Asked by: Judith Cummins (Labour - Bradford South)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how much his Department spent on (a) opinion polling and (b) focus groups in each month since January 2019.
Answered by Nigel Adams
This information is not held centrally and to compile it would incur disproportionate cost.
Asked by: Judith Cummins (Labour - Bradford South)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to support the maintenance of the human rights of people in Kashmir.
Answered by Mark Field
I recognise that there are deeply held human rights concerns in India-administered and in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. We encourage both India and Pakistan to uphold their international human rights obligations. Any allegations of human rights violations or abuses is concerning and must be investigated thoroughly, promptly and transparently. The UK regularly raises human rights concerns with counterparts in India and Pakistan.
Asked by: Judith Cummins (Labour - Bradford South)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to help resolve tensions in Kashmir; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Mark Field
As I explained in a Statement to the House on 7 March, the British Government is in regular contact with both countries, urging dialogue and diplomatic solutions to ensure regional stability. We are working closely with international partners to de-escalate tensions.
Asked by: Judith Cummins (Labour - Bradford South)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his counterpart in (a) India and (b) Pakistan on the situation in Kashmir; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Mark Field
The British Government is in regular contact with both countries, urging dialogue and diplomatic solutions to ensure regional stability. I welcome both countries publicly stating they do not want to escalate tensions further and their willingness to work with, and through, the international community. On Wednesday 27 February, I spoke to the Indian and Pakistan High Commissioners and pressed the importance of de-escalation. During a pre-arranged visit to India on 1-3 March, I discussed with Foreign Secretary Gokhale steps to decrease tension and improve regional stability, including vital efforts to tackle terrorism. I made a Statement to the House on this subject on 7 March.
Asked by: Judith Cummins (Labour - Bradford South)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effect on Palestinian communities of Israel’s plans for demolition of buildings in the village of Khan al-Ahmar in the West Bank; and what discussions he has had with his Israeli counterpart on this issue.
Answered by Alistair Burt
The Foreign Secretary raised the issue of the Bedouin village of Khan Al Ahmar during his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on 6 June. He also issued a statement on 1 June calling on Israel to reconsider its proposals to demolish the village, noting that approximately 180 people face the prospect of losing their homes and livelihoods. The UK is particularly concerned by the pending demolition of the village’s school, which serves 170 children. I visited the village on 30 May, and I emphasised the UK’s concern at the village’s imminent demolition, which the UN say could constitute forcible transfer. I reiterated these concerns to the Israeli Ambassador on 20 June.
Asked by: Judith Cummins (Labour - Bradford South)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with his counterparts in the Israeli Government on US policy on the construction of settlements in the Palestinian territories since the US President's meeting with the Israeli Prime Minister on 15 February 2017.
Answered by Tobias Ellwood
While we have not discussed US settlements policy with the Israeli authorities, we welcome President Trump's interest in working for a peace deal that meets the requirements of both parties. The UK's view remains that the two-state solution is the best option to achieve that. We continue to believe settlements are one of a number of significant barriers to achieving a two-state solution and regularly raise our concerns about settlement activity with the Israeli authorities.
Asked by: Judith Cummins (Labour - Bradford South)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had on the matter of self-determination for Azad Kashmir with his counterparts in the Government of (a) India and (b) Pakistan.
Answered by Alok Sharma - COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
I have not discussed this matter with either the Government of India or Pakistan. The longstanding position of the United Kingdom is that it is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting resolution to the situation in Kashmir, taking into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people. It is not for the United Kingdom to prescribe a solution or to act as a mediator. We encourage both sides to maintain positive dialogue, but the pace and scope of this is for them to determine.