Asked by: Gordon McKee (Labour - Glasgow South)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Department is taking to ensure that UK-funded humanitarian programmes collect age-disaggregated data and include older people in needs assessments and programme design.
Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
We recognise that people with existing vulnerabilities, including older people, can be disproportionately affected by humanitarian crises. All organisations which receive Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office funding are therefore required to demonstrate commitment to equality and inclusion in the planning, delivery and monitoring of their work, to ensure our assistance reaches those in greatest need.
I also refer the Hon Member to the Inclusive Data Charter Action Plan, where age is included in principle 2, as one of the dimensions for which we aim to collect disaggregated data. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/leaving-no-one-behind-our-promise/inclusive-data-charter-action-plan#principle-2-all-data-should-wherever-possible-be-disaggregated-to-accurately-describe-all-populations
Asked by: Gordon McKee (Labour - Glasgow South)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Department is taking to increase knowledge in artificial intelligence, semiconductors and quantum technologies in the diplomatic network.
Answered by Seema Malhotra
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is strengthening knowledge of artificial intelligence, semiconductors and quantum technologies across the diplomatic network through targeted training, specialist resources, and expert engagement, building on the core capabilities of the Science and Technology Network, active in 65 locations worldwide and co-sponsored with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. A technology policy curriculum is available to all staff, supported by a dedicated knowledge hub, regular events and expert-led talks and discussions. The FCDO also delivers specialist learning programmes with external partners on AI policy, governance and other critical technologies, helping staff in the UK and overseas to engage effectively on these issues. These activities complement wider Civil Service AI skills programmes and Departmental guidance on the safe and effective use of AI.
Asked by: Gordon McKee (Labour - Glasgow South)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the UK plans to nominate a candidate for a seat on the European Committee of Social Rights at the Council of Europe.
Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
We are aware of the ongoing nomination process, but any decision to nominate a candidate will be announced in the normal way.
Asked by: Gordon McKee (Labour - Glasgow South)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to support a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
Answered by Hamish Falconer - Minister of State (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
We are clear that the first step to ending this terrible conflict is an immediate ceasefire, and we continue to push all parties to achieve this urgently. All parties must re-engage with negotiations to get the hostages out, surge aid, and secure a permanent end to this conflict. The Foreign Secretary has visited Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories three times since taking office and is working with partners on a framework for peace to turn a ceasefire into lasting security and peace for Palestinians and Israelis. The Foreign Secretary discussed the dire situation in Gaza with the Qatari Foreign Minister on 25 June, Israeli Foreign Minister Sa'ar on 23 August and Secretary of State Rubio on 2 September.