Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether he has had recent discussions with the Scottish Government on the (a) reasons for which they have appointed and (b) cost of appointing an international development Minister.

Answered by Alister Jack - Secretary of State for Scotland

I have had no discussions with the Scottish Government in regards to the appointment of an international development Minister. Under the devolution settlement, Ministerial appointments, including pay, are a matter for the Scottish Government.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, if he will hold discussions with his Armenian counterpart on the protection of Armenian Christian cultural heritage sites in Nagorno-Karabakh; and whether he has made an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the inclusion of Nagorno-Karabakh in Open Door UK’s World Watch List, published on17 January 2024.

Answered by Leo Docherty - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

We are clear that the preservation of religious and cultural sites in the region is an important issue and we take seriously reports of the destruction of churches and other sites of religious significance in both Armenia and Azerbaijan as a result of their long-running conflict. Ministers and the British Embassies in Yerevan and Baku have raised the need to protect such sites with the Armenian and Azerbaijani Governments consistently and at the most senior levels. Open Door UK's World Watch List provides a sobering account of the extreme difficulties faced by many Christians around the world. We note the report's comments regarding Azerbaijan and regularly raise human rights issues with the Azerbaijani Government.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what discussions he has had with his counterpart in Azerbaijan on the (a) condition and (b) security of Armenian Christian (i) churches and (ii) other heritage sites in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Answered by Leo Docherty - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

The UK Government is clear that the preservation of religious and cultural sites in the region is an important issue and we take seriously reports of the destruction of churches or other sites of religious significance. We are aware of allegations from both Armenia and Azerbaijan that cultural and religious sites have been deliberately damaged over the course of the conflict. UK Ministers and the British Embassy in Baku have raised the topic of religious and cultural destruction with the Azerbaijani government consistently and at the most senior levels.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whether his Department is taking diplomatic steps to help ensure the right of return to Nagorno-Karabakh of Christian Armenians.

Answered by Leo Docherty - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

The UK Government is clear that Azerbaijan must create the conditions for a safe and secure return of ethnic Armenians who were displaced during September's military operation and want to return. We welcomed Azerbaijan's provision of a registration portal, though more work is needed to assist those considering a return. Ministers and officials have discussed these issues with the Azerbaijani Government and encourage Azerbaijan to be proactive in enabling the return of those who wish to do so.

Found: Hughes Mrs Flick Drummond Maggie Throup Derek Thomas Mr Philip Hollobone Sir John Hayes Andrew

Found: Hughes Mrs Flick Drummond Maggie Throup Derek Thomas Mr Philip Hollobone Sir John Hayes Andrew

Found: Hughes Mrs Flick Drummond Maggie Throup Derek Thomas Mr Philip Hollobone Sir John Hayes Andrew

Found: Holloway Marco Longhi [R] Kelly Tolhurst Kevin Foster Craig Whittaker Sir Iain Duncan Smith Andrew

Found: Hughes Mrs Flick Drummond Maggie Throup Derek Thomas Mr Philip Hollobone Sir John Hayes Andrew

Found: Holloway Marco Longhi [R] Kelly Tolhurst Kevin Foster Craig Whittaker Sir Iain Duncan Smith Andrew

Found: Hughes Mrs Flick Drummond Maggie Throup Derek Thomas Mr Philip Hollobone Sir John Hayes Andrew

Found: Holloway Marco Longhi [R] Kelly Tolhurst Kevin Foster Craig Whittaker Sir Iain Duncan Smith Andrew

Found: Hughes Mrs Flick Drummond Maggie Throup Derek Thomas Mr Philip Hollobone Sir John Hayes Andrew

Found: Hughes Mrs Flick Drummond Maggie Throup Derek Thomas Mr Philip Hollobone Sir John Hayes Andrew