Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to make representations to his G20 counterparts for the abolition of the death penalty in member countries; and whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of proposing a ban on the death penalty at the forthcoming UK G20 summit.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK is committed to the global abolition of the death penalty; this government firmly opposes the death penalty in all circumstances as a matter of principle. We continue to support international efforts to encourage all states to establish a moratorium on executions and move towards full abolition in line with global human rights commitments. Planning for the UK's G20 Presidency in 2027 is underway, and the government will set out its priorities in due course.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will include the use of the death penalty by member countries on the formal agenda for the forthcoming UK G20 summit.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK is committed to the global abolition of the death penalty; this government firmly opposes the death penalty in all circumstances as a matter of principle. We continue to support international efforts to encourage all states to establish a moratorium on executions and move towards full abolition in line with global human rights commitments. Planning for the UK's G20 Presidency in 2027 is underway, and the government will set out its priorities in due course.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what steps he is taking to support the SME sector in Paisley Renfrewshire North constituency; and what steps he is taking to ensure that sector has adequate access to finance and funding for expansion.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The government is committed to supporting SMEs across the UK, including in Paisley and Renfrewshire North, to start, grow and succeed. The Business Growth Service, launched in July 2025, makes it easier for UK businesses to get the advice and support they need to thrive both domestically and internationally.

The British Business Bank helps SMEs access the finance they need through programmes including Start Up Loans and the Growth Guarantee Scheme. Paisley businesses can also benefit from the £150 million Investment Fund for Scotland, which provides debt and equity finance to Scottish businesses.