Live Debate: Commons Chamber

Commons Chamber

Tuesday 20th January 2026

(began 1 hour, 47 minutes ago)

11:34

Mr Hamish Falconer MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Lincoln, Labour)

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Order, Order, order. Order, order. We Order, order. We start Order, order. We start with questions. Secretary of State for foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Abtisam Mohamed.

11:34

Q1. What recent assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the situation in Yemen. (907360)

Number one, Mr. speaker. >> Minister. >> Mr. speaker, in November, I made the first ministerial visit to Yemen in six years. I met the Yemen in six years. I met the president and the Prime Minister to reaffirm the UK's unwavering support for a unified and stable

11:34

Mr Hamish Falconer MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Lincoln, Labour)

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Yemen. We support their commitments to reform and we continue to focus on delivering humanitarian on delivering humanitarian assistance to all those in need in Yemen and using every diplomatic lever alongside our international lever alongside our international partners to advance peace. The recent escalation of tensions in southern Yemen threatens to southern Yemen threatens to undermine those goals. We therefore welcome calls by Yemen's president for a dialogue addressing these issues and Saudi Arabia's offer to host a conference. We will continue to support efforts to achieve a swift diplomatic resolution.

11:35

Abtisam Mohamed MP (Sheffield Central, Labour)

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Abtisam Mohamed. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the context of what the UN Special envoy has described as a rapidly worsening humanitarian and economic worsening humanitarian and economic crisis in Yemen, does the Minister welcome the forthcoming Southern Dialogue Conference led by Saudi Arabia, supported by the Arab League and the GCC? And will he set out how the UK has penholder on Yemen is supporting this process to deliver a tangible roadmap for a way forward that addresses the aspirations of southern communities?

11:35

Mr Hamish Falconer MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Lincoln, Labour)

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Minister. Conference. It's supported by the Arab League and the GCC, and it is a vital step amid a worsening humanitarian and economic crisis. As UN penholder, the UK is actively supporting this process through sustained engagement with Saudi leaders. The UN special envoy and regional partners to help shape a credible roadmap that reflects southern community's aspirations.

11:35

Rt Hon David Mundell MP (Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale, Conservative)

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David Mundell. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In his statement on the 5th of January, the Minister referenced the United Arab Emirates, then called for a ceasefire. What discussions has there been since then with the United Emirates, and is that still United Emirates, and is that still their position? We have been in regular dialogue with our allies in the United Arab Emirates, as I understand their position remains in support of a ceasefire. I know there are extensive dialogue, not just with us, but with some of their other Gulf partners on these questions as well.

11:36

Q2. What steps her Department is taking to help improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. (907361)

Anna Dixon to you, Mr. Speaker. >> Sarah Russell with permission, Mr. Speaker, I'll answer questions two, 14, 20 and 24 together. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is

11:36

Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, Labour)

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still in dire situation because of the winter conditions and a lack of the winter conditions and a lack of urgently needed aid. Last month, we were pleased that UK funded tents had entered Gaza to provide had entered Gaza to provide critical shelter for 12,000 people, and the government is matching £3 and the government is matching £3 million of donations to the Dec Middle East humanitarian appeal. But far more still needs to be done. But far more still needs to be done.

We still need much greater access through crossings and barriers to aid lifted in order to deal with this humanitarian crisis.

11:37

Anna Dixon MP (Shipley, Labour)

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Anna Dixon. >> The Secretary of State, for her response. We've all witnessed the unfolding catastrophic humanitarian unfolding catastrophic humanitarian disaster in Gaza, exacerbated by the collapse of the Gazan health system and the suspension of aid delivery. I'm therefore shocked that the Israeli government plans to prohibit some 37 international NGOs from operating in Gaza in the West Bank, including Medicines on Frontier, ActionAid and the Norwegian Refugee Council. So could the Secretary of State outline what steps the government has taken to prevent this, and what more it intends to do.

11:37

Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, Labour)

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So stay well. >> So stay well. >> I agree with my hon. Friend about how incredibly damaging it is about how incredibly damaging it is to have the deregistration of vital international NGOs who do international NGOs who do incredible humanitarian work, including providing life saving services through thousands of staff worth hundreds of millions of pounds in Gaza. They simply cannot be removed or replaced. It's incredibly destructive to prevent them operating. That's why I led a joint statement on behalf of ten countries, urging the Israeli government to allow these essential international NGOs to operate in a sustained and predictable way.

We will pursue this as part of phase two of the peace process.

11:38

Peter Prinsley MP (Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket, Labour)

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Gloucester Peter Prinsley. the Secretary of State for her answer. My surgical colleague, Mr. Rabo of West Suffolk Hospital, Rabo of West Suffolk Hospital, spent a month last year in Gaza at the hospital. I met him last week and he gave a graphic description of the situation in and around the hospital. He's one of the brave NHS workers of whom we can all be intensely proud. Now, access to humanitarian aid, as we have said, is very difficult and many international aid agencies are lately banned.

As indeed I am myself banned, what further representation can we actually make to resolve this? For surely it is in the interests of all people in Israel and in Palestine for this fragile peace to be preserved.

11:39

Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, Labour)

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So state. >> By my hon. Friend, we need to maintain this fragile ceasefire, but also make progress for peace, but also make progress for peace, and also ultimately for the two state solution that is in the interests of the people of Israel interests of the people of Israel and the people of Palestine. I have also heard horrendous stories about some of the medical conditions, and also from some of the brave doctors who were operating there before the ceasefire, in the most difficult and dangerous of conditions as well.

We are very clear that the humanitarian support that needs still to be surged must include medical supplies, must include healthcare support. And not only is this an issue we are raising continually with the Israeli government, we are also raising this as part of phase two of the peace process.

11:40

Andy McDonald MP (Middlesbrough and Thornaby East, Labour)

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Andy McDonald thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Foreign Secretary for her statement. But the Prime Minister yesterday made a the Prime Minister yesterday made a welcome statement on the importance of sovereignty and the international rules based order. international rules based order. Yet within the State of Palestine, 37 international NGOs will no longer be allowed to deliver humanitarian aid on the say so of Israel. So can the Foreign Secretary confirm that the UK government understands and accepts continued humanitarian access into Palestine must be determined by the Palestinians that this cannot be undermined by either Israel or the Board of Peace? And can the Minister say what concrete actions the government intends to take to counter Israeli actions and give proper effect to the sovereignty of the State of Palestine? Mr.

11:41

Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, Labour)

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Well. the destructive impact of deregistering these NGOs. Part of the 20 point plan that Israel the 20 point plan that Israel signed up to, that all countries signed up to that President Trump set out, was about substantially increasing humanitarian aid and support in Gaza. Instead, this takes us going backwards. I do think it's significant that the Palestinian Committee, the Palestinian Administration Committee for Gaza, has now been set up. I have continually pressed in all of the international discussions that that committee should be able to take responsibility for significantly increasing humanitarian aid.

11:41

Yasmin Qureshi MP (Bolton South and Walkden, Labour)

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Yasmin Qureshi thank you, Mr. >> Yasmin Qureshi thank you, Mr. Speaker. Even during this ceasefire, Israel is blocking humanitarian aid Israel is blocking humanitarian aid into Gaza, whilst at the same time pushing ahead on illegal settlements in area E and these alleged settlements, which have been described by the UK government as flagrant breach of international law. So does the Foreign Secretary accept that by these action is was saying, essentially trying to bury the idea of a state of Palestine.

And can I ask, apart from good words, what concrete action are we happen?

11:42

Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, Labour)

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Mr. >> Well, as my hon. Friend knows, the UK took the historic decision to recognise the State of Palestine to recognise the State of Palestine in the autumn, and we are clear that ensuring there is a two state solution does also mean tackling illegal settlement, expansion and settler violence. Alongside 26 international partners, we have condemned the E1 settlement plan and condemned the recent steps to further that plan. And I would urge Israel to listen to the weight of international opinion on this, because this needs to be part of delivering the 20 point plan and a just and lasting peace.

11:43

Bob Blackman MP (Harrow East, Conservative)

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Bob Blackman thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Secretary of State will well know that the terrorist will well know that the terrorist group Hamas refused to disarm and in fact, they enforce their brutal rule on the Palestinian people. rule on the Palestinian people. Equally, aid trucks that are desperately needed in in Gaza are desperately needed in in Gaza are looted by Hamas terrorists. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to make sure that the international aid that we all want to see given to the Palestinians is not looted and diverted to Hamas?

11:43

Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, Labour)

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Well, I think the hon. Member raised two important issues there, raised two important issues there, because we do agree that the decommissioning of Hamas weapons is a central and crucial part of the a central and crucial part of the 20 point plan. That is why the three issues we have continually prioritised have been the establishment of the Palestinian Committee, the increase in humanitarian aid and the establishment of the process for the decommissioning of Hamas weapons. We put forward proposals based on our experience in Northern Ireland and expertise as well.

But I do believe that this urgently needs to make progress as part of phase two.

11:44

Monica Harding MP (Esher and Walton, Liberal Democrat)

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Monica Harding. >> Mr. speaker, there are reports that today, this morning, Israeli security forces arrived in the Sheikh Jarrah Unwra compound in occupied East Jerusalem. Security guards were forced out of the premises, and bulldozers premises, and bulldozers subsequently entered the compound and began to demolish buildings. And the demolitions are ongoing. If this is true, this is an unprecedented attack not only against Unwra in its premises, but constitutes a serious violation of international law and the privileges and immunities of the United Nations.

What consequential action will the Foreign Secretary take if these reports are true?

11:44

Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, Labour)

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So stay. >> So stay. >> Well, we have already had previously issues last month with issues around the involving the Israeli authorities entering UNRWA's compound in East Jerusalem UNRWA's compound in East Jerusalem without prior authorisation. And UN premises are inviolable under international law. So we have already raised this and condemned this, and it is immensely important that everyone recognises the important role that Unwra plays. This year, the UK has committed 27 million to help Unwra scale up life saving aid, including food, water, shelter and medical care.

Speaker.

11:45

Rt Hon Dr Andrew Murrison MP (South West Wiltshire, Conservative)

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Pressure on. >> The UK to join the expensive and dodgy looking Gaza Board of Peace has been ramped up overnight by President Trump's messaging. Will the government politely decline the the government politely decline the Gaza Board of Peace? Whilst reviewing its position on Chagos, given the US intervention overnight? So a.

11:45

Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, Labour)

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Slightly contorted question. The. On the issue, as the hon. Member will know that the border peace proposal was originally part of the proposal was originally part of the 20 point plan around Gaza. The proposals that have been put forward now are very different from what had been previously expected around Gaza. So it's right that there are further international discussions underway on this, and all of those details are being discussed. We will see where that ends up. What I would say is, though, I think the critical issue now is the support for the Palestinian Committee, because Gaza should be run by people of Gaza, by Palestinians free from Hamas.

And that is the crucial thing now that we need to support and ensure that they have not just the humanitarian support, but also the decommissioning of weapons and the support for their long term future.

11:46

Vikki Slade MP (Mid Dorset and North Poole, Liberal Democrat)

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Vikki Slade thank you, Mr. Speaker. The irony is, of course, Speaker. The irony is, of course, that we already have a Board of peace. It's called the UN, and President Trump is undermining it President Trump is undermining it at every step. Five days ago, a group of 22 UN experts deemed the ban on the international NGOs as part of a systematic assault on humanitarian operations and a step in a deliberate dismantling of Gaza's lifeline. 21 children have died of extreme cold in recent days.

7000 tents have been swept away due to weather conditions. Foreign Secretary we need to do more directly. If these NGOs can't do it, what is the government doing to get tents and shelter and heating into Gaza.

11:47

Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, Labour)

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So nothing can be replaced, the UN or its charter? Let us be clear UN or its charter? Let us be clear about that. The bedrock of multilateral cooperation and international law. And I met the international law. And I met the Secretary-General of the UN this weekend to reaffirm our support for the UN and the work that it does as part of the marking 80 years of anniversary of the United Nations this weekend on the humanitarian issues. Look, over 3000 people have been affected by a new wave of heavy rains and strong winds across the Gaza Strip, even just since even just over the last week, with huge concerns about hypothermia collapsing shelter structures as well.

That's why I also discussed with Tom Fletcher from the Ocha about what more we can do to ensure that support is being got into Gaza, and this has to be a priority for phase two of the peace process.

11:48

Gareth Thomas MP (Harrow West, Labour )

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Gareth Thomas Mr. Speaker, as my >> Gareth Thomas Mr. Speaker, as my right hon. Friend has just alluded to, there are hundreds of thousands of displaced families in Gaza living in torn tents and roofless homes exposed to the rain, freezing temperatures and with further temperatures and with further storms due. So what further steps will she be able to take to persuade the current Israeli government to allow in the materials necessary for more robust shelter, particularly and immediately for families with young children? Foreign Secretary.

11:48

Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, Labour)

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My hon. Friend is right to raise the importance of this, because the importance of this, because when you look at really the flimsy shelters that families are in, shelters that families are in, despite the the terrible flooding that they have seen, despite the winter conditions, the the impact that this is having and also contributing to disease and further displacement as well. So we are continuing to urge the Israeli government to change their restrictions that allow to allow the better quality, the provisions, the construction into Gaza, and to make sure that we can get those basic humanitarian needs met.

That was the commitment that was made as part of the 20 point plan, not just by Israel, but by all countries. We need action to support that.

11:49

Dr Ellie Chowns MP (North Herefordshire, Green Party)

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Not Ellie Chowns. the frankly, utterly extraordinary news yesterday that Donald Trump has invited Putin and Netanyahu to sit on the Board of Peace. Does the Foreign Secretary recognise that it is clear that the Board of Peace is is clear that the Board of Peace is utterly unfit to contribute to the task of peace building? It also does not include any Palestinians and almost no women. Does she recognise that it is inappropriate for Britain to participate in it, or indeed Brits? And what does she suggest as an alternative?

11:50

Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, Labour)

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Foreign Secretary let's be clear, I think the most important organisation network now for the future of Gaza is the Palestinian Committee, the National Administration Committee for Gaza Administration Committee for Gaza made up of Palestinians. Gaza should be run by Palestinians. That is crucial and that is what we should now be supporting to take forward. And then on the wider question, let us be clear. Putin is not a man of peace, and I don't think he belongs in any organisation with peace in the name.

11:50

Rt Hon Wendy Morton MP (Aldridge-Brownhills, Conservative)

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Shadow Minister Wendy Morton. House needs the full facts regarding aid entering Gaza and why the government is not more engaged with the CMK. So I would like to with the CMK. So I would like to ask the Foreign Secretary what steps is she taking to support the disarming of Hamas and secure the disarming of Hamas and secure the immediate release of the remaining hostage? And following White House announcements on the Board of Peace, including Tony Blair, can she confirm what UK input there has been, whether any UK Ministers will be involved and give a clear assurance that the work that the UK would reject President Putin being on the board, given his illegal invasion of Ukraine and alliance with Iran.

11:51

Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, Labour)

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Foreign Secretary. every single one of the points that she made already. If she had listened on the decommissioning of listened on the decommissioning of Hamas weapons. In fact, we have been one of the leading countries to drive a process of putting forward proposals for the decommissioning of Hamas weapons. We are working with other countries to do so, and we will continue to do so, because we think that this is a priority on the humanitarian work. There has been work done by the Cmcc, but it goes nowhere near far enough, and we are seeing deteriorating conditions in many areas because of the winter conditions.

And frankly, the removal of NGOs simply goes backwards on the Board of Peace. It is different from what was proposed, and that is why international discussions are underway. We will see where they end up. But let's be clear, it is the Palestinian Committee and the Palestinian people who now to be leading the running of Gaza going forward.

11:52

Calum Miller MP (Bicester and Woodstock, Liberal Democrat)

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Calum Miller Liberal Democrat spokesperson. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The composition of Donald Speaker. The composition of Donald Trump's Board of Peace now looks increasingly like a rogues gallery, as we've heard, with President Putin being invited to join. Putin being invited to join. Meanwhile, as the Foreign secretary has said, the Palestinians have been left out of that board entirely. And it is increasingly clear that this is not about peace at all. I have two specific questions for the Foreign Secretary, which she has not yet answered.

Can the Foreign Secretary tell the House whether the government Ministers have spoken with Tony Blair about his role, and will the Foreign Secretary categorically condemn these current plans and call instead for the United Nations to lead peace building and reconstruction efforts in Gaza with Palestinians? At the heart of this Foreign Secretary?

11:52

Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, Labour)

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We strongly support the role of the United Nations, and that is why, the United Nations, and that is why, in fact, many of these points were set out as part of a UN Security set out as part of a UN Security Council resolution, which had widespread support because we think it is important to have the underpinnings not just of the UN international law more widely, but also to maintain that international consensus that we need to move to the next phase. These proposals that have been put forward are different from what was described and actually are not focussed on Gaza.

We think the focus now for Gaza has to be on the Palestinian Committee and on key practical issues like the surging of humanitarian aid and also the decommissioning of Hamas weapons. Our focus needs to be on the practical next steps, and we will work with everyone to make sure that that happens.

11:53

Q3. What diplomatic steps she is taking to help Greenland strengthen its security. (907362)

A lot better. Question number >> A lot better. Question number three, Mr. Speaker. For a second. >> Mr. speaker, as I set out in the House yesterday, we continue to support the people of Greenland and

11:54

Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, Labour)

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to make clear that the sovereignty of Greenland is a matter for the future of Greenland, is a matter future of Greenland, is a matter for the Greenlanders and for the Danes alone. And we are working to Danes alone. And we are working to increase the support for security across the Arctic region. And that was why I visited Norway and was why I visited Norway and Finland this week. And, Mr. Speaker, can I apologise that if, with your

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permission, that was a grouped answer to questions three and seven together? Graham Leadbitter. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday the Prime Minister attempted to justify the hesitant approach to Greenland. The

11:54

Graham Leadbitter MP (Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey, Scottish National Party)

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US and the EU as an attempt to preserve the national interest. Yet there was nothing in the national interest about Brexit, a follow up deal that has left us far away from our European friends, desperately, desperately clinging to a US desperately clinging to a US administration who do not care about our national interests. So does the Secretary of State agree does the Secretary of State agree with me that the UK are nothing but a cork in the ocean, bobbing around at this moment of international crisis, neither here nor there, and crisis, neither here nor there, and all because of a disastrous, isolationist, self-sabotaging Brexit.

11:55

Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, Labour)

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Foreign Secretary Brussels the >> Foreign Secretary Brussels the UK works with our NATO allies, some of whom are part of the EU, some of of whom are part of the EU, some of whom, like us and Norway, for example, where we have some of our closest partnerships are not. But closest partnerships are not. But we believe that this is about strengthening our Arctic security because the Arctic is the gateway for the Russian Northern Fleet to threaten the UK, to threaten Europe, but also to threaten the US and Canada as well.

So Arctic security is a transatlantic security issue.

11:55

Callum Anderson MP (Buckingham and Bletchley, Labour)

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Callum Anderson. Foreign Secretary for her statement yesterday. I welcome the renewed recognition of the Arctic strategic importance to Europe's collective security and the need for NATO as a whole to develop a more credible deterrence posture. Can she provide a further update to the House on how the government is using its diplomatic influence within NATO to drive a more coherent, long term strategy for Arctic security, rather than relying on individual national responses?

11:56

Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, Labour)

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Foreign Secretary I welcome my hon. Friend's question. We have proposed a stronger role for NATO on Arctic security. So just as NATO currently has a successful Baltic Sentry and an Eastern Sentry, we are arguing for an Arctic sentry are arguing for an Arctic sentry that brings together the operations, the intelligence sharing, the co-ordination for countries right across the Arctic, and also countries like the UK who are heavily affected by Arctic security. Even though we are not part of Arctic security, and that is why we are substantially increasing our presence in Northern Norway and working with Norway on a new groundbreaking frigates.

11:56

Calum Miller MP (Bicester and Woodstock, Liberal Democrat)

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Calum Miller Liberal Democrats. against our partners, including the UK, Donald Trump has driven a presidential motorcade through NATO presidential motorcade through NATO and the entire system of post-war security. I am pleased that the Prime Minister yesterday made his objections to Trump clear. But words are not enough. We must show President Trump that his actions have consequences, and that we will do this in concert with our allies, as we are much stronger when we stand together. Yesterday, the Prime Minister ruled out the idea of preparing retaliatory tariffs to use only in the event that the president carries through with his threats on the 1st of February.

Does the Foreign Secretary agree with me that we should take no options off the table when dealing with a corrupt bully like President Trump?

11:57

Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, Labour)

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Foreign Secretary. always act in our national interests. That means pursuing Britain's security, pursuing Britain's prosperity and pursuing Britain's values. That is what he has done at every stage. And it's exactly why he was so firm with the president about our support for the sovereignty of Greenland. It is why we are working continually with our international allies and cooperating closely with other partners right across Europe to make sure that we are responding in a strong and firm way to prevent a trade war that will cause damage to UK industry, but also to US industry as well, and to build instead the collective partnership on security, which is what's in all our interests.

11:58

Q4. What steps she is taking with international partners to help tackle forced labour practices. (907363)

Richard Quigley. Mr. Speaker. >> Richard Quigley. Mr. Speaker. >> Minister. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There is no place for forced labour in our global economy, especially when the global economy, especially when the victims are so often women, children and persecuted minority groups. We are working through a range of multilateral bodies, including the G7, the UN and the OSCE, to eradicate forced labour from supply chains. And we are currently reviewing the currently reviewing the effectiveness of our rules around the responsible business conduct to ensure the UK continues to set the global standard in the elimination of forced labour.

11:58

Chris Elmore MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Bridgend, Labour)

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Richard Quigley I thank the Minister for his response. However, the UK's Joint Committee on Human Rights has warned that without stronger action, we risk falling behind the EU and the US and even becoming a dumping ground for goods produced with forced labour. Will the government commit to introducing legislation that sends introducing legislation that sends a clear and unequivocal message that the UK stands firmly against Uyghur forced labour, and will not Uyghur forced labour, and will not allow such products into our market?

11:59

Mr Richard Quigley MP (Isle of Wight West, Labour)

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Minister. his question. We are clear that no company in the UK should have forced labour in its supply chain. We are committed to promoting and protecting human rights, including in Xinjiang, and we continue to work with international partners to hold China to account for their human rights violations. The government's review of responsible business conduct is considering a range of policy options to tackle forced labour. forced labour.

11:59

Chris Elmore MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Bridgend, Labour)

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Sir Alec Shelbrooke. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. speaker, as his right hon. Friend, the Energy Minister insists that we must move as quickly as possible to renewables. May I ask the Minister what steps does he have in place to ensure that the 90% of processed materials for renewables do not include slave labour and human include slave labour and human rights abuses? Minister.

11:59

Rt Hon Sir Alec Shelbrooke MP (Wetherby and Easingwold, Conservative)

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Can I thank him for his question? We, of course, support voluntary human rights due diligence in businesses, as recommended by the UN in its Guiding Principles on Human Rights. And as I have already mentioned to my hon. Friend, as part of the government's review on responsible business conduct. These will be part of the options we take forward as His Majesty's Government Uma Kumaran.

12:00

Chris Elmore MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Bridgend, Labour)

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Question number.

12:00

Q5. What steps her Department is taking with international partners to help improve the global response to cyber attacks and ransomware. (907364)

Five, Mr. Speaker. and we work closely with our international partners to deter and disrupt those responsible for malicious cyber activity. And to malicious cyber activity. And to date, 42 international partners have supported UK activity to expose cyber threats. 74 countries are members of the Counter Ransomware Initiative led by the UK, and 27 countries have publicly endorsed the UK and France. Paul endorsed the UK and France. Paul Maskey Code of Practice, which aims to tackle cyber proliferation intrusion tools. intrusion tools.

12:00

Stephen Doughty MP, Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Cardiff South and Penarth, Labour )

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Mr. speaker, the Minister will remember that when the Russia backed Lockbit cybercrime network was smashed in 2024, it was the direct result of intensive collaboration between the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States, working together to defend Europe from Russia's hybrid attacks, which only seek to weaken our role in the world. Is this not a reminder that we are all safer on reminder that we are all safer on both sides of the Atlantic when we work together and never forget whether the real threats to our national security come from.

12:01

Uma Kumaran MP (Stratford and Bow, Labour)

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Mr. heard this morning from the speaker of the House of Representatives with you, Mr. Speaker, about working together as close allies and across NATO. And it's good to welcome guests here today from the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, too. But she is absolutely right to

12:01

Stephen Doughty MP, Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Cardiff South and Penarth, Labour )

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raise this issue, as evidenced by the 2024 Lockbit and the 2025 media sanctions packages, the UK works sanctions packages, the UK works closely with key partners and remains committed to using all available tools to defend against cyber threats and coordination with cyber threats and coordination with Australia, with the EU, with the United States and other allies demonstrates to adversaries we will demonstrates to adversaries we will not tolerate these assaults on our public and private institutions and our democracies.

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our democracies. Jim Shannon thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can I thank the Minister for his very comprehensive response when it comes to ransomware, where, where and what we're trying to do

12:02

Jim Shannon MP (Strangford, Democratic Unionist Party)

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and technology North Norfolk leads the way in cybersecurity. South east of England leads the way in cybersecurity. But it's always cybersecurity. But it's always advancing. And the Minister has responsibility to ensure that we're protected. I know that at the same protected. I know that at the same time, we need to ensure that the technology moves forward to equal technology moves forward to equal our enemies or to outdo them. Can the Minister give us some assurance that that will happen, and that that?

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that? Thank you Minister. Well, he rightly extols the virtues and skills of the excellent workforce in Northern Ireland and indeed across the UK on these issues. And I've had the pleasure of meeting with a number of cybersecurity companies. We're doing all we can to increase the skills chain and make sure that we can keep those steps ahead of our adversaries, because we will not tolerate this activity. It hits consumers and individuals here in the UK. It risks our national security and we will work with others to defend this country.

12:02

Stephen Doughty MP, Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Cardiff South and Penarth, Labour )

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Shadow Minister Andrew stolen.

12:03

Mr Andrew Snowden MP (Fylde, Conservative)

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Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Iran is a cyber menace committing Iran is a cyber menace committing digital warfare against democracies around the world and its own people, cutting internet most recently from cutting internet most recently from its own citizens to hide the scale of the atrocities it is committing. So can the government outline whether it has any plans to use its own cyber capabilities to take on Tehran in its moment of weakness, and how it will prevent Tehran from evading tariffs by using cryptocurrency?

12:03

Stephen Doughty MP, Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Cardiff South and Penarth, Labour )

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Minister. >> Well, can I welcome him? Perhaps this is an unexpected elevation, but welcome him to his position and thank him for his his important his thank him for his his important his his important question, which is on a very, very serious matter, which is the threat from our adversaries. is the threat from our adversaries. And he is right to point out Iran. There are, of course, many others who are attempting to damage our national security to hit consumers and individuals here in the in the UK.

He will understand. I'm not going to go into operational details on any matter relating to our cyber defences, but he can be assured that we keep the activities of our adversaries very, very closely in our mind and we are taking steps to make sure we can defend this country against all threats from wherever they come.

12:04

Q6. What assessment she has made of whether the Mauritian Government is able to effectively protect Chagos' marine environment. (907365)

Blake Stephenson question number six, please, Mr. Speaker. >> Mr. speaker, the Chagos Archipelago Marine Protected Area is one of the world's most important marine environments, has been rightly been recognised by been rightly been recognised by members across the House, and both the UK and Mauritius are committed to its protection. I can confirm to him that no commercial fishing will be allowed, but low levels of artisanal fishing will be permitted for the sustenance of the Chagossian communities, which is Chagossian communities, which is compatible with nature conservation.

And we're working closely with Mauritius to ensure that adequate patrolling capabilities will be patrolling capabilities will be maintained after the marine protected area enters into force.

12:04

Stephen Doughty MP, Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Cardiff South and Penarth, Labour )

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Blake Stephenson. The Minister for his response. A recent report from Yale University ranks Mauritius last out of 131 states for stringency in its marine protected areas and a woeful 173 out of 180 for protection for biodiversity. Mauritius has even admitted it doesn't have capacity admitted it doesn't have capacity to patrol the area and is open to commercial fishing. And I recognise the response that the Minister just the response that the Minister just gave. But Britain has kept the Chagos marine environment pristine for 50 years.

Why doesn't the government want to secure this legacy in law?

12:05

Blake Stephenson MP (Mid Bedfordshire, Conservative)

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Yeah. Yeah, yeah.

12:05

Stephen Doughty MP, Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Cardiff South and Penarth, Labour )

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Respect, because I know he raises his issues with sincerity. I was just very, very clear. And it was on the 3rd of November that was on the 3rd of November that Mauritius announced the creation of the Chagos Archipelago Marine Protected Area. And they've confirmed that no commercial fishing will be allowed in any part of the MPA. We're working very closely with them on the issues around patrolling. Working very, very closely to protect the environment. These are important issues, and I can assure him that we are absolutely seized of them.

12:05

Rt Hon Priti Patel MP (Witham, Conservative)

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Foreign Secretary David Priti Patel. >> The Prime Minister, previously said that Five Eyes partners and the United States backed the Chagos the United States backed the Chagos surrender bill. But today the American president has publicly opposed it, rightly citing the very opposed it, rightly citing the very concerns that these benches have raised around the malign influence of China and Russia, benefiting directly as a result of surrendering the Chagos Islands. Is President Trump right and given Labour's Chagos surrender bill will cost £35 billion, compromise our national security and betray the rights of the Chagossian community? When will the government finally see, sense and scrap this shameful treaty?

12:06

Stephen Doughty MP, Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Cardiff South and Penarth, Labour )

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Yeah. makes some some wild claims about costs, which are simply not the case. We have been absolutely clear that the UK will never compromise that the UK will never compromise on our national security. As we have made repeatedly clear, the agreement we have struck is vital for protecting our national security and that of our allies, and guaranteeing the long term future of a base that is crucially important for the UK and the United States. Our deal secures the operations of the joint US-Uk base on Diego Garcia for generations.

It's got that backing across Five Eyes as well as other international partners. I would remind her. I would remind her very, very clearly that in May, the US Secretary of State said the Trump administration determined that this agreement secures the long term, stable and effective operation of the joint US-Uk military facility on Diego Garcia. We will, of course, have discussions with the administration in the coming days to remind them of the strength of this deal and how it secures the base, and I am surprised these comments have been made, obviously in the context of difficult conversations about Greenland, which she joins us with in standing for their sovereignty and self-determination and reflection.

And I would just urge you to be a little bit more reflective in her comments.

12:07

Q8. What steps her Department is taking to support UK citizens arbitrarily detained abroad. (907367)

Douglas McAllister. Thank you, >> Douglas McAllister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Question number eight, Minister. >> Mr. speaker, one of the Foreign

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Mr. speaker, one of the Foreign Office's most serious and important duties is standing up for British nationals who have been wrongly nationals who have been wrongly detained overseas and supporting the families here at home, working desperately for their release. We are committed to strengthening those efforts, including through the appointment of a dedicated envoy for complex detention cases, envoy for complex detention cases, and we expect to confirm that appointment in the near future.

12:07

Mr Hamish Falconer MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Lincoln, Labour)

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Douglas McAllister Mr. speaker, exactly 3000 days ago, my constituent, Jack Johal, was imprisoned in India. 3000 days later, he remains arbitrarily detained, facing the death penalty

12:07

Douglas McAllister MP (West Dunbartonshire, Labour)

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on trumped up charges, having been brutally tortured to make a confession while in opposition. Our confession while in opposition. Our Prime Minister rightly recognised my constituents detention as arbitrary. We need to do more than arbitrary. We need to do more than just raise his case with Indian counterparts. My constituent was acquitted in March last year of all acquitted in March last year of all charges, but now faces essentially eight duplicate cases based on the same evidence. So does the Foreign Secretary or the Minister agree Secretary or the Minister agree with me that this is clearly double jeopardy as recognised under Indian international and UK law? And will the government make that clear to Indian counterparts?

12:08

Mr Hamish Falconer MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Lincoln, Labour)

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Yes, Minister. Friend for the persistence and the force of his advocacy for his constituents. Despite progress in Mr. Daire Hughes legal proceedings, Mr. Daire Hughes legal proceedings, as he says, eight of the cases against him remain outstanding. We continue to raise concerns about Mr. Jamal's prolonged detention with the Government of India at every appropriate opportunity, emphasising the need for a prompt, full and just resolution of Mr. Daire Hughes cases within India's independent legal system.

12:09

Christine Jardine MP (Edinburgh West, Liberal Democrat)

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Christine Jardine. Sadly, Jack dazzling Jewel is not the only case of human rights violations against British citizens across the world at the moment. And across the world at the moment. And one of our biggest allies has just said that peace is no longer a priority for them. So with the world such a dangerous place and such a threat, the human rights of British citizens abroad, would the Minister agree with me that the time has come to make assistance, consular assistance, a legal right

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of British citizens across the globe? Mr.

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Mr. speaker, we are committed to introducing a right for consular assistance. We'll return to this House with more detail about what form that may take.

12:09

Mr Hamish Falconer MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Lincoln, Labour)

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>> Ian Lavery. Minister. >> Mr. speaker, we have

12:09

Q9. What diplomatic steps she is taking to help ensure that international humanitarian law is upheld in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. (907368)

>> Mr. speaker, we have consistently called on all parties to comply with their international humanitarian law obligations in Palestine and where this government

12:10

Mr Hamish Falconer MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Lincoln, Labour)

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has had concerns about Israel's commitment to those obligations, we commitment to those obligations, we have taken decisive action. That has included stopping exports to the IDF that might be used in Gaza, the IDF that might be used in Gaza, suspending negotiations on a new free trade agreement and last month voting in favour of a UN resolution which welcomed the Icj's advisory opinion on Israel's obligations to allow life saving humanitarian

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assistance to reach Palestinian civilians. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In July 2024, the ICJ ruled that the Israeli occupation and settlements

12:10

Ian Lavery MP (Blyth and Ashington, Labour)

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were illegal and must be ended and dismantled. Then, in September 2024, dismantled. Then, in September 2024, the UN General Assembly gave Israel 12 months to bring to an end its 12 months to bring to an end its unlawful presence in the occupied Palestinian territories. A deadline, Palestinian territories. A deadline, Mr. Speaker, which is now lapsed by more than four months. Minister, why, after a year and a half, has a government still not published its response to the I. CJAG advisory opinion? Is there something we don't know? But perhaps we should.

12:11

Mr Hamish Falconer MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Lincoln, Labour)

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Mr. speaker, I thank my hon. Friend for the question in that Friend for the question in that period. The UK has made a range of very significant determinations in relation to our policy in the relation to our policy in the Middle East. Of course, we continue to consider the court's advisory opinion on Israel's occupation carefully. There are lots in that advisory opinion with which we agree and is indeed already government policy. We agree settlements are illegal. We have already taken strong action against them since this government came into office.

We have introduced three packages of sanctions related to violence against communities in the West Bank, and we continue to keep these questions under review.

12:11

Iqbal Mohamed MP (Dewsbury and Batley, Independent)

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Iqbal Mohamed thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since the recent ceasefire Speaker. Since the recent ceasefire came into effect, over 450 Palestinians have been killed by Israel. The Unicef reports that Israel. The Unicef reports that over 100 Palestinian children have been killed in Gaza since October the 10th. Israeli airstrikes continue and their mental and physical torture and violence continues unabated. Can the Minister tell the children that are still alive in Gaza what action the UK government will take to force Israel to comply with international law and to allow human essential humanitarian aid into Gaza, but also to make this ceasefire a real ceasefire and stop the killing?

12:12

Mr Hamish Falconer MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Lincoln, Labour)

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Minister. >> Mr. speaker, I know how deeply so many of our constituents, indeed so many members in this House, consider these issues, raise these issues. We are continuing to take action in the way that the Foreign Secretary has already set out this Secretary has already set out this morning, and those actions will continue. It is vital that the ceasefire holds, that we make progress in the three areas set out by the Foreign Secretary already, and that is the priority of these Ministers.

Speaker. Minister.

12:13

Q10. What discussions she has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on planned levels of spending on Official Development Assistance. (907369)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are committed to international committed to international development, but we must modernise our approach to reflect the world we live in and the threats our country faces while maintaining country faces while maintaining economic stability at home. We are committed to meeting the Oda budgets that have been set out, but with less money. We must focus on greater impact. Every pound must deliver for the UK taxpayer and the people we support while we. We will people we support while we.

We will sharpen our focus on humanitarian, health, climate and nature, underpinned by economic development. underpinned by economic development.

12:13

Chris Elmore MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Bridgend, Labour)

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Olly Glover thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Minister for his answer. The United States government has cut funding for research and development into life saving health solutions that help the world's poorest people. In this context, the UK has the opportunity to embrace world leading scientists who are no longer welcome elsewhere. who are no longer welcome elsewhere. So will the government seize this opportunity to both continue progress on life expectancy in the global South and boost the UK's economy by increasing its spending on global health research and development?

12:13

Olly Glover MP (Didcot and Wantage, Liberal Democrat)

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Mr.

12:14

Chris Elmore MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Bridgend, Labour)

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can't comment on the US decision is a matter for the administration in matter for the administration in terms of our own support in the context, as I mentioned, one of those focuses now will be on health. And of course, we've announced And of course, we've announced previously to the House additional funding to tackling life limiting conditions, particularly in the continent of Africa. So the work around health and life saving work carries on.

12:14

Fleur Anderson MP (Putney, Labour)

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Fleur Anderson. >> Fleur Anderson. >> Well. >> The conflict in Sudan is affecting millions of people, including thousands of women including thousands of women affected by horrific sexual violence. I've been hearing from aid workers on the ground who are working with those women. Can the Minister assure the House that despite aid, Budget cuts, support for the women victims of sexual violence in the conflict of Sudan will not be cut?

12:14

Chris Elmore MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Bridgend, Labour)

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Yes, Minister. >> Yes, Minister. >> Can I thank my hon. Friend for her question. Mr. speaker, I know what a huge issue, an important issue to all members across the issue to all members across the House. I can confirm that additional funding has been allocated in relation to the Sudan conflict. We are, of course, conflict. We are, of course, calling for the violence to end, and particularly for the violence that is targeted at women and girls. And I can assure her that part of this continuing funding is in supporting and trying to tackle the very extreme levels of sexual violence that women are experiencing in Sudan.

Speaker.

12:15

Rt Hon Sir Andrew Mitchell MP (Sutton Coldfield, Conservative)

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As the Minister will know, part of the Budget goes to invest in of the Budget goes to invest in businesses creating employment in the poorest parts of the world. For example, through BII British example, through BII British Investment International. Undoubtedly, now the best DfE in the world. Will the Minister continue to ensure that BII receives injections of capital so that they can go on doing this brilliant work and earning a decent

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return for the British taxpayer? Minister. Can I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his question. I am pleased to say that the Development pleased to say that the Development Minister, Baroness Chapman, in the other place, is due to meet imminently with the group and we will continue to work. In my conversations with nations in the Oda context about how we can do more support for business as one of

12:15

Chris Elmore MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Bridgend, Labour)

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more support for business as one of the one of the changes, how we will see Oda working moving forward. >> David Taylor. >> Thank you.

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Mr. Speaker. I hate to disagree with my colleague opposite who greatly, but I respect I do wonder in the era where we have less money whether we do need to focus on reaching the poorest people the most. And there are other models, including the International Finance Facility for education, the International Finance Facility for immunisation, that offer ways in immunisation, that offer ways in which we can leverage in much more money. By putting in a small amount, we can leverage up to four times more money out.

So would Ministers more money out. So would Ministers meet with me and the Treasury Minister to discuss proposals like this, so that we can look at this, so that we can look at innovative forms for development finance in an era of less Oda.

12:16

David Taylor MP (Hemel Hempstead, Labour)

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Minister.

12:16

Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, Labour)

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Can I thank my hon. Friend for his question? I am, of course, more than happy to meet with him, as diaries allow. >> Kirith Entwistle. >> Mr. >> Speaker. >> So stay. >> Mr Speaker. >> The UK continues to.

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The UK continues to. Support the Ukrainian people in the face of unrelenting Russian the face of unrelenting Russian aggression, including the targeting of Ukraines energy infrastructure and civilians. On Friday, we were proud to mark the anniversary of the 100 year partnership that we agreed with Ukraine last year, and we will continue to provide support, both military and economic and energy, for their energy security as well.

12:17

Kirith Entwistle MP (Bolton North East, Labour)

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >> The Association. >> Of Ukrainians in Great Britain, Bolton branch, is situated in my constituency of Bolton North East, helping families settle and keeping those community ties strong. As the Foreign Secretary mentioned, as the UK marks the first anniversary of the UK Ukraine 100 year partnership, what more is the Foreign Secretary doing working across government to ensure Ukrainians in the UK are provided with the support they need to rebuild their lives?

12:17

Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, Labour)

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Foreign Secretary. >> And can I thank the hon. Member for her question? This is exactly this 100 year partnership is about our people to people links our long our people to people links our long term connections between the UK and Ukraine. And if I can just take a personal moment on this, Mr. Speaker, I can report that one of the teenagers who came to stay with us in Castleford at the very beginning of the Ukraine war and has since returned to Kyiv, has continued with her training to be an international standard.

Ballroom dancer is back in the UK with her partner this week in the run up to an international competition, and I wish them both the very best.

12:18

Rt Hon Sir Julian Lewis MP (New Forest East, Conservative)

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Sir Julian Lewis. >> Entire House endorses what the Foreign Secretary has just said. In a week when the government is sadly a week when the government is sadly letting down Hong Kongers in London, Chagossians in exile and Northern Ireland veterans in retirement, can we absolutely rely upon continued support for Ukraine's gallant resistance to atrocious Russian imperialism?

12:18

Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, Labour)

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Foreign Secretary. should know better than to ask a question like that. As he knows the UK has been continue and be strong UK has been continue and be strong in our support for Ukraine, for the people of Ukraine and also for Ukraines continued military resistance. I think for too long Russia has underestimated the people of Ukraine, but also Ukraines friends. And that is why the UK, through the coalition of the willing, has been leading support for Ukraine.

12:19

Rt Hon Wendy Morton MP (Aldridge-Brownhills, Conservative)

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Mr. Wendy Morton. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Foreign Secretary will have heard President Zelensky's warnings last week about the supply of air week about the supply of air defence missiles. We must heed them. Can she confirm whether the government is now going to make more weapons available immediately, scale up production or broken new military aid packages with our allies to make sure there is a constant supply of missiles.

12:19

Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, Labour)

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The UK. >> The UK. >> Is working very closely with our partners, including through NATO, partners, including through NATO, but also more broadly to ensure that Ukraine has the military support they need, including the weapons and the equipment, but also support for their energy infrastructure, support for their intelligence gathering as well. Where the UK plays an important role and what we have done is in fact set forward commitments alongside the French government as well, and that forward lean on the ability to support Ukraine if a peace agreement is reached, backed by security guarantees.

So I think the the UK is really very much leading the military and wider support for Ukraine. topicals.

12:20

Dan Carden MP (Liverpool Walton, Labour)

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Topical number one. Mr. speaker. Secretary. Secretary. >> Mr. speaker, in a few weeks time, we will reach the fourth we will reach the fourth anniversary of the Ukraine war and extreme efforts have been made over

12:20

Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, Labour)

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recent months to pursue a just and lasting peace. But still, we have seen no sign that Russia is willing seen no sign that Russia is willing to make peace. And in the early hours of today, Russia attacked hours of today, Russia attacked Ukraine with 34 missiles and 339 drones. This follows four previous drones. This follows four previous nights in which Russia fired 537 drones at Ukrainian cities, largely targeting energy infrastructure. Ukraine's energy system is experiencing its most acute crisis of the war, and Kyiv residents are currently receiving three hours of power, followed by ten hour outages.

So on the 16th of January, as we marked the first anniversary of the 100 year partnership, I announced a further £20 million of UK support for vital energy repairs. Our commitment to supporting Ukraine is unwavering.

12:21

Dan Carden MP (Liverpool Walton, Labour)

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Dan Carden thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am grateful for that Speaker. I am grateful for that update. The brutal Iranian regime is dying and a new Iran is being born, and we can assist that born, and we can assist that process in their interests and ours by banning the IRGC. If the Foreign Secretary requires a new legislative instrument for a prescription mechanism for state and state linked bodies, will she bring that to the House? And will the Foreign Office prepare for the day after convening opposition parties to cohere them and mobilise democratic?

12:22

Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, Labour)

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Come on. You've got to help me to get others in. >> My hon. Friend will know that as Home Secretary, I commissioned the review of the legislation which review of the legislation which recommended changes because the existing legislation is drawn up around terrorism, and we need to be able to deal with state backed threats. I can also assure him that both I and the new Home Secretary take extremely seriously the threats from Iran.

12:22

Rt Hon Priti Patel MP (Witham, Conservative)

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So Foreign Secretary Priti Patel speaker. >> Embassy and its. >> 240 pages. >> And there it is for us to read all the time. While Jimmy Lai, a British national, continues to be imprisoned in appalling conditions on bogus political charges under the disgraceful Hong Kong National Security Law. So does the Foreign Secretary agree that it is unacceptable for China to be rewarded with this spy hub in the heart of London. While Jimmy languishes in prison?

12:23

Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, Labour)

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Foreign Secretary well, the shadow Foreign Secretary will know shadow Foreign Secretary will know that we have made the strongest of criticisms of the decision on Jimmy criticisms of the decision on Jimmy Lai. We continue to pursue this issue with the Chinese government, issue with the Chinese government, and to stress the urgent need for him to be released immediately on humanitarian grounds. She has raised the issue of the independent planning decision, and she will know the independent planning processes that need to be gone through, and I understand the Security Minister will be making a statement to the House on this topic shortly following this session.

Well, I would point out to her is that diplomatic consent was given by her hero, Boris Johnson. She had many years as Home Secretary to pursue any concerns that she had Gen Kitchen.

12:24

Rt Hon Priti Patel MP (Witham, Conservative)

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Mr. speaker, in light of her remarks and the fact that Jimmy Lai sentencing is expected soon. Does sentencing is expected soon. Does she agree that when the Prime Minister goes to Beijing and goes to kowtow to Beijing, and he comes to kowtow to Beijing, and he comes back with no movement on Jimmy Lai release, should that trip be regarded as a failure of British diplomacy?

12:24

Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, Labour)

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Foreign Secretary. >> Well, we believe it is exactly because we have deep concerns on issues around Jimmy Lai and the need for his urgent humanitarian need for his urgent humanitarian release, but also on wider security issues that we should engage with the Chinese government refusing to engage with the Chinese government when we have such serious issues irresponsible.

12:24

Gurinder Singh Josan MP (Smethwick, Labour)

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Birender Singh Josh Simons thank you, Mr. Speaker. you, Mr. Speaker. >> I recently visited the large community centre in West Bromwich to meet with five of the 25 young to meet with five of the 25 young people who had arrived in the UK from Canada to receive specialist medical attention, and they were present there with their families present there with their families at a fun day put on by the Yemeni Community Association. I spoke with them about their experience in Gaza, their journey here and here in the UK.

So can the Minister tell the House what learning had your department taken from the programme so far? In particular the support required by the young people and their families whilst in the UK? And is it the intention to expand the project further?

12:25

Mr Hamish Falconer MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Lincoln, Labour)

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Mr. >> Mr. >> Mr. speaker, as the House will be aware, we have supported a number of sick and injured children to leave Gaza. I'm very proud of to leave Gaza. I'm very proud of our work in this area. We work closely across government, including with our colleagues in DHSC, MHCLG and indeed with local authorities to ensure that children and families arriving in the UK receive the help and support they need. In relation to future plans, I'm sure I'll return to the house in due course.

12:25

Joe Robertson MP (Isle of Wight East, Conservative)

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Joe Robertson thank. >> Joe Robertson thank. >> You, Mr. Speaker. President Trump's new version, Board of Peace, Trump's new version, Board of Peace, will apparently cost $1 billion to join. Trump will chair it for life, and Putin will be invited to join and Putin will be invited to join and offer his views on peacemaking. Now, I understand the Foreign Secretary is still having conversations about it, but has she managed to identify a single good reason for the UK to join.

12:26

Mr Hamish Falconer MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Lincoln, Labour)

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Will Forster? >> The Foreign Secretary set out earlier the Board of Peace was part of the 20 point plan, which we welcomed. There was a UN Security welcomed. There was a UN Security Council resolution, which also enshrines the progress made in the talks. Of course, we want to see talks. Of course, we want to see the ceasefire hold in Gaza. We are fully engaged with our American and other counterparts on these questions. But as the Foreign Secretary has set out already, we are discussing with our allies the way ahead.

12:26

Lorraine Beavers MP (Blackpool North and Fleetwood, Labour)

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Lorraine Beavers thank you, Mr. Speaker. Settler violence and Speaker. Settler violence and expansion in the occupied West Bank is a daily threat to Palestinian is a daily threat to Palestinian communities in the face of persistent violence. Entire villages have been forced, forcibly displaced. This is ethnic cleansing enabled by the Israeli state. Does the Foreign Secretary agree with me that a ban on trade with Israeli settlements would show Israel that we are serious in opposing this disgraceful activity?

12:27

Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, Labour)

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On Sarah Pochin? >> Would say to. >> hon. Members, we are deeply concerned about the escalating concerned about the escalating settler attacks and the fact that they have reached new heights with more attacks last year than in any more attacks last year than in any year since the United Nations began recording such incidents. We need the Government of Israel to abide by its obligations around settlements and also around settler violence. But we also need to ensure that we pursue this as part of the broader peace plan process.

The 20 point plan process to build the greatest possible coordination around delivering not just peace for Gaza, but a two state solution.

12:28

Reflecting on. >> Reflecting on. >> The both Allied and Russian, I wonder if the Foreign Secretary could articulate the risk she could articulate the risk she thinks that the UK is taking when it has such a small military and is committing several thousand troops, committing several thousand troops, maybe even tens of thousands of troops, to Ukraine through the coalition of the willing.

12:28

Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, Labour)

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Well, the. >> UK government, this government is responsible now for the biggest increase in defence investment since the Cold War, because we recognise the importance of defending our national security. And I would also say to him that Ukraine's security is our security. The threat from Russia affects us all.

12:28

Jeff Smith MP (Manchester Withington, Labour)

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Jeff Smith Mr. Speaker, it's going to be impossible to get the going to be impossible to get the necessary aid into Gaza until the Rafah crossing is fully open. Can the Minister update us on progress the Minister update us on progress in trying to persuade the Netanyahu government to do the right thing and open the Rafah crossing? The responsible Minister.

12:29

Mr Hamish Falconer MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Lincoln, Labour)

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I thank my hon. Friend for his question, his continued advocacy on these questions, the Rafah crossing and indeed other crossings, was clearly outlined in the 20 point clearly outlined in the 20 point plan as needing to open. There have been discussions between various partners, but we continue to press the Israelis to open all crossings. Speaker.

12:29

Stephen Gethins MP (Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, Scottish National Party)

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An opinion poll at the weekend >> An opinion poll at the weekend in the Sunday Herald shows that three quarters of Scots would vote to join the European Union. They get that leaving the EU is a disaster a decade ago, and it is even more of a disaster given the international situation now. So why does this government continue to pursue yesterday's policies, backed

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up by yesterday's men and women here? Mr. Well, Mr. Speaker, with the greatest respect, he knows that greatest respect, he knows that this government has strengthened our relationships with the EU, has got a security and defence partnership and is securing an SPS partnership and is securing an SPS deal, is rejoining Erasmus+. These are all things going to make a tangible difference, both for

12:29

Stephen Doughty MP, Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Cardiff South and Penarth, Labour )

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tangible difference, both for people in Scotland and across the United Kingdom, and we're very proud of them. >> Mike Reader Mr. >> Speaker, in.

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Speaker, in. Her Sunday Times interview two weeks ago, the Foreign Secretary warned that the only person who benefits when NATO is divided is Vladimir Putin. That warning looks even more relevant today. So can I ask her once again to remind her colleagues across the Atlantic that this is the time we come together as an alliance and remember who our true enemies are here? true enemies are here?

12:30

Mike Reader MP (Northampton South, Labour)

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Well, I. Gather the that. by the speaker of the House of Representatives, the US speaker of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, who has been with us in Parliament over the last few days. I think there are many people on both sides of the Atlantic, across Europe and across North America who recognise the importance, the vital recognise the importance, the vital importance of our NATO, NATO alliance, of keeping all of us safe. alliance, of keeping all of us safe.

Speaker. about.

12:30

Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, Labour)

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12:31

Seamus Logan MP (Aberdeenshire North and Moray East, Scottish National Party)

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Ceasefire, which was announced on Sunday between the Syrian government and the SDF, which has already unravelled with fighting already unravelled with fighting resuming in less than 24 hours. What is the Foreign Secretary doing to promote humanitarian access, international monitoring and a long term reconciliation between the Kurdish people in Aleppo and northern Syria and the Syrian government? And does it support a more devolved government solution to bring about a lasting peace for the Kurdish people? Let us start.

12:31

Mr Hamish Falconer MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Lincoln, Labour)

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Mr. Speaker. Many across the >> Mr. Speaker. Many across the House will be aware of the fast moving situation in north east Syria. It is of concern to the British government. We are calling British government. We are calling for de-escalation and we want a halt to the advance into the North East. We continue to focus on the humanitarian situation in Syria. Over 16.5 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, and we are delivering up to £104 million of assistance this year.

12:32

Peter Lamb MP (Crawley, Labour)

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Mr. speaker, could I ask the Minister what action the UK government is taking to support Tamils in seeking justice for past Tamils in seeking justice for past and current injustices? >> Mr. speaker, the UK is active in

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Mr. speaker, the UK is active in seeking justice and accountability for Sri Lanka's Tamil community and indeed we lead in the UN's Human indeed we lead in the UN's Human Rights Council on the resolution on Sri Lanka last year, we sanctioned Sri Lankans for human rights violations in the civil war, and we've made clear to the Sri Lankan government the important the importance of improved human rights importance of improved human rights for all in Sri Lanka as well as reconciliation. And let me take the opportunity to wish the Tamil opportunity to wish the Tamil community a happy Thai Pongal.

12:32

Mr Hamish Falconer MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Lincoln, Labour)

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Shockat Adam. holding Israeli government to account, that I just would like to remind them that a tender by the

12:32

Shockat Adam MP (Leicester South, Independent)

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Israeli government has just been passed for a further illegal construction of more than 3000 homes in the E1 project in the West homes in the E1 project in the West Bank. This will now completely cut the West Bank into half. So will the government now comply with the Icj's opinion that third states Icj's opinion that third states have a duty like ours to bring Israelis illegal occupation to an end by imposing sanctions on end by imposing sanctions on Israeli Ministers in their professional capacity, and prohibit UK companies from illegal settlements.

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settlements. Mr. Mr. speaker, the Foreign Secretary and I have set out the position in relation to settlements over the course of this session. But I want to be clear, we have been the strongest that we can in condemnation of the increase, both in violence with settlers and settlements themselves. I have from settlements themselves. I have from this Dispatch Box announced sanctions indeed on Israeli Ministers, including Mr. Smotrich and Mr. Ben-Gvir. and Mr. Ben-Gvir.

12:33

Mr Hamish Falconer MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Lincoln, Labour)

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Mark Sewards. guest of their government next month. What can the UK government do to alleviate EU tariffs of between 6 and 18% on their fishing exports, so that the Falklands government have more money to spend government have more money to spend on health, education and their treasured environment Minister?

12:33

Mark Sewards MP (Leeds South West and Morley, Labour)

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Well, Mr. Speaker, remains strong. Defenders of the Falkland Islands as part of our great British family globally, and I was pleased to speak with the new Legislative Assembly just the other day. It's, of course, the Brexit deal the previous government negotiated that left the Falklands out when it comes to tariffs. But we continue to work very closely with them on a range of trade and with them on a range of trade and tariff issues, and have done so successfully in relation to the United States.

12:34

Stephen Doughty MP, Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Cardiff South and Penarth, Labour )

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Jeremy Corbyn, thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Israeli occupation of the West Bank has resulted in almost a thousand deaths over the past year and a half. The loss of villages, the loss of life and the continued enabling of settler violence against ordinary Palestinian people in their Palestinian people in their villages. And this morning there are reports that the Israeli Defence Forces now demolishing Defence Forces now demolishing Unwra headquarters in Jerusalem. When is the British government going to do something serious with sanctions against Israel for their sanctions against Israel for their continued illegal occupation of the West Bank?

12:34

Rt Hon Jeremy Corbyn MP (Islington North, Independent)

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Yeah, Minister.

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Mr. speaker, I think I answered the substance of that question in the last answer. We are aware of the last answer. We are aware of the reports in relation to the Unwra headquarters in East Jerusalem. And as the Foreign Secretary has set out already,

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indeed. Sonia Kumar. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Over 900. Doctors have been killed by the

12:35

Mr Hamish Falconer MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Lincoln, Labour)

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>> Doctors have been killed by the Iranian regime since 1979. A leading medical union warns that Iran's state health system is near

12:35

Sonia Kumar MP (Dudley, Labour)

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collapse and medicines are increasingly scarce, leaving children vulnerable for basic care. Does my right hon. Friend agree that urgent international action is needed to hold the regime to account, particularly for the devastating impact on paediatric care?

12:35

Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, Labour)

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Foreign Secretary. >> My hon. Friend is right to raise the deep humanitarian concerns from not having adequate healthcare in Iran. There point comes after we Iran. There point comes after we have also seen in recent weeks the most brutal of killings by the Iranian regime and the deep concern about the safety of protesters. I can also report to the House we have secured a special session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva to take place on the 23rd of January, and that will also be an issues.

12:35

Rt Hon Mark Pritchard MP (The Wrekin, Conservative)

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Mark Pritchard. Last year. >> President Trump, when he was frustrated with President Zelensky, withdrew for a short period. Intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Can the Foreign secretary oversees GCHQ and MI6 assure the House and my constituents that should such a threat at some point develop from the White House, that intelligence sharing will be withdrawn even for a temporary period with the United Kingdom, that the Foreign Secretary will remind the US president and her counterpart that this Five Eyes partnership keeps Americans safe every single day of the week as well.

Foreign Secretary.

12:36

Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, Labour)

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Well, I say to the hon. Member that I first had visits in that I first had visits in Washington about the strengths of the Five Eyes partnership and meetings, including meetings with meetings, including meetings with the CIA and others more than 25 years ago. Our Five Eyes partnership runs back many generations now and is deep and important, and also continues to take incredibly seriously the threats from Russia in Ukraine.

12:37

Marsha De Cordova MP (Battersea, Labour)

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Marsha de Cordova thank you, Mr. Speaker. With two out of three FCDO funded programs dedicated to disability inclusion coming to an end this year, what targets will end this year, what targets will this government set to ensure that its remaining programming will prioritise and can be accessed by prioritise and can be accessed by disabled people, 80% of whom live in the Global South? And can the Minister also offer some assurances that there will be sufficient capacity within the FCDO to support disabled people across the globe?

12:37

Chris Elmore MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Bridgend, Labour)

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Minister. disability rights and our global programme to supporting disability inclusion in health, education, employment plus access to innovative assistive technology. In addition to our work mainstreaming disability inclusion across FCDO priorities. The UK is co-chairing the Global Action on Disability Network to strengthen international coordination on disability rights and accelerate this progress, including in the Global South.

12:37

James Wild MP (North West Norfolk, Conservative)

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James Wild. >> Regime is killing protesters in their thousands, and the communication blackout is enabling abuses to happen away from the abuses to happen away from the public view. The Minister said yesterday, must they must restore the internet. What is the government doing with partners so we can hear the voices of these freedom fighters here?

12:38

Mr Hamish Falconer MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Lincoln, Labour)

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Mr. >> Mr. >> As I said to the House yesterday, Mr. Speaker, we treat the blackout Mr. Speaker, we treat the blackout of the internet in Iran as a breach of the human rights of the Iranian people. We continue to work on this with our partners for the reasons that my ministerial colleagues have set out. I won't give further commentary on operational business.

12:38

Dr Danny Chambers MP (Winchester, Liberal Democrat)

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To Danny Chambers. >> To Danny Chambers. >> Mr. speaker, I do not threaten each other, either military or economically, and so the whole economically, and so the whole House will be troubled by comments from the Trump administration over the last couple of days. What is the last couple of days. What is the Foreign Secretary doing to communicate with our NATO allies to the Trump administration? How an acceptable this is, and what are we doing to ensure the integrity of our NATO alliance?

12:38

Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, Labour)

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Foreign Secretary. the Prime Minister has spoken to the president. I have spoken to Secretary of State Rubio. As I set Secretary of State Rubio. As I set out in the statement yesterday, tariff threats are no way to treat allies, but is also important now. We strengthen our international cooperation on issues like Arctic security, whilst respecting sovereignty and collective security. And that means the sovereignty of Greenland at its heart.

12:39

John Whitby MP (Derbyshire Dales, Labour)

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John Whitby Mr. speaker. >> Israel is the only country in the world that automatically and systematically prosecutes children systematically prosecutes children in military courts trying between 500 and 700 Palestinian children this way each year, according to Save the Children. These children are at serious risk of contagious disease, hunger and abuse. Can the Minister reassure me that the government is doing all it can to put pressure on the Israeli government to end this practice?

12:39

Mr Hamish Falconer MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Lincoln, Labour)

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Minister. >> Mr. speaker, we are deeply concerned about the detention of Palestinian children by the Israeli military and indeed about the allegations that he refers to. The allegations that he refers to. The UK calls for all reports to be fully investigated. The arrest and detention of children must follow detention of children must follow due process in line with international juvenile justice standards, and we call on all parties to the conflict to grant the immediate and unfettered access.

12:40

Andrew Rosindell MP (Romford, Reform UK)

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Andrew Rosindell. Mr. Mr Speaker, sir, will the foreign. Will the. sir, will the foreign. Will the. Will the Foreign Secretary explain that if. And rightly so, she supports the self-determination of supports the self-determination of the Greenlandic people as part of the Kingdom of Denmark? Why does she not also support the self-determination of the Chagossian people to remain a British overseas territory?

12:40

Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, Labour)

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Foreign Secretary I just say. To the hon. Member he likes to call himself a patriot. He has just himself a patriot. He has just joined the party that is the weakest on Russia, the party that a country that threatens our country and yet led by a leader who has continued to question the role of Russia, beginning the Ukraine war, the role of NATO, and also even in the Salisbury killings, I think he should look a little bit inwards before he tries to make points in here.

12:41

Sarah Champion MP (Rotherham, Labour)

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Chair of the Select Committee, Sarah Champion. >> Thank you. >> Mr. Speaker. >> Foreign Secretary, given the scale. Of the FCDO. Planned Budget reductions and.

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reductions and. Significant staffing. Cuts, what assessment has been made? Of which policy areas have been deprioritized as a result of these measures? What redundancy mitigation steps have been undertaken in line with the 2016 civil service protocols, and how these changes are expected to impact both UK personnel serving overseas and country based staff.

12:41

Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, Labour)

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My honourable. >> My honourable. >> Friend will know as that we have been doing extensive work to ensure that the Foreign Office is focussed on the key priorities and also on delivering for the national interest. She will know too that interest. She will know too that there was an expansion in the staffing, including the UK based staffing of the Foreign Office, quite significantly over the previous five years. And actually it is right that we ensure the Foreign Office is now most focussed on the the both the national security issues, the prosperity issues and also many of the issues she and her committee are concerned about around international development as well, and will continue to provide information to her committee on this.

12:42

Robbie Moore MP (Keighley and Ilkley, Conservative)

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Robbie Moore Mr Speaker, a 14 year old. has been detained by the French state for 440 days. He's a British citizen with no dual nationality. citizen with no dual nationality. He has had no schooling in that period of time and most concerning of all, has not even received a single welfare visit by the British consulate, despite having been chased many times. So will the Foreign Secretary intervene personally in this case and meet with me to be able to secure a welfare visit?

12:42

Alex Sobel MP (Leeds Central and Headingley, Labour )

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Mr. speaker, I'll be happy to meet with the hon. Gentleman to discuss the case. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last week Uganda. Held elections. >> There are wide ranging. >> Accounts of. >> People being. >> Prevented from going to polling

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Prevented from going to polling stations. Ballot stuffing in one poll district, the more votes cast than there were electors. Now than there were electors. Now there's widespread violence. And the son of the so-called president of Uganda has threatened to murder the Leader of the Opposition, Bobi Wine, who lost the election. What? What can the Foreign Secretary tell me about the veracity of the elections? What are you doing to British citizens in Uganda? And to ensure the safety of members of the NUP there as well?

12:43

Chris Elmore MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Bridgend, Labour)

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Can I thank him for his question? >> Can I thank him for his question? We have consistently advocated for peaceful and credible elections and encourage any disputes to be addressed through peaceful and addressed through peaceful and legal means in relation to the Opposition Leader. We've engaged across the political spectrum to advocate for peaceful elections, and including for the opposition candidates to be able to campaign freely and safely, and we continue to do so, including through our high commission.

12:43

Dr Al Pinkerton MP (Surrey Heath, Liberal Democrat)

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Al Pinkerton. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >> In answer to an earlier question, the Foreign Secretary said that the future of Greenland should be determined by Greenlanders and Danes, and yet members across this House are just finding out that any opportunity to give Chagossians a referendum have been stripped from this afternoon's discussions on the Chagos bill. So can I ask the Foreign Secretary, why does she think that Chagossians don't deserve the same rights that she Greenlanders?

12:44

Stephen Doughty MP, Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Cardiff South and Penarth, Labour )

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Yeah. going to be discussing these issues this afternoon. We'll have ample time to discuss them. He's got amendments down. And, of course, he knows that we've engaged extensively with Chagossian communities. And I have, myself included.

12:44

Rt Hon Anneliese Dodds MP (Oxford East, Labour )

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday, the deputy chief prosecutor said atrocities would be prosecutor said atrocities would be repeated in Sudan from town to town unless impunity for belligerents unless impunity for belligerents ended. So can I ask what measures the UK government has been taking to make it clear to the SPLM, as to make it clear to the SPLM, as well as to the CSF and staff, that they must protect civilians and let aid through.

12:45

Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, Labour)

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In Foreign Secretary. this? Because the continuing humanitarian crisis and horrendous violence in Sudan is deeply troubling, and I worry this is not getting sufficient international getting sufficient international attention. I have discussed this extensively with the UN secretary general this weekend about what further action can be taken and what concerted pressure can be put on any country that has any influence on the warring parties. We urgently need a ceasefire, but we also need an end to the horrendous and brutal violence, particularly the sexual violence towards women.

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Wera Hobhouse Mr Speaker. Through his new folly over Greenland, President Trump is Greenland, President Trump is increasingly bringing the UK closer to Europe. What the UK allow European forces at Denmark's request. Use UK's command

12:45

Wera Hobhouse MP (Bath, Liberal Democrat)

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infrastructure for operations in and around Greenland. >> Minister. >> The hon. Lady knows that we

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The hon. Lady knows that we already work very closely with Denmark. Of course, in in NATO and indeed the Foreign Secretary made clear our desire for an Arctic sentry programme. And, of course, we work with other partners in the High North in the Jeff. So we already work very closely together.

12:46

Stephen Doughty MP, Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Cardiff South and Penarth, Labour )

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Sarah Coombes speaker last week I met a mother from my constituency who told me a terrible story. In October, her daughters were taken, supposedly for a day out at the fair by their father, but they never came home. It seems he has abducted them and taken them out of the country, either to Afghanistan or Pakistan. Can the Minister set out what the government can do out what the government can do about these kind of abductions? And will they meet with me to discuss how we get these little girls home?

12:46

Sarah Coombes MP (West Bromwich, Labour)

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Minister?

12:46

Mr Hamish Falconer MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Lincoln, Labour)

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Of course I will, Mr. Speaker. third most dangerous country in the world to be a Christian, according to Open Doors World Watch List, which was released last week. Since January, over 50 Yemenis Christians have been arrested and imprisoned, have been arrested and imprisoned, facing intimidation, interrogation and risk of torture. Will the Minister explain why freedom of Minister explain why freedom of religion and belief is not made a clear prerequisite for continued clear prerequisite for continued aid? UK aid with robust monitoring on the ground.

12:47

Carla Lockhart MP (Upper Bann, Democratic Unionist Party)

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Mr. speaker, I am grateful for an opportunity to comment on aid into Yemen, as I'm sure the hon. Member will know, there are significant restrictions on aid into the north of Yemen, where the Houthis are in control. It is Houthis are in control. It is rather easier in the south of Yemen to get aid in, but given the events referred to earlier in the session, referred to earlier in the session, this remains complex. We continue to prioritise the freedom of religious belief, including through religious belief, including through our excellent envoy, a member in this House.

And I'm very happy to meet with the hon. Member to discuss these issues further.

12:47

Mr Hamish Falconer MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Lincoln, Labour)

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That completes questions. We'll

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That completes questions. We'll Right. Right. We Right. We come Right. We come to Right. We come to the Right. We come to the first Kendall.

12:48

Rt Hon Liz Kendall MP, The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Leicester West, Labour)

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Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. With permission, Mr. Speaker, I'd like to make a statement on the next steps this statement on the next steps this government will take to keep children safe online and give them the childhood they deserve. Last week, I said in this House that AI and technology have huge potential to create jobs and growth. Diagnose and treat disease, transform our public services and so much more besides. But this government knows we will only seize this potential if the benefits of technology are felt by all, not just a few at the top.

And above all, if people know they and their children are safe online. We've already made significant progress on this crucial issue. The Online Safety Act brought in one of the most robust systems globally, with groundbreaking steps to tackle illegal content and activity and to protect children from harmful and age inappropriate content. But we have long known there is more to do. My first act as Secretary of State was to make online content that promotes self-harm and suicide a priority offence, so platforms must take proactive steps to stop users seeing this material in the first place and to swiftly take it down if it appears.

We have also made intimate image abuse and cyber flashing priority offences, and we've introduced an offence in the Crime and Policing Bill to criminalise AI models, which have been optimised to create child sexual abuse material. Eight days ago, in response to the abhorrent and illegal spreading of sexualised deepfake images of women and children without their consent by grock, I said we would uphold British values and British laws, that we would fast track legislation making it an offence to create non-consensual, intimate images, and that I would make this a priority offence under the Online Safety Act two.

Since then, I am pleased to say X has announced it will ban the generation of intimate images of real people, something that will be carefully monitored, but which I and the government have welcomed. But Mr. Speaker, the story does not end there. I know up and down the country parents are grappling with how much screen time their children should have, when they should give them a phone. What on earth they are seeing online, and the impact all of this is

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