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Written Question
Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement
Tuesday 18th March 2025

Asked by: Josh Babarinde (Liberal Democrat - Eastbourne)

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what his Department's timetable is for ratifying the United Nations Global Ocean Treaty.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Government is completely committed to ratification of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement, also known as the "High Seas Treaty" or "Global Ocean Treaty"), which is in line with our determination to reinvigorate the UK's wider international leadership on climate and nature. Legislation to implement the BBNJ Agreement will be introduced as soon as the legislative timetable allows.


Written Question
Human Rights: Older People
Tuesday 4th March 2025

Asked by: Josh Babarinde (Liberal Democrat - Eastbourne)

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make it his policy to support the development of a United Nations Convention on the Rights of Older Persons.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK Government is committed to equality and opportunity for all, with a particular focus on those most likely to be marginalised and discriminated against, including on the grounds of their age. We are open in principle to the idea of a multilateral instrument dedicated to the human rights of older people and will continue to play a constructive role in discussions on this issue at the UN and other relevant fora.