Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the recent reports indicating that Iran has exported Shahed drones and drone technology to Serbia; and of the impact of this on peace and stability in the Western Balkans.

Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon

We have seen no evidence that Iran has exported Shahed drones and drone technology to Serbia. We are counselling Serbia to approach its defence procurement with care, as it sensibly seeks to diversify and modernise its defence capabilities. When the Foreign Secretary met President Vucic in Munich in February, he underlined the importance of Serbia supporting efforts to build and support regional stability.

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

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have for introducing legislation to introduce a close season for hares in England, following the publication of DEFRA’s Action Plan for Animal Welfare in 2021; and what plans they have for a consultation with stakeholders in that regard.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

This is a devolved matter and the information provided therefore relates to England only, with the potential for relevant policy to extend and apply to Wales.

The Government has no immediate plans to legislate to introduce a close season for hares in England. The Action Plan for Animal Welfare in 2021 made a commitment to consider such legislation and it remains an option. An industry-led, non-statutory code of practice to protect hares in England is already in place which states that lethal control to prevent damage to crops should only be carried out in the winter months of January and February when vegetation is low and hares are easily visible. These months avoid the main breeding season and thereby reduce risks to dependent young.

The Government therefore has no current plans to formally consult with stakeholders on this issue.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to rejoining the EUFOR–Althea peace stabilization force under the military aspects of the Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and as part of their plan to seek a new security pact to strengthen cooperation between the UK and EU.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK government recognises the vital importance of EUFOR-Althea to peace and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The UK is committed to a broad and ambitious UK-EU security pact. While the UK does not currently participate in any EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions, it is open to exploring future opportunities for cooperation.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to reappoint (1) the Prime Minister's Special Representative for the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative, and (2) the Foreign Secretary's Special Representative for the Western Balkans.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

There are more countries in the world today engaged in conflict than at any time since World War II. Preventing conflict and empowering women and girls is critical to the delivery of the government's missions. We are working to prevent and respond to conflict-related sexual violence, including as vice chair of the International Alliance on PSVI and by supporting thousands of survivors around the world. We also continue to support Western Balkan states to build stable, inclusive and prosperous societies, tackle serious organised crime and overcome ethno-nationalism and conflict.

The new government's Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office envoys have not yet been announced.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the current security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans, and of the extent of Russian influence in the region.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Instability in the Western Balkans undermines regional security and economic growth. Ministers are engaging with Western Balkan leaders to promote stability and prosperity, including in my meeting in July with the Bosnian Presidency Chair, Denis Becirovic, and the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary's engagement with regional leaders at the European Political Community and NATO Summits. The UK is also working with European and US allies to strengthen collective engagement. Across the region, Russia uses disinformation and other hybrid techniques to undermine sovereignty and democracy. Through UK programmes and policy, we are actively building resilience to counter this interference.

Found: Baroness Helic, Majda Ruge and Damir Arnaut , gave oral evidence.

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