Fabian Hamilton

International students make a vital contribution to UK universities. Our institutions thrive on being global institutions and will always be open to international students – this includes the thousands of highly valued Cypriot students, as well as EU students, who study at UK universities each year.

The government will also be implementing the new graduate route in summer 2021 to support providers in attracting overseas students. This will allow international students in the UK who are on a Tier 4 visa at the time it is introduced the options to stay and work in the UK at any skill level for 2 years.

EU citizens and their family members who start courses in England in the 2020/21 academic year or before will remain eligible for undergraduate and postgraduate financial support or an Advanced Learner Loan from Student Finance England as well as further education funding for students aged 19 and over for the full duration of their course provided that they meet the residency requirements.

As both my right hon. Friends, the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer have made clear, the government will do whatever it takes to support people affected by COVID-19. We expect universities to communicate clearly with residential students on rents for this period and administer accommodation provision in a fair manner.

Students will continue to receive scheduled payments of loans towards their living costs for the remainder of the current 2019/20 academic year. Many higher education (HE) providers will have hardship funds to support students in times of need, including emergencies. The expectation is that, where any student requires additional support, providers will support them through their own hardship funds. As part of the HE stabilisation package, the government has worked closely with the Office for Students to help clarify that providers can draw upon existing funding to provide hardship funds and support disadvantaged students impacted by COVID-19. Providers are able to use the funding, worth around £23 million per month for April through to July, towards student hardship funds, including for the purchase of IT equipment and mental health support as well as to support providers’ access and participation plans.

A number of universities and large companies have waived rents for the summer term or released students early from their contracts. Students who are tenants with individual private landlords can discuss the possibility of an early release from their lease. If they face financial hardship and struggle to pay their rent, support is available: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/government-support-available-for-landlords-and-renters-reflecting-the-current-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak. In the first instance, a student should speak to their landlord if they think they will have difficulty meeting a rental payment, and in this unique context tenants and landlords are encouraged to work together to put in place a rent payment scheme. If a student thinks that their accommodation provider is treating them unfairly, they can raise a complaint under the accommodation codes of practice as long as their provider is a code member. The codes can be found at: https://www.thesac.org.uk/; https://www.unipol.org.uk/the-code/how-to-complain and: https://www.rla.org.uk/about/nrla-code-of-practice.shtml.

Information published by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) gives guidance on the COVID-19 outbreak’s effects on consumer contracts and may be helpful to students, including those who have already paid deposits for accommodation: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-to-investigate-concerns-about-cancellation-policies-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic/the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic-consumer-contracts-cancellation-and-refunds.

The guidance sets out the CMA’s view on how the law operates to help consumers understand their rights and to help businesses treat their customers fairly. Students may be entitled to refunds from certain accommodation providers depending on the terms of their contract and their particular circumstances. If students need help, organisations such as Citizens Advice offer a free service, providing information and support.

As both my right hon. Friends, the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer have made clear, the government will do whatever it takes to support people affected by COVID-19.

We expect universities to communicate clearly with residential students on rents for this period and to administer accommodation provision in a fair manner.

While it is for universities and private accommodation providers to make their own decisions about charging rents to absent students, we encourage them to consider the fairness of doing so and to clearly communicate their policies to students. We are aware that a number of universities and large companies have waived rents for the summer term or released students early from their contracts.

Students who are tenants with individual private landlords can discuss the possibility of an early release from their lease. If they face financial hardship and struggle to pay their rent, support is available: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/government-support-available-for-landlords-and-renters-reflecting-the-current-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak. In the first instance, a student should speak to their landlord if they think they will have difficulty meeting a rental payment, and in this unique context, tenants and landlords are encouraged to work together to put in place a rent payment scheme.

Information published by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) gives guidance on the COVID-19 outbreak’s effects on consumer contracts and may be helpful to students, including those who have already paid deposits for accommodation: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-to-investigate-concerns-about-cancellation-policies-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic/the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic-consumer-contracts-cancellation-and-refunds.

The guidance sets out the CMA’s view on how the law operates to help consumers understand their rights and to help businesses treat their customers fairly. Students may be entitled to refunds from certain accommodation providers depending on the terms of their contract and their particular circumstances. If students need help, organisations such as Citizens Advice offer a free service, providing information and support.

If a student thinks their accommodation provider is treating them unfairly, they can raise a complaint under the accommodation codes of practice as long as their provider is a code member. The codes can be found at: https://www.thesac.org.uk/; https://www.unipol.org.uk/the-code/how-to-complain and https://www.rla.org.uk/about/nrla-code-of-practice.shtml.

To support landlords who are experiencing a temporary loss of income, mortgage lenders have agreed to offer payment holidays of up to 3 months where this is needed due to COVID-19-related hardship, including for buy-to-let mortgages. On 2 June, the Financial Conduct Authority confirmed that borrowers can apply for an extension to any holiday already taken while extending the window for new applications to 31 October. Landlords should contact their lender at the earliest possible opportunity to discuss if the payment holiday is a suitable option for them.

We have also amended the COVID-19 regulations to make clear that people who wish to move home can do so. Landlords can now advertise and let properties where they are empty or where the current tenants have agreed to move. Landlords are also encouraged to contact their local authority homelessness departments or private rented sector procurement team who can discuss renting their property to a homeless household, which may guarantee an income during this time.

We have made no specific assessment. Local authorities have a statutory duty to assess the social care needs of disabled children and young people, with clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) holding the equivalent responsibility for their health needs. Local authorities and CCGs should work together to plan and commission the most appropriate package of care for the children and young people with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions in their area.

Public Health England has not made a comparative assessment of the relative quantity of vaccine used by intradermal and intramuscular vaccination.

The Department has not commissioned any specific research on the efficacy of intradermal immunisation in the administration of COVID-19 vaccines.

Lateral flow tests have been provided across primary care including general practice, community pharmacy.

Staff are asked to test themselves at home twice a week with results available before coming to work.

If an employee or client tests positive, either they or the employer should notify their local Public Health England Health Protection Team (PHE HPT) or their local authority public health or environmental health teams. In some cases, an employer may be advised directly by NHS Test and Trace or the local PHE HPT that the results of testing indicate that there might be an outbreak in their workplace.

Action Cards have been developed for businesses and organisations to provide information, including contact details, in the event of a suspected outbreak in their setting.

From Friday 24 July, members of the public must wear a face covering when visiting a shop or supermarket. Guidance on this was published on 14 July. For other public indoor spaces, the Government already advises people to wear face coverings in enclosed spaces where they cannot easily social distance and where they come into contact with people they do not normally meet.

The Government continually reviews and refines its advice on face coverings, led by the latest scientific evidence and advice provided to us.

The Foreign Secretary holds regular discussions with her US counterpart on a range of issues, including on security policy. These discussions are reflected and supported by daily cooperation at official level on arms control and strategic stability between the UK and the US, as well as by wider cooperation with NATO Allies.

The UK is monitoring international developments in missile technology. We will continue to push for all countries to act responsibly in the international system.

The UK is  committed to ending the recruitment and use of child soldiers, as outlined by the Paris Principles. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC), we are using our membership to ensure that conflict related child-protection issues remain a key part of the Council discussions and to ensure that UN operations retain the necessary capacity to address all child protection issues, including the continued use of child soldiers in conflict zones. This also includes pressing those parties to conflict listed in the UN Secretary-General's annual report on CAAC to enter into concrete action plans with the UN to verify and release any child soldiers associated with armed groups and forces and to prevent re-recruitment. We apply diplomatic pressure to listed governments and armed groups to prevent the unlawful recruitment or use of children in armed conflict.

The FCDO does not routinely collect this data, however the UN-led Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism (MRM) monitors, and verifies information and reports to the Security Council on six grave violations committed against children in armed conflict situations by armed forces and groups, including the killing and maiming of children. Every year, the UN Secretary-General produces an annual report on Children and Armed Conflict, which is based on the MRM. These reports can be found online and detail the number of violations that take place each year.

Allocation decisions have been taken by Ministers in line with the objectives set out in the Integrated Review. These took account of a full range of factors, including analysis of potential impacts on beneficiaries of UK aid. We remain a world-leading aid donor, and across HMG, will spend more than £10 billion this year to fight poverty, tackle climate change, and improve global health.

Colombia is a key partner to the UK in Latin America, and the two countries will continue to work closely together. We have contributed more than £63 million in support via the UK's Conflict, Security, and Stability Fund, and are the largest donor to the UN Trust Fund for Colombia, supporting implementation of the peace accords. We are proud to lead on the issue at the UN Security Council, and will continue to strengthen the international community's support and commitment to peace, stability, and justice in Colombia.

The Foreign Secretary has not held discussions with his Turkish counterpart on this issue. Arrangements for passengers arriving in Turkey from the UK who are transferring to other flights are a matter for the Turkish authorities and airlines concerned.

A review by FCDO in 2018 concluded that no alteration to the position on travel between Ercan airport and the UK was possible. In accordance with legal obligations under the 1944 Chicago Convention, there are no direct flights between Ercan and the UK. Passengers who book a flight from Ercan to Turkey and then an onward flight to the UK are required to disembark in Turkey before boarding their UK bound flight, as these are separate flights.

The UK has been at the forefront of the international response to COVID-19. We have committed up to £1.3 billion of aid spending to counter the impact of the pandemic. The UK Government is one of the leading donors to COVAX, committing £548 million to the scheme, which will contribute to the supply of at least 1.8 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines in 2021 for up to 92 developing countries. The UK is pleased that the Government of Haiti has recently announced that the AstraZeneca/Oxford COVID-19 vaccine is now authorised for use. GAVI has since confirmed the availability of an initial 130,000 doses which should be delivered before the end of July.

The UK is closely following developments in Haiti including the upcoming constitutional referendum. We have regular Ministerial and official engagement with both the Haitian Ambassador to the UK, H.E. Euvrard Saint Amand, and relevant Haitian Ministers on these issues. Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State for the Caribbean, last spoke to the Haitian Ambassador to the UK on 28 May 2021 about a range of issues including the upcoming constitutional referendum. The UK also supports the Special Representative of the Secretary General of the UN Special Political Mission, BINUH, in their diplomatic engagement with the Haitian authorities on both the proposed constitutional referendum and elections.

The UK has been at the forefront of the international response to COVID-19. We have committed up to £1.3 billion of aid spending to counter the impact of the pandemic. The UK Government is one of the leading donors to COVAX, committing £548m to the scheme, which will contribute to the supply of at least 1.8 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines in 2021 for up to 92 developing countries. The UK is pleased that the Government of Haiti has recently announced that the AstraZeneca/Oxford COVID-19 vaccine is now authorised for use. GAVI has since confirmed the availability of an initial 130,000 doses which should be delivered before the end of July.

We are clear that we support the right of all Colombians to protest peacefully. We look to the Colombian authorities to investigate fully the excessive use of force against protesters, and take appropriate action against those responsible. Security services must be held accountable for their actions, with all complaints thoroughly investigated. The UK is a key supporter of the implementation of Colombia's historic peace agreement. Over the past five years, the UK has provided £63 million through the Conflict, Security, and Stability Fund (CSSF), which has allowed us to provide niche technical and financial support on stabilisation, peacebuilding, and transitional justice.

Our Embassy regularly reviews Overseas Security and Justice Assessments, ensuring steps are taken to mitigate any risk human rights abuses, and strengthen the impact of our interventions on improving respect for human rights. HMG work on security and justice overseas is based on British values, including human rights and democracy.

We are clear that we support the right of all Colombians to protest peacefully. We look to the Colombian authorities to investigate fully the excessive use of force against protesters, and take appropriate action against those responsible. Security services must be held accountable for their actions, with all complaints thoroughly investigated. The UK is a key supporter of the implementation of Colombia's historic peace agreement. Over the past five years, the UK has provided £63 million through the Conflict, Security, and Stability Fund (CSSF), which has allowed us to provide niche technical and financial support on stabilisation, peacebuilding, and transitional justice.

Our Embassy regularly reviews Overseas Security and Justice Assessments, ensuring steps are taken to mitigate any risk human rights abuses, and strengthen the impact of our interventions on improving respect for human rights. HMG work on security and justice overseas is based on British values, including human rights and democracy.

The UK is closely following developments in Haiti including the proposed constitutional referendum. We do not have any plans to send election observers to Haiti at the moment. The UK supports the Special Representative of the Secretary General of the UN Special Political Mission, BINUH, in their ongoing diplomatic engagement with the Haitian authorities on both the proposed constitutional referendum and elections. The UK continues to use its platform both in country and at United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to call for credible and transparent elections as soon as technically feasible, to ensure Haiti is governed by strong democratic institutions chosen by the Haitian people. The UK supported the UNSC's decision for a one year extension for BINUH. We also chaired a meeting on Haiti at the UN Security Council on 22 February 2021.

The CSSF programme summaries for 20/21 will be published by Cabinet Office before Parliament rises for summer.

The £2.1 million Police Innovations for Stabilisation in Colombia multi-year project was launched in 2020 and is supporting the transformation of the Colombian National Police. The intervention aims to contribute to the modernization of the police service by scaling up and improving police practices with a preventive approach, focusing on i) Community-based police prevention; ii) Transformation of large-scale social conflicts from a rights-based approach; and iii) Gender mainstreaming. This work is part of the CSSF Colombia Peace and Stabilisation Programme.

The CSSF programme summaries for 20/21 will be published by Cabinet Office before Parliament rises for summer.

We are monitoring the situation in St Vincent and the Grenadines closely and our thoughts are with those affected by the eruptions. This is a distressing time for British Nationals there and we have provided support to those who have contacted us. We have supported 7 British Nationals who took up an offer of a transfer from St Vincent to St Maarten on a Royal Caribbean ship which left St Vincent on 16 April and arrived in St Maarten on 17 April. To meet the ship, and assist these British Nationals on arrival in St Maarten, a 5 person UK Rapid Deployment Team arrived on St Maarten in the afternoon of 16 April. We encourage British Nationals to consult our Travel Advice. Those in need of assistance should contact Consular officials at the British High Commission in Bridgetown.

The UK Government remains concerned about the persistent level of violence towards human rights defenders, and environmental activists in Colombia. Colombia is a UK Government 'Human Rights Priority Country' - UK ministers and senior officials regularly raise human rights issues, as well as specific cases of concern, with the Colombian Government, and in multilateral fora. Most recently, the UK's Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French, raised our concerns around killings of human rights defenders, as well as media freedom and sexual violence, on a virtual visit to Colombia in February. We will continue to raise our concerns with the relevant state actors in Colombia.

Through our CSSF programme, which has provided £63 million in support of peace agreement implementation, security and stability in Colombia since 2015, we continue to prioritise funding interventions to protect human rights defenders, social leaders, and ex-combatants. In Barrancabermeja and Magdalena Medio specifically, we are supporting the work of the Transitional Justice System and the Organisation of American States' Peace Process Support Mission. We are also funding civil society participation in the implementation of the peace agreement, and the development and implementation of rural development plans in conflict-affected territories.

We are monitoring the situation in St Vincent and the Grenadines closely and our thoughts are with those affected by the eruption.

The UK has pledged an initial £200,000 to help address the immediate humanitarian impact of the volcano eruption, which will be used for emergency supplies and other immediate needs.

Urgently needed technical experts will support relief efforts on the ground, support emergency telecommunications, and restore critical lifeline facilities, like transport links.

We will continue to work with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency to provide further support.

A Cyprus Settlement is in the best interests of both Cypriot communities, the wider region and the UK. The Foreign Secretary has therefore been actively engaged in support of UN efforts to find a Cyprus solution and will represent the UK as a Guarantor Power at the UN-led, informal talks from 27-29 April.

The Foreign Secretary spoke to the Cypriot Foreign Minister on 22 March and the Turkish Foreign Minister on 23 March. The Foreign Secretary visited the island on 4 February and met President Anastasiades, Turkish Cypriot leader Tatar and the UN. The Foreign Secretary also met the Greek Foreign Minister on 2 February. The UK is urging all sides to approach the UN talks in a spirit of flexibility and compromise. During my visit to Cyprus (7-9 April), I reiterated this message and the UK's support for a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Cyprus issue.

A Cyprus Settlement is in the best interests of both Cypriot communities, the wider region and the UK. The Foreign Secretary has therefore been actively engaged in support of UN efforts to find a Cyprus solution and will represent the UK as a Guarantor Power at the UN-led, informal talks from 27-29 April.

The Foreign Secretary spoke to the Cypriot Foreign Minister on 22 March and the Turkish Foreign Minister on 23 March. The Foreign Secretary visited the island on 4 February and met President Anastasiades, Turkish Cypriot leader Tatar and the UN. The Foreign Secretary also met the Greek Foreign Minister on 2 February. The UK is urging all sides to approach the UN talks in a spirit of flexibility and compromise. During my visit to Cyprus (7-9 April), I reiterated this message and the UK's support for a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Cyprus issue.

The internal structures of the Colombian Government and state are a matter for that Government.

UK Ministers and senior officials regularly raise human rights issues with their Colombian counterparts. Most recently, the UK's Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French, raised our concerns around killings of human rights defenders, media freedom, and sexual violence, on a virtual visit to Colombia in February.

We continue to support efforts to improve the security and protection of human rights defenders, including through the UK's Conflict, Stability and Security Fund.

The Foreign Secretary wrote to a number of his counterparts, including US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, on the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy. Senior UK officials have also briefed a number of states, including the US, on the nuclear and counter-proliferation aspects of the Review. Nuclear cooperation remains an important element of the enduring Special Relationship between the US and the UK, enhancing trans-Atlantic security. We will continue to work closely with the US on nuclear matters, including nuclear deterrence policy.

The United Kingdom has some of the best education providers in the world, and a reputation for excellence. We work with people globally through our Chevening Scholarships, and the newly launched Turing Scheme. These build links around the world, including between Haiti and the UK, and promote the UK as a partner in education. There have been 17 Haitian Chevening scholars in the past 5 years, and we are working with the Chevening Alumni Community to promote the scheme in country. We have also shared information about the Turing scheme with the Haitian government. These schemes help to support the long-term prosperity and stability that is essential to reducing poverty in countries like Haiti, and contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4.2. Ultimately, individual institutions will make independent decisions on educational partnerships.

The UK recognises China as a source of aid, trade and investment for many countries including in the Caribbean. Chinese investment can support jobs and growth, but this must be developed and delivered in line with the highest international standards, particularly with regard to environmental and social safeguards, transparency, and debt sustainability. It is precisely because we recognise China's role in the world that we expect China to live up to its international obligations and international responsibilities and we will hold China to account when it does not.

The Department has not engaged with the Saudi authorities on this matter.

The UK is undertaking a comprehensive cross-Government review of Protocol V ratification. It has taken longer than anticipated due to the complexities involved. The assessment is drawing to a close and we will provide an update in due course. The UK continues to abide by the spirit of the protocol and we remain committed to its humanitarian aims.

The UK is a key supporter of the implementation of Colombia's historic peace agreement. Over the past five years, the UK has provided £61.7 million through the Conflict, Security, and Stabilisation Fund (CSSF), which has allowed us to provide niche technical and financial support on stabilisation, policing, and transitional justice. In 2020, the UK launched a three year £2.1 million Police Innovations for Stabilisation in Colombia Programme (SCIP), which is helping the transformation of the Colombian National Police. The SCIP aims to contribute to the modernization of the police service by scaling up and improving police practices with a preventive approach, focusing on i) Community-based police prevention; ii) Transformation of large-scale social conflicts from a rights-based approach; and iii) Gender mainstreaming.

Fewer than 10 UK armed forces personnel are deployed to Colombia in support of the Colombian police and armed forces, as well as in capacity building support to the Colombian Ministry of Defence, which has responsibility for both the Colombian Armed Forces and the police service.

Fewer than ten members of the UK armed forces are deployed to Colombia to assist the Colombian police service.

The UK has been a leading international advocate of Colombia's peace process, and supporting the Colombian Government in its commitment to implement the 2016 Peace Accords will remain an important priority. We have contributed more than £60 million in support via the Conflict, Security, and Stability Fund (CSSF) and are the largest donor to the UN Trust Fund for Colombia. CSSF resources are targeted at accelerating the implementation of the peace accord, including support for the Government's rural development and reintegration programmes, and strengthening the participation of the communities in conflict-affected areas.

We are proud to lead on the issue at the UN Security Council, and will continue to strengthen the international community's support and commitment to peace and stability in Colombia. Significant progress has been made on peace and security in Colombia in the past four years - whilst security challenges do remain, and will take time and resources to overcome, the situation has improved considerably.

In August, the COP26 President Designate, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy hosted a virtual round table discussion on climate change with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), at which the Haitian Minister of the Environment participated. The meeting discussed the climate change agenda, with a particular focus on helping Caribbean countries on accessing finance, climate change mitigation and adaptation and resilience. This was the first Ministerial discussion on climate change with CARICOM in 2020 and paved the way for strong partnership with all Caribbean Small Island Developing States. We have since partnered with the region on building stronger pipelines of foreign direct investment in renewables, promoting youth engagement on building a more climate resilient future, and provided technical and financial support in the development of National Determined Contributors. We are acutely aware of the vulnerability of Haiti and all Small Island Developing States and remain committed to developing their resilience and promoting their moral voice within multilateral fora.

The UK recognises the severe impacts caused by poverty in Haiti. The impact of COVID-19, alongside environmental and political challenges has caused a rise in food insecurity with over 4.1 million people assessed as being at levels 3 (Crisis) and 4 (Emergency) of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification. As a UN Security Council P5 member, the UK has supported the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), which is now preparing to implement socio-economic interventions aimed at addressing and reducing the root causes of community and gang violence, by developing employment opportunities with a focus on youth most at risk.

The UK recognises the challenges faced by Haiti, particularly in the face of COVID-19. The UK continues to use its platform at United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to call for credible and transparent elections as soon as possible, to ensure Haiti is governed by strong democratic institutions. The UK also supports the Special Representative of the Secretary General of the UN Special Political Mission, BINUH, in their ongoing diplomatic engagement with the Haitian authorities on elections. We also support BINUH's advisory role in support of the Haitian National Police's efforts to ensure a safe and secure environment for the conduct of elections. The UK supported UNSC's decision for a one year extension for BINUH.

The UK regularly raises the importance of International Humanitarian Law and of conducting thorough and conclusive investigations into alleged violations with Saudi Arabia, including at senior levels. We share UK experience of best practice for conducting air operations in accordance with acceptable international norms. This includes the provision of training to the Joint Incident Assessment Team (JIAT) on best practice for investigating alleged violations. We have supported the development of the JIAT's investigations into allegations and continue to urge Saudi Arabia to ensure findings from its investigations are published clearly and its recommendations, including payment of compensation and changes to procedures, are properly implemented.

We remain concerned about the continued presence and activities of illegal armed groups in Colombia, and the impact?that?their involvement in,?and competition for,?control of illicit economies has on local people. We are aware of reports of the activities of?one such group,?Los?Rastrojos,?which has led?to the deaths?and widespread displacement of civilians near the Colombia-Venezuela border. Our Embassy continues to monitor the situation.

We remain steadfast in our support of the Colombian authorities as they seek to ensure sustainable peace. We regularly raise our concern about the activities of illegal armed groups with the Colombian Government,?and in multilateral fora. Most recently, our Permanent Representative to the UN spoke on this issue at the UN Security Council on 14 July, and we consistently press the Colombian Government to focus on extending the rule of law to all parts of the country.?More widely, long-term security depends on socioeconomic development across Colombia as a whole. Embassy programmes?are working?to help communities develop alternative?livelihoods,?and?tackle the root causes of insecurity?in order?to?build?towards a sustainable and inclusive peace.

We remain concerned about the continued presence and activities of illegal armed groups in Colombia, and the impact?that?their involvement in,?and competition for,?control of illicit economies has on local people. We are aware of reports of the activities of?one such group,?Los?Rastrojos,?which has led?to the deaths?and widespread displacement of civilians near the Colombia-Venezuela border. Our Embassy continues to monitor the situation.

We remain steadfast in our support of the Colombian authorities as they seek to ensure sustainable peace. We regularly raise our concern about the activities of illegal armed groups with the Colombian Government,?and in multilateral fora. Most recently, our Permanent Representative to the UN spoke on this issue at the UN Security Council on 14 July, and we consistently press the Colombian Government to focus on extending the rule of law to all parts of the country.?More widely, long-term security depends on socioeconomic development across Colombia as a whole. Embassy programmes?are working?to help communities develop alternative?livelihoods,?and?tackle the root causes of insecurity?in order?to?build?towards a sustainable and inclusive peace.

On 14 May the Foreign Secretary raised the reopening of the crossing points with his Republic of Cyprus counterpart. Our High Commissioner in Nicosia and his staff have also been in contact with officials across the island on the issue of the crossing points, encouraging crossings to re-open.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, unilateral action was taken by both sides over the crossing points, which effectively temporarily ended the free movement of Cypriots across the island. This pandemic has highlighted the importance of cooperation between the two communities, in particular, through the bi-communal technical committees. We welcomed the agreement between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders that Turkish Cypriot students, Turkish Cypriot workers and Maronites would be able to cross the Green Line from 8 June. We urge both sides to take the appropriate action at the checkpoints to enable Cypriots to be able to travel across their own island unrestricted, as they could before the COVID-19 crisis. This is vital for bi-communal interaction in support of a settlement.

Although the talks in Crans Montana ended without agreement, important progress towards addressing outstanding issues was made. We will continue to support the UN and other parties in their work towards a settlement. The UK is open to whatever arrangements the two sides and the other Guarantor Powers can agree on in order to meet the security needs of a reunited Cyprus. The Turkish Cypriot leader election will now take place in October 2020. It will be important that further talks progress following that election.

The UK is a strong supporter of a comprehensive and just Cyprus settlement based on the internationally accepted model of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. We regularly engage with the parties to the settlement talks at all levels. We continue to encourage all parties to engage constructively in talks about a settlement and demonstrate they are committed to making progress. We endorse the UN Secretary-General's view that prospects for a settlement remain alive. We welcome his continued willingness to work with the parties, such as his meeting of 25 November 2019 with the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot leaders, and the engagement of UN Secretary General's Representative on the Cyprus Dispute, Ms Jane Holl Lute, and hope this will lead to a return to comprehensive negotiations. As penholder on the UN Security Council we fully support the renewal of mandate for the UN's peacekeeping force on Cyprus.

The UK continues to contribute to a settlement through practical assistance to help the two sides move towards a settlement. We are one of the largest troop contributors to the UN Peacekeeping Force on the island, UNFICYP. It is for the sides to agree on the details of any final settlement deal which will require the agreement of the two leaders, the support of Greece and Turkey and - importantly - successful referenda in each community.

The UK is a strong supporter of a comprehensive and just Cyprus settlement based on the internationally accepted model of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. We regularly engage with the parties to the settlement talks at all levels. We continue to encourage all parties to engage constructively in talks about a settlement and demonstrate they are committed to making progress. We endorse the UN Secretary-General's view that prospects for a settlement remain alive. We welcome his continued willingness to work with the parties, such as his meeting of 25 November 2019 with the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot leaders, and the engagement of UN Secretary General's Representative on the Cyprus Dispute, Ms Jane Holl Lute, and hope this will lead to a return to comprehensive negotiations. As penholder on the UN Security Council we fully support the renewal of mandate for the UN's peacekeeping force on Cyprus.

The UK continues to contribute to a settlement through practical assistance to help the two sides move towards a settlement. We are one of the largest troop contributors to the UN Peacekeeping Force on the island, UNFICYP. It is for the sides to agree on the details of any final settlement deal which will require the agreement of the two leaders, the support of Greece and Turkey and - importantly - successful referenda in each community.

We regularly raise our human rights concerns with the Turkish authorities at the highest level, particularly around detentions, freedom of expression and association. We continue to urge the authorities to ensure that all detainees are treated in accordance with relevant international human rights standards. We will continue to engage the Turkish Government on these important issues, and to urge respect for freedom of the media. We continue to be clear in our expectation that Turkey, like all countries, should live up to its human rights obligations towards all its citizens.

We regularly raise our concerns with Turkey about conditions in Turkish prisons and the risks posed by COVID-19 in Turkey. We continue to urge the authorities to ensure that all detainees are treated in accordance with relevant international human rights standards. Ministers and our Ambassador to Turkey continue to engage the Turkish Government on Covid risks and future work to tackle the disease.

We support the call made by the UN Secretary-General in his message of 22 April that human rights must be at the front and centre of the COVID-19 response and recovery. We continue to be clear in our expectation that Turkey, like all countries, should live up to its human rights obligations towards all its citizens. We support all efforts by the UN to minimise long-term damage to global economies, societies, politics and freedoms.

President Duque's Government has publicly committed to implementing the Peace Accords of 2016 in their entirety, and we remain steadfast in our support of the Colombian authorities as they seek to ensure sustainable peace in Colombia. We are proud to be the penholder on the issue at the United Nations Security Council, and have committed almost £53 million over 5 years through the United Kingdom Conflict Stability and Security Fund for Colombia to support development across conflict-affected regions. We regularly raise progress in implementation of the peace agreement with the Colombian authorities, including the need to prioritise rural reform, where progress is crucial to sustainable peace. UK-funded programmes across a range of areas are helping to improve the socio-economic conditions in rural areas, particularly through the implementation of the rural development programmes (PDETS) set out in the peace accords.

The United Kingdom welcomes the Colombian Government's longstanding commitment to assisting former guerrilla fighters transition to civilian life following the peace agreement of 2016. We have committed almost £53 million over 5 years through the United Kingdom Conflict Stability and Security Fund for Colombia to support development across conflict-affected regions. This includes programmes designed to build state capacity to ensure the safety of former fighters and of other vulnerable individuals and groups, including outside of official reincorporation zones.

Our Embassy regularly raises concerns about specific communities with the relevant state actors in Colombia.

We also raised our concern about this issue at the United Nations Security Council session on Colombia on 14 April, where we called on the Colombian Government to accelerate its reintegration programmes for former combatants. We will continue to work closely with the Colombian Government and civil society on the peace process and related matters.

The United Kingdom is committed to the implementation of the Peace Accords of 2016, and we remain steadfast in our support of the Colombian authorities as they seek to ensure sustainable peace in Colombia. Part of this includes direct support to the Government's voluntary crop substitution programme and to supporting state capacity to better protect community leaders involved in this work. We are aware of reports of two deaths during coca eradication operations in recent months. As we mentioned at the UN Security Council session on 13 January, we are particularly concerned about the persistent level of violence towards human rights defenders and community leaders and have called on the Colombian Government to prioritise the tackling of this violence. We have regularly raised the need for a holistic approach to improving security conditions in rural areas.

The welfare of British nationals remains our top priority, and we remain committed to ensuring that British travellers around the globe are able to return home. The UK Government is working closely with airlines, local authorities, and governments in the Caribbean region to help British travellers return to the UK as part of the plan announced by the Foreign Secretary on 30 March, with up to £75 million available for special charter flights from priority countries, focused on helping the most vulnerable travellers.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is working around the clock, through our Posts overseas and in London, to make sure all British people who need help are receiving the support and information they need. We have brought home over 32,000 people on 153 flights organised by the Foreign Office from 29 countries and territories. We have also supported over 11,000 people to return home from the Caribbean via commercial means.

There are currently no scheduled commercial flight options available to return to the UK from Cuba, Barbados or Grenada. We are aware of a commercial flight operated by British Airways which departed on Sunday 17 May and this was highlighted in our public messaging especially to those in Antigua and Barbuda and also to those in Montserrat who could benefit from this flight. Our consular network in the region continues to provide support to British nationals who require assistance.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is working around the clock, through our Posts overseas and in London, to make sure all British people who need help are receiving the support and information they need. We have now brought home nearly 31,000 people on 144 flights organised by the Foreign Office from 27 countries and territories.

The welfare of British nationals remains our top priority, and we remain committed to ensuring that British travellers around the globe are able to return home. The UK Government is working closely with airlines, local authorities and governments in the Caribbean region to help British travellers to the UK as part of the plan announced by the Foreign Secretary on 30 March - with up to £75 million available for special charter flights from priority countries, focused on helping the most vulnerable travellers. On 8 May, we brought back more than 300 people from Jamaica and Guyana on charter flights organised by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. We have supported nearly 11,000 to return home from the Caribbean via commercial means.

We are aware that there are British nationals remaining overseas in the Caribbean region and our effort is focused on supporting their return as quickly and safely as possible.

Our objective remains to bring home British travellers who want to return to the UK, as soon as possible. British travellers will therefore be prioritised for seats on repatriation flights. From the outset, our priority for the charter flight programme has been getting British travellers home. But after we launched the charter flight programme, it became clear that there are people with indefinite leave to remain (ILR) who normally reside in the UK, and want to get back. So where possible, we are working to help vulnerable UK residents with ILR. This is beyond the scope of our standard consular assistance, which is usually just for UK nationals. But these are exceptional times. We are seeking to help vulnerable people with ILR wherever possible, provided that they have lived in the UK within the last year.

We remain concerned by the Amnesty arrests in the summer of 2017, as well as that of the civil society activist Osman Kavala in October the same year, and have been following both cases closely. We have raised their cases at ministerial level with the Turkish Government on several occasions, most recently in January this year. We hope that the outstanding charges against them can be brought to a timely and equitable conclusion. We will be monitoring the next hearing on 19 February.

We have long encouraged Turkey to work towards the full protection of fundamental rights, including those of human rights defenders, and in support of freedom of expression. The United Kingdom recognises that human rights defenders play an essential role in promoting and protecting democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law. Our commitment to human rights defenders was publicly emphasised by the publication in July 2019 of the document 'UK Support for Human Rights Defenders'. We will continue to engage the Turkish Government on these important issues.

The information requested is not held by the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

Unlike the Army, Royal Air Force and Combined Cadet Forces, the Sea Cadet Corps (SCC) is not wholly funded or managed by the MOD. SCC units are independent charities in their own right, affiliated to the Marine Society and Sea Cadets (MSSC), itself an independent charity. The MSSC is responsible for the overall management of cadets and volunteers.

The information requested is not held by the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

Unlike the Army, Royal Air Force and Combined Cadet Forces, the Sea Cadet Corps (SCC) is not wholly funded or managed by the MOD. SCC units are independent charities in their own right, affiliated to the Marine Society and Sea Cadets (MSSC), itself an independent charity. The MSSC is responsible for the overall management of cadets and volunteers.

The information requested is not held by the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

Unlike the Army, Royal Air Force and Combined Cadet Forces, the Sea Cadet Corps (SCC) is not wholly funded or managed by the MOD. SCC units are independent charities in their own right, affiliated to the Marine Society and Sea Cadets (MSSC), itself an independent charity. The MSSC is responsible for the overall management of cadets and volunteers.

The Sovereign Base Areas Administration (SBAA) regularly engages with its local communities through the Administrator and his officials, supported by the High Commission in Nicosia where appropriate. This regular engagement includes discussion on future development, on which the views of the local communities are sought. Most notably, the SBAA continues to engage extensively with representatives and members of the communities on non-military development, with a full public consultation taking place earlier this year.