Asked by: Kate Osamor (Independent - Edmonton)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what steps his Department is taking to help support reconstruction in Nepal.
Answered by Anne-Marie Trevelyan - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Following the recent earthquake in Nepal, the UK supported the initial humanitarian response through the distribution of prepositioned relief items, support to broader UN coordination and through contributions to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Disaster Response Emergency Fund. Subsequently, the UK has made contributions of £200,000 to the World Food Programme to help deliver unconditional humanitarian cash to 1,730 families, and a contribution of £200,000 to the Start Fund Nepal which is working with local governments to construct temporary shelters, providing winterisation support to affected communities and helping the most vulnerable and marginalised groups.
Asked by: Kate Osamor (Independent - Edmonton)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to help reduce the number of cat abductions.
Answered by Mark Spencer - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
We understand the devastating impact that the theft of a pet can have. We have already introduced legislation to extend compulsory microchipping to cats in England from 10 June 2024. The new legislation is intended to increase the likelihood that lost or stolen pet cats can be reunited with their keeper.
The Government launched a Pet Theft Taskforce in May 2021 in response to concerns about a perceived increase in pet theft during covid restrictions. The Taskforce published its findings and recommendations in September of that year, including the creation of a specific offence. We are making improvements to the cat and dog microchipping regime in England in line with the taskforce’s recommendations.
The Honourable Member for Southend-West introduced a Pet Abduction Bill on 6 December and I welcome her interest in improving animal welfare. In accordance with parliamentary convention, the Government will set out its formal position on this Bill when it receives its Second Reading.
Asked by: Kate Osamor (Independent - Edmonton)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whether he has had discussions with his Israeli counterpart on reports of Israel’s use of artificial intelligence to identify targets in Gaza.
Answered by David Rutley - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Both the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary have met with a range of senior Israeli officials, including the Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Herzog, to discuss Israel's approach to the campaign in Gaza. They have stressed the critical importance of abiding by International Humanitarian Law, minimising civilian casualties, and of acting in a way that delivers long-term security. It is the longstanding policy of successive UK Governments that we do not comment on military intelligence matters.
Asked by: Kate Osamor (Independent - Edmonton)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what discussions he has had with his Turkish counterpart on the attacks in north-east Syria.
Answered by Leo Docherty - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)
As a close NATO ally, we regularly engage the Turkish Government on regional stability, including in Syria. The former Foreign Secretary and I (Minister for Europe) discussed this issue with Turkish counterparts during visits to Ankara in September and November respectively. The UK recognises Turkey's legitimate security interests in the region but encourages restraint from activity that could lead to further destabilisation or civilian loss of life. Security and stability in the region are necessary to prevent worsening of the already serious humanitarian situation in northern Syria and enable the Global Coalition and its partners to continue the fight against Daesh.
Asked by: Kate Osamor (Independent - Edmonton)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whether he has had recent discussions with his Nigerian counterpart on the drone strike in Kaduna State.
Answered by Andrew Mitchell - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
The UK acknowledges the tragic deaths of civilians in Tudun Biri in Kaduna State on 3 December 2023. We welcome President Tinubu's commitment to launch an investigation into the incident. Our British High Commission Defence Section in Abuja will be offering support to the Nigerian Armed Forces to improve their targeting processes and practices. The UK will continue to emphasise to Nigeria's security forces the importance of human security and civil-military coordination on operations. UK support for building Nigeria's defence capacity routinely includes training on international humanitarian law and protection of civilians.