Asked by: John McDonnell (Labour - Hayes and Harlington)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential implications for its policies of reports of internet and communications shutdowns and curfews in parts of Balochistan, including Nushki, Mashkay, Zehri, Mastung and Mangochar.
Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip
We are aware of reports of attacks, intermittent communications shutdowns and curfews in some areas of Balochistan. We urge the Pakistani authorities to investigate any allegations of human rights violations promptly and transparently, and to act in line with Pakistan's Constitution and international obligations. Human rights apply online as they do offline, and freedom of expression without unnecessary restriction is a cornerstone of democracy. The British High Commission in Islamabad continues to raise the human rights situation in Balochistan with the Government of Pakistan at senior levels.
Asked by: John McDonnell (Labour - Hayes and Harlington)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential implications for its policies of reports of air strikes in the Goandhan area of Gidar, Surab district, Balochistan, on 12 August 2026.
Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip
We are aware of reports of attacks, intermittent communications shutdowns and curfews in some areas of Balochistan. We urge the Pakistani authorities to investigate any allegations of human rights violations promptly and transparently, and to act in line with Pakistan's Constitution and international obligations. Human rights apply online as they do offline, and freedom of expression without unnecessary restriction is a cornerstone of democracy. The British High Commission in Islamabad continues to raise the human rights situation in Balochistan with the Government of Pakistan at senior levels.
Asked by: John McDonnell (Labour - Hayes and Harlington)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the speech by the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury to the Institute for Government on 29 June 2026, whether Ministers make operational decisions regarding the deployment of Officers of Revenue & Customs appointed under Section 2 of the Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act 2005, and if she will make a statement.
Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General
I am accountable to Parliament for the overall strategic priorities, resourcing and performance of HMRC. As set out in the Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act 2005, HMRC Commissioners are responsible for decisions regarding the deployment of Officers of Revenue and Customs.