Lord Ahmed Portrait

Lord Ahmed

Non-affiliated - Life peer

Became Member: 3rd August 1998

Left House: 14th November 2020 (Retired)


Lord Ahmed is not a member of any APPGs
14 Former APPG memberships
Bangladesh, Inter-Faith, Interfaith, International Relations, Iran, Kashmir, Pakistan, Qatar, Rohingya, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Terrorism, Third World Solidarity, Turkey
Refreshment Committee (Lords)
25th Nov 2002 - 20th Nov 2003
Refreshment Sub Committee
26th Jun 2001 - 7th Nov 2002


Division Voting information

Lord Ahmed has voted in 623 divisions, and 18 times against the majority of their Party.

10 Jan 2013 - Administration and Works Committee - View Vote Context
Lord Ahmed voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 23 Labour Aye votes vs 63 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 82 Noes - 163
15 Nov 2011 - Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Ahmed voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 10 Labour Aye votes vs 83 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 79 Noes - 273
25 Jan 2010 - Equality Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Ahmed voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 15 Labour Aye votes vs 101 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 216 Noes - 178
25 Jan 2010 - Equality Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Ahmed voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 9 Labour No votes vs 99 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 174 Noes - 195
11 Nov 2009 - Coroners and Justice Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Ahmed voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 11 Labour Aye votes vs 92 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 179 Noes - 135
9 Jul 2009 - Coroners and Justice Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Ahmed voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 19 Labour No votes vs 85 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 133 Noes - 186
7 Jul 2009 - Coroners and Justice Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Ahmed voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 39 Labour No votes vs 69 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 141 Noes - 194
15 Jun 2009 - Political Parties and Elections Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Ahmed voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 41 Labour No votes vs 45 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 107 Noes - 85
29 Oct 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [HL] - View Vote Context
Lord Ahmed voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 5 Labour Aye votes vs 113 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 39 Noes - 202
29 Oct 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [HL] - View Vote Context
Lord Ahmed voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 5 Labour Aye votes vs 79 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 51 Noes - 121
13 Oct 2008 - Counter-Terrorism Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Ahmed voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 23 Labour Aye votes vs 105 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 309 Noes - 118
30 Jun 2008 - Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland) Order 2008 - View Vote Context
Lord Ahmed voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 5 Labour Aye votes vs 89 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 66 Noes - 146
7 May 2008 - Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill - View Vote Context
Lord Ahmed voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 13 Labour Aye votes vs 108 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 178 Noes - 164
4 Feb 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [HL] - View Vote Context
Lord Ahmed voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 5 Labour Aye votes vs 114 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 41 Noes - 197
21 Jan 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [HL] - View Vote Context
Lord Ahmed voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 5 Labour Aye votes vs 102 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 93 Noes - 165
15 Jan 2008 - Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [HL] - View Vote Context
Lord Ahmed voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 7 Labour Aye votes vs 133 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 96 Noes - 268
28 Mar 2007 - Gambling (Geographical Distribution of Casino Premises Licences) Order 2007 - View Vote Context
Lord Ahmed voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 11 Labour Aye votes vs 98 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 123 Noes - 120
14 Mar 2007 - House of Lords: Reform - View Vote Context
Lord Ahmed voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 56 Labour Aye votes vs 79 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 122 Noes - 326
View All Lord Ahmed Division Votes

All Debates

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Department Debates
Home Office
(10 debate contributions)
Cabinet Office
(4 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Lord Ahmed's debates

Lords initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Lord Ahmed, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.


Lord Ahmed has not introduced any legislation before Parliament

Lord Ahmed has not co-sponsored any Bills in the current parliamentary sitting


Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
2nd Dec 2014
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Director of Public Prosecutions has any plans to bring cases against persons other than the five men convicted in respect of child sexual exploitation in Rotherham.

South Yorkshire Police are currently conducting investigations relating to child sexual exploitation in Rotherham. As these are ongoing it would be inappropriate to make further comment. The Crown Prosecution Service will consider all potential offences referred to it by the police in accordance with the two-stage test set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors.

3rd Jun 2015
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of Waltham Forest Council's programme <i>Building Resilience through Integration</i><i>and Trust</i>, and in particular the use of questionnaires on issues such as trust toward the police, and inter-faith marriages, which were reportedly aimed at children at schools with large Muslim intakes.

The Building Resilience Through Integration and Trust Project has been developed and implemented locally by the London Borough of Waltham Forest. Her Majesty’s Government has not been involved in the design or the delivery of the project. Local authorities and schools are free to develop and implement their own education-related projects. The department has no overview of local projects involving schools, though we do expect all schools to actively promote fundamental British values, which include mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. We would expect that any discussion with pupils involving complex issues should be age appropriate and handled with sensitivity.

Waltham Forest council’s website provides general information on the project: https://thehub.walthamforest.gov.uk/services-and-support/pupil-support/brit-project

3rd Jun 2015
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the appropriateness of the Waltham Forest Council pilot scheme asking children under the age of nine questions about whether they would hurt another student who was mocking their religion.

The Building Resilience Through Integration and Trust Project has been developed and implemented locally by the London Borough of Waltham Forest. Her Majesty’s Government has not been involved in the design or the delivery of the project. Local authorities and schools are free to develop and implement their own education-related projects. The department has no overview of local projects involving schools, though we do expect all schools to actively promote fundamental British values, which include mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. We would expect that any discussion with pupils involving complex issues should be age appropriate and handled with sensitivity.

Waltham Forest council’s website provides general information on the project: https://thehub.walthamforest.gov.uk/services-and-support/pupil-support/brit-project

11th Jun 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations, if any, they have received about any issues in relation to safeguarding or sexual abuse of Rohingya women and children in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh; and what action they intend to take in response to such issues.

We recognise that Rohingya women and girls face risks in the camps including domestic violence, sexual harassment, forced labour and sexual exploitation. DFID is helping to provide services including psycho-social counselling, reproductive health services, child-friendly spaces, safe shelters and legal advice. We are also providing essential support for personal safety, including improved lighting and alarms to help keep women and girls safer.

9th Jan 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the breakdown of financial support for (1) Ethiopia, (2) Sudan, and (3) Somalia, in the past three years.

The amount of direct bilateral Official Development Assistance (ODA) the UK has provided in the last three years is set out in the table below:

Table: UK bilateral ODA to Ethiopia, Sudan and Somalia 1

£ million.

2014

2015

2016

Ethiopia

322

339

334

Sudan

50

55

65

Somalia

124

122

152

1. All figures rounded to the nearest million

Source: Statistics on International Development 2017

ODA is a measure of official resource flows (aid) to developing countries that promotes the economic benefit and welfare of developing countries as the main objective.

14th Nov 2017
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the current humanitarian situation in Yemen in relation to the military action taken by the government of Saudi Arabia.

The UK condemns the attempted missile strike on Riyadh on 4 November and recognises the need for Saudi Arabia to take measures to stem the flow of weapons into Yemen. At the same time it is vital that Yemen remains open to commercial and humanitarian imports: the UN has warned that we could face the worst famine seen for decades unless the current Saudi-led Coalition restrictions are lifted. The UK has publicly called for the immediate reopening of Hodeidah port and the resumption of United Nations flights into the country. The Foreign Secretary raised the urgency of the humanitarian situation with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia on 23 November.

We welcome the Saudi-led Coalition statement on 22 November announcing plans to open Hodeidah port to humanitarian aid and Sana’a airport to UN flights as an initial step. This alone will not be enough to avert disaster - it is critical commercial imports are also allowed as Yemen relies on these for 85-90% of its food.

The UK continues to be a leading donor to Yemen - committing £155 million for the Financial Year 2017/18, making us the fourth largest humanitarian donor overall.

1st Nov 2017
To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel regarding the need for tunnels to be used in the Gaza area to provide food and medicine to the people of Gaza.

The UK believes any imported food and medicine should be provided through established Gaza crossing points. We remain deeply concerned by attempts to rearm and rebuild militant infrastructure, including the tunnel network in Gaza. This activity undermines efforts to improve the situation in Gaza and harms the prospects for peace and stability in the Middle East. We have a regular dialogue with the Israeli Government about its security concerns in Gaza. We also consistently call on the Israeli Government to ease movement and access restrictions covering the import of goods. Additionally, we have encouraged the Palestinian Authority to ensure their policy in Gaza, which has included restrictions on the shipment of medical supplies, does not unnecessarily affect the civilian population. The UK is a long-term supporter of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), which provides basic services to 1.3 million people in Gaza, including basic health care.

5th Sep 2017
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the UK is, or will be, contributing humanitarian aid for Rohingya refugees; and if so, how much has been contributed to date.

We are working at the highest levels with the government, other donors and the UN to improve access and ensure that aid reaches those that need it most. However this is a changing situation and there is not yet access to the conflict areas for a needs assessment. We are working with others to establish a picture of what is happening, where people are and what shape they are in. The UK has long been one of the biggest contributors of humanitarian aid for the displaced population in both Burma and Bangladesh. DFID has already committed £5.9 million to meet the needs of displaced Rohingya and the host communities who support them in Bangladesh. This is reaching 55,188 people with a range of support including food, education and protection of the safety and dignity of the most vulnerable, including women and girls. A further £5 million is being made available to provide urgent assistance to newly arriving refugees with needs such as food, shelter, and water and sanitation. Within Rakhine State we have provided over £30 million in humanitarian assistance since 2012, including food and sanitation for over 126,000 people. The UK Government is deeply concerned about the violence against the Rohingya and other communities in Burma’s Rakhine State, and the plight of thousands fleeing their homes.

5th Sep 2017
To ask Her Majesty's Government what support, if any, they plan to give to the government of Bangladesh to accommodate Rohingya refugees from Myanmar.

We are working at the highest levels with the government, other donors and the UN to improve access and ensure that aid reaches those that need it most. However this is a changing situation and there is not yet access to the conflict areas for a needs assessment. We are working with others to establish a picture of what is happening, where people are and what shape they are in. The UK has long been one of the biggest contributors of humanitarian aid for the displaced population in both Burma and Bangladesh. DFID has already committed £5.9 million to meet the needs of displaced Rohingya and the host communities who support them in Bangladesh. This is reaching 55,188 people with a range of support including food, education and protection of the safety and dignity of the most vulnerable, including women and girls. A further £5 million is being made available to provide urgent assistance to newly arriving refugees with needs such as food, shelter, and water and sanitation. Within Rakhine State we have provided over £30 million in humanitarian assistance since 2012, including food and sanitation for over 126,000 people. The UK Government is deeply concerned about the violence against the Rohingya and other communities in Burma’s Rakhine State, and the plight of thousands fleeing their homes.

3rd May 2016
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Verma on 26 April (HL7737), what representations they have made to the government of Israel about why it rejected Turkey’s proposal of a floating power-generating ship to help solve the electricity crisis in Gaza.

The UK has not made representations to Israel about this specific issue. We are in regular discussion with Israel, the Palestinian Authority and other development actors, specifically the UN and EU, about Gaza’s energy crisis. Improving Gaza’s provision of electricity will in turn improve Gaza’s water supply and wastewater treatment. We regularly call on both parties to work on solutions to increase the electricity supply, including press for the extension of the 161 power line and progress towards the conversion of the Gazan power station to gas.

16th Sep 2015
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the state of the latest humanitarian truce in Yemen, in the light of the airstrikes by the Arab states coalition led by Saudi Arabia.

The UK fully supports the UN Special Envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed’s efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire in Yemen to ensure life-saving assistance can reach all populations in need.

During the humanitarian pause in Yemen from 12 to 17 May 2015, according to the UN, humanitarian partners were able to deliver: a month's worth of food to more than 400,000 people; access to safe water for 1.2 million people; emergency shelter and medical supplies for more than 400,000 patients; and nutritional supplies to treat almost 35,000 malnourished children.

10th Jun 2015
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they support the proposed establishment of an international enclave, protected by the United Nations, in Syria and Iraq to house internally displaced people.

The UK welcomes any option compliant with international law that might save lives in Syria and Iraq. The situation in Syria and Iraq is incredibly complex, and international enclaves are not currently feasible. For such a safe area to work in any context, all parties to the conflict would need to agree on its establishment. In the absence of such an agreement, this would require foreign military intervention, authorised by a UN Security Council resolution.

14th Jan 2015
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have provided any financial support for the redevelopment of houses destroyed during recent floods in Indian-administered Kashmir.

The UK government has not received a request from the Indian Government for financial assistance. In 2012, DFID announced that it would end our traditional financial grant aid to India in 2015. From this year on, our partnership will be based on sharing skills and expertise, investing in private sector projects that benefit the poor, and working together on global development issues.

2nd Dec 2014
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether any resources have been directed to the Turkmen community in Iraq, many of whom have been displaced from their home, as well as the Christian and Yizhidei communities.

DFID has allocated £39.5 million to the humanitarian crisis in Iraq since June and is delivering a range of life-saving assistance such as food, water, shelter, sanitation and medical care to those who have been displaced by the conflict.

All UK funded aid is distributed on the basis of need to ensure civilians are not discriminated against on the grounds of race, religion or ethnicity. Our aid is reaching thousands of vulnerable displaced people across Iraq. This has included delivering aid to thousands of people trapped by ISIL in the Iraqi town of Amerli, including many from the Turkmen community.

23rd Oct 2014
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they are liaising with the government of Pakistan in order to assist internally displaced persons in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Before the military operation in North Waziristan which started in June 2014, the UK had provided £7 million to support internally displaced people in Northern Pakistan. This helped 400,000 people access safe water and sanitation; supplied 150,000 people with food packages; and supported over 6,000 families to rebuild their livelihoods.


Since the beginning of the current military operation an additional one million people have registered as displaced. In response to this the UK has provided a further £4.7 million. This will support some of the most vulnerable people who have been identified by our partners in a joint assessment run by the UN and the Government of Pakistan. We remain in close contact with the Federal Government of Pakistan, the Provincial Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and all of our partners, including the EU, to ensure an efficient, coordinated response.

23rd Oct 2014
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how much financial and material aid they have given to Pakistan in total to deal with the situation affecting internally displaced persons in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Before the military operation in North Waziristan which started in June 2014, the UK had provided £7 million to support internally displaced people in Northern Pakistan. This helped 400,000 people access safe water and sanitation; supplied 150,000 people with food packages; and supported over 6,000 families to rebuild their livelihoods.


Since the beginning of the current military operation an additional one million people have registered as displaced. In response to this the UK has provided a further £4.7 million. This will support some of the most vulnerable people who have been identified by our partners in a joint assessment run by the UN and the Government of Pakistan. We remain in close contact with the Federal Government of Pakistan, the Provincial Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and all of our partners, including the EU, to ensure an efficient, coordinated response.

22nd Oct 2014
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have any plans to coordinate financial and material aid from the European Union and the United Nations to help internally displaced persons in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.

Before the military operation in North Waziristan which started in June 2014, the UK had provided £7 million to support internally displaced people in Northern Pakistan. This helped 400,000 people access safe water and sanitation; supplied 150,000 people with food packages; and supported over 6,000 families to rebuild their livelihoods.


Since the beginning of the current military operation an additional one million people have registered as displaced. In response to this the UK has provided a further £4.7 million. This will support some of the most vulnerable people who have been identified by our partners in a joint assessment run by the UN and the Government of Pakistan. We remain in close contact with the Federal Government of Pakistan, the Provincial Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and all of our partners, including the EU, to ensure an efficient, coordinated response.

22nd Oct 2014
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have made any assessment of the condition of internally displaced persons in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.

Before the military operation in North Waziristan which started in June 2014, the UK had provided £7 million to support internally displaced people in Northern Pakistan. This helped 400,000 people access safe water and sanitation; supplied 150,000 people with food packages; and supported over 6,000 families to rebuild their livelihoods.


Since the beginning of the current military operation an additional one million people have registered as displaced. In response to this the UK has provided a further £4.7 million. This will support some of the most vulnerable people who have been identified by our partners in a joint assessment run by the UN and the Government of Pakistan. We remain in close contact with the Federal Government of Pakistan, the Provincial Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and all of our partners, including the EU, to ensure an efficient, coordinated response.

22nd Oct 2014
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they are providing any financial or material aid to Kashmir after the recent flooding there.

We are monitoring the humanitarian situation in the aftermath of the floods in both India Administered Kashmir and Pakistan Administered Kashmir. We have not received a request from either government for assistance, but are in close contact with relevant partners in both countries.

22nd Jul 2014
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how much they have spent on education awareness programmes in Pakistan over the last three years.

From 2011-12 to 2013-14 DFID has spent a total of £183 million on education in Pakistan, with £92 million spent during the last financial year. This support has helped get additional children into school, increase teacher attendance, improve school facilities and train teachers amongst other activities. During the last two years (2012-13 & 2013-14), DFID programmes have helped the Pakistani Government to train 150,000 teachers.

22nd Jul 2014
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the total amount of Department for International Development money spent on education programmes in Pakistan; and how many school teachers have been trained using the Department for International Development money.

From 2011-12 to 2013-14 DFID has spent a total of £183 million on education in Pakistan, with £92 million spent during the last financial year. This support has helped get additional children into school, increase teacher attendance, improve school facilities and train teachers amongst other activities. During the last two years (2012-13 & 2013-14), DFID programmes have helped the Pakistani Government to train 150,000 teachers.

22nd Jul 2014
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to publish the proposal submitted by the Mir Khalil ur Rahman Foundation for the education awareness programme in Pakistan, any progress reports, or information on what they have accomplished so far through their media campaign in Pakistan.

Funding to Mir Khalil Ur Rahman Foundation (MKRF) ended in January 2014. Over the period 2011 to 2014, £5.06 million was spent by MKRF as part of our larger Transforming Education in Pakistan (TEP) programme.

The department has published progress reports on our development tracker in line with our commitment to transparency. http://devtracker.dfid.gov.uk/projects/GB-1-202491/.

22nd Jul 2014
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they are continuing to fund the Mir Khalil ur Rahman Foundation (MKRF) to provide education awareness programmes in Pakistan; and what was the total amount allocated to MKRF in the last 3 years.

Funding to Mir Khalil Ur Rahman Foundation (MKRF) ended in January 2014. Over the period 2011 to 2014, £5.06 million was spent by MKRF as part of our larger Transforming Education in Pakistan (TEP) programme.

The department has published progress reports on our development tracker in line with our commitment to transparency. http://devtracker.dfid.gov.uk/projects/GB-1-202491/.

21st Jul 2014
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have sent emergency aid for the children of Gaza including medical, food and shelter.

We have released £10million since the latest crisis began. We are giving the UN Relief and Works Agency £4 million in new funding to provide health care, clean water, blankets and cooking equipment to help tens of thousands of Palestinians affected by the violence in Gaza, and £3million to the UN World Food Programme to provide food vouchers to vulnerable families. We are also bringing forward £3 million to support the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross in repairing water infrastructure and providing emergency medical support.

DFID is already spending almost £350million from 2011-2015 to address a broad range of Palestinian development and humanitarian needs, of which approximately £30million per annum is spent on Gaza.

Lord Wallace of Saltaire
Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Cabinet Office)
16th Jul 2014
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have provided any financial support to internally displaced people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa<b></b>following the recent military operation conducted by the army of Pakistan in North Waziristan.

DFID has allocated up to £5 million to support the Government of Pakistan’s efforts to help some of the most vulnerable internally displaced people following the military operation in North Waziristan. This will provide people with ration packs, non-food items such as cooking utensils and solar lanterns, and water and sanitation services.

16th Jan 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will consider reinstating touchdown-only flights from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to the UK.

The UK requests that additional security measures are applied to all flights from Turkey to the UK, including to transit flights from the northern part of Cyprus. We continue to consider that this is a proportionate security measure to ensure the safety and security of the travelling public.

18th Mar 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what advice they have provided, and plan to provide, in relation to religious gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Government has introduced social distancing guidance which should be implemented across all sectors including religious gatherings, this will help reduce the transmission of COVID-19. A copy of Guidance on social distancing for everyone in the UK is attached.

Additionally, a scientific evidence-based review on the impact of mass gatherings on an influenza pandemic has been published. A copy of Impact of Mass Gatherings on an Influenza Pandemic: Scientific Evidence Base Review is attached.

18th Mar 2020
To ask Her Majesty's Government what advice they have provided to the Muslim Council of Britain about (1) Friday prayers, and (2) the celebration of Ramadan, in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Muslim Council of Britain continues to follow the Government’s and National Health Service COVID-19 advice as well as publishing their own guidance for the Muslim community. This guidance includes plans for likely suspension of congregational activities, advice for congregation members to keep good hygiene and support for the socially vulnerable and isolated. A copy of Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for mosques/madrasas and Umrah Pilgrims is attached.

There is information on how Ramadan may be affected and whether United Kingdom mosques must similarly prepare for the very likely possibility of suspending iftar programs and congregational tarawih prayers.

27th Nov 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government, following the re-categorisation of Bangladesh by the Bertelsmann Stiftung Transformation Index as an autocracy rather than a democracy, what steps they will take to encourage neutral observers for the forthcoming general election in that country.

​The British Government has been consistently clear that we wish to see a free, fair and pluralistic election in Bangladesh. The Minister for Asia and the Pacific, Mark Field, has repeatedly encouraged the Government of Bangladesh and opposition parties to engage in an effective dialogue to this end, and the power to deliver it lies with them. Through our High Commission in Dhaka we have been clear that the Election Commission should be allowed to continue its important work without interference. We have consistently made the case for international oversight of the election and the EU has agreed to send an Election Expert Mission. Through the Department for International Development funding, the UK will also support local observation of the general election. The Foreign Secretary raised his concerns regarding the next election in Bangladesh with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina when they met at the UN General Assembly in New York on 24 September. In a call on 1 November with State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shahriar Alam, the Minister for Asia and the Pacific again made the case for a free, fair and participatory election. As did I when I spoke to him on 23 November.

27th Nov 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the British High Commission in Bangladesh will call for greater democracy in that country as the general election there approaches.

​The British Government has been consistently clear that we wish to see a free, fair and pluralistic election in Bangladesh. The Minister for Asia and the Pacific, Mark Field, has repeatedly encouraged the Government of Bangladesh and opposition parties to engage in an effective dialogue to this end, and the power to deliver it lies with them. Through our High Commission in Dhaka we have been clear that the Election Commission should be allowed to continue its important work without interference. We have consistently made the case for international oversight of the election and the EU has agreed to send an Election Expert Mission. Through the Department for International Development funding, the UK will also support local observation of the general election. The Foreign Secretary raised his concerns regarding the next election in Bangladesh with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina when they met at the UN General Assembly in New York on 24 September. In a call on 1 November with State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shahriar Alam, the Minister for Asia and the Pacific again made the case for a free, fair and participatory election. As did I when I spoke to him on 23 November.

27th Nov 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether the forthcoming general election in Bangladesh will be free and fair.

​The British Government has been consistently clear that we wish to see a free, fair and pluralistic election in Bangladesh. The Minister for Asia and the Pacific, Mark Field, has repeatedly encouraged the Government of Bangladesh and opposition parties to engage in an effective dialogue to this end, and the power to deliver it lies with them. Through our High Commission in Dhaka we have been clear that the Election Commission should be allowed to continue its important work without interference. We have consistently made the case for international oversight of the election and the EU has agreed to send an Election Expert Mission. Through the Department for International Development funding, the UK will also support local observation of the general election. The Foreign Secretary raised his concerns regarding the next election in Bangladesh with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina when they met at the UN General Assembly in New York on 24 September. In a call on 1 November with State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shahriar Alam, the Minister for Asia and the Pacific again made the case for a free, fair and participatory election. As did I when I spoke to him on 23 November.

4th Sep 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel regarding its access to, and development of, Gaza’s oil and gas reserves.

​The UK strongly supports the development of the Gazan gas fields. Over recent years, we have had extensive discussions with the Palestinian authorities on the development of the gas fields for the benefit of the Palestinian economy. The UK is not backing Israeli control of the gas fields. We have, however, been in discussions with the Israeli authorities to encourage them to enable the exploitation of these fields.

24th Jul 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel regarding the safety of British humanitarian workers travelling to Gaza as part of the Freedom Flotilla; and what responses they have received to any such representations.

On 30 July, officials from our Embassy in Tel Aviv sought consular access from the Israeli authorities to a British national who was detained aboard the flotilla that was travelling to Gaza. This access was granted. Embassy officials also discussed the travelling flotilla with the Israeli authorities on 6 June. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against all travel to Gaza (including the waters off Gaza).

23rd May 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the concerns expressed by Archbishop of Delhi regarding minorities in India and the rise of extremist Hindutva supporters.

The British Government remains committed to promoting and defending freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for individuals of all faiths or beliefs, in India and elsewhere. We shall continue to engage with Indian contacts on a range of human rights issues, including minority representatives on religious freedoms.

The British High Commission in New Delhi and our network of Deputy High Commissions maintain an assessment of the human rights situation across India and run projects promoting minority rights, as well as working with Union and State Government to build capacity and share expertise.

23rd May 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Denmark regarding integration minister Inger Stojberg's statement on Muslims fasting during the month of Ramadan.

The British Government is aware of these comments made by the Danish Minister for Immigration and Integration. The UK enjoys a close dialogue with the Danish government on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), most recently through the recent visit of Lord Ahmad to Denmark on 18 May. The protection of the right to FoRB is a priority of Her Majesty's Government's foreign policy and will continue to be so.

23rd May 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of allegations of the brainwashing of Muslims in internment programmes in China.

​We are aware of reports of significant numbers of individuals being detained by the Chinese authorities in re-education camps in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Our Embassy in Beijing has not been able to directly verify these reports: however my officials will continue to monitor the situation in Xinjiang closely.

We remain deeply concerned about restrictions on freedom of religion or belief in China, particularly in Xinjiang. We raised our concerns with the Chinese authorities at the last UK/China Human Rights Dialogue, which took place in Beijing in June 2017. We will seek to raise them again at the next UK/China Human Rights Dialogue, which is due to take place later this year.

23rd May 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their assessment of human rights and religious rights in China.

​We have concerns about restrictions on civil and political freedoms in China, particularly around ethnic minority rights; the death penalty; and freedom of expression, association and assembly. We also remain concerned about restrictions on freedom of religion or belief. We are aware of reports of the closure or demolition of places of worship, of the removal of religious symbols, and that individuals are being harassed or detained for their beliefs across China.

The Prime Minister raised human rights when she visited China in February 2018. We raise the full range of our human rights concerns in China at the UK/China human rights dialogue, which last took place in Beijing in June 2017.

14th May 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel about human rights abuses, including recent killings of civilians in Gaza.

The UK is firmly committed to the promotion and protection of human rights and compliance with international law in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. We are extremely concerned by the scale of the violence in Gaza and the West Bank. The loss of life and the large number of Palestinians injured, including children, is tragic. Israel has the right to defend its borders. However the use of live fire is deeply troubling, and has led to significant loss of life. We urge Israel to show greater restraint. The Foreign Secretary discussed the use of live ammunition against protestors in Gaza with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on 16 May. The Minister for the Middle East and North Africa also raised our concerns with his Israeli counterpart on 13 May and with the Israeli Ambassador to the UK on 17 May.

14th May 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel about the civilian killings in Gaza following the recent protests over the move of the United States embassy to Jerusalem.

We are extremely concerned by the scale of the violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, in particular Gaza. Whilst Israel has the right to defend its borders, the use of live fire is deeply troubling, and has led to significant loss of life. The Foreign Secretary discussed the use of live ammunition against protestors in Gaza with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on 16 May. The Minister for the Middle East and North Africa also raised this issue with his Israeli counterpart on 13 May and with the Israeli Ambassador to the UK on 17 May. As the Minister said in his statement of 14 May, we continue to implore Israel to show greater restraint in its use of live fire.

5th Mar 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have made any representations to the governments of (1) Russia, and (2) Syria, to allow food and medical supplies into Eastern Ghouta.

The UK has repeatedly urged Russia bilaterally and in other multilateral fora to use its influence with the Asad regime to ensure that it allows rapid, unimpeded and sustained UN-led humanitarian access to deliver urgently needed food and medical supplies to Eastern Ghouta, and that it adheres to the ceasefire demanded by UN Security Council Resolution 2401. On 27 February, the Minister of State for Europe and the Americas, Sir Alan Duncan, met the Russian Ambassador to the UK, Alexander Yakovenko, stressing UK concern at the current situation in Syria, particularly the crisis in Eastern Ghouta. The Foreign Secretary also wrote to Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov on 27 February regarding the crisis in Eastern Ghouta and urging Russia to uphold its commitments to ensure that UN Security Council Resolution 2401 is implemented in full. The UK also raised its concerns with Russia on 7 March in the UN Security Council.

We have had no direct contact with the Syrian regime about Eastern Ghouta but we have used our position in the UN Security Council to call upon the regime to cease its campaign of violence, to protect civilians and allow rapid and unhindered humanitarian access to all.

5th Mar 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had at the UN Security Council in relation to finding a long-term political solution for Syria.

The British Government regularly discusses this topic at the UN Security Council, most recently at the briefing to the Security Council by UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura on 14 February. The UN-led Geneva process between the Syrian parties, mandated by UN Security Council Resolution 2254, remains the forum for reaching a lasting political settlement to end the conflict in Syria, and we fully support the efforts of the UN Special Envoy. The Syrian Negotiation Commission continues to engage constructively, in good faith and without preconditions. The Asad regime must now engage credibly in Geneva talks and Russia must use all of its influence to ensure that this happens.

5th Mar 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the progress made at the Geneva talks regarding long-term political solutions for Syria.

The British Government regularly discusses this topic, including at the UN Security Council, most recently when UN Special Envoy briefed the Security Council on 14 February. The UN-led Geneva process between the Syrian parties, mandated by UN Security Council Resolution 2254, remains the forum for reaching a lasting political settlement to end the conflict in Syria. We fully support the efforts of UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura. The Syrian Negotiation Commission continues to engage constructively, in good faith and without preconditions. The Asad regime must now engage constructively in Geneva, and Russia must use all of its influence to ensure that this happens.

5th Mar 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the UN sponsored peace process in Syria.

The British Government is clear that the UN-led Geneva process between the Syrian parties, mandated by UN Security Council Resolution 2254, remains the forum for reaching a lasting political settlement to end the conflict in Syria and we fully support the efforts of UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura. The Syrian Negotiation Commission continues to engage constructively, in good faith and without preconditions. The Asad regime must now engage credibly in Geneva talks and Russia must use all the influence it can to ensure that it does so.

10th Jan 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are aware of any British citizens being held as political prisoners in Ethiopia; and what representations they have made to the government of Ethiopia regarding their release.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office records the charges, or category of charge, on which individuals are detained, where that information is provided to consular staff. We are currently aware of a small number of British nationals detained in Ethiopia, but not necessarily as political prisoners. The UK has repeatedly raised human rights concerns with the Ethiopian Government, including around the arrest and imprisonment of people for their political views. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides consular support to detainees as usual.

9th Jan 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have made any recent representations to the government of Egypt regarding human rights and rule of law.

The Government wants to see more political freedoms and better protection of human rights in Egypt. The Foreign Secretary and the Minister for the Middle East and North Africa have consistently raised this with our Egyptian counterparts. Mr Burt raised our human rights concerns, including those relating to media freedoms and restrictions on civil society, with Foreign Minister Shoukry and Interior Minister Ghaffar, during his visit to Egypt in August 2017. The Foreign Secretary last discussed human rights with Foreign Minister Shoukry in October 2017, when he raised the case of detained human rights lawyer Ibrahim Metwally. The Foreign Secretary also emphasised the importance of a free and open society when he met President Sisi during his visit to Cairo in February 2017. Egypt is an FCO Human Rights Priority Country and the UK regularly raises concerns about human rights in Egypt at the UN’s Human Rights Council.

9th Jan 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of UK funding being spent on masters of science degrees for security officials in Ethiopia.

Through the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF), the British Government funds an MSc in Security Sector Management run in Ethiopia by Cranfield University. The MSc is designed to support regional capacity in Peace Support Operations activity and is attended by students from across the region, including six (of 28) Ethiopians. This programme began in 2017 and the first Annual Review will be conducted in April, in line with standard timings for CSSF programmes.

9th Jan 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to make representations to the government of Egypt that there should be a moratorium on all death sentences in Egypt, especially in cases where confessions have been obtained through torture.

The executions of 15 men on 26 December 2017 and four men on 2 January 2018 in Egypt are deeply concerning. It is a longstanding policy of the British Government to oppose the death penalty, in all circumstances, as a matter of principle. We continue to raise our human rights concerns with the Egyptian authorities and we encourage Egypt to restrict the application of the death penalty in line with the minimum standards set out in the EU Guidelines on the Death Penalty of 2008 and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Arab Charter on Human Rights.

9th Jan 2018
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the rise of death sentences and executions being used to combat alleged terrorism in Egypt.

The executions of 15 men on 26 December 2017 and four men on 2 January 2018 in Egypt are deeply concerning. It is a longstanding policy of the British Government to oppose the death penalty, in all circumstances, as a matter of principle. We continue to raise our human rights concerns with the Egyptian authorities and we encourage Egypt to restrict the application of the death penalty in line with the minimum standards set out in the EU Guidelines on the Death Penalty of 2008 and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Arab Charter on Human Rights.