Apsana Begum

The Government is honouring our commitment to the Triple Lock with a 4.1% increase to the basic State Pension and the new State Pension; and we are also increasing the standard minimum guarantee in Pension Credit by 4.1%. As such, according to the latest OBR projections, the full yearly rate of the new State Pension is forecast to increase by around £1,900 over the course of this parliament whilst the full yearly amount of the basic State Pension is forecast to increase by around £1,500.

The Government also offers an array of support to ensure pensioners remain comfortable and safe in the winter months. This includes direct financial help to low-income pensioners through Pension Credit, Cold Weather Payments and the Warm Home Discount (in England & Wales).

We know there are low-income pensioners who aren’t claiming Pension Credit. We want to ensure as many people as possible have access to this support and urge pensioners to check their eligibility. Pension Credit will passport them to receive Winter Fuel Payments in future, alongside other benefits – hundreds of pounds that could really help them. Our take-up campaign has been successful in boosting applications by 145% since July.

The Warm Home Discount scheme provides eligible low-income households across Great Britain with a £150 rebate on their winter energy bill. This winter, we expect over 3 million households, including over 1 million pensioners, to benefit under the scheme.

The Government and industry have worked together to deliver a £500 million Winter Support Commitment for customers, which will help customers most in need by providing credit on bills, enhanced debt write-off schemes, and increased funding for charity partners to target hard to reach customers.

Low-income pensioners and others struggling with the cost of living should contact their local council to see what support may be available to them, as they may be able to receive support from the Household Support Fund, Council Tax Reduction, or through energy support programmes such as the Homes Upgrade Grant and Energy Company Obligation.

We are also supporting consumers, including pensioners, through the Government’s ambitious Warm Homes Plan – which will transform homes across the country, making them cleaner and cheaper to run. We've committed £3.4 billion over the next 3 years towards heat decarbonisation and household energy efficiency. This includes £1.8 billion to support fuel poverty schemes, helping over 225,000 households reduce their energy bills by over £200.

Keeping people warm and well at home and improving the quality of new and existing homes will play an essential part in enabling people to live longer, healthier lives and reducing pressures on the NHS.

The difficult decisions we have made, such as targeting the Winter Fuel Payment, mean the Government is able to provide additional investment in the NHS, which benefits everyone including all pensioners who rely on these services. We have committed to returning NHS waiting times – including those for A&E and ambulances - to the standards set out in the NHS constitution that patients rightly expect.

Following the suspension of licences announced on 2 September, there are currently no extant export licences for items that we assess might be for use by the IDF in military operations in the Gaza conflict (except for F-35 components, which have been excluded from the ambit of the suspension). We continue to keep export licences for Israel under continual and careful review.

Licences where there is no clear risk the items could be used in military operations in the conflict remain extant. These cover items such as body armour for NGOs, journalists, components for trainer aircraft, items for re-export to third countries, or non-military controlled items such as technology for commercial aircraft, chemical manufacturing equipment, commercial satellite and spacecraft components.

Following the suspension of licences announced on 2 September, there are currently no extant export licences for items that we assess might be for use by the IDF in military operations in the Gaza conflict (except for F-35 components, which have been excluded from the ambit of the suspension). We continue to keep export licences for Israel under continual and careful review.

Licences where there is no clear risk the items could be used in military operations in the conflict remain extant. These cover items such as body armour for NGOs, journalists, components for trainer aircraft, items for re-export to third countries, or non-military controlled items such as technology for commercial aircraft, chemical manufacturing equipment, commercial satellite and spacecraft components.

Following the suspension of licences announced on 2 September, there are currently no extant export licences for items that we assess might be for use by the IDF in military operations in the Gaza conflict (except for F-35 components, which have been excluded from the ambit of the suspension). We continue to keep export licences for Israel under continual and careful review.

Licences where there is no clear risk the items could be used in military operations in the conflict remain extant. These cover items such as body armour for NGOs, journalists, components for trainer aircraft, items for re-export to third countries, or non-military controlled items such as technology for commercial aircraft, chemical manufacturing equipment, commercial satellite and spacecraft components.

Following the suspension of licences announced on 2 September, there are currently no extant export licences for items that we assess might be for use by the IDF in military operations in the Gaza conflict (except for F-35 components, which have been excluded from the ambit of the suspension). We continue to keep export licences for Israel under continual and careful review.

Licences where there is no clear risk the items could be used in military operations in the conflict remain extant. These cover items such as body armour for NGOs, journalists, components for trainer aircraft, items for re-export to third countries, or non-military controlled items such as technology for commercial aircraft, chemical manufacturing equipment, commercial satellite and spacecraft components.

Following the suspension of licences announced on 2 September, there are currently no extant export licences for items that we assess might be for use by the IDF in military operations in the Gaza conflict (except for F-35 components, which have been excluded from the ambit of the suspension). We continue to keep export licences for Israel under continual and careful review.

Licences where there is no clear risk the items could be used in military operations in the conflict remain extant. These cover items such as body armour for NGOs, journalists, components for trainer aircraft, items for re-export to third countries, or non-military controlled items such as technology for commercial aircraft, chemical manufacturing equipment, commercial satellite and spacecraft components.

Following the suspension of licences announced on 2 September, there are currently no extant export licences for items that we assess might be for use by the IDF in military operations in the Gaza conflict (except for F-35 components, which have been excluded from the ambit of the suspension). We continue to keep export licences for Israel under continual and careful review.

Licences where there is no clear risk the items could be used in military operations in the conflict remain extant. These cover items such as body armour for NGOs, journalists, components for trainer aircraft, items for re-export to third countries, or non-military controlled items such as technology for commercial aircraft, chemical manufacturing equipment, commercial satellite and spacecraft components.

We are deeply concerned by allegations of sexual and gender-based violence against Palestinians and the disproportionate impact of the conflict on women, children and vulnerable populations. The UK unequivocally condemns any alleged violations and abuses, including sexual violence, and calls for all reports to be fully investigated to ensure justice for victims and survivors. In March, the UK led calls for a UN Security Council emergency debate on sexual violence in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Lord Collins, who was appointed as the Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict (PSVI) on 15 November, attended the Conference of the International Alliance on PSVI in Colombia on 25-26 November and made a clear recommitment to the UK's support of PSVI. Following our decision to suspend some arms exports to Israel on 2 September, the Foreign Secretary has raised and continues to raise our concerns around International Humanitarian Law compliance with the Israeli government.

We are deeply concerned by allegations of sexual and gender-based violence against Palestinians. The UK has consistently called for these reports to be fully investigated to ensure justice for victims and survivors, and for all parties to take a survivor-centred approach. Lord Collins, who was appointed as the Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict (PSVI) on 15 November, attended the Conference of the International Alliance on PSVI in Colombia on 25-26 November and made a clear recommitment to the UK's support of PSVI. The UK is committed to alleviating the suffering of civilians in Gaza, providing vital services to civilians in Gaza and the West Bank through partner agencies. Assistance includes support to pregnant women, distribution of dignity kits for women and girls, and mental health, and psychosocial support (MHPSS). The UK's partners, UNICEF, UNRWA, WFP and the ICRC, have gender sensitive strategies in place, including Gender-Based Violence (GBV) risk mitigation.

Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is widespread and underreported in Sudan. Cases have increased significantly since the start of the conflict, particularly in Khartoum, Darfur and Kordofan. As part of the UK's Official Development Assistance to Sudan and neighbouring countries, which now stands at £226.5 million, we provide support to survivors of SGBV through partners such as UNICEF, the Danish Refugee Council and the Sudan Humanitarian Fund. On 26 September, the UK convened an event at the UN General Assembly with Dutch and Swiss partners to address conflict-related sexual violence in Sudan, drawing international attention to the plight of women and girls and stressing the importance of survivor-centred, local and women-led response efforts. The UK also co-led a Resolution at the UNSC with Sierra Leone on the protection of civilians which failed to pass due to a Russian veto. We have also pivoted our existing programmes to focus more on prevention of SGBV, protection and care for rape survivors, including the provision of clinical treatment, dignity kits and psycho-social services.

In October, the UK successfully led the mandate renewal of the Human Rights Council UN Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan (FFM), which independently investigates credible evidence of human rights violations and abuses in Sudan, including sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). The FFM has found that SGBV, in particular rape and gang rape, is widespread and continues to occur on a large scale across Sudan. Findings from the FFM, as well as evidence from the UK-funded Sudan Witness project which collects open-source evidence of harms against civilians, have informed our programming in Sudan. Since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023, we have pivoted existing programmes to increase focus on SGBV prevention and response. In doubling the UK's aid commitment to Sudan to £226.5 million, more funding to the Sudan Humanitarian Fund will also enable increased support to survivors. In addition, on 26 September, the UK convened an event at the UN General Assembly with Dutch and Swiss partners to address conflict-related sexual violence in Sudan, drawing international attention to the plight of women and girls and stressing the importance of survivor-centred, local and women-led response efforts. The UK also co-led a Resolution at the UNSC with Sierra Leone on the protection of civilians which failed to pass due to a Russian veto.

We respect the independence of the International Criminal Court (ICC) which is the primary international institution for investigating and prosecuting the most serious crimes of international concern. It is for all ICC States Parties to consider how to meet their obligations under the Rome Statute, including on cooperation with the Court. The Government engages with other States Parties on such matters via the ICC Assembly of States Parties.

We respect the independence of the International Criminal Court (ICC) which is the primary international institution for investigating and prosecuting the most serious crimes of international concern. The UK is a State Party to the Rome Statute, and we will always comply with our legal obligations. The Government will engage with the current and incoming US Administration on all our priorities.

The Foreign Secretary and I have raised concerns publicly and privately about the recent unprecedented levels of violence, and tragic loss of life in Bangladesh. In July, I spoke to the Bangladesh High Commissioner to reiterate our concerns about the events unfolding in Bangladesh. In our public statements, we urged for an end to the violence and a de-escalation of the situation to prevent further loss of life. We were clear that a full and independent UN-led investigation into recent events was important. The UK Government welcomed the appointment of the Interim Government in Bangladesh, and it has the UK's support as it works to restore peace and order as well as ensure accountability.

I spoke to the Bangladesh High Commissioner on 19 and 23 July to reiterate my concerns about the events unfolding in Bangladesh. In July and August, UK Government issued statements expressing concern about the situation in Bangladesh, calling for all sides to work together to end the violence and for internet access and communications services to be quickly restored. We were clear that a full and independent UN-led investigation into recent events was important. The Interim Government in Bangladesh has the UK's full support as it works to restore peace and order including investigating alleged human rights violations and ensuring accountability.

I spoke to the Bangladesh High Commissioner on 19 and 23 July to reiterate my concerns about the events unfolding in Bangladesh. In July and August, UK Government issued statements expressing concern about the situation in Bangladesh, calling for all sides to work together to end the violence and for internet access and communications services to be quickly restored. We were clear that a full and independent UN-led investigation into recent events was important. The Interim Government in Bangladesh has the UK's full support as it works to restore peace and order including investigating alleged human rights violations and ensuring accountability.

The Foreign Secretary and I have raised concerns publicly and privately about the recent unprecedented levels of violence, and tragic loss of life in Bangladesh. In July, I spoke to the Bangladesh High Commissioner to reiterate our concerns about the events unfolding in Bangladesh. In our public statements, we urged for an end to the violence and a de-escalation of the situation to prevent further loss of life. We were clear that a full and independent UN-led investigation into recent events was important. The UK Government welcomed the appointment of the Interim Government in Bangladesh, and it has the UK's support as it works to restore peace and order as well as ensure accountability.

I spoke to the Bangladesh High Commissioner on 19 and 23 July to reiterate my concerns about the events unfolding in Bangladesh. In July and August, UK Government issued statements expressing concern about the situation in Bangladesh, calling for all sides to work together to end the violence and for internet access and communications services to be quickly restored. We were clear that a full and independent UN-led investigation into recent events was important. The Interim Government in Bangladesh has the UK's full support as it works to restore peace and order including investigating alleged human rights violations and ensuring accountability.

The UK has been deeply saddened by the violence and loss of life in Bangladesh. The interim government has the UK's full support as it works to restore peace and order. The Foreign Secretary and the Secretary State for Business and Trade speak regularly on a range of issues. The UK monitors all countries on the Developing Countries Trading Scheme for serious and systemic violations of human rights, labour rights and environmental obligations. We are monitoring the situation in Bangladesh closely and raising matters regularly with the Government of Bangladesh in London and via our High Commission in Dhaka.

UK ministers expressed concern at the violence used by the police against largely peaceful protests in July 2024. The UK Government welcomed the appointment of the interim government in Bangladesh, led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. The interim government has the UK's support as it works to restore peace and order. The UK has provided short term training to sections of the police in Bangladesh. The UK has provided professional military education to Bangladesh military officers as part of our defence relationship. The UK does not currently provide training to the Rapid Action Battalion.

The Foreign Secretary and I have raised concerns publicly and privately about the recent unprecedented levels of violence, and tragic loss of life in Bangladesh. In July, I spoke to the Bangladesh High Commissioner to reiterate our concerns about the events unfolding in Bangladesh. In our public statements, we urged for an end to the violence and a de-escalation of the situation to prevent further loss of life. We were clear that a full and independent UN-led investigation into recent events was important. The UK Government welcomed the appointment of the Interim Government in Bangladesh, and it has the UK's support as it works to restore peace and order as well as ensure accountability.

The Foreign Secretary and I have raised concerns publicly and privately about the recent unprecedented levels of violence, and tragic loss of life in Bangladesh. In July, I spoke to the Bangladesh High Commissioner to reiterate our concerns about the events unfolding in Bangladesh. In our public statements, we urged for an end to the violence and a de-escalation of the situation to prevent further loss of life. We were clear that a full and independent UN-led investigation into recent events was important. The UK Government welcomed the appointment of the Interim Government in Bangladesh, and it has the UK's support as it works to restore peace and order as well as ensure accountability.