Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to help protect UK citizens travelling abroad.

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

The issues raised in the Hon Member's questions are all key priorities for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and our work in these areas cannot adequately be summarised in a single answer. However, he can find regular updates about that work by following the FCDO news feed on GOV.UK, or continuing to attend sessions of FCDO departmental questions.

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 prevent international human rights abuses.

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

The issues raised in the Hon Member's questions are all key priorities for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and our work in these areas cannot adequately be summarised in a single answer. However, he can find regular updates about that work by following the FCDO news feed on GOV.UK, or continuing to attend sessions of FCDO departmental questions.

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 support persecuted Christians abroad.

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

The issues raised in the Hon Member's questions are all key priorities for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and our work in these areas cannot adequately be summarised in a single answer. However, he can find regular updates about that work by following the FCDO news feed on GOV.UK, or continuing to attend sessions of FCDO departmental questions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has considered clawing back the exit payment made to Lord Mandelson under common law.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11th March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Lord Mandelson was granted STRAP clearance.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11th March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will place in the Library a copy of Peter Mandelson’s full contract as Ambassador.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer he received on 18 March in response to Questions 120607, 120615, 120620 and 120622.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, in regard to Part of a Return to an Address of the Honourable the House of Commons dated 4 February 2026 relating to the appointment of Lord Mandelson as HM Ambassador to Washington, published on 11 March (HC1774-1), whether Lord Mandelson used a non-government email address for government business while he was Ambassador to the United States.

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

I refer the Noble Baroness to the Government's statement (Official Report, vol. 782, cols. 359-374) and release of information on 11 March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether Lord Mandelson was involved with the China Audit.

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

I refer the Noble Baroness to the Government's statement (Official Report, vol. 782, cols. 359-374) and release of information on 11 March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, in regard to page 101 of Part of a Return to an Address of the Honourable the House of Commons dated 4 February 2026 relating to the appointment of Lord Mandelson as HM Ambassador to Washington, published on 11 March (HC1774-1), what was the value of the end of tour leave payments made to Lord Mandelson after he was dismissed as Head of Mission and before he left the Civil Service; whether those payments were taxable; and whether any other resettlement payments or allowances were made to Lord Mandelson.

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

I refer the Noble Baroness to the Government's statement (Official Report, vol. 854, cols. 769-783) and release of information on 11 March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether there was any communication between No 10 or the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Global Counsel in relation to the visit by the Prime Minister and Lord Mandelson to Palantir in Washington DC in February 2025.

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

I refer the Noble Baroness to the Government's statement (Official Report, vol. 854, cols. 769-783) and release of information on 11 March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many UK citizens currently located in Iran and neighbouring countries affected by recent military hostilities have asked the UK government for assistance in returning to the UK; how many have been promised such assistance; and how many have returned to the UK to date.

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

I refer the Noble Lord to the statement Lord Collins made to the House on 19 March (Official Report, vol. 854, cols. 1121-1124), where he provided the latest details on our consular support to British nationals in the region.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what contribution from the UK aid budget they intend to make to the Global Humanitarian Overview 2026 Appeal launched by the United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 19 March outlining the UK's Official Development Assistance (ODA) allocations for the period up to 2028-29, HLWS1431, and the accompanying documentation setting out the impact of those allocation decisions. I also refer him to the evidence provided by the Foreign Secretary and I to the International Development Committee on 24 March, where we addressed questions at length about the Government's ODA policies and allocation decision: https://committees.parliament.uk/event/26907/formal-meeting-oral-evidence-session/.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the (1) tax rises, and (2) handling charges, Gibraltar would need to impose under the draft UK–EU Agreement in respect of Gibraltar if it were implemented.

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

I refer the Noble Lord to the statement made by the Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories to the House on 26 February, repeated in the House of Lords on 3 March (Official Report, Volume 853, column. 1150-1160), and the draft treaty documents published on the same day. The Noble Lord will have ample opportunity to scrutinise the final text when it is brought before the House in due course. I note that on 4 March the Parliament of Gibraltar unanimously voted to support a motion calling on the UK to ratify the Treaty.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of the United States about risks to Iran's territorial integrity of arming separatist groups in Iran.

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

I refer the right reverend Prelate to the public and parliamentary statements made by the Prime Minister on 28 February, 1 March, 2 March (repeated in the House of Lords, Official Report, Volume 853, Column. 1076) and 5 March, where he set out in depth the UK's position on this conflict.

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 impact of allocating the majority of the UK’s pledge to the Eighth Replenishment of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria in 2028/29 on the ability of the Global Fund to scale up innovations.

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

The Official Development Assistance (ODA) allocations announced by the Foreign Secretary on 19 March take a strategic, multi‑year approach, which will provide greater predictability and support effective planning by our partners, including multilateral organisations such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, which the UK continues to back as a high‑impact institution delivering strong results. These allocations were considered in the round alongside other multilateral commitments and priorities, within a highly constrained overall ODA settlement.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether diplomats based in the British Embassy in Washington pay UK (i) income tax and (ii) National Insurance on (a) Cost of Living Addition (COLA) and (b) Diplomatic Service Compensation Allowance (DSA), and (c) their core salary.

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

All UK Based staff working overseas for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office pay UK income tax and National Insurance (for the first 52 weeks' service overseas) on their base salary. Cost of Living Addition (COLA) and Diplomatic Service Compensation Allowance (DSA) are both exempt from UK income tax and National Insurance deductions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the (a) key performance indicators and (b) social value requirements were under the contract listed in the FCDO Conflict Resolution Department (CRD) Conflict Resolution Programme tracker with reference GB-GOV-1-400035-403.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer of 25 September to question 70453.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 11 February 2026, to Question HL14050, on Haiti: Inter Mediate, whether Inter Mediate has undertaken any work for HM Government in relation to Iran.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer of 25 September to question 70453.

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 UK policy towards Hong Kong of reports of restrictions on visits, legal access, religious practice and correspondence for political prisoners.

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

Reports of mistreatment in Hong Kong's prisons are deeply concerning. China's imposition of the National Security Law on Hong Kong has seen opposition stifled and dissent criminalised. The UK has called for the National Security Law to be repealed and for an end to the prosecution of all individuals charged under it. We continue to raise our concerns directly with the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities, as well as engaging with our international partners. The next Six-monthly Report to Parliament will be published in due course.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has made representations to the Hong Kong authorities on reported medical neglect, including delays in treatment and denial of prescription medication, to political prisoners in Hong Kong.

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

Reports of mistreatment in Hong Kong's prisons are deeply concerning. China's imposition of the National Security Law on Hong Kong has seen opposition stifled and dissent criminalised. The UK has called for the National Security Law to be repealed and for an end to the prosecution of all individuals charged under it. We continue to raise our concerns directly with the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities, as well as engaging with our international partners. The next Six-monthly Report to Parliament will be published in due course.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has raised with the Chinese government reports that political prisoners in Hong Kong are being subjected to political indoctrination and so-called deradicalisation programmes.

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

Reports of mistreatment in Hong Kong's prisons are deeply concerning. China's imposition of the National Security Law on Hong Kong has seen opposition stifled and dissent criminalised. The UK has called for the National Security Law to be repealed and for an end to the prosecution of all individuals charged under it. We continue to raise our concerns directly with the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities, as well as engaging with our international partners. The next Six-monthly Report to Parliament will be published in due course.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department plans to publish updated guidance on prison conditions and the treatment of political prisoners in Hong Kong in its next Six-Monthly Report.

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

Reports of mistreatment in Hong Kong's prisons are deeply concerning. China's imposition of the National Security Law on Hong Kong has seen opposition stifled and dissent criminalised. The UK has called for the National Security Law to be repealed and for an end to the prosecution of all individuals charged under it. We continue to raise our concerns directly with the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities, as well as engaging with our international partners. The next Six-monthly Report to Parliament will be published in due course.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has discussed with international partners the potential merits of coordinated action in response to reported human rights abuses in Hong Kong prisons.

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

Reports of mistreatment in Hong Kong's prisons are deeply concerning. China's imposition of the National Security Law on Hong Kong has seen opposition stifled and dissent criminalised. The UK has called for the National Security Law to be repealed and for an end to the prosecution of all individuals charged under it. We continue to raise our concerns directly with the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities, as well as engaging with our international partners. The next Six-monthly Report to Parliament will be published in due course.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations she has made to the Government of Vietnam regarding the release of political prisoners requiring medical care; and what steps she is taking to promote freedom of religion or belief in Vietnam.

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

Vietnam is a focus country in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's Freedom of Religion and Belief Strategy, launched in July 2025, and we raise the issue on a regular basis with the Government of Vietnam. We also regularly raise concerns about the treatment of political prisoners, including access to appropriate medical care, through bilateral engagement and also jointly with the support of other diplomatic missions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the average staffing complement is for a ministerial private office within their Department; what grades those staff are appointed at; what the typical remuneration and contracted working hours are for those posts; and what the staff turnover rate is.

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

The size, grading and remuneration of ministerial office staffing vary depending on the responsibilities of the Minister.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, on what date Lord Mandelson (a) was appointed to and (b) commenced his role as Ambassador to the United States of America.

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

Peter Mandelson's appointment was announced on 20 December 2024 and he commenced his role as Ambassador to the United States of America on 10 February 2025.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the full termination payments to Lord Mandelson will be listed with direct reference to his name and the final amounts paid in the FCDO annual report and accounts.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 27 January in response to HL13467.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will publish contracts between her Department and Inter Mediate.

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

For over ten years, successive UK governments have partnered with Inter Mediate to advance peace efforts in conflicts around the globe. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office funds a number of different civil society and non-governmental organisations for its mediation and conflict resolution work. We do not share details of the individual projects funded.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they plan to make to the government of Nigeria during the state visit by the President of Nigeria about reports of violence and persecution in the country and the important of protecting freedom and democratic standards ahead of the elections in 2027.

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

The State Visit provided an important opportunity to strengthen the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership across growth, security, migration, and foreign policy. As part of the programme, an interfaith serial, attended by President Tinubu and His Majesty the King, was hosted at Vicars Hall in Windsor, demonstrating the shared UK and Nigerian commitment to fostering constructive interfaith dialogue. The UK condemns violence against civilians of all religions in Nigeria. On democratic standards and the 2027 elections, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided in the House of Commons on 16th March 2026 in response to Question 118699, reproduced below:

The State Visit will provide an important opportunity to strengthen the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership across growth, security, migration, and foreign policy. As the largest democracy in Africa, Nigeria has an important role to play in upholding democratic norms, including ensuring a free, fair and credible Presidential election in 2027. The UK is supporting key legislative and institutional reform processes in the Nigerian National Assembly, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Judiciary and other key institutions to strengthen Nigeria's democracy.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the prime beneficiaries of UK aid are women and children.

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

The UK is committed to putting women and girls at the heart of everything we do, including our development spending. The Foreign Secretary recently announced that women and girls will be a central theme across all the FCDO's work - including development. She also announced a new target that at least 90 per cent of our bilateral Official Development Assistance programmes will have a focus on women and girls by 2030.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 17 February 2026 to Question 108739 on UK Relations with EU: Fines, how many international agreements and treaties the UK has signed that included a termination provision since July 2024.

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

The texts of treaties that have been signed since July 2024 and laid before Parliament for scrutiny can be found on GOV.UK, including details of any termination provisions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she will mandate British International Investment, as a Government-owed body, to recognise a trade union.

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

British International Investment complies fully with UK employment law, including all statutory rights regarding trade union recognition or membership. There is no detriment for staff who join a union, support recognition of a union, or take part in union activity.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what is the monetary value of the London Allowance for FCDO SCS staff based in London.

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

The value of the Location Allowance for London-based staff, including senior civil servants, was increased from £3,250 per year to £4,250 in 2013. It has remained unchanged at its current level of £5,000 since April 2018.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the decision to increase defence spending alongside a reduction in the international aid budget on spending priorities for global development objectives and international commitments.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 19 March outlining the UK's Official Development Assistance (ODA) allocations for the period up to 2028-29, and to the accompanying documents setting out the impact of those allocation decisions. I also refer him to the evidence provided by the Foreign Secretary and the Minister of State for Development at the International Development Committee on 24 March, where they addressed questions at length about the Government's ODA policies and allocation decisions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has put in place contingency plans that may result in increased ODA spend by her department in response to unforeseen conflicts or crisis situations that require a humanitarian response by the UK over the next three financial years.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 19 March outlining the UK's Official Development Assistance (ODA) allocations for the period up to 2028-29, and to the accompanying documents setting out the detail of those allocations. I also refer him to the evidence provided by the Foreign Secretary and the Minister of State for International Development at the International Development Committee on 24 March, where they addressed questions at length about the Government's ODA policies and allocation decisions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of allocations for the Official Development Assistance allocations for the next three financial years on the ability of affected partner countries to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 19 March outlining the UK's Official Development Assistance (ODA) allocations for the period up to 2028-29, and to the accompanying documents setting out the detail of those allocations. I also refer him to the evidence provided by the Foreign Secretary and the Minister of State for International Development at the International Development Committee on 24 March, where they addressed questions at length about the Government's ODA policies and allocation decisions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will publish a country-by-country breakdown of ODA programme allocations for a) Africa and b) Middle East & North Africa over the next three financial years.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 19 March outlining the UK's Official Development Assistance (ODA) allocations for the period up to 2028-29, and to the accompanying documents setting out the detail of those allocations. I also refer him to the evidence provided by the Foreign Secretary and the Minister of State for International Development at the International Development Committee on 24 March, where they addressed questions at length about the Government's ODA policies and allocation decisions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what advice she is providing to FCDO country offices about managing the closure of programmes and projects following the reduction in Overseas Development Assistance spending.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 19 March outlining the UK's Official Development Assistance (ODA) allocations for the period up to 2028-29, and to the accompanying documents setting out the detail of those allocations. I also refer him to the evidence provided by the Foreign Secretary and the Minister of State for International Development at the International Development Committee on 24 March, where they addressed questions at length about the Government's ODA policies and allocation decisions.

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 about the impact of the UK Government’s cuts to ODA with counterparts in Commonwealth countries affected by those cuts.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 19 March outlining the UK's Official Development Assistance (ODA) allocations for the period up to 2028-29, and to the accompanying documents setting out the detail of those allocations. I also refer him to the evidence provided by the Foreign Secretary and the Minister of State for International Development at the International Development Committee on 24 March, where they addressed questions at length about the Government's ODA policies and allocation decisions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when she expects FCDO country offices to make decisions on disbursement of allocated programme funding for each of the next three financial years.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 19 March outlining the UK's Official Development Assistance (ODA) allocations for the period up to 2028-29, and to the accompanying documents setting out the detail of those allocations. I also refer him to the evidence provided by the Foreign Secretary and the Minister of State for International Development at the International Development Committee on 24 March, where they addressed questions at length about the Government's ODA policies and allocation decisions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she is providing support to improve security in Burkina Faso in the context of recent attacks conducted by Islamist armed groups.

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

The UK is deeply concerned by the deteriorating security situation in Burkina Faso, including regular attacks by terrorist groups. This year, the UK provided £173 million to support programmes across the Sahel, including to alleviate the root causes of conflict, help those displaced by it and promote conflict prevention and stability. We have also been working with regional partners to encourage a joined-up response to what is a trans-national problem.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the humanitarian impact of the USA's oil blockade of Cuba; what representations they have made to the government of the United States about that impact; and what assessment they have made of the right of Cuban people to self-determination.

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

The UK continues to follow developments in Cuba closely, including the impact of the 29 January US executive order. The UK has maintained a consistent and long-standing position on the US embargo, voting for the annual UN resolution calling for its end every year since 1996. Consistent with the International Covenants on human rights, the UK recognises the right of self-determination of all peoples, including the people of Cuba.

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 through its international development programmes to reduce maternal sepsis linked to poor hygiene conditions during childbirth.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 26 March in response to Question 122018.

At the heart of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's future health programming is a clear commitment to strengthening health systems, and raising the overall level of primary healthcare provision - including hygiene standards - that influence outcomes for women in childbirth.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will mandate British International Investment, as a Government-owned body, to provide salary transparency when advertising roles.

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

British International Investment operates under a publicly available remuneration framework that sets out how salaries are determined and governed, which is agreed with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and considered to be consistent with best practice.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Mr Ameer Kotecha was given a leave of absence from her Department to (a) run the Platinum Pudding Competition and (b) write the Platinum Cookbook.

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

There is no record of Mr Kotecha being granted a period of unpaid leave during his employment with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). His work on producing the cookbook and running the pudding competition over the course of 2021-22 was carried out in tandem with his preparations to take up a new post at the consulate in Ekaterinburg.

The FCDO did not hold any staff events on Sunday 15 August 2021, the day that the Taliban captured Kabul. The event to which Mr Kotecha has referred took place on Wednesday 15 September 2021, a month after the fall of Kabul, and almost three weeks after the UK's final evacuation flight from Afghanistan. It was a lunchtime panel discussion organised by the Civil Service Race Forum panel, and held online for staff networks across Whitehall. The FCDO had no involvement in its organisation, and no FCDO staff were featured on the panel.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether an event was held within her Department to mark World Afro Day in August 2021.

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

There is no record of Mr Kotecha being granted a period of unpaid leave during his employment with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). His work on producing the cookbook and running the pudding competition over the course of 2021-22 was carried out in tandem with his preparations to take up a new post at the consulate in Ekaterinburg.

The FCDO did not hold any staff events on Sunday 15 August 2021, the day that the Taliban captured Kabul. The event to which Mr Kotecha has referred took place on Wednesday 15 September 2021, a month after the fall of Kabul, and almost three weeks after the UK's final evacuation flight from Afghanistan. It was a lunchtime panel discussion organised by the Civil Service Race Forum panel, and held online for staff networks across Whitehall. The FCDO had no involvement in its organisation, and no FCDO staff were featured on the panel.

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 colleagues in the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the potential impact of developing country debt held by financial institutions based in the UK on the ability of those countries to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.

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

Supporting developing countries to tackle unsustainable debt is a key development priority of this government. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) works closely with the Treasury to support countries facing high debt burdens and struggling to finance their development priorities.

The UK plays a leading role in mobilising private finance for development, leveraging the City of London's global strengths and our track record on innovative financial instruments. We are committed to ensuring finance is sustainable, which is why the Chancellor established the London Coalition on Sustainable Sovereign Debt last year. The Chancellor and the Minister for International Development will attend the World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF) Spring Meetings and the Minister for International Development will join discussions with borrowing countries on how the London Coalition can help them tackle their debt challenges.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether it has conducted an impact assessment of the recent announcement to reduce its development budget to 0.3% of Gross National Income by 2027.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 19 March outlining the UK's Official Development Assistance (ODA) allocations for the period up to 2028-29, and the accompanying documentation setting out the impact of those allocation decisions. I also refer him to the evidence provided by the Foreign Secretary and the Minister of State for International Development at the International Development Committee on 24 March, where they addressed questions at length about the Government's ODA policies and allocation decisions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the exact figure is of ODA that will be spent on International Climate Finance.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 19 March outlining the UK's Official Development Assistance (ODA) allocations for the period up to 2028-29, and the accompanying documentation setting out the impact of those allocation decisions. I also refer him to the evidence provided by the Foreign Secretary and the Minister of State for International Development at the International Development Committee on 24 March, where they addressed questions at length about the Government's ODA policies and allocation decisions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports of continuing military violence in Mali; and what representations they have made to the government of Mali and international partners, including the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel, regarding the protection of civilians and the prevention of war crimes.

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

The UK remains deeply concerned by the continuing violence in Mali and its impact on civilians. At the Human Rights High Level Week in Geneva on 26 February, the Minister for Multilateral and Human Rights met Mali's Minister for Justice and reiterated the importance of respecting human rights.

This year, the UK provided £173 million to support programmes across the Sahel, including for the promotion of conflict prevention and stability, and £37 million to support programmes in Mali, including a project to provide training in International Humanitarian Law to the Malian Directorate of Military Justice.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 17 March (HL15425), whether the letter is available online; if so, what is its URL; and what plans they have to publish the next annual Human Rights and Democracy Report.

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

It is for the Foreign Affairs Committee to decide whether to publish letters that they have received from ministers, but if the Noble Baroness has been unable to access the letter in question from the library, I will arrange for a copy to be sent to her personally.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her Saudi counterpart on (a) freedom of expression, (b) the cases of arbitrarily detained journalists and (c) the recently reported arrest and detention of Mohamed El-Sayed.

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

The Government continues to monitor individual cases of concern in Saudi Arabia, and we regularly raise human rights with the Saudi authorities, including at ministerial level.

The UK is concerned over the arrests and continued detention of a number of individuals, particularly those detained for expressing their political views.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her Saudi Arabian counterpart on the case of Ahmed al-Doush.

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

The Government continues to monitor individual cases of concern in Saudi Arabia, and we regularly raise human rights with the Saudi authorities, including at ministerial level.

The UK is concerned over the arrests and continued detention of a number of individuals, particularly those detained for expressing their political views.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the human rights situation and the protection of freedom of expression for citizens within each of the Gulf Cooperation Council states who have expressed dissent or disagreement with their respective governments' policies following the recent escalation in the conflict between the United States and Iran; and what representations they have made to those governments regarding the importance of upholding international human rights obligations during periods of regional instability.

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

The UK encourages all states to uphold international human rights obligations, and will continue to speak frankly about these issues with our Gulf Cooperation Council partners through ministerial and diplomatic channels.

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 engage with the Government of Iraq and regional authorities on the safe and voluntary return of displaced religious minorities, including Christians and Yazidis.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 18 March in response to Question 117286.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel about allowing international media access to Gaza.

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 3 October 2025 in response to Question HC76551, which - for ease of reference - is reproduced below:

The UK is appalled by the extremely high number of fatalities, arrests and detentions of media workers in the State of Palestine. We have called on all parties to fully uphold International Humanitarian Law and ensure protection of civilians including journalists. In a recent joint statement with 28 other members of the Media Freedom Coalition, we called on the Israeli authorities and all other parties to make every effort to ensure that media workers in Gaza, Israel, the West Bank and East Jerusalem can conduct their work freely and safely. The statement also called for all attacks against media workers to be investigated and for those responsible to be prosecuted in compliance with national and international law. Earlier this year the UK provided funds to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) Special Fund for Gaza, supporting locally based journalists and providing vital equipment.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the environmental implications of attacks on Kharg Island.

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

No such assessments are available at this time, but the UK continues to (a) work for a resolution of the conflict in the Gulf, and (b) call on Israel to respect Syria's territorial integrity, and lay out timelines for their withdrawal from the Area of Separation.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 18 March (HL15286), what assessment they have made of the number of (1) schools, and (2) hospitals, in Iran that have been hit or destroyed since 28 February; and if there is not yet an assessment or estimate available, when they expect that an assessment or estimate will be made available.

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

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer he cites in his question. The position has not changed in the intervening week.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the environmental impacts of Israel’s attacks on oil facilities in Iran, following reports of toxic smoke and acid rain in Tehran.

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

No such assessments are available at this time, but the UK continues to (a) work for a resolution of the conflict in the Gulf, and (b) call on Israel to respect Syria's territorial integrity, and lay out timelines for their withdrawal from the Area of Separation.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the amount of land in Syria under the control of the government of Israel.

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

No such assessments are available at this time, but the UK continues to (a) work for a resolution of the conflict in the Gulf, and (b) call on Israel to respect Syria's territorial integrity, and lay out timelines for their withdrawal from the Area of Separation.

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 reports that recent criminal regulations introduced by the Taliban impose harsher punishments on women and minority groups; and what representations the UK Government has made to international partners regarding the protection of the rights and safety of women and girls.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the statement issued by the Foreign Secretary on this matter on 26 February, where she said: "I am appalled by continuing restrictions imposed on women and girls in Afghanistan. The Taliban's new criminal procedure code legitimises domestic violence and targets women and minorities. These oppressive measures must be rescinded. The rights of all Afghans must be protected." The UK is working closely with international partners on the issue, including through our chairmanship of the G7+ group of countries, and engagement through the UN and the Human Rights Council.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her officials are having discussions with their counterparts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia about the protection of the rights of migrant workers employed in preparation for the World Cup 2034.

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

The Government continues to monitor individual cases of concern in Saudi Arabia, and we regularly raise human rights with the Saudi authorities, including at ministerial level.

The UK is concerned over the arrests and continued detention of a number of individuals, particularly those detained for expressing their political views.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what estimate he has made of the number of weapons and ordnance manufactured in the UK are currently being used in conflicts in a) Lebanon, b) Iran and c) the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

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

Details of UK export licences can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/strategic-export-controls-licensing-data. The UK operates one of the most robust export control regimes in the world. We assess all licences in line with the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria. All licences are kept under careful and continual review as standard.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her Iranian counterpart on the protection of religious minorities during the ongoing conflict.

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

The Government's position on Freedom of Religion or Belief in Iran is unchanged, as set out in the answer of 6 August 2025 to Question 67802, and there remains no excuse for the Iranian authorities to target religious minority groups because of their faith, regardless of the current conflict. We continue to raise these issues alongside other human rights concerns.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what role her Department has in supporting investigations into deaths of people abroad who held Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK but were not British citizens; and what guidance is provided to UK authorities on cooperating with relevant foreign authorities where questions arise regarding investigative jurisdiction.

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

The Government publishes information on the support that can be provided overseas on GOV.UK, including information about how departments and agencies work together when a British person is a victim of murder or manslaughter overseas. Questions about UK investigations are a matter for the police.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department has contingency plans for supporting British citizens' foreign national relatives in UAE subject to travel bans in the event that British citizens are repatriated from that country.

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

We consider all requests for consular assistance on a case-by-case basis. British nationals abroad should continue to monitor our Travel Advice for the latest information on the support available to them, in a crisis scenario or otherwise. Immigration matters, including exit controls, are the responsibility of individual states.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps her Department is taking to help ensure that the voices of the Iranian people are heard in decisions about Iran's future once military action subsides.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the statements made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 13 January and 17 March, and my Urgent Question responses on 19 January and 3 February, in which we addressed the repression perpetrated by the Iranian regime, and the importance of the Iranian people having their voices heard.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will make it her policy to condition the continuation of UK funding to the Palestinian Authority on the removal of (a) antisemitic content and (b) incitement to violence from its school textbooks.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answers I gave on this topic on 3 March at Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Oral Questions, and on 9 March in response to Question 115698.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department plans to respond formally to the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion on Israel's occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territories, published in July 2024.

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

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided for question 83315 on 29 October 2025.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her Israeli counterpart on the potential impact of withheld tax revenues for the Palestinian Authority on the education of Palestinian children in the West Bank.

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

We regularly raise concerns about civilian casualties with Israeli counterparts and continue to call for full adherence to international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers, and for any alleged incidents to be investigated transparently. The UK is also concerned by the worsening economic situation in Palestine and have urged the Government of Israel to release withheld tax and clearance revenues to the Palestinian Authority. We also continue to work with international partners to support implementation of the Palestinian Authority's reform commitments.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has made diplomatic representations to her Israeli counterpart on the withholding of tax revenues collected on behalf of the Palestinian Authority.

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

We regularly raise concerns about civilian casualties with Israeli counterparts and continue to call for full adherence to international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers, and for any alleged incidents to be investigated transparently. The UK is also concerned by the worsening economic situation in Palestine and have urged the Government of Israel to release withheld tax and clearance revenues to the Palestinian Authority. We also continue to work with international partners to support implementation of the Palestinian Authority's reform commitments.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic representations she has made to her Israeli counterpart on reports of civilian casualties in the Gaza strip since the October ceasefire.

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

We regularly raise concerns about civilian casualties with Israeli counterparts and continue to call for full adherence to international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers, and for any alleged incidents to be investigated transparently. The UK is also concerned by the worsening economic situation in Palestine and have urged the Government of Israel to release withheld tax and clearance revenues to the Palestinian Authority. We also continue to work with international partners to support implementation of the Palestinian Authority's reform commitments.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of cuts to multilateral funds that support global health, including the Pandemic Fund and Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

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

I refer the Noble Lord to the statement made to the House on 19 March (HLWS1431) outlining the UK's Official Development Assistance (ODA) allocations for the period up to 2028-29, and the accompanying documentation setting out the impact of those allocation decisions. I also refer him to the evidence provided by the Foreign Secretary and myself to the International Development Committee on 24 March, where we addressed questions at length about the Government's ODA policies and allocation decisions.

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 embassies, high commissions and consulates provide adequate support to families when a family member dies when abroad temporarily.

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

In 2025, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) assisted families of over 6,500 British nationals who died overseas, with extra support for those in vulnerable circumstances such as bereavement through murder, manslaughter, or suspicious death. Assistance includes providing country-specific guides, which inform families of local procedures and information on how to bring a loved one back to the UK. The FCDO always welcomes feedback on the service provided, and seeks to learn lessons from it, especially when a bereaved family feels that they have not had the support they would expect.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent representations she has made to her Turkish counterpart on the pre-trial detention of Iain Guille, and what steps she is taking to help protect his welfare.

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

The Minister of State for Europe, Stephen Doughty, has discussed Iain Guille's detention and welfare with his Turkish counterpart on two occasions, most recently in February 2026. UK Consular officials, in conjunction with their Canadian counterparts, have raised concerns about Mr Guille's welfare with the Turkish authorities, and will continue to monitor his health and welfare while he is detained, engaging with the relevant authorities as appropriate.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps her Department is taking to secure an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 17 March, and her answers to the questions raised in response, which dealt with the current situation in Lebanon at length. We will provide further such updates to the House in due course as the situation develops.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if her Department will take diplomatic steps to support an independent investigation into allegations of abuse of Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 21 October in response to Question 80474.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the UK's 1 June 2025 update on its position on the Moroccan Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara.

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

The UK wants to see a lasting solution to the Western Sahara conflict. We assess that our endorsement of Morocco's autonomy plan - as the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for a lasting solution - supports that objective. It is for this reason that we also welcomed UN Security Council Resolution 2797, adopted on 31 October, extending the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) mandate for 12 months. We continue to engage with all relevant parties in support of the UN-led process to achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution, based on compromise, which conforms with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including the principle of respect for self-determination.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the Government’s assessment is of the steps required by the UK and international allies to help prevent further illegal settlement building and settler violence in the West Bank.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answers I gave on this issue in Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office oral questions on 3 March, and to the joint statement issued by the Foreign Secretary and fourteen of her overseas counterparts on 24 December 2025 condemning condemn the approval by the Israeli security cabinet of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/statement-on-israeli-settlement-expansion-in-the-west-bank.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has discussed the humanitarian situation in the Tindouf camps with her Algerian counterpart.

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

The UK is committed to the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide, including in Western Sahara and the Tindouf refugee camps. I discussed the political and humanitarian implications of the Western Sahara conflict with Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf during my visit to Algeria in October 2025. Our embassy in Algiers also regularly discusses the humanitarian situation with representatives of Algeria and the United Nations, as well as visiting the camps in Tindouf, most recently in November 2025.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what analysis the Government has undertaken to assess levels of increases of illegal settlement building in the West Bank.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the answers I gave on this issue in Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office oral questions on 3 March, and to the joint statement issued by the Foreign Secretary and fourteen of her overseas counterparts on 24 December 2025 condemning condemn the approval by the Israeli security cabinet of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/statement-on-israeli-settlement-expansion-in-the-west-bank.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of legality of displacement orders in southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs under international humanitarian law.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 17 March, and her answers to the questions raised in response, which dealt with the current situation in Lebanon at length. We will provide further such updates to the House in due course as the situation develops.

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 donors and the UN-led humanitarian response meet the specific and diverse needs of women and girls in Lebanon.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 17 March, and her answers to the questions raised in response, which dealt with the current situation in Lebanon at length. We will provide further such updates to the House in due course as the situation develops.

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 Israeli ministers about the annexation of Sebastia in the West Bank.

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

I refer the Hon. Member to response given on 24 March to question 120656.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what estimate she has made of the number of patient consultations that have been performed by UK-Med in Gaza as a result of UK aid funding.

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

The UK is providing £81 million of humanitarian and early recovery support as part of our £116 million programme for Palestine this financial year, including support for UK-Med. Funding to UK-Med has supported over a million patient consultations across Gaza but humanitarian partners are still reporting delays and restrictions in providing medical support, and denials of critical medical supplies. We continue to press Israel to open all crossings and lift restrictions preventing urgently needed medical supplies from reaching those in desperate need.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 22 August 2025 to Question 69070 on Syria: Inter Mediate, whether there are any conditions on Inter Mediate receiving funding from foreign governments.

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

The same rules apply to Inter Mediate as all other UK charities, namely that they are free to receive funding from other governments, but have a responsibility to: (i) ensure that it is in the best interests of their charity when deciding whether to accept or refuse a donation, (ii) undertake necessary due diligence on the sources of funding, and (iii) comply with relevant legislation.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of reports that Baha’i women in Iran have been imprisoned on charges of promoting Baha’i beliefs; and whether she has made representations to her Iranian counterpart on their release.

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

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided to question 67802 on 6 August 2025.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department plans to introduce temporary or emergency exemptions to existing rules preventing pets from travelling on evacuation flights.

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

All relevant requests for consular assistance are considered on a case by case basis, depending on the circumstances.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what action they will take to support women and girls in the use of overseas development aid, in particular in terms of the amount of aid allocated, specific projects and diplomacy.

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

I refer the Noble Baroness to the statements made by the Foreign Secretary and myself on 19 March when announcing the Official Development Assistance (ODA) allocations for the period up to 2028-29, and the accompanying documents setting out the detail of those allocations. This included setting an increased target for at least 90 percent of the UK's bilateral ODA programmes to have a focus on women and girls by 2030.

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 ensure internally displaced people with chronic illnesses and other vulnerable groups can access essential medicines and health services in Lebanon.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 17 March, and her answers to the questions raised in response, which dealt with the current situation in Lebanon at length. We will provide further such updates to the House in due course as the situation develops.

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 international partners on the protection of Palestinian refugees and displaced communities in Lebanon.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 17 March, and her answers to the questions raised in response, which dealt with the current situation in Lebanon at length. We will provide further such updates to the House in due course as the situation develops.

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 ensure safe humanitarian access for aid organisations in Lebanon.

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

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 17 March, and her answers to the questions raised in response, which dealt with the current situation in Lebanon at length. We will provide further such updates to the House in due course as the situation develops.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the reduction in regional bilateral aid to the Middle East and North Africa on women and children’s access to lifesaving health services.

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

I refer the Noble Lord to the statement made to the House on 19 March (HLWS1431) outlining the UK's Official Development Assistance (ODA) allocations for the period up to 2028-29, and the accompanying documentation setting out the impact of those allocation decisions. I also refer him to the evidence provided by the Foreign Secretary and myself to the International Development Committee on 24 March, where we addressed questions at length about the Government's ODA policies and allocation decisions.

Found: The DBT teams work in partnership with FCDO teams in India, who also have objectives to support UK economic

Found: Blythe Crawford (TNS0029) 115 Q114 116 Q117 117 See for example: Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) and FCDO

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Cabinet Secretary’s review into Peter Mandelson will take evidence from officials who were involved in the due diligence and vetting processes, including (a) the propriety and ethics team, (b) UK Security Vetting, (c) the FCDO and (d) the Prime Minister’s former Chiefs of Staff.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The former Cabinet Secretary was asked to review available information regarding Peter Mandelson’s contacts with Jeffrey Epstein during his period as a Minister. After an initial review of some documents, the matter was referred to the police. In light of the ongoing criminal investigation that was announced, that review has now been paused. The government is cooperating fully with the police investigation and providing any assistance required.

Found: sufficient disclosure and 7 Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018, section 51 8 FCDO

Found: Gyfiawnder (MoJ) /sector gyda Dinas Llundain/ y Gymanwlad Dramor a swyddi y Swyddfa Ddatblygu (FCDO

Found: Justice (MoJ)/sector campaign with City of London/Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: please check with the Honours Secretariat in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: help inform whether engagement with Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: FOI202600008S relates to Government Procurement Card (GPC) spending within FCDO Services.

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

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

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

Found: FCDO Services spending over £500, February 2026

Found: FCDO Services spending over £500, February 2026

Found: FCDO Services spending over £500, February 2026

Found:

Found: on instruction from the Foreign Secretary , the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: (drawdown) – 137,910 Loan from FCDO (repayment) – (54,000) Interest and commitment fees on FCDO loan