Asked by: Chris Elmore (Labour - Ogmore)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with the Government’s Chief Scientific Advisers on the potential effect of the reduction in the Official Development Assistance budget on the UK’s scientific activities and collaborations at an international level.
Answered by James Duddridge
Government Chief Scientific Advisers play an important role in providing Ministers with advice on the breadth of science and technology policy. ODA research and development is an important part of UK's official development assistance, delivering benefit to hundreds of millions of people. The Government Chief Scientific Advisers were closely involved in providing advice to the government on this issue, drawing on their individual expertise and wider networks.
This advice has informed the government's commitment to invest in ODA science and technology as a substantial force for good to tackle major challenges, develop international partnerships and deliver development impact.
Asked by: Chris Elmore (Labour - Ogmore)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether the Government is providing funding for lawyers at Israeli military courts in the West Bank.
Answered by Alistair Burt
The Government has provided funding for legal assistance to Palestinian children who are subjected to Israeli military courts in the West Bank.
Asked by: Chris Elmore (Labour - Ogmore)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 14 March 2018 to Question 132493 on Israel: Courts Martial, if he will take steps to find out if (a) British or (b) British-Israeli citizens are serving as judges in accordance with the UK’s legal obligations under Article 146 of the Fourth Geneva Convention.
Answered by Alistair Burt
The British Government does not plan on taking steps to find out if British or British-Israeli citizens are serving as judges in Israel’s military courts.
Asked by: Chris Elmore (Labour - Ogmore)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Office, how many people involved in the transfer of Palestinian children out of the West Bank to prisons inside Israel entered the UK in 2017.
Answered by Alistair Burt
The Government does not request or hold the information highlighted.
Asked by: Chris Elmore (Labour - Ogmore)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what information his Department holds on whether any UK citizens are serving as judges in Israeli military courts in the West Bank; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Alistair Burt
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not hold any information on whether any British or British-Israeli citizens are serving as judges in Israeli military courts.
Asked by: Chris Elmore (Labour - Ogmore)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Office, with reference to Children in Military Custody, published in June 2012, how many of that report's recommendations have been implemented by the Government.
Answered by Alistair Burt
In June 2016, non-governmental organisations assessed that Israel had implemented only one of 40 recommendations outlined in the 2012 report by British lawyers. We continue to call upon Israel to fully implement all the recommendations and improve the conditions for Palestinian minors in Israeli military detention.
Asked by: Chris Elmore (Labour - Ogmore)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has made to the Turkish government on the death penalty.
Answered by Alan Duncan
We regularly discuss a range of human rights issues with the Turkish Government including, where appropriate, the death penalty. Suggestions that the death penalty may be reinstated in Turkey are of serious concern. UK policy on the death penalty is very clear – we oppose it in all circumstances.