Stephen Gethins Portrait

Stephen Gethins

Scottish National Party - Arbroath and Broughty Ferry

859 (1.9%) majority - 2024 General Election

First elected: 4th July 2024


4 APPG memberships (as of 28 Mar 2025)
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sudan and South Sudan, Syria, University
5 Former APPG memberships
Austria, Climate Change, EU Relations, Golf, Serbia
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Foreign and Commonwealth Office)
1st Jul 2018 - 6th Nov 2019
Foreign Affairs Committee
11th Sep 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (International Affairs and Europe)
20th Jun 2017 - 1st Jul 2018
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Europe)
20th May 2015 - 20th Jun 2017
Foreign Affairs Sub-Committee
5th Jan 2016 - 3rd May 2017
Foreign Affairs Committee
8th Jul 2015 - 3rd May 2017


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Stephen Gethins has voted in 63 divisions, and never against the majority of their Party.
View All Stephen Gethins Division Votes

Debates during the 2024 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Ian Murray (Labour)
Secretary of State for Scotland
(10 debate interactions)
Anneliese Dodds (Labour (Co-op))
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
(8 debate interactions)
Hamish Falconer (Labour)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
(7 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Cabinet Office
(10 debate contributions)
Scotland Office
(8 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Stephen Gethins's debates

Arbroath and Broughty Ferry Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Petitions with highest Arbroath and Broughty Ferry signature proportion
Stephen Gethins has not participated in any petition debates

Latest EDMs signed by Stephen Gethins

31st March 2025
Stephen Gethins signed this EDM as the primary signatory on Monday 31st March 2025

Arbikie Distillery

Tabled by: Stephen Gethins (Scottish National Party - Arbroath and Broughty Ferry)
That this House congratulates Arbikie Distillery for winning the World Single Estate Distillery of the Year and Scotland's Single Estate Distillery of the Year at the World Whiskies Awards; further congratulates them for winning the Best Scotch Rye Whisky Award; notes that the Arbikie Distillery has sustainability at the heart …
1 signatures
(Most recent: 31 Mar 2025)
Signatures by party:
Scottish National Party: 1
14th March 2025
Stephen Gethins signed this EDM on Friday 21st March 2025

Reductions in welfare spending

Tabled by: Siân Berry (Green Party - Brighton Pavilion)
That this House believes that the welfare system should be based on dignity and respect; further believes that years of damaging austerity inflicted upon public services and welfare provision by previous Conservative Governments has brought our communities to breaking point, with people in receipt of health-related benefits already facing inordinate …
26 signatures
(Most recent: 31 Mar 2025)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 10
Independent: 5
Plaid Cymru: 4
Green Party: 3
Scottish National Party: 3
Social Democratic & Labour Party: 2
Alliance: 1
View All Stephen Gethins's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Stephen Gethins, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.

MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.


Stephen Gethins has not been granted any Urgent Questions

Stephen Gethins has not been granted any Adjournment Debates

1 Bill introduced by Stephen Gethins


A Bill to amend the Scotland Act 1998 to grant legislative competence to the Scottish Parliament in respect of immigration.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Monday 21st October 2024
Next Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 25th April 2025
Order Paper number: 2
(Likely to be Debated)

Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
4th Mar 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps Government is taking to enhance cyber resilience across critical (a) national infrastructure and (b) public institutions.

We are committed to strengthening cyber security across the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), and all aspects of the Government digital estate.

The Government works closely with CNI operators in both the private and public sector to ensure resilience and preparedness to cyber threats, working to better understand and manage cyber risk, and minimise the impact of cyber incidents when they occur. As well as work to develop a more sophisticated understanding of cyber risk across UK CNI, the Government is focussed on ensuring that CNI operators are prepared to respond to and recover from incidents through better planning and regular exercising.

The King's Speech in July 2024 set out the Government’s intention to bring forward a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, which will strengthen the UK’s cyber defences, and ensure that critical infrastructure and the digital services that companies rely on are secure.

To enhance the cyber resilience of public institutions, the Government Cyber Security Strategy has set a clear target for all government organisations to be resilient to known vulnerabilities and common attack methods by 2030.

Abena Oppong-Asare
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
4th Feb 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much and what proportion of its budget the UK Integrated Security Fund has allocated for (a) conflict (i) prevention and (ii) resolution and (b) peacebuilding in the (A) 2024-25 and (B) 2025-26 financial years.

The Integrated Security Fund (ISF) came into operation on 1 April 2024 and has a budget of almost £1bn for Financial Year 2024-25.  The Fund prioritises spending on those geographies and thematic issues that pose the greatest direct threat to the UK. Activity focussed on conflict prevention, resolution and peacebuilding are embedded into programmes across the ISF. However, these are not tracked as individual or separate components. The annual ISF budget for 2025-26 will be published shortly.

Abena Oppong-Asare
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
4th Feb 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the annual budget is for the UK Integrated Security Fund in the (a) 2024-25 and (b) 2025-26 financial years.

The Integrated Security Fund (ISF) came into operation on 1 April 2024 and has a budget of almost £1bn for Financial Year 2024/25. Exact spend for the Fund will be published in the 2024/25 ISF Annual Report later in the year. The annual ISF budget for 2025-26 will be published shortly.

Abena Oppong-Asare
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
4th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the UK's departure from the European Union on trends in the level of UK trade.

The EU is a significant trading partner for both goods and services, but it is clear that the current deal is not working well enough. In the 12 months ending September 2024, the UK’s total trade with the EU was 5% below the level seen in 2018, after removing the effect of inflation and excluding precious metals. We will continue to work with our European friends to improve the UK’s trade and investment relationship with the EU, tearing down unnecessary barriers to trade to help drive growth.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
16th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many export licence applications related to Ukraine are still being assessed (a) three months and (b) six months after submission.

The processing of all export licence applications to Ukraine is being prioritised by ECJU. Within that process, applications for the export of equipment organised between the UK Government and the government of Ukraine through Ministry of Defence procurement mechanisms are given the highest priority.

As with all export licence applications, assessments are made on a case-by-case basis according to the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria. Assessments for Ukraine, given the situation within the country and the nature of the goods often being exported, mean these cases are some of the most complex for ECJU to process. Therefore, some can take longer to process than our public targets (to conclude 70% of standard individual export licence (SIEL) applications within 20 working days and 99% within 60 working days).

The volume of live applications changes daily, but the Government release statistics on export licensing decisions and processing times regularly and these can be broken down by end destination. The most recent statistics cover the period April to June 2024 and were published on 12 December. In that period, 36 (72%) SIELs for Ukraine were responded to within 20 working days and 45 (90%) were responded to within 60 working days.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
16th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 15 November 2024 to Question 13191 on Exports: Ukraine, which Departments he is waiting to receive advice on before concluding this export licence application; and what steps his Department is taking to hasten advice.

The Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) is comprised of experts in the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the Ministry of Defence (MOD). The FCDO advises DBT on the situation in country and the risks this poses with respect to the UK's export control responsibilities. The MOD advises DBT on the risks of diversion of exported goods and national security risks arising from hostile state activity. As the decision-making authority for all export licensing decisions DBT takes advice from both Departments and is in daily contact with them where necessary to ensure that process happens as quickly as possible.

Exporters are advised in the first instance to contact the ECJU Licensing Unit, as they will be able to provide further updates on the progress of their applications and comment on any specific cases they would like to raise.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
8th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent progress his Department has made on assessing the export application for Ukraine with ECO reference SIE2024/004708 and SPIRE document reference 4388747, submitted on 14 May 2024; and whether any further steps are required to bring this application to conclusion.

We rigorously assess every application on a case-by-case basis against strict assessment criteria, the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria (the SELC).

We are reviewing this case with other government departments and we will conclude our assessment once we receive that advice.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
6th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the UK's commitments under investor-state dispute settlement mechanisms on (a) environmental and (b) human rights protections in partner countries.

The UK is party to 83 Bilateral Investment Treaties and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership that contain Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS).

ISDS provides an independent means to resolve disputes with states where investors believe they have experienced arbitrary, discriminatory or unfair treatment or expropriation without compensation. ISDS does not remove governments’ right to regulate in the public interest, including with respect to the environment and human rights.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
4th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to engage with the energy sector on protecting itself from hostile state cyber attacks.

The Government takes the security and resilience of UK energy infrastructure extremely seriously, including the cyber security of its critical infrastructure and maintaining a secure energy supply is a key priority for the UK Government.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and security agencies engage regularly with critical industry stakeholders via industry forums and threat briefings to ensure threats to energy infrastructure are understood and appropriate mitigations are established.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
6th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to support the Scottish space sector; and whether his Department provides support for UK entities bidding for European Space Agency contracts.

From 2018-2025, the UK Space Agency (UKSA) will have enabled and invested ~£126 million in Scotland through national programmes and European Space Agency (ESA) funding, including funding to establish launch services, co-funding for Space Scotland, and funding via the Space Cluster Infrastructure Fund to expand access to key engineering infrastructure.

The UKSA supports the UK sector in bidding for ESA contracts through initiatives including ESA 101 courses and Bid Writing Workshops. Over 1,000 individuals from 558 different organisations have signed up to take part, equipping them with skills to enhance their ESA bidding success.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
6th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps the UK Space Agency to help develop high-skilled jobs in the space sector; and whether the agency supports (a) apprenticeships and (b) development programmes.

The UK Space Agency Education and Future Workforce programme aims to build and strengthen a diverse workforce. This includes formal and informal educational activities, as well as specific support for developing a skilled workforce. Development programmes include the Space Placements in Industry internship programme, where 119 students were placed in UK space organisations in Summer 2024, alongside scholarship funding and the £2.1m Training Programmes Fund to address known skills gaps in the sector.

In July 2023, the Department for Education launched the Level 6 space degree apprenticeship, developed by a trailblazer group of space industry experts and building on the Level 4 space engineering technician apprenticeship launched in August 2020.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
25th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the UK leaving the EU on touring musicians.

We fully recognise the scale of challenges facing professionals wishing to tour in Europe. Many have concluded it is simply not economically viable or logistically possible to tour in Europe. That denies European audiences the opportunity to hear British artists and it denies artists a chance to build their career. That is why we have pledged to do everything we can to help our touring artists.

We are already working collaboratively with the live music sector to address these key issues for our brilliant musicians, artists and their support staff and are engaging with the EU and EU Member States, with a view to improving arrangements for touring across the European continent without seeing a return to free movement. This is a priority for the whole ministerial team, the department and the government.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
30th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of leaving the EU on the music industry.

Since the UK’s departure from the EU, DCMS hase closely monitored the sector's adaptation, particularly regarding touring. This Government is working closely with the music industry, and with guidance and support to help artists and professionals navigate the challenges that have emerged.

We will engage with the EU and EU Member States, and explore how best to improve arrangements for touring across the European continent without seeing a return to free movement. Our priority remains ensuring that UK artists can continue to thrive on the global stage, including in the EU.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
9th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with his international counterparts on the future of EU fishing rights in the UK's exclusive economic zone.

We have not held discussions with the EU on future access arrangements but have signalled willingness to listen to their proposals.

Daniel Zeichner
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
9th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of existing environmental adaptation measures in helping businesses build resilience to climate-related disasters.

The Climate Change Act 2008 requires the Secretary of State to produce a National Adaptation Programme in response to the Government’s most recent Climate Change Risk Assessment, on a five-yearly cycle. The third National Adaptation Programme, published in July 2023, includes actions to address climate change risks to businesses through a combination of investment in resilience measures to tackle flooding and coastal erosion risks, evidence gathering (including annual business survey questions), business engagement and nature-based solutions. The Climate Change Committee provides a biennial assessment of progress in adapting to climate change. The next progress report, assessing the actions taken under the third National Adaptation Programme, is due in 2025. Alongside delivering the third National Adaptation Programme, Defra is committed to further strengthening this government's approach to climate resilience and will bring forward plans in due course.

Emma Hardy
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
4th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 4 December 2024 to Question 15757 on Agricultural Products: UK Trade with EU, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential financial impact of the UK leaving the EU on the agri-food sector.

I refer the hon. Member to the reply previously given on 4 December 2024, UIN 15757. Although the Trade and Cooperation Agreement allows zero tariffs and zero quota trade, leaving the EU single market and customs union had an impact on the export of agri-food products, as have other changes in trade policy such as new Free Trade Agreements with other countries, and global shocks such as the Covid-19 pandemic. Agri-food trade with the EU has fallen since 2018 in real terms (after adjusting for trade inflation) by 20% (exports) and 11% (imports). However, there is difficulty separating out the impact of the UK leaving the EU from those other factors. The majority of UK agri-food exports were still to EU countries in 2023, 57% (£14 billion).

We are working to reset our relationship with our European friends to strengthen ties and tackle barriers to UK-EU trade. We will seek to negotiate a veterinary/sanitary and phytosanitary agreement to boost trade and deliver benefits to businesses and consumers in the UK and the EU. We have been clear that our trading relationship can be improved but we are not rejoining the single market or customs union, and we will not return to freedom of movement.

Daniel Zeichner
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
25th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the UK leaving the EU (a) Single Market and (b) Customs Union on the export of agri-food products from the UK to the EU.

This Government cares deeply about the trading relationship with the European Union; The Withdrawal Agreement, including the Windsor Framework, and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) underpin relations between the UK and the EU. Although the TCA allows zero tariffs and zero quota trade, leaving the EU Single Market and Customs Union had an impact on the export of agri-food products, as have other changes in trade policy such as new Free Trade Agreements with other countries, and global shocks such as the Covid-19 pandemic.

We are working to reset our relationship with our European friends to strengthen ties and tackle barriers to UK-EU trade. We will seek to negotiate a veterinary/SPS agreement to boost trade and deliver benefits to businesses and consumers in the UK and the EU. We have been clear that our trading relationship can be improved but we are not rejoining the single market or customs union, and we will not return to freedom of movement.

Daniel Zeichner
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
30th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions his Department have had with the EU on cooperation on chemicals regulation.

The Government is committed to protecting human health and the environment. We are currently considering the best approach to chemicals regulation in the UK.

Emma Hardy
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
4th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when she will provide an update on the (a) strategy and (b) expected publication date of the work of the Ministerial Child Poverty Task Force including on (i) child poverty and (ii) review of the two-child benefit cap.

Delivering our manifesto commitment to tackle child poverty is an urgent priority for this Government, and the Ministerial Taskforce is working to publish a Child Poverty Strategy which will deliver lasting change.

The Strategy will look at all available levers across four key themes of increasing incomes, including considering social security reforms, reducing essential costs, increasing financial resilience; and better local support especially in the early years. This will build on the reform plans underway across Government and work underway in Devolved Governments.

Alison McGovern
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
9th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what her planned timetable is for responding to the recommendations of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman report into changes to women's State Pension age, published on 21 March 2024.

We are actively considering this complex matter and aim to resolve it as soon as possible.

Emma Reynolds
Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)
4th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of changing eligibility requirements for the winter fuel payment on people with disabilities.

This Government is committed to pensioners. Everyone in our society, no matter their working history or savings deserves a comfortable and dignified retirement.

Given the substantial pressures faced by the public finances this year and next, the Government has had to make hard choices to bring the public finances back under control.

Winter Fuel Payments will continue to be paid to pensioner households that need it most, that is those receiving Pension Credit or certain other income-related benefits. They will continue to be worth £200 for eligible households, or £300 for eligible households with someone aged over 80.

An equality analysis was produced as part of Ministerial decision making in line with the requirements of the Public Sector Equality Duty. This was published on 13 September and can be found here. By convention, such analyses are not published alongside secondary legislation. However, in view of the close public interest in this issue Ministers decided, exceptionally, to publish in this case.

For those with long-term illnesses, the “extra costs” disability benefits (namely Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Attendance Allowance (AA) in England and Wales; and equivalent benefits in Scotland) provide a tax free, non-income-related contribution towards the extra costs people with a long-term health condition can face, such as additional heating costs. They are paid monthly throughout the year. AA can be worth up to £5,600 a year and recipients are free to use their benefit according to their own priorities.

Receipt of disability benefits can provide a passport to additional amounts in means-tested benefits (notably Pension Credit and Housing Benefit) for those on low incomes providing they meet the other eligibility criteria.

Emma Reynolds
Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)
19th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

As a witness to the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA) and member of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC)'s Steering Board, the UK condemns the unconstitutional and secessionist actions of the Republika Srpska leadership, which threatens Bosnia and Herzegovina's (BiH's) peace and stability. The UK has publicly reaffirmed its support for the DPA and the existing constitutional framework of BiH, and will continue to engage with our international partners, and leaders across the region, to facilitate a positive outcome. I spoke to my counterpart on 10 March, and reaffirmed our commitment to BiH's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the DPA.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
19th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his counterpart in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the last two weeks.

The UK is committed to maintaining peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), and condemns the recent and ongoing unconstitutional actions of the Republika Srpska leadership. Ireaffirmed these messages when he spoke to BiH's Foreign Minister on 10 March. Senior Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials have engaged intensively in BiH and with regional and international partners to stress our commitment to BiH's constitutional framework and the Dayton Peace Agreement. The Foreign Secretary plans to engage other Western Balkans leaders.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
19th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what his Department’s policy priorities will be when the UK chairs the Berlin Process 2025.

We will use the Berlin Process to advance security and growth through strengthened partnerships with our Western Balkan and other European partners, including on tackling irregular migration. This will support the Prime Minister's domestic missions of national security, secure borders, safer streets and kickstarting growth. It will strengthen Euro-Atlantic integration and regional co-operation between the six Western Balkan countries. The Berlin Process consists of a Leaders' Summit, ministerial meetings and other forums and we are keen for voices to be heard in a constructive and inclusive atmosphere. Dame Karen Pierce, the Prime Minister's Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, will drive forward preparations for the Summit.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
6th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans his Department has to support civil society in Syria.

The UK has long supported Syrian civil society, and we will continue to do so. We engage regularly with a wide range of Syrian civil society actors on issues such as political participation, accountability and human rights, and provide funding through our programme work. In January, I hosted a roundtable discussion with civil society representatives on the situation in Syria, and we have previously invited Syrian civil society representatives to brief the UN Security Council during the UK's Presidency. As I made clear in my Statement to the House on 10 March, the UK remains committed to the people of Syria and will continue to stand with them in building a more stable, free and prosperous future.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
6th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans his Department has to support post-conflict stabilisation work in Syria.

The situation is Syria remains fluid and fragile. We want to see a more stable Syria and are working closely with international partners, including European partners, to this end. Following the Foreign Secretary's public statement on 9 March, I made clear in my Statement to the House on 10 March that the interim authorities have a responsibility to ensure the protection of all Syrian civilians and to make progress towards an inclusive political transition.

Our priorities are to support an inclusive, Syrian-led political transition that leads to a representative and non-sectarian government, tackle security threats, including from Daesh, and support economic recovery. On 6 March, we announced the relaxation of sanctions on some Syrian entities in the transport, energy and finance sectors, as part of our efforts to help the people of Syria to rebuild their country and economy.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
6th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 17 December to Question 18869 on Palestinians: Fire and Rescue Services, what progress he has made on discussions with Israeli counterparts to ensure the successful delivery of this donation.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development (FCDO) Officials have raised the matter of this donation directly with the Israeli authorities and are working with colleagues in the Scottish Government to resolve the matter.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
25th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help reinstate humanitarian aid routes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The humanitarian situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is critical. Close to a million people have been displaced recently in eastern DRC and hundreds of thousands are in desperate need of lifesaving support. There is a responsibility on all parties to protect the people of eastern DRC who have suffered so much in this conflict.

The UK will continue to call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, humanitarian access, and respect for international humanitarian law. The Foreign Secretary delivered these messages to both President Tshisekedi and President Kagame during his visit to Kinshasa and Kigali on 21 and 22 February. During the visit, the Foreign Secretary announced an additional package of £14.6 million of humanitarian support to help those in eastern DRC who are suffering most.

Catherine West
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
25th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what proportion of his Department’s budget he has allocated for child-focused aid in the (a) 2024-25 and (b) 2025-26 financial years.

The former Minister for International Development published the FCDO's Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme allocations for 2024/25 in a Written Ministerial Statement on Thursday 6 February 2025.

ODA allocations for future years are being worked through given the Prime Minister's announcement on 25 February 2025 regarding a reduction in UK ODA.

This Government remains fully committed to a globally significant role on development. Our mission remains to help create a world free from poverty on a liveable planet.

We report all ODA spending on a calendar year basis in the Statistics on International Development publication.

Catherine West
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
25th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo; and what discussions he has had with his international counterparts on seeking a resolution to the violence.

The UK calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, humanitarian access, and the withdrawal of all Rwanda Defence Forces from Congolese territory. The Foreign Secretary has been clear that there would be a strong response from the international community in response to the escalating conflict. In recent weeks, the UK has coordinated closely with international partners, including those from the G7 and the International Contact Group on the Great Lakes, on that response. On 25 February the Foreign Secretary announced a package of measures which aim to bring about a ceasefire, avoid regional escalation and bring Rwanda back to the negotiating table under the AU African led peace process. The Foreign Secretary and Lord Collins, the Minister for Africa continue to engage with international counterparts to push for an end to the killing and a return to peaceful negotiations.

Catherine West
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
25th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to increase accountability for crimes against children in Sudan.

The UK plays a leading role in driving accountability efforts in Sudan and consistently calls out reported atrocities by both warring parties against women and children. At the UN Human Rights Council in October 2024, the UK led lobbying efforts to secure a mandate extension for the UN Fact Finding Mission which investigates human rights violations and abuses in Sudan, including crimes against children. The UK strongly supports the International Criminal Court's active investigation into the situation in Darfur, including allegations of crimes committed since April 2023. We are also providing nearly £1 million this year to support the Centre for Information Resilience, a research body gathering open-source evidence about the conflict in Sudan with a view to supporting future accountability. In September 2024, the Minister for Africa co-hosted an event at the UN General Assembly to draw attention to the plight of women and girls in Sudan. The UK co-led a protection of civilians UN Security Council resolution on Sudan which received unanimous support apart from Russia, who chose to veto it. We are working with Council members to explore a way forward.

Catherine West
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
4th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take diplomatic steps to support (a) civil society and (b) independent media in Georgia.

The Foreign Secretary and I have raised our concerns over the instability and violence in Georgia directly with the Georgian Dream Representatives. I have been clear that Georgia's negative democratic trajectory, violence targeting demonstrators, and journalists is unacceptable. We are working with international partners to support a free and open civil society and media in Georgia. On 30 January our Embassy in Tbilisi issued a statement, on behalf of 14 Media Freedom Coalition members, supporting journalist Mzia Amaglobeli, who has been on hunger strike since 11 January.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
4th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much and what proportion of his Department's budget he has allocated for (a) civilian peacebuilding and (b) conflict (i) prevention and (ii) resolution in the (A) 2024-25 and (B) 2025-26 financial years.

Official Development Assistance (ODA) spending on "civilian peace-building, conflict prevention and resolution", as defined by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Development Assistance Committee (DAC) (sector code 15220), for 2024-25 and 2025-26 is not currently available. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) budget allocations for 24/25 will be published shortly. Each year the FCDO publishes its Provisional and Final Statistics on International Development, providing a comprehensive overview of calendar year ODA spend. Final figures for 2024 will be published in autumn 2025.

Anneliese Dodds
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
31st Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support children in countries impacted by climate change.

We are focused on tackling the climate and nature emergencies and global development challenges together with partners, working for peace and preventing conflict, and supporting the most vulnerable. We know that children are disproportionately at risk from the effects of climate change, and children and young people will be at the forefront of shaping a resilient, sustainable future. The UK-led Glasgow Climate Pact urges Parties and stakeholders to ensure meaningful youth participation and representation in multilateral, national and local decision-making processes.

Anneliese Dodds
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
21st Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his international counterparts on helping to ensure the warring parties in Sudan comply with (a) the Jeddah Declaration and (b) their obligations under international humanitarian law.

The Foreign Secretary has engaged with international partners on the importance of holding the warring parties accountable to international humanitarian law and the commitments they made in Jeddah to allow humanitarian access and ensure the protection of civilians. As penholder at the UN Security Council and leader of the Core Group on Sudan at the UN Human Rights Council, the UK has consistently condemned reported international humanitarian and human rights law violations. The UK Special Representative to Sudan, Richard Crowder, pressed for a resolution to the conflict and for all parties to comply with the Jeddah Declaration when he visited Port Sudan in December - the UK's first official visit to the country since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023. In November 2024, the UK co-led a protection of civilians resolution at the UN Security Council with Sierra Leone, which called on parties to the conflict to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law and for compliance with the Jeddah Declaration. This received unanimous Council support, apart from Russia who chose to veto it.

Anneliese Dodds
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
21st Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to use diplomatic ties with (a) Turkey, (b) Qatar and (c) other countries in the region to advance humanitarian efforts in Sudan.

The UK continues to use diplomatic ties with Qatar and other regional partners to advance humanitarian efforts in Sudan. The Foreign Secretary met with the Qatari PM Sheikh Mohammed on 7 November and discussed the dire humanitarian situation. The Foreign Secretary has also had bilateral meetings with countries in the region to advance humanitarian access including: the Saudi Foreign Minister; the Sierra Leonean Foreign Minister and the UAE Foreign Minister. The Foreign Secretary has also engaged with the region in multilateral fora, such as a roundtable he hosted during the UK's UN Security Council presidency in November, with African Union, Algeria and Egypt in attendance. Here he urged states to use their influence with the warring parties to push for improved humanitarian access in Sudan. In November 2024, the UK co-led a protection of civilians resolution at the UN Security Council with Sierra Leone, which also called for parties to the conflict to agree humanitarian pauses, and ensure the delivery of adequate humanitarian aid. This received unanimous Council support, apart from Russia who chose to veto it.

Anneliese Dodds
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
21st Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his international counterparts on whether violations of international humanitarian law have been committed by warring parties in Sudan.

The Foreign Secretary has raised the humanitarian situation in Sudan with many of his counterparts, including the Foreign Ministers of Sierra Leone, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Qatar. The Foreign Secretary also hosted a roundtable on the humanitarian situation in Sudan during the UK's UN Security Council presidency in November, including with the African Union, Algeria and Egypt in attendance. As penholder at the UN Security Council and leader of the Core Group on Sudan at the UN Human Rights Council, the UK has consistently drawn attention to appalling reports of international humanitarian and human rights law violations. In December 2024, the UK Special Representative to Sudan, Richard Crowder, led a UK delegation to Port Sudan, where he met with several members of the Sudanese Armed Forces and pressed directly for improved humanitarian access. On 18 October 2024, the UK led a joint statement, along with ten other donors, which condemned the deliberate obstruction of humanitarian efforts and called upon warring parties to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law.

Anneliese Dodds
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
15th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Turkish counterpart on the security situation in northern Syria.

The Foreign Secretary spoke to Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan about the security situation in northern Syria on a number of occasions; most recently at the International Contact Group for Syria in Riyadh on 12 January. I spoke most recently to Deputy Turkish Foreign Minister Yilmaz on 24 December 2024. This is part of regular Ministerial and senior official engagement with Turkish counterparts on this issue. We continue to urge all sides to refrain from activity that will lead to loss of civilian life, damage to civilian infrastructure, and to avoid further destabilisation and civilian suffering in the region.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
6th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the impact of Cyclone Chido on communities in northern Zambia.

Heavy wind and rain from Tropical Cyclone Chido have caused widespread damage in Mozambique and Malawi, and have resulted in extensive crop and infrastructure damage in parts of the region. Flooding has increased the risk of disease outbreak in a region where cholera is endemic, and cases are on the rise. Northern Mozambique was most affected by Tropical Cyclone Chido; resulting in 120 deaths, and impacting 687,000 people, many of whom are already internally displaced and affected by conflict.

To support, the UK has provided £5 million to Mozambique, focusing on providing emergency shelter, clean water, sanitation needs and preparedness building. Barring heavy rain and greater flood risk, Tropical Cyclone Chido has not had a substantial impact on Northern Zambia.

Anneliese Dodds
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
6th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment has been made of the potential impact of Cyclone Chido on people in southern Africa.

Heavy wind and rain from Tropical Cyclone Chido have caused widespread damage in Mozambique and Malawi, and have resulted in extensive crop and infrastructure damage in parts of the region. Flooding has increased the risk of disease outbreak in a region where cholera is endemic, and cases are on the rise. Northern Mozambique was most affected by Tropical Cyclone Chido; resulting in 120 deaths, and impacting 687,000 people, many of whom are already internally displaced and affected by conflict.

To support, the UK has provided £5 million to Mozambique, focusing on providing emergency shelter, clean water, sanitation needs and preparedness building. Barring heavy rain and greater flood risk, Tropical Cyclone Chido has not had a substantial impact on Northern Zambia.

Anneliese Dodds
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
3rd Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of reports of attacks by Israel on medical facilities in Gaza.

The UK Government remains deeply concerned about the impact of military activity on healthcare facilities in Gaza. Medical staff and facilities must be protected, and civilians should be able to safely access medical treatment. It is unacceptable that northern Gaza now has no functioning major health facilities, following strikes on the Kamal Adwan hospital. In our statement to the UN Security Council on 3 January, we dismayed at the deterioration of the healthcare situation in Gaza, and called on Israel to clarify the whereabouts of medical staff detained from hospitals in the north. I have repeatedly underlined our grave concern about these issues with Israeli counterparts, most recently on 3 January and again today 8 January.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
13th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on the conflict in Myanmar.

Since the coup in February 2021, the UK has provided more than £150 million for life-saving humanitarian assistance, healthcare, education and support for civil society and local communities in Myanmar. UK Ministers and officials work with many international partners to address the Myanmar crisis including the EU. G7 Foreign Ministers reiterated their commitment to addressing the Myanmar crisis in their November 2024 Foreign Ministers' Meeting. FCDO officials continue to coordinate with the EU on sanctions, including announcing a joint round of sanctions with Canada in October 2024 which targets the Myanmar military's access to military material, equipment and funds.

Catherine West
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
13th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when he last had discussions with his Azerbaijani counterpart on the humanitarian situation in Nagorno Karabakh.

The UK remains in close contact with the Azerbaijani Government on a wide range of issues, including the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. I spoke with the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister on 31 October and discussed the situation in the region.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
13th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will list the meetings Ministers in his Department have had with Israeli officials since 7 December 2024.

FCDO Ministers meet with a wide range of officials, but there have been no official meetings with Israeli officials since 7 December 2024.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
13th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when the last Joint Analysis of Conflict and Stability strategic assessment was carried out on the situation in Syria.

A Joint Analysis of Conflict and Stability (JACS) strategic assessment is an OFFICIAL SENSITIVE paper that is used to underpin UK national security strategies, as well as UK government policy and programming. We do not publicly comment on the timings of specific JACS assessments.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
9th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help to low-income countries pursue green industrialisation pathways.

The UK Government is committed to helping low income countries pursue green industrialisation pathways by promoting inclusive and sustainable economic development, and supporting industrial decarbonisation.

Examples include raising over £470 million of investment through Manufacturing Africa in Rwanda and Ethiopia, £7 million investment by British International Investment in Planet Solar, using solar power to increase Sierra Leone's power supply by 30%, and support to the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative.

Anneliese Dodds
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
9th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his department is taking to help countries disproportionately impacted by climate change implement (a) social and (b) economic adaptation measures.

Since 2011, the UK has supported over 110 million people to adapt to climate change.  We support countries to produce and implement whole-of-society national adaptation plans, have several regional programmes supporting climate-resilient economies, and fund research informing adaptation solutions. UK experts have developed financing models; after Hurricane Beryl this July, the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility paid over 76 million dollars to support their recovery. An initial investment in the Resilience and Adaptation Fund currently in development will enable vulnerable households to secure better incomes, assets, and access to food, water and productive land; building their resilience to climate change.

Anneliese Dodds
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)