Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with international counterparts regarding the enforcement of blasphemy laws in Egypt, notwithstanding constitutional protections for freedom of religion or belief; and what assessment they have made of the risks posed to Coptic Christians.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

The Egyptian Government has stated a firm commitment to protect the rights of Coptic Christians and their freedom of worship, and protections for freedom of religion are mandated in the Egyptian constitution. The UK champions freedom of religion or belief for all and regularly discusses human rights concerns with the Government of Egypt and international counterparts, and will continue to do so, where appropriate.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 31 March (HL15457), what assessment they have made of recent reports of attacks against Christians during Easter; and what support they are providing to the government of Nigeria to improve security and protect religious minorities.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

This remains an ongoing priority for the UK, and we continue to support the Nigerian authorities in tackling violence against civilians of all religions in Nigeria as set out in my Written Ministerial Statement on 27 November 2025 (HLWS1104).

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what action have they taken, along with the United Nations, the African Union, and other democratic nations which are signatories to the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, in response to the findings of United Nations, published on 17 February (A/HRC/61/77) that there are "hallmarks of genocide in El-Fasher”, in light of the obligations of the Convention to prevent, protect victims and punish perpetrators.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

In her speech and accompanying statement to the UN Security Council on 19 February, the Foreign Secretary set out the UK's response to the UN report on El-Fasher, other evidence of atrocities committed by the warring parties in Sudan, and how the UK is protecting civilians and humanitarian operations, as well as holding the perpetrators and profiteers of the appalling atrocities committed in Sudan to account. I will place a copy of her speech and statement in the House of Lords library.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many antidepressant prescriptions have been prescribed to patients (1) of all ages, (2) under the age of 18, and (3) under the age of 25, in each year since 2015.

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

The following table the number of National Health Service prescription items classified as antidepressants prescribed in England that are then dispensed in the community in England, Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands by age group for each year from 2015/16 to December 2025:

Note: data for 2025/26 is from April to December, or nine months.

The NHS Business Services Authority does not hold data on the clinical indication of a prescription and therefore does not know which prescriptions were prescribed for depression. Many drugs have multiple uses, for example, some drugs that are classified as antidepressants can be issued to treat migraine, chronic pain, myalgic encephalomyelitis, and a range of other conditions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the statement made on 10 April by the UNHCR Representative in Sudan, Marie-Helene Verney, that 14 million people are now displaced in Sudan.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

I refer the Noble Lord to the Co-Chairs' statement issued on 16 April following the International Sudan Conference in Berlin, which outlines our joint calls for an immediate ceasefire and safe, unimpeded access for humanitarian aid, and I also refer him to the Government's press statement 'UK boosts funding to local responders to help more than 1.8 million people in Sudan's humanitarian crisis' issued on 15 April, which outlines our approach to aid for Sudan this year. Both statements are reproduced in full below for ease of reference.

Co-Host Communiqué - International Sudan Conference Berlin

1. In Berlin today, we, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, the African Union and the European Union organised the third International Sudan Conference, three years after the beginning of the devastating war in Sudan. The Conference built upon the Sudan Conferences held in Paris 2024 and London 2025.

2. The Third International Sudan Conference brought together ministers and representatives of 55 States, including neighbouring and regional countries and donors; representatives of regional organisations such as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the League of Arab States; the Personal Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General for Sudan, the leaders or representatives of many United Nations programmes and agencies, including OCHA, the UNHCR, WHO, the WFP, the IOM, UNFPA and UNDP; the General Secretary of the International Committee of the Red Cross; representatives of the World Bank and the African Development Bank as well as 38 international and Sudanese NGOs. They as along with members of Sudan's Emergency Response Rooms, shared their stories of tremendous resilience and courage that is needed to serve in the midst of the most severe humanitarian crisis of our times.

3. Participants gathered to focus on shared goals: calling on the warring parties to put an end to the hostilities, to immediately comply with international humanitarian law, to guarantee full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to the whole Sudanese territory, including through cross border operations, as well as to remove all bureaucratic impediments to the delivery of urgently needed assistance, to commit to the protection of civilians and to safeguard the implementation of humanitarian operations. Sustained humanitarian access cannot be made contingent on a humanitarian truce or ceasefire agreement. Participants also mobilised essential funding required for the humanitarian response in Sudan and neighbouring countries.

4. The Third International Sudan Conference foregrounded Sudanese civilian voices, providing a dedicated platform to amplify their collective call for de-escalation and progress toward a political resolution of the conflict. In light of the continued escalation of the conflict in Sudan and its severe consequences for the civilian population, civilian actors from Sudan met today in Berlin on the invitation of the AU-led Quintet (African Union, United Nations, European Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development, League of Arab States) to discuss the launch of an intra-Sudanese political dialogue that could pave the way to a civilian led transition in Sudan once a permanent ceasefire will be concluded. We see this process as fundamental to ensure an inclusive, civilian and democratic future for Sudan. This civilian engagement is intended to complement ongoing international mediation efforts, including the work of the Quad on a ceasefire and the Quintet's consultations in support of an eventual inter-Sudanese political dialogue.

5. Sudan is the world's most severe humanitarian emergency. More than 13 million people have been forcibly displaced by the conflict, including seven million internally displaced and over 4 million who were forced to flee to neighbouring countries at the peak of the crisis. Humanitarian needs continue to grow, with an estimated 33,7 million people in Sudan in need of assistance. Famine has been confirmed in multiple parts of Sudan and nearly 30 million people require food assistance. About 12 million people in Sudan, including children, are currently at risk of gender-based violence. Participants renewed their calls on the parties to the conflict to lift all impediments restricting the delivery of lifesaving assistance and guarantee safe, rapid, and unimpeded access throughout Sudan for humanitarian supplies and personnel. We specifically called on the parties to the conflict to respect the lifesaving and neutral character of humanitarian assistance, and to engage constructively with humanitarian agencies that deliver life-saving aid throughout Sudan in an impartial, safe and transparent manner. We also called on parties to enable and facilitate the operations of humanitarian organisations, including the UN, and to ensure that all students are able to sit their upcoming national educational exams safely across the entire Sudanese territory.

6. Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, the African Union and the European Union express their solidarity with and support for the Sudanese civilian population, the primary victims of this war. Intensified fighting in recent months in El Obeid, Dilling, Kadugli and Babanussa in the Kordofans, as well as in Blue Nile and along the Chad border in Darfur, has resulted in hundreds of civilian deaths, indiscriminate shelling and civilians being trapped and denied access to lifesaving assistance. We strongly condemn the abhorrent violence against civilians, particularly women and children, including attacks on ethnic grounds, attacks on humanitarian personnel, as well as bombardment of civilian and humanitarian infrastructure and sexual and gender-based violence, and all violations of international humanitarian law. These violations may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity and must be promptly and impartially investigated, with those responsible for international crimes and atrocities brought to justice. We urge an end to all external support to the warring parties that continues to prolong the conflict and suffering.

7. We commend the work of international and local humanitarian organisations including Sudanese mutual aid groups and Emergency Response Rooms to support populations in the hardest to reach areas of Sudan and the efforts of neighbouring States to take in large numbers of people seeking refuge within their borders. Local first line responders are most exposed to risks while trying to reach people in need. An estimated 130 humanitarians have been killed in the line of duty since the war began in April 2023 with many more injured, detained and tortured. Humanitarian personnel are protected under international humanitarian law. All parties to the conflict must take immediate concrete steps to protect those who risk everything to save lives.

8. We support the efforts of the AU-led Quintet to find a solution to this conflict and alleviate suffering. We welcome the appointment of the Secretary General's Personal Envoy Pekka Haavisto.

9. International donors have today announced that they will provide around 1,5 billion Euro, including more than 811 million Euro from the European Union and its Member States, to respond to humanitarian needs in Sudan and neighbouring countries who continue to take in large numbers of people seeking refuge within their borders.

10. We commit today that our collective efforts to ensure that Sudan does not become a forgotten crisis will continue steadfastly and we urge all our partners to step up their efforts to bring the conflict to an end.

I also refer the Noble Lord to Government press statement 'UK boosts funding to local responders to help more than 1.8 million people in Sudan's humanitarian crisis' issued on 15 April, on the third anniversary of the outbreak of the war, also linked below, which outlines our approach to aid for Sudan this year.

UK boosts funding to local responders to help more than 1.8 million people in Sudan's humanitarian crisis.

The Foreign Secretary today (15 April) will announce the UK's £146 million aid pledge for Sudan to support frontline aid workers providing lifesaving support to Sudanese people as she travels to Berlin for the International Sudan Conference.

Sudan now faces the worst humanitarian crisis of the century. Soaring famine, mass displacement, and atrocities against civilians described by the UN Fact Finding Mission into El-Fasher as bearing "the hallmarks of genocide", including mass killings, ethnic targeting, and systemic sexual violence against women and girls.

The Foreign Secretary confirmed the UK will protect its £146 million humanitarian package for Sudan, including more than doubling support for frontline responders and local aid groups, including Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs), to reach over 1.8 million people in need, helping fund lifesaving work to those impacted by violence and starvation. ERRs work neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood to deliver food, water, medicine, sanitary supplies and psychological support in some of the hardest to reach areas.

The UK has also doubled funding to local human rights defenders to ensure they can play a crucial role in the documentation and investigation of violations.

The Foreign Secretary said:

"After 3 years of brutal war, the world can no longer claim it does not know what is happening in Sudan.

"Today, in Berlin, I will call for the international community to join in a shared resolve: to secure a ceasefire and a diplomatic solution - to stop the suffering and allow the people of Sudan to determine their own peaceful future.

"Sudan's civilians are already doing their part. Their courage is inspiring. That is why we are protecting the UK's humanitarian support to Sudan and doubling our funding to these local responders, helping them to reach nearly 2 million people. The world must now stand with them and renew our determination to bring this war to an end."

Since the conflict began, UK aid has reached more than 2.5 million people: children pulled back from the brink of starvation, delivering water and medicine to hard-to-reach areas, and providing women and girl survivors of sexual violence with protection and care.

The Foreign Secretary will use the conference to galvanise global support for Sudan, driven by an immediate moral imperative and pressing global security concerns. She will call for greater pressure on the warring parties, demanding they tear down the barriers to aid access and cease attacks on civilians and aid workers, warning of consequences should they fail to agree a credible way forward for a peaceful and civilian-led Sudan.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether any British nationals are currently associated with Daesh and its ideology; and what preparations are in place for the potential return of such individuals to the United Kingdom.

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

It is the long-standing policy of successive UK Governments not to comment routinely either on individual cases or intelligence and security matters.

The UK remains an active member of the Global Coalition against Daesh. We will continue to work with all our partners in pursuit of the enduring defeat of Daesh.

We will also not hesitate to take action to protect the UK border and our national security. This can include the exercise of immigration powers; the use of domestic and international watchlists; and working with law enforcement partners to disrupt the travel of individuals who are assessed as a threat.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps it has taken to strengthen its cross-departmental response to human rights violations in the Uyghur region in the five years since the House of Commons motion of 22 April 2021 entitled “Human Rights: Xinjiang” in which the House voted to declare that genocide is taking place against Uyghurs (HC deb cols 1211-1246)

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

This Government stands firm on human rights, including in Xinjiang, where China continues to persecute and arbitrarily detain Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim minorities. We continue to raise our concerns at the highest levels, including when the Prime Minister met with President Xi Jinping in January.

We also continue to coordinate efforts with our international partners to hold China to account for human rights violations, for example by joining a statement led by Australia on Xinjiang and Tibet at the UN General Assembly last October.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that UK supply chains are not exposed to goods produced using forced labour in the Uyghur region, in light of the report in Foreign Policy on 16 April from a former Chinese police officer detailing ongoing abuses.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

This Government stands firm on human rights, including in Xinjiang, where China continues to persecute and arbitrarily detain Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim minorities. We continue to raise our concerns at the highest levels, including when the Prime Minister met with President Xi Jinping in January.

We also continue to coordinate efforts with our international partners to hold China to account for human rights violations, for example by joining a statement led by Australia on Xinjiang and Tibet at the UN General Assembly last October.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, in regard to the report by UN Women, The cost of war in Gaza on women and girls, published on 17 April, what steps they are taking to incorporate into their joint analysis of conflict and stability assessment (1) support for women and girls, and (2) the recommendations of that report.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

We read the UN report with great concern. The finding that more than 38,000 women and girls have been killed in the conflict is both devastating and appalling. Through our humanitarian and early recovery programmes, we are addressing the specific needs of women and girls as a priority, for example by supporting trusted humanitarian partners to expand protection and gender-based violence response services. We are clear that the Government of Israel must fully abide by its obligations to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza, in accordance with international law.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the report by UN Women, The cost of war in Gaza on women and girls, published on 17 April, what assessment they have made of (1) the findings of that report that women and girls represent more than half of fatalities in Gaza between October 2023 and December 2025, and (2) how that figure compares with the proportion of deaths of women and girls in previous conflicts.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

We read the UN report with great concern. The finding that more than 38,000 women and girls have been killed in the conflict is both devastating and appalling. Through our humanitarian and early recovery programmes, we are addressing the specific needs of women and girls as a priority, for example by supporting trusted humanitarian partners to expand protection and gender-based violence response services. We are clear that the Government of Israel must fully abide by its obligations to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza, in accordance with international law.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assistance they are providing to women and girls in Gaza, in light of the ongoing conflict.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

We read the UN report with great concern. The finding that more than 38,000 women and girls have been killed in the conflict is both devastating and appalling. Through our humanitarian and early recovery programmes, we are addressing the specific needs of women and girls as a priority, for example by supporting trusted humanitarian partners to expand protection and gender-based violence response services. We are clear that the Government of Israel must fully abide by its obligations to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza, in accordance with international law.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had regarding the nomination of the government of Iran to the United Nations Committee for Program and Coordination, and the government of China to the United Nations Committee on NGOs; and what assessment they have made of the implications of this for freedom of religion or belief internationally.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, following the recent convictions of Chung Biu Yuen and Chi Leung Wai, whether they will include the People's Republic of China in the enhanced tier of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme.

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

As set out in the National Security Act 2023, the Secretary of State may make a specification under the enhanced tier of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS) where they consider it is reasonably necessary to do so to protect the safety or interests of the United Kingdom. As the Minister of State for Security set out in the House of Commons on 4 March 2026, FIRS is a relatively new tool, and this Government is seeking to ensure that we can derive the maximum operational capability from it.

We look very carefully at which countries should be on the enhanced tier of the scheme, factoring in a broad range of considerations. We have not made any final decisions as to whether we will place other countries on the enhanced tier, but we keep that under very close review. Any changes to the countries listed will be brought to Parliament in the usual way.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, following the conviction of Chi Leung Wai for misconduct in public office, what measures they will take to ensure the better protection of (1) sensitive data, and (2) individuals most likely to be at risk of transnational repression.

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

The Government does not comment on individual cases but takes any misuse of sensitive data extremely seriously. Robust safeguards are in place across Government and law enforcement to ensure that sensitive information is handled securely, with strict controls, oversight mechanisms, and proportionate action against misconduct.

More broadly, the Government continues to strengthen its response to transnational repression, including measures to better protect individuals at risk. The National Security Act 2023 provides a comprehensive framework to detect, deter and disrupt state‑directed threats, supported by enhanced training for police and improved systems to identify foreign interference.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what progress they have made in implementing the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Human Rights in its report Transnational repression in the UK, published on 30 July 2025.

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

The Government carefully considered the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Human Rights’ report on transnational repression (TNR) and responded formally on 30 October 2025.

We continue to engage with international partners, victims and civil society organisations to build a fuller picture of how transnational repression manifests in the UK and to ensure our response is grounded in lived experience and real-world threat patterns.

We recently updated GOV.UK guidance on TNR. Alongside this the National Security Protective Authority launched guidance on 8 May. These documents provide practical advice for individuals who believe they may be at risk of TNR, including steps to help keep them safe both physically and online.

The Government will continue to keep its approach under review to ensure it remains robust, proportionate and responsive to the evolving threat.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the Human Rights Watch report, “Start with the Youngest Children” China’s Use of Preschools to “Integrate” Tibetans, published in May, on China’s suppression of the Tibetan Language in preschools and the imposition of Mandarin Chinese as the medium of instruction, as well as the requirement of all citizens to embrace Chinese national identity while excluding Tibetan Buddhist beliefs and cultural practices; and whether they will raise this report with the relevant United Nations agencies.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

Reports of human rights violations in Tibet are deeply concerning. This Government stands firm on human rights, including against China's repression of the people of Tibet, and we continue to raise our concerns at the highest levels; the Prime Minister raised Tibet during his meeting with Xi Jinping in January.

We champion the right to freedom of religion or belief for all abroad, including Tibetan Buddhists, across a wide range of international fora; the UK's Human Rights Ambassador raised our concerns around restrictions in Tibet at the UN Human Rights Council on 16 March.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made at the United Nations Human Rights Council about renewing the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea, including in relation to violations of freedom of religion or belief.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

The Government consistently raises human rights and freedom of religion or belief, both directly with the Eritrean Government, and in our statements at the UN Human Rights Council. We also call for all those unjustly incarcerated to be released.

The UK's Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea raised these issues during her most recent visit to Eritrea in December 2025, and the UK supports the work of the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Eritrea, co-sponsoring the resolution that renewed his mandate in July 2025.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the Chinese ambassador following the convictions of Chi Leung Wai and Chung Biu Yuen.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

On instruction from the Foreign Secretary, the Chinese Ambassador was summoned to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on 8 May. It was made clear that the UK will not tolerate any attempts by foreign states to intimidate, harass or harm individuals or communities in the UK, and that such activity constitutes a serious breach of the UK's sovereignty. We will continue to use the full range of tools available to protect our security and hold China to account for actions which undermine our safety and democratic values.

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

Found: www.parliament.uk From the Chair of the Joint Committee on Human Rights Lord Alton of Liverpool

Found: Current members Attendance Lord Alton of Liverpool (Crossbench, Life peer) (Chair) (added 5 Sep 2024

Found: SUPPLEMENTARY WRITTEN EVIDENCE SUBMITTED BY THE EQUALITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION (RAI0089) Lord Alton of Liverpool

Found: WRITTEN EVIDENCE SUBMITTED BY THE INFORMATION COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE (RAI0085) The Lord Alton of Liverpool