Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the implications for the UK of any changes to trade agreements between the United States of America and Commonwealth countries within the last 12 months.

Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

It is not for the UK to comment on another country's trade relationships. Clearly there are ongoing discussions between the US and Commonwealth countries on their relationship and interests. The UK deeply values its strong trading ties with both the US and the Commonwealth countries, and we will continue to build on these relationships in the future.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 5 March (HL5369), what assessment they have made of the potential impact on the UK’s soft power of cutting the aid budget to 0.3 per cent by 2027.

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

The Prime Minister has set out a new strategic vision for government spending on defence and security and Official Development Assistance (ODA). Detailed decisions on the future allocation of resources will be worked through as part of the ongoing Spending Review based on various factors including impact assessments.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what new trade agreements they are discussing with the government of the United States of America.

Answered by Baroness Gustafsson - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The UK-US relationship is very strong, with trade of around £300 billion, and shared investment of over £1.2 trillion at the end of 2023. The Prime Minister and President Trump met on 27 February and agreed to deepen this relationship and to work together on a trade deal focused on tech. The Trade Secretary has also been engaging with the US Administration including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, to make the case for stronger UK-US trade that benefits both our countries, and will continue to make every effort to support British business.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what different trade arrangements they are discussing with the government of the USA.

Answered by Baroness Gustafsson - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The UK-US relationship is very strong, with trade of around £300 billion, and shared investment of over £1.2 trillion at the end of 2023. The Prime Minister and President Trump met on 27 February and agreed to deepen this relationship and to work together on a trade deal focused on tech. The Trade Secretary has also been engaging with the US Administration including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, to make the case for stronger UK-US trade that benefits both our countries, and will continue to make every effort to support British business.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government which countries will be affected by cutting the aid budget to 0.3 per cent by 2027.

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

The Prime Minister has set out a new strategic vision for government spending on defence and security, and Official Development Assistance (ODA). Detailed decisions on how the ODA budget will be used will be worked through as part of the ongoing Spending Review based on various factors including impact assessments and value for money.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether there are British military personnel in Yemen.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

There are no British military personnel currently stationed in Yemen.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what provisions they have in place to audit adherence to treaty agreements between the UK and countries in the Middle East.

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

The UK enjoys a wide range of agreements with the countries of North Africa and the Middle East. We keep all aspects of our relationships, including participation in any bilateral or multilateral agreements, under review.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the case for re-classifying sexual violence in conflict offences under international law to be prosecuted under existing torture laws.

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

The UK Government is committed to strengthening justice for all survivors and victims of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) and holding perpetrators to account. CRSV is prohibited under international humanitarian law, international human rights law and international criminal law. Some forms of CRSV, such as rape, can also be classified as torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. Torture is defined and prohibited by multiple human rights treaties. We continue to work closely with partners to eradicate the use of torture and end all forms of CRSV.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government how they define the difference between the right to defend and an offensive action by a state.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

As recognised in Article 51 of the UN Charter, States have the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence against armed attack. Self-defence permits States to use necessary and proportionate force to repel such armed attacks. States’ uses of force outside of self-defence or absent some other legal basis such as a Chapter 7 UN Security Council Resolution, consent or humanitarian intervention would be unlawful as a matter of international law.