Lord Wharton of Yarm

I refer the noble Lord to the answer I gave to question HL1170 to Lord Blencathra on 21 October 2024:

"The Charity Commission for England and Wales ('the Commission') has a statutory function to identify and investigate misconduct and mismanagement in charities, and we are confident that it has the expertise to do so effectively. The Commission assesses concerns in accordance with its published regulatory and risk framework, and has a wide range of powers to investigate and remedy the abuse of charities. Any evidence that a registered charity is engaged in misconduct or mismanagement should be referred to the Commission.

The Commission has open regulatory compliance cases into both the Abrar Islamic Foundation and the Dar Alhekma Trust, and will determine if there is a need to take action."

The Charity Commission has been clear that the promotion of extremist views in charities is unacceptable, and that it will respond robustly where there proves to have been wrongdoing.

I refer the noble Lord to the answer I gave to question HL1170 to Lord Blencathra on 21 October 2024:

"The Charity Commission for England and Wales ('the Commission') has a statutory function to identify and investigate misconduct and mismanagement in charities, and we are confident that it has the expertise to do so effectively. The Commission assesses concerns in accordance with its published regulatory and risk framework, and has a wide range of powers to investigate and remedy the abuse of charities. Any evidence that a registered charity is engaged in misconduct or mismanagement should be referred to the Commission.

The Commission has open regulatory compliance cases into both the Abrar Islamic Foundation and the Dar Alhekma Trust, and will determine if there is a need to take action."

The Charity Commission has been clear that the promotion of extremist views in charities is unacceptable, and that it will respond robustly where there proves to have been wrongdoing.

I refer the noble Lord to the answer I gave to question HL1170 to Lord Blencathra on 21 October 2024:

"The Charity Commission for England and Wales ('the Commission') has a statutory function to identify and investigate misconduct and mismanagement in charities, and we are confident that it has the expertise to do so effectively. The Commission assesses concerns in accordance with its published regulatory and risk framework, and has a wide range of powers to investigate and remedy the abuse of charities. Any evidence that a registered charity is engaged in misconduct or mismanagement should be referred to the Commission.

The Commission has open regulatory compliance cases into both the Abrar Islamic Foundation and the Dar Alhekma Trust, and will determine if there is a need to take action."

The Charity Commission has been clear that the promotion of extremist views in charities is unacceptable, and that it will respond robustly where there proves to have been wrongdoing.

The UK supports all Cypriot students, including those in the North, to access UK higher education networks and institutes. In line 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 limit links between UK and the north of Cyprus.

The department does not have any plans to introduce scholarships for students from Cyprus to study in the UK.

There are a range of resources and support for international students looking for scholarships, which can be found on the UK Council for International Student Affairs website and the British Council’s Study UK page.

Higher education (HE) providers in the UK offer a range of bursaries and scholarships to international students. We encourage students to ask their HE provider for information on support that may be available.

The UK has a long-standing commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, including Freedom of Religion or Belief. In November 2024, the Minister for the Indo-Pacific visited Bangladesh and discussed the importance of the protection of religious minorities with Chief Adviser Yunus who has been vocal about the Interim Government's support for minorities. The UK supports the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights which published their report on human rights violations that occurred during last year's student-led protests. We encourage continued collaboration between the Interim Government of Bangladesh, the United Nations and international partners to build an inclusive, democratic future.

The UK Government continually assesses potential threats to the UK and will act where necessary to address those threats. We are committed to tackling those who spread views that sow divisions within our communities and oppose the values we share as a society. Where there is clear evidence that Iranian-linked or aligned organisations are undertaking malign activity, the Government will respond accordingly.

It is an offence under section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000 to be a member of, invite support for, or recklessly express support for a proscribed organisation such that it encourages others to support that organisation. The proscription offences can attract up to 14 years in prison.

The investigation and prosecution of criminal offences is a matter for the police and Crown Prosecution Service and these decisions are taken independently of the Government.