Asked by: Lord Hannan of Kingsclere (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they consider that parliamentary ratification is needed for the World Health Organisation’s International Health Regulations (2005) as amended.
Answered by Lord Markham - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
The International Health Regulations (2005) are an existing international legal instrument to which the United Kingdom and 195 other World Health Organization (WHO) Member States are party. The regulations are a key part of the global health security system to prevent, protect against, control, and provide a public health response to the international spread of disease.
At the WHO World Health Assembly (WHA) in May 2022, Member States including the UK agreed a process to negotiate and agree targeted amendments to the regulations and adopted five process-related amendments.
These amendments shorten the timeframes for future amendments to the regulations to come into force, namely 12 months with the possibility to extend up to 24 months, rather than 24 months, and for Member States to reject or reserve on them for 10 months rather than 18 months.
These amendments apply only to future Member State-agreed amendments to the regulations. The UK supports the amendments as they aim to improve the timeliness of Member States’ implementation of and compliance with the regulations, which helps to better protect the UK from future public health events including pandemics.
The 75th WHA also agreed the process for negotiating further targeted amendments to the regulations. Member States could submit proposed amendments for consideration and a Working Group (WGIHR), consisting of all Regulation State Parties, including the UK, through which the proposed amendments would be negotiated and agreed.
The Government continues to engage in the Member State-led WGIHR negotiation process, working to secure the best outcomes for the UK, as a means of strengthening preparedness for and response to future global health emergencies. Our priorities for the more than 300 proposed amendments continue to include increasing compliance with the regulations, improving transparency, and speeding up timeliness of reporting. No further amendments have been agreed yet. Member States agreed to submit a package of agreed amendments to the WHA in May 2024.
Amendments to the regulations must be adopted by Member States at the WHA for them to come into force as a matter of international law. A 10-month opt-out period for the more than 300 amendments will commence only if and when the amendments have been adopted by the WHA.
The Government has a strong commitment and duty to implement its international obligations. In addition, throughout negotiations, the UK has been and will continue to be clear that we would not agree any amendments that would cede sovereignty to the WHO, including in relation to making domestic decisions on national measures concerning public health, such as, domestic immunisation programme rollouts and other similar measures.
A Westminster Hall debate on the regulation amendments will be held on 18 December 2023. Any new or amended domestic legislation necessary to reflect new international obligations under the regulations would be made through the applicable parliamentary process. In all circumstances, the sovereignty of the UK Parliament would remain unchanged.
Asked by: Lord Hannan of Kingsclere (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to the 307 amendments to the World Health Organisation’s International Health Regulations (2005), proposed in May 2023, given the deadline for opting out of the regulations and that extended consideration period has now passed and that ten months remain for the UK to opt-out of the amendments.
Answered by Lord Markham - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
The International Health Regulations (2005) are an existing international legal instrument to which the United Kingdom and 195 other World Health Organization (WHO) Member States are party. The regulations are a key part of the global health security system to prevent, protect against, control, and provide a public health response to the international spread of disease.
At the WHO World Health Assembly (WHA) in May 2022, Member States including the UK agreed a process to negotiate and agree targeted amendments to the regulations and adopted five process-related amendments.
These amendments shorten the timeframes for future amendments to the regulations to come into force, namely 12 months with the possibility to extend up to 24 months, rather than 24 months, and for Member States to reject or reserve on them for 10 months rather than 18 months.
These amendments apply only to future Member State-agreed amendments to the regulations. The UK supports the amendments as they aim to improve the timeliness of Member States’ implementation of and compliance with the regulations, which helps to better protect the UK from future public health events including pandemics.
The 75th WHA also agreed the process for negotiating further targeted amendments to the regulations. Member States could submit proposed amendments for consideration and a Working Group (WGIHR), consisting of all Regulation State Parties, including the UK, through which the proposed amendments would be negotiated and agreed.
The Government continues to engage in the Member State-led WGIHR negotiation process, working to secure the best outcomes for the UK, as a means of strengthening preparedness for and response to future global health emergencies. Our priorities for the more than 300 proposed amendments continue to include increasing compliance with the regulations, improving transparency, and speeding up timeliness of reporting. No further amendments have been agreed yet. Member States agreed to submit a package of agreed amendments to the WHA in May 2024.
Amendments to the regulations must be adopted by Member States at the WHA for them to come into force as a matter of international law. A 10-month opt-out period for the more than 300 amendments will commence only if and when the amendments have been adopted by the WHA.
The Government has a strong commitment and duty to implement its international obligations. In addition, throughout negotiations, the UK has been and will continue to be clear that we would not agree any amendments that would cede sovereignty to the WHO, including in relation to making domestic decisions on national measures concerning public health, such as, domestic immunisation programme rollouts and other similar measures.
A Westminster Hall debate on the regulation amendments will be held on 18 December 2023. Any new or amended domestic legislation necessary to reflect new international obligations under the regulations would be made through the applicable parliamentary process. In all circumstances, the sovereignty of the UK Parliament would remain unchanged.
Asked by: Lord Hannan of Kingsclere (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the amendment to Article 59 of the World Health Organisation's International Health Regulations, adopted on 22 May 2022 by the World Health Assembly, and for which the opt-out period, available to each country separately, expires on 1 December.
Answered by Lord Markham - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
The International Health Regulations (2005) are an existing international legal instrument to which the United Kingdom and 195 other World Health Organization (WHO) Member States are party. The regulations are a key part of the global health security system to prevent, protect against, control, and provide a public health response to the international spread of disease.
At the WHO World Health Assembly (WHA) in May 2022, Member States including the UK agreed a process to negotiate and agree targeted amendments to the regulations and adopted five process-related amendments.
These amendments shorten the timeframes for future amendments to the regulations to come into force, namely 12 months with the possibility to extend up to 24 months, rather than 24 months, and for Member States to reject or reserve on them for 10 months rather than 18 months.
These amendments apply only to future Member State-agreed amendments to the regulations. The UK supports the amendments as they aim to improve the timeliness of Member States’ implementation of and compliance with the regulations, which helps to better protect the UK from future public health events including pandemics.
The 75th WHA also agreed the process for negotiating further targeted amendments to the regulations. Member States could submit proposed amendments for consideration and a Working Group (WGIHR), consisting of all Regulation State Parties, including the UK, through which the proposed amendments would be negotiated and agreed.
The Government continues to engage in the Member State-led WGIHR negotiation process, working to secure the best outcomes for the UK, as a means of strengthening preparedness for and response to future global health emergencies. Our priorities for the more than 300 proposed amendments continue to include increasing compliance with the regulations, improving transparency, and speeding up timeliness of reporting. No further amendments have been agreed yet. Member States agreed to submit a package of agreed amendments to the WHA in May 2024.
Amendments to the regulations must be adopted by Member States at the WHA for them to come into force as a matter of international law. A 10-month opt-out period for the more than 300 amendments will commence only if and when the amendments have been adopted by the WHA.
The Government has a strong commitment and duty to implement its international obligations. In addition, throughout negotiations, the UK has been and will continue to be clear that we would not agree any amendments that would cede sovereignty to the WHO, including in relation to making domestic decisions on national measures concerning public health, such as, domestic immunisation programme rollouts and other similar measures.
A Westminster Hall debate on the regulation amendments will be held on 18 December 2023. Any new or amended domestic legislation necessary to reflect new international obligations under the regulations would be made through the applicable parliamentary process. In all circumstances, the sovereignty of the UK Parliament would remain unchanged.
Asked by: Lord Hannan of Kingsclere (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask His Majesty's Government on what grounds direct flights between the UK and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) are currently prohibited whilst flights to Taiwan are permitted; and what plans they have, if any, to review these in order to facilitate direct flights from the UK to the TRNC.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
The Government recognises the inconvenience caused to passengers by the situation regarding air travel from the north of Cyprus to the UK. Under the Chicago Convention, only the Republic of Cyprus may designate Ercan airport as an international customs airport and grant permission for flights to operate from within its territory. It has not done so. As such, those travelling from Ercan airport to Turkey and then onwards to the UK do so on two distinctly separate flights. To do otherwise would be contrary to the UK’s obligations under the Chicago Convention.
This means that no direct air services between the north of Cyprus and the UK can take place. Ultimately, a just and lasting settlement on the island is the best chance of resolving these complex issues. The UK’s commitment to helping the sides achieve this remains unwavering.
It is not relevant to compare Taiwan and the north of Cyprus given that the Chinese authorities have designated a number of airports in Taiwan as international customs airports.
Asked by: Lord Hannan of Kingsclere (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to begin directly importing Turkish Cypriot products, including fresh produce, to the UK from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
In accordance with the rest of the international community, with the sole exception of Turkey, the UK does not recognise the self-declared "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" as an independent state. Several UN Security Council Resolutions and other multilateral agreements also limit links between UK and the north. The UK has no intention to begin directly importing products. We continue to believe that a just and lasting settlement in Cyprus is the best means of resolving the difficulties caused by the division of the island.
Asked by: Lord Hannan of Kingsclere (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Pakistan to ensure the safety of (1) domestic, and (2) foreign, journalists in that country.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK is a champion of media freedom and a proud member of the Media Freedom Coalition. The British High Commission in Islamabad regularly raises media freedom and the protection of journalists with the Government of Pakistan at a senior level. On 23 January the UK Political Counsellor raised these issues with Muhammad Saleem Baig, Chairman of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority. On 17 November 2022 the British High Commissioner discussed the issue of media freedom with Pakistan's Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Marriyum Aurangzeb.
Asked by: Lord Hannan of Kingsclere (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that members of Pakistan’s main opposition, Pakistan Tehreek Insaf, have been detained without legal representation.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
As the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have said, the UK has a close and longstanding relationship with Pakistan. We are aware of recent reports of arrests in Pakistan and continue to monitor the situation closely. I spoke to the High Commissioner for Pakistan to the UK, Moazzam Ahmad Khan on 9 May and to Hina Rabbani Khar, Pakistan's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, on 10 and 13 May, emphasising the importance of peaceful democratic processes and adherence to the rule of law.
Asked by: Lord Hannan of Kingsclere (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with other Commonwealth governments regarding Pakistan's compliance with the Commonwealth Charter.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
All Commonwealth member states have committed to uphold shared values that are enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter, such as Human Rights, Good Governance and the Rule of Law. The Commonwealth Secretary-General is responsible for upholding the principles of the Commonwealth Charter. His Majesty's Government has not discussed Pakistan's compliance with other Commonwealth governments. Last week, I spoke to Pakistan's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ms Hina Rabbani Khar, and to Pakistan's High Commissioner to the UK about the domestic political situation in Pakistan.
Asked by: Lord Hannan of Kingsclere (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have made any assessment of the impact of regulation on the ease with which companies can open bank accounts; and whether there is a detrimental impact on investment.
Answered by Baroness Penn - Minister on Leave (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State)
Access to banking facilities is important for the economy. The provision of banking services is a commercial decision for firms based on a variety of factors, including the local law, regulation of individual countries, an assessment of profitability, or other commercial drivers.
The Government regularly engages with industry to understand the impacts of regulation on businesses’ ability to access banking services. That is why, for example, in last year’s review of the Money Laundering Regulations, the Government committed to consult on options aiming to address the difficulties for businesses in accessing Pooled Client Accounts, including broadening the range of low-risk circumstances in which these accounts may be provided without checks being required on the clients whose funds are held in the account. As committed to in the second Economic Crime Plan, this consultation on changes to the Money Laundering Regulations will begin by the end of this year.
I would encourage businesses seeking a bank account to explore the Business Current Account (BCA) finder tool developed by UK Finance, designed to help businesses compare the full range of bank accounts available and find products that best suit their needs
My officials will continue to engage with industry to understand any emerging issues and assess any impact on investment as a result.
Asked by: Lord Hannan of Kingsclere (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the human rights violations in Tunisia; what representations they have made to the government of the Republic of Tunisia about the detention of political prisoners, including the former Speaker, Rached Ghannouchi; whether they plan to take action against any individuals involved in these violations and, specifically, to enact targeted sanctions against Kais Saied (President of the Republic), Leila Jaffel (Minister of Justice), Imed Memmich (Minister of Defence), Kamel Feki (Minister of the Interior) and former ministers, Taoufik Charfeddine and Ridha Gharsallaoui, as requested by Tunisia’s democratic opposition.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
On 18 April, the Minister of State for North Africa, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon made clear the UK's view that the recent wave of arrests and restrictions on political opposition in Tunisia are eroding the space for political plurality, and urged the Tunisian Government to respect the principles and values of an open and democratic society. Lord Ahmad also raised our issues over the arrests directly with Tunisian Chargé d'Affaires on 23 February, as did His Majesty's Ambassador to Tunisia with Foreign Minister Nabil Ammar on 23 February. The UK believes in the importance of space for legitimate political opposition, civil society, strengthening human rights and including all voices in building resilient and successful democracies. The UK is a constructive partner to Tunisia, and we will continue to raise these important issues with the Tunisian authorities at every available opportunity. Imposing sanctions is one response among other diplomatic tools and we will continue to consider a range of approaches to tackle human rights issues. The UK Government does not speculate on future designations. We continue to monitor the political and human rights situation in Tunisia closely.