Asked by: Helen Maguire (Liberal Democrat - Epsom and Ewell)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 2 September 2024 to Question 2170 on British National (Overseas): Pensions, whether he has had recent discussions with other banks on access to (a) pensions and (b) other financial assets in Hong Kong for people with British National (Overseas) visas.
Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
We are aware that individuals who have chosen to take up the BN(O) visa route face difficulties in the early drawing down of their savings. This government is in regular contact with banks on a range of issues. Documentary requirements for withdrawing funds are a matter for the Hong Kong authorities, and officials continue to raise this issue directly with the Hong Kong Government to encourage a pragmatic solution.
Asked by: Helen Maguire (Liberal Democrat - Epsom and Ewell)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with his counterpart in Denmark on the US interest in Greenland.
Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The Foreign Secretary and I have repeatedly and publicly made clear that Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and that the future of their constitutional arrangements is a matter for the people and government of Greenland, and the Kingdom of Denmark.
The UK has a strong relationship with all parts of the Kingdom of Denmark and recognises the strategic importance of Greenland. We are working with our North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Allies to ensure the stability and security of the High North and North Atlantic areas.
Asked by: Helen Maguire (Liberal Democrat - Epsom and Ewell)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to (a) progress towards a resolution, (b) support civilians and (c) work diplomatically with regional partners to secure peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Answered by Anneliese Dodds - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK is committed to supporting the Luanda process which aims to bring about sustainable peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and encourages continued engagement and delivery on commitments by all parties. The postponement of the tripartite summit on 15 December was disappointing and the UK has urged both parties to return to the negotiating table. In August and September, Lord Collins visited Angola, DRC and Rwanda where he met with their respective presidents and urged de-escalation. The UK is delivering a three-year £115 million humanitarian programme in the east of DRC, providing life-saving emergency assistance and increasing the resilience of crisis affected communities.