SAHEL IGLIJ - Geneva, Switzerland Page 2 27 and £8.9 billion for 2027-28.[3] In July 2026, the FCDO

Found: 1 OFFICIAL FCDO Written Evidence Submission to the International Development Committee Inquiry on the

Found: A policy paper published in July, 2023 by the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) underscores

Found: The FCDO should state explicitly whether its Sahel strategy assumes eventual reintegration into ECOWAS

Found: partners include: • World Bank Group • African Development Bank • European Union • United Kingdom (FCDO

Found: The recommendations are designed to complement existing FCDO and Integrated Security Fund arrangements

Found: make its greatest contribution to saving lives in the Sahel by increasing humanitarian funding for FCDO

Found: Kirsty McNeill MP Minister of State for International Development and Africa Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: Correspondence from the Chair of the FCDO Risk Assurance Committee relating to future engagement, 30

Found: Correspondence to the Chair of the FCDO Risk Assurance Committee relating to future engagement, 4 August

Found: FCDO and DCMS Cabinet ministers or their ministerial teams have been represented at all five meetings

Found: by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: We have had one full evidence session already, at which we heard from the department, the FCDO and

Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what are the (a) legal and (b) constitutional remedies available if a Scottish Government international hub was found to be undertaking functions reserved to the UK Government under Schedule 5 of the Scotland Act 1998.

Answered by Melanie Ward - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Scotland Office)

Under the Scotland Act 1998, international relations remain a matter reserved to the UK Government. The Scottish Government is entitled to promote its trade and economic interests abroad and the UK Government believes this is most effectively achieved by working through the UK’s extensive diplomatic footprint to ensure we are speaking with one voice on the international stage.

The Scottish Government international hubs are hosted by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) at Embassies, Consulates and High Commissions across the world, and benefit from UK Government accreditation and FCDO Services. All UK officials on platform must act in accordance with the Scotland Act and are accountable to the Head of Mission.

The Scotland Office and FCDO closely monitor this issue and remain committed to upholding the areas of reserved competence, while working with the Scottish Government to deliver on the priorities of the people of Scotland.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, which Department is responsible for holding discussions with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in relation to oversight of the gold sector.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Home Office leads the Government’s engagement with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on transnational organised crime.

Through overseas missions, the FCDO leads international engagement on illicit gold, working with partners (including UNODC) and industry to tackle it.

Tackling illicit gold is a cross-government issue, drawing on the expertise of the Home Office, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), HM Revenue and Customs, the National Crime Agency and other organisations.

FCDO, Home Office, and government departments will continue to work together, including in engagement with UNODC where appropriate, to strengthen the international response to illicit gold.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the cost to her Department is of providing citizenship ceremonies.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Home Office publishes the fees charged and the estimated unit cost of processing immigration and nationality applications on GOV.UK. This can be reviewed via the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visa-fees-transparency-data.

Fees for immigration and nationality applications are kept under review. However, no assessment has been made of the potential merits of a reduced naturalisation fee for applicants’ resident in the UK for more than 20 years and there are no plans to carry out such an assessment in the future.

While some individuals may wish to apply to become a British citizen, it is not mandatory and many choose not to do so. This is because, in addition to lawful permanent residence in the UK, a person with Indefinite Leave to Remain is able to access to the UK labour market, state education and healthcare and the ability to sponsor family members’ residence in the UK.

There is no cost to the Home Office for providing citizenship ceremonies. Local Authorities provide and administer the ceremony, and the fee is payable to them. Overseas ceremonies are administered by Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) officials at the nearest embassy or High Commission. The ceremony fee covers that cost and is paid to FCDO once the ceremony has been conducted.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of a reduced naturalisation fee for applicants resident in the UK for more than 20 years.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Home Office publishes the fees charged and the estimated unit cost of processing immigration and nationality applications on GOV.UK. This can be reviewed via the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visa-fees-transparency-data.

Fees for immigration and nationality applications are kept under review. However, no assessment has been made of the potential merits of a reduced naturalisation fee for applicants’ resident in the UK for more than 20 years and there are no plans to carry out such an assessment in the future.

While some individuals may wish to apply to become a British citizen, it is not mandatory and many choose not to do so. This is because, in addition to lawful permanent residence in the UK, a person with Indefinite Leave to Remain is able to access to the UK labour market, state education and healthcare and the ability to sponsor family members’ residence in the UK.

There is no cost to the Home Office for providing citizenship ceremonies. Local Authorities provide and administer the ceremony, and the fee is payable to them. Overseas ceremonies are administered by Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) officials at the nearest embassy or High Commission. The ceremony fee covers that cost and is paid to FCDO once the ceremony has been conducted.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the unit cost to her Department is of processing an application for naturalisation; and what the fee charged is.

Answered by Jo White - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

The Home Office publishes the fees charged and the estimated unit cost of processing immigration and nationality applications on GOV.UK. This can be reviewed via the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visa-fees-transparency-data.

Fees for immigration and nationality applications are kept under review. However, no assessment has been made of the potential merits of a reduced naturalisation fee for applicants’ resident in the UK for more than 20 years and there are no plans to carry out such an assessment in the future.

While some individuals may wish to apply to become a British citizen, it is not mandatory and many choose not to do so. This is because, in addition to lawful permanent residence in the UK, a person with Indefinite Leave to Remain is able to access to the UK labour market, state education and healthcare and the ability to sponsor family members’ residence in the UK.

There is no cost to the Home Office for providing citizenship ceremonies. Local Authorities provide and administer the ceremony, and the fee is payable to them. Overseas ceremonies are administered by Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) officials at the nearest embassy or High Commission. The ceremony fee covers that cost and is paid to FCDO once the ceremony has been conducted.

Found: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office guidance on Treaties and MOUs says that any domestic

Found: Affairs The Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP Responsibilities include: ● overarching responsibility for FCDO

Found: Transport Responsible Minister: Justin Madders MP Chief Executive: Beverley Warmington FCDO

Found: Limited/Ashley Care Centre Worksop S81 7LN Care, childcare or social care Committed Central Midlands FCDO

Found: FCDO would lead on any memorial events.

Found: TSOC would also stand up to support an FCDO-led response if an accident occurred in non-UK airspace

Found: evidence of this could include either: • an exempt vignette • a letter from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: refused where the destination country: • is subject to Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: also consider any current travel advice issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: refused where the destination country: • is subject to Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: also consider any current travel advice issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: DWP 4.4% 417 31 DESNZ 2.8% 0 50 DEFRA 9.4% 54 379 DBT 3.5% 23 41 HMT 3.4% 12 1 CO 14.8% 61 62 FCDO

Found: DWP 4.4% 417 31 DESNZ 2.8% 0 50 DEFRA 9.4% 54 379 DBT 3.5% 23 41 HMT 3.4% 12 1 CO 14.8% 61 62 FCDO

Found: state-controlled.149 6.41 In its published guidance on overseas business risk, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: state-controlled.141 6.41 In its published guidance on overseas business risk, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: (FCDO), and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) provided

Found: developing countries to respond to the challenges and opportunities of climate changeDEFRA, DESNZ, FCDO

Found: sanctions regimes in effect in the UK which are led by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: sanctions regimes in effect in the UK which are led by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: Commonwealth Office, King Charles Street LONDON United Kingdom SW1A 2AH Central Government 10023600 FCDO

Found: and Information Team (CPIT), with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: and Information Team (CPIT), with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: evidence of this could include either: • an exempt vignette • a letter from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: refused where the destination country: • is subject to Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: also consider any current travel advice issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: refused where the destination country: • is subject to Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: also consider any current travel advice issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: (e.g. the International Bilateral Fund), other UK government sources (e.g. the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: state-controlled.149 6.41 In its published guidance on overseas business risk, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: state-controlled.141 6.41 In its published guidance on overseas business risk, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR or found on the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: FOI202600020S relates to the publication of FCDO Services spend data over £25,000 for the month of July

Found: Dispensation was again agreed for FCDO in 2026/27 to reflect their unique workforce

Found: FCDO Services senior officials’ business expenses and hospitality, July to September 2026

Found: Programme projects agreed with OT/CD governments and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: Previous employment/roles The minister was previously a civil servant in the FCDO The minister

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Found: Officials have asked the FCDO to include us on sitreps and any emerging press lines.