Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government when they intend to let British National Overseas passport holders use e-Passport Gates at UK airports.

Answered by Lord Hanson of Flint - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Government keeps eGate eligibility under review to ensure we are balancing border security and passenger flow. We have recently passed legislation to lower the eGate eligible age from 10 to 8 years old for those nationals who can currently use eGates to enter the UK.

We are continuing to explore options to increase the use of automation and eGates at the UK border, including to British National (Overseas) passport holders.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report from the Uyghur Human Rights Project, The Spread of Uyghur Region Air Cargo Across Europe, published on 24 November 2025, which showed that there are a significant number of cargo flights between Urumqi in Xinjiang and the UK.

Answered by Lord Stockwood

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring UK businesses are not complicit in forced labour and human rights violations wherever they occur and notes the Uyghur Human Rights Project’s report. The UK’s current approach to tackling forced labour in global supply chains is focused on transparency through the Modern Slavery Act. The Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) review assessed the effectiveness of this policy approach and alternative options to modernise and strengthen the UK’s framework. The Government is considering the review’s findings and will set out its plans in due course.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the People's Republic of China's compliance with the Sino-British Joint Declaration; whether they intend to introduce legislation to automatically upgrade British National (Overseas) (BNO) status to full British Citizenship for all Hong Kongers born as British subjects; and what assessment they have made of the financial barriers of the current BNO visa route for individuals whose citizenship rights were removed by the Hong Kong Act 1985.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington

The UK is clear that China remains in an ongoing state of non-compliance with the Sino-British Joint Declaration, as set out in our six-monthly reports on Hong Kong, the most recent edition of which was published on 26 March.

The UK's commitment to the people of Hong Kong remains steadfast, and is exemplified by the bespoke immigration route for British Nationals (Overseas). Those with BN(O) status and their eligible family members can apply to come to the UK to live, study and work, on a pathway to citizenship.

We are aware that some individuals who have taken up the BN(O) route are having difficulties accessing their Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) from Hong Kong. We continue to raise this issue with the Hong Kong Government and the MPF Authorities to encourage a solution.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Nicaragua about the human rights implications of the arbitrary detention of Juan Abelardo Mata Guevara, Bishop Emeritus of Estelí, and other religious leaders on 29 and 30 June, and the subsequent surveillance of them.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington

As set out in the UK's statement at the UN Human Rights Council on 16 March, we remain deeply concerned by the continued deterioration of the human rights situation in Nicaragua. This includes ongoing harassment and the arbitrary detention of members of the Church. We will continue to monitor developments closely and urge the Nicaraguan authorities to release all political prisoners immediately and unconditionally, including those held because of their faith or belief.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the findings of an Amnesty International investigation that the Sudanese Rapid Support Forces committed crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing during their campaign to seize the city of el-Fasher; and what actions they are taking to bring those responsible to justice.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer he received on 29 April in response to Question HL16653.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they hold shipping manifest data; and if so, why they do not publish that data.

Answered by Lord Hanson of Flint - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Home Office receives shipping manifest data from parts of the maritime sector. However, coverage is not universal, and the use of such data is governed by legal and operational requirements.

The Government recognises the importance of tackling forced labour in supply chains. However, shipping manifest data may contain personal information protected under data protection legislation, as well as commercially sensitive information. There are currently no plans to publish detailed shipping manifest data.

Home Office does not routinely assess whether goods entering the UK may have been produced using forced labour. However, Home Office works closely with law enforcement and other government partners to share intelligence and support compliance activity where relevant information is identified.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the merits of publishing detailed shipping manifest data, as opposed to the aggregated customs data HMRC currently releases, so that instances of forced labour in supply chains could be more readily identified and addressed; and what plans they have, if any, to begin such publication.

Answered by Lord Hanson of Flint - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Home Office receives shipping manifest data from parts of the maritime sector. However, coverage is not universal, and the use of such data is governed by legal and operational requirements.

The Government recognises the importance of tackling forced labour in supply chains. However, shipping manifest data may contain personal information protected under data protection legislation, as well as commercially sensitive information. There are currently no plans to publish detailed shipping manifest data.

Home Office does not routinely assess whether goods entering the UK may have been produced using forced labour. However, Home Office works closely with law enforcement and other government partners to share intelligence and support compliance activity where relevant information is identified.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the recommendations of the report by researchers at the University of Birmingham, Displaced Ukrainians in the UK: Experiences and Future Intentions, published in October 2025, particularly those related to (1) a timely and affordable pathway to permanent residence for displaced Ukrainians, and (2) a national programme drawing on local best practices, including English language support.

Answered by Lord Hanson of Flint - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Government welcomes research that helps improve our understanding of the experiences of Ukrainians in the UK, including the University of Birmingham’s report Displaced Ukrainians in the UK: Experiences and Future Intentions. We continue to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including researchers, local authorities, charities and Ukrainian community organisations, to inform our understanding of the needs and experiences of those affected by the conflict.

The Government notes the report’s recommendations, including those relating to longer-term immigration status and support for integration, as part of its wider engagement with stakeholders on support for Ukrainians in the UK.

The Ukraine Schemes were established to provide temporary sanctuary to those displaced by Russia’s illegal invasion. As a result, the schemes do not lead to settlement and time spent on them does not count towards the long residence route. To ensure Ukrainians can continue to live, work and study in the UK, the Government has introduced a further 24 month permission to stay through the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme.

The Government recognises the importance of supporting integration. Ukrainians in the UK have access to public services and support, including English language provision funded through local authorities. This includes Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government providing £11.5million of funding for English language courses and employment support for over 13,000 Ukrainians across the UK through the ‘STEP Ukraine’ programme.

We continue to work closely with stakeholders and partners to understand emerging needs and share effective practice, helping to ensure support remains responsive to both Ukrainians and host communities.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report of the Children’s Commissioner into children’s mental health services in England; and what plans they have to implement the recommendation that children’s mental health must be addressed by the Department for Education and the Department of Health and Social Care working closely together.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government welcomes the Children’s Commissioner’s report, which highlights pressures on children and young people’s mental health services, including rising demand, long waits, and the need for better support for children with neurodevelopmental and special educational and disabilities needs. The findings of this report will play an important role in shaping our cross-Government Mental Health Strategy and the wider reforms we are delivering to improve outcomes and opportunities for children and young people.

We understand supporting mental health is a whole-Government challenge, as many of the foundations of good mental health, such as housing, employment, and social connection, sit beyond the National Health Service. The Mental Health Strategy will bring together action across health, education, local government, workplaces, and the voluntary sector into a joined-up approach to improve mental health and wellbeing. It will have a core focus on prevention, earlier intervention, and coordinated support so that children and young people receive the right help, at the right time, close to where they live and learn.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many yellow card reports of anti-androgen withdrawal syndrome the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has received each year since 2010; and what medications those reports were tied to.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for ensuring medicines, medical devices, and blood components for transfusion meet applicable standards of safety, quality, and efficacy. The MHRA rigorously assesses available data, including from the Yellow Card scheme, and seeks advice from the Commission on Human Medicines, the MHRA’s independent advisory committee, where appropriate, to inform regulatory decisions including amending the product information.

Up to and including 1 July 2026 the MHRA has not received any Yellow Card reports which include anti-androgen withdrawal syndrome as a suspected adverse reaction.

Reporters are asked to submit Yellow Card reports even if they only have a suspicion that the medicine or vaccine may have caused the adverse reaction. A list of the recognised suspected adverse reactions is provided in the information for healthcare professionals and the recipient information, with further information available on the GOV.UK website.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many yellow card reports of Post 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitor Syndrome the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has received each year since 2019; and what medications those reports were tied to.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for ensuring medicines, medical devices, and blood components for transfusion meet applicable standards of safety, quality, and efficacy. The MHRA rigorously assesses available data, including from the Yellow Card scheme, and seeks advice from the Commission on Human Medicines, the MHRA’s independent advisory committee, where appropriate, to inform regulatory decisions including amending the product information.

Since 1 January 2019 up to and including 1 July 2026, the MHRA has received nine Yellow Card reports which include post 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor syndrome as a suspected adverse reaction. One report was received in 2023, with six reports being received in 2025, and five in 2026 thus far. The following table shows a breakdown of the medicines included in the nine Yellow Card reports received between 1 January 2019 and 1 July 2026, noting that one report can contain more than one medicine, and as such the sum of reports in the table will not equal the total number of unique reports:

Source: MHRA Yellow Card database.

It is important to note that Yellow Card reports capture adverse reactions as reported by the patient or healthcare professional, and this could be a syndrome or diagnosis, or underlying signs and symptoms. For a full breakdown of adverse reactions reported for medicines in the table above please view our interactive drug analysis profiles on the Yellow Card website.

It is important to note that a reaction reported to the Yellow Card scheme does not necessarily mean it has been caused by the medicine, only that the reporter had a suspicion it may have. Underlying or concurrent illnesses may be responsible, or the events could be coincidental. The number of reports received cannot be used as a basis for determining the incidence of a reaction, as neither the total number of reactions occurring, nor the number of patients using the drug, is known.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to identify and prevent the importation of goods which have been made with forced labour.

Answered by Lord Stockwood

The Government is committed to tackling forced labour in UK and global supply chains. The UK has a range of measures in place to combat forced labour, including through the Modern Slavery Act, Procurement Act, Great British Energy Act, and NHS (Procurement, Slavery and Human Trafficking) Regulations. The Immigration and Asylum Bill further strengthens reporting requirements for modern slavery statements, extends obligations to the public sector, and introduces fines for non-compliance.

The Responsible Business Conduct review assessed the effectiveness of the current framework and options to strengthen and modernise it. The Government is considering the review’s findings and will set out its plans in due course.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report from Dr Laura Murphy, The Manifest Modernization Act: Enhancing Visibility Into Forced Labor Risks in U.S. Supply Chains, published on 8 December 2025, and of the benefits of publicly available manifest data for air, rail and road.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington

The Government is committed to rooting out forced labour, human rights abuses, exploitative environmental practices, bribery and corruption. These abhorrent practices have no place in UK supply chains or the global economy, and we recognise the importance of transparency and effective due diligence in identifying and addressing those risks. We also engage with our partners internationally on these issues, including the United States.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of Article 63 of the new Ethnic Unity and Progress Law introduced by the government of China, which directs Chinese authorities to act against organisations and individuals outside China for any acts that "undermine ethnic unity and progress or create ethnic division"; and in particular of its potential use as a tool in the transnational repression of the Chinese diaspora, including Hong Kongers resident in the UK.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided in the House of Commons on 8 July in response to Question 15259, which - for ease of reference - has been reproduced below:

"This is a concerning development in China. We note the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights' concern that this law may entrench restrictions on the rights and freedoms of ethnic minorities in a country where the environment for freedom of religion or belief is already restrictive.

"The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has discussed this law with Chinese officials, stressing the importance that the law does not harm the rights of members of minority groups and that it is not applied extraterritorially. We will never tolerate attempts by foreign governments to coerce, intimidate, harass, or harm their critics overseas, and anyone caught assisting a foreign state to undermine our security will be brought to justice."

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking with international partners to secure independent access to Tibet for United Nations’ experts and independent observers, following the entry into force of China’s Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress on 1 July.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided in the House of Commons on 8 July in response to Question 15259, which - for ease of reference - has been reproduced below:

"This is a concerning development in China. We note the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights' concern that this law may entrench restrictions on the rights and freedoms of ethnic minorities in a country where the environment for freedom of religion or belief is already restrictive.

"The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has discussed this law with Chinese officials, stressing the importance that the law does not harm the rights of members of minority groups and that it is not applied extraterritorially. We will never tolerate attempts by foreign governments to coerce, intimidate, harass, or harm their critics overseas, and anyone caught assisting a foreign state to undermine our security will be brought to justice."

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact on the human rights of ethnic and religious minorities in China of the new Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress passed by the government of China.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided in the House of Commons on 8 July in response to Question 15259, which - for ease of reference - has been reproduced below:

"This is a concerning development in China. We note the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights' concern that this law may entrench restrictions on the rights and freedoms of ethnic minorities in a country where the environment for freedom of religion or belief is already restrictive.

"The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has discussed this law with Chinese officials, stressing the importance that the law does not harm the rights of members of minority groups and that it is not applied extraterritorially. We will never tolerate attempts by foreign governments to coerce, intimidate, harass, or harm their critics overseas, and anyone caught assisting a foreign state to undermine our security will be brought to justice."

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the implications for freedom of religion or belief of the murder of a Catholic priest, Father Crépin Martial Monga, in the Central African Republic.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 10 July in response to Question 15963, which - for ease of reference - is reproduced below:

"The UK is deeply concerned by the violence that took place in Haut-Mbomou Prefecture on 29 June and the reports of civilian casualties. We remain in regular contact with the Government of the Central African Republic (CAR) and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) on the security situation in CAR, including in Haut-Mbomou. At the UN Security Council briefing on CAR on 23 June 2026, the UK raised ongoing protection concerns in Haut-Mbomou and asked how the Government of CAR and MINUSCA were working together to strengthen security and protect civilians. We continue to support MINUSCA's mandate to protect civilians and promote stability."

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the documentary by Channel 4 News and The Fuller Project A matter of life or death: giving birth in Sierra Leone, in particular its findings regarding the impact of cuts in UK humanitarian services on maternity services in Sierra Leone, and (2) the effects of Concern Worldwide’s decision to cease funding 27 clinics in Darfur due to aid cuts.

Answered by Lord Wood of Anfield - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK remains committed to improving health outcomes for women and children globally, including in Sierra Leone. Over the last decade, the UK has helped improve maternal and child health services, including those highlighted in the Channel 4 documentary. This has contributed significantly to a reduction in the maternal mortality ratio from 1,682 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to an estimated 354 in 2025. The UK continues to work closely with the Government of Sierra Leone and multilateral partners, including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the World Bank, GAVI and the Global Fund, to strengthen the delivery of national health services and to increase domestic funding.

The UK is committed to supporting the humanitarian response in Sudan, providing vital healthcare, nutrition, and water. This is why we are providing £146 million of support this financial year and will uphold this figure over the spending period. We have also more than doubled our funding to Sudan's local responders, who are able to provide life-saving aid to communities in the hardest to reach areas, including Darfur. We continue to use all diplomatic levers to secure unimpeded humanitarian access, security guarantees for aid workers and the end to all siege tactics which block the free movement of civilians and aid.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what is the value of funding they provided for the establishment and running of the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Daesh/ISIL (UNITAD) until it was closed in 2024; and what conversations they have had with their counterparts on how to continue using the evidence gathered by UNITAD to ensure justice for the Yazidis and other ethno-religious minorities targeted by Daesh.

Answered by Lord Wood of Anfield - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK played a leading role in the establishment of the UN Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Daesh (UNITAD) and remains committed to securing justice for survivors of Daesh crimes following UNITAD's closure. The UK paid its share of the UNITAD operating expenses on the UN budget. The UK continues to work with the Governments of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, alongside international partners, to help ensure that Daesh members are held accountable for the crimes they have committed. The UK also continues to support survivor-centred implementation of the Yazidi Survivors' Law (2021).

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government when they last made representations to the government of Cameroon about the case of journalist Tsi Conrad; and what response they received.

Answered by Lord Wood of Anfield - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Our High Commissioner regularly raises human rights with the Cameroonian authorities, including respect for media freedom. We have also called for an end to arbitrary detentions and encouraged the government to investigate reports of unfair treatment. The UK believes that all journalists, including Tsi Conrad, should be able to work without fear of arrest or detention.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Stockwood on 13 July (HL1372), when they will publish the findings of the responsible business conduct review.

Answered by Lord Leong - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The review has been completed and Government is considering its findings. We will publish the review and set out our plans soon.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government how the power to designate an entity involved in foreign power threat activity in accordance with the National Security Act 2023 differs from the power to proscribe an organisation in accordance with the Terrorism Act 2000; and what extra powers, if any, are available to them in respect of proscribed organisations that are unavailable in respect of designated entities.

Answered by Lord Hanson of Flint - Minister of State (Home Office)

The National Security (State Threats) Act 2026 provides a power for the Home Secretary to designate bodies involved in foreign power threat activity, where it is necessary to protect the safety or interests of the United Kingdom.

The designation power and its associated offences are modelled on terrorism proscription. However, the power to designate is fundamentally different to proscription under the Terrorism Act 2000 in the type of harm it addresses and given the different nature of state bodies and terrorist organisations.

This difference is reflected in the offences available under each regime. There is no membership offence in the new Act, reflecting the need to comply with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961.

The new support offence captures, activity where the person engaging in it does so for a purpose prejudicial to the safety or interests of the UK. This reflects the fact that there will be some cases where UK persons need to have legitimate dealings with a state entity. The ‘prohibited purpose’ test protects legitimate conduct without creating loopholes that can be exploited by hostile actors.

In addition, the designated body condition unlocks the offences and powers in the National Security Act 2023, allowing them to be used against designated bodies and those who support them. That means that those carrying out state threat activities such as espionage and sabotage for designated bodies will now feel the full force of the law, including sentences of up to life imprisonment.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have received any reports of border incursions and attacks at Nyaigamuda, Goloko, Pure, and Andejo in South Sudan; if so, what assessment they have made of those reports, and of whether any seizures of territory have been motivated by the presence of valuable minerals

Answered by Lord Wood of Anfield - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Government is aware of reports of clashes and cross-border incursions in Kajo-Keji County along the South Sudan-Uganda border. We are concerned by reports that the clashes have resulted in displacement and heightened tensions in local communities. The incidents appear to be linked to long-standing disputes over the poorly demarcated South Sudan-Uganda border, where similar clashes have occurred previously.

We continue to monitor the situation closely through our Embassies in Juba and Kampala, and encourage restraint and de-escalation by all parties.

Found: Migration & Citizenship 2 Marsham Street London SW1P 4DF www.gov.uk/home-office Lord Alton of Liverpool

Found: State 2 Marsham Street London SW1P 4DF www.gov.uk/home-office Rt Hon Lord Alton of Liverpool

Found: Yours Sincerely, Lord Alton of Liverpool Chair, Joint Committee on Human Rights

Found: cases of modern slavery and human trafficking has been raised consistently in Parliament by Lord Alton of Liverpool

Found: Wednesday 4 December 2024 Members present Lord Alton of Liverpool Alex Ballinger Juliet Campbell

Found: July 2026 The Genocide Determination Bill [HL] is a private member’s bill sponsored by Lord Alton of Liverpool