Asked by: Chris Hinchliff (Labour - North East Hertfordshire)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to appoint a Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion and Belief.
Answered by Anneliese Dodds - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
This Government will champion freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all. No one should live in fear because of what they do, or do not believe in. Envoy roles are under Ministerial consideration and will be decided upon in due course. In the meantime, we will continue to use the strength of our global diplomatic network, including dedicated staff within the FCDO, to promote and protect FoRB around the world.
Asked by: Chris Hinchliff (Labour - North East Hertfordshire)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he is taking steps to encourage (a) the USA and (b) Europe to review the risk of their arms exports to Israel being used to commit serious violations of international law.
Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK has some of the most robust export licencing criteria in the world, which states that the Government will not issue export licences if there is a clear risk that the items might be used in violations of International Humanitarian Law. We have deemed that there is such a risk and have taken the necessary decision under our domestic legislation. The Foreign Secretary made an Oral Statement to update the House on this decision on 2 September. Other countries have their own processes. We will continue to work closely with our allies, including the USA and European countries, on Middle East issues, including the crucial priority of a ceasefire.
Asked by: Chris Hinchliff (Labour - North East Hertfordshire)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take steps with Cabinet colleagues to negotiate improved mobility rights for UK citizens travelling to EU countries.
Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
We want to strengthen ties with the UK's immediate neighbours and allies and explore areas where we can boost our prosperity and security through mutually beneficial agreements.
We will continue to support opportunities to build our people-to-people links with our partners, but we have been clear that there will be no return to free movement with the EU.