Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the agreement signed by the governments of France and Serbia pertaining to the sale of 12 Rafale fighter jets to Serbia; and (2) of the implications for peace and security in the Western Balkans.

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

Serbia's acquisition of French Rafale aircraft to replace MiG fast jets is a part of modernising its capabilities, and indicates Serbia is moving to diversify its defence procurement and reduce dependency on Russian military equipment and influence. In terms of the implications for peace and security in the Western Balkans, we continue to encourage Serbia to play a constructive role in reducing tensions and promoting good neighbourly relations across the region. Minister for Europe, North America and UK Overseas Territories most recently spoke to Minister Đurić on the importance of this on 1 October and the Serbian Ambassador on 9 October.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support the World Health Organization evacuate women and children from Gaza to Europe for medical treatment; and whether any of the patients being evacuated will be treated in the UK.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The plight of sick and injured people in Gaza is deeply distressing. We urge Israel to open safe, regular routes for those requiring medical evacuation. The UK is supporting the provision of essential healthcare to Palestinian civilians, including through field hospitals operated by UK-Med in Gaza, and through the World Health Organization in Egypt to support medically evacuated Palestinians.

There are provisions that allow Palestinians to come to the UK for Private Medical Treatment under the Immigration Rules. Where a relevant application is made consideration will be given to exceptional circumstances, compelling or compassionate grounds. We are keeping all existing visa pathways under review.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they consider the Declaration on the Protection of National and Political Rights and the Common Future of the Serbian People of June 2024 to represent a threat to the sovereignty of (1) Bosnia and Herzegovina, (2) Kosovo, or (3) Montenegro.

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

The UK is committed to supporting the sovereignty, territorial integrity and multi-ethnic character of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Montenegro. The UK assesses that elements of the language used in the Declaration risk undermining those principles. In engagement with political leaders in the Western Balkans, the UK consistently promotes the need for constructive regional relationships and cautions against actions or statements that risk increasing tensions or stoking division.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have held discussions with the Republic of Serbia regarding the Declaration on the Protection of National and Political Rights and the Common Future of the Serbian People of June 2024; and, if so, what was the outcome of those discussions.

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

The UK has underlined with Serbia's leadership concerns about the "All Serb Assembly" in June and the subsequent Declaration. The UK consistently emphasises at senior levels the importance of Serbia's role in building and supporting regional stability; Minister Doughty did so most recently in October meetings with Foreign Minister Djuric and the Serbian Ambassador in London. We encourage Serbia to adhere to the commitments made by all Western Balkans leaders at the 2018 London Summit on good neighbourly relations.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what is their position on the sanctioning of individuals involved in issuing the Declaration on the Protection of National and Political Rights and the Common Future of the Serbian People of June 2024 as part of its Bosnia and Herzegovina sanctions regime.

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

The UK is committed to supporting the sovereignty, territorial integrity and multi-ethnic character of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Montenegro. The UK assesses that elements of the language used in the Declaration risk undermining those principles. We do not speculate on future designations.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they are making to the government of the Republic of Serbia regarding the Declaration on the Protection of National and Political Rights and the Common Future of the Serbian People of June 2024, with particular regard to the potential impact of Sections 16 and 17 in terms of Srebrenica genocide denial.

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

The UK has underlined with Serbia's government, including President Vučić, our concerns about June's "All Serb Assembly" and the subsequent Declaration. Events in Srebrenica were genocide, as confirmed by the International Court of Justice. The verdicts handed down are against individuals; no one ethnicity bears responsibility for the crimes committed during the conflict. Genocide denial is abhorrent and must end. Building a stable, prosperous and inclusive future for all citizens in the region requires acknowledgement of the facts. The UK encourages regional co-operation on reconciliation efforts and in finding ways to heal wounds and work together towards a shared future.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they have taken to support flood relief efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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

The Minister of State for Europe, North America and the Overseas Territories contacted the Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) Foreign Minister on 5 October, expressing condolences for the loss of life and damage caused by flooding and landslides. On 4 and 5 October, British search and rescue specialists (in BiH as a short-term training team) provided advice and expertise to BiH armed forces and emergency services on the ground. Our Ambassador to BiH visited the worst affected sites on 5 October, meeting UK advisers and local mayors. We are considering, with BiH authorities and international partners, how we might support further.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the Reporters Without Borders article One year in Gaza: how Israel orchestrated a media blackout on a region at war, published on 3 October; and what representations, if any, they have made to the government of Israel regarding the barring of international journalists from the Gaza Strip.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The UK has endorsed the Media Freedom Coalition's statement, which raises concerns about the safety of journalists and their access to information due to the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas, as indicated by the Reporters Without Borders article. The statement called on all parties to the conflict to comply with international law and guarantee the protection of journalists and media workers covering the conflict. The UK remains committed to Media Freedom and to championing democracy and human rights around the world. Independent media is essential to a functioning society.

Found: Lord Carlile K.C., Lord Brennan K.C., Lord Forsyth, Lord Marlesford, Lord Campbell of Pitternween, Baroness