Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

We pursue our national interests and project the UK as a force for good in the world. We promote the interests of British citizens, safeguard the UK’s security, defend our values, reduce poverty and tackle global challenges with our international partners.



Secretary of State

 Portrait

Yvette Cooper
Foreign Secretary

Shadow Ministers / Spokeperson
Liberal Democrat
Lord Purvis of Tweed (LD - Life peer)
Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs)
Calum Miller (LD - Bicester and Woodstock)
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Foreign Affairs)

Conservative
Priti Patel (Con - Witham)
Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs

Green Party
Ellie Chowns (Green - North Herefordshire)
Green Spokesperson (Foreign Affairs)
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Conservative
Lord Callanan (Con - Life peer)
Shadow Minister (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Wendy Morton (Con - Aldridge-Brownhills)
Shadow Minister (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Ministers of State
Stephen Doughty (LAB - Cardiff South and Penarth)
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State
Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab - Life peer)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Hamish Falconer (Lab - Lincoln)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Seema Malhotra (LAB - Feltham and Heston)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Chris Elmore (Lab - Bridgend)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
There are no upcoming events identified
Debates
Thursday 16th April 2026
Select Committee Inquiry
Thursday 27th March 2025
The UK Government’s China Audit

Although China is the UK’s fifth largest trading partner, the UK Government has, in recent years, described China as an …

Written Answers
Monday 20th April 2026
Russia: Oil
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to identify, detain …
Secondary Legislation
Thursday 8th January 2026
Caribbean Development Bank (Eleventh Replenishment of the Special Development Fund (Unified)) Order 2026
This Order approves the making of payments on behalf of the Government of the United Kingdom to the Caribbean Development …
Bills
Wednesday 10th September 2025
Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Act 2026
A Bill to make provision for and in connection with the implementation by the United Kingdom of the Agreement under …

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Commons Appearances

Oral Answers to Questions is a regularly scheduled appearance where the Secretary of State and junior minister will answer at the Dispatch Box questions from backbench MPs

Other Commons Chamber appearances can be:
  • Urgent Questions where the Speaker has selected a question to which a Minister must reply that day
  • Adjornment Debates a 30 minute debate attended by a Minister that concludes the day in Parliament.
  • Oral Statements informing the Commons of a significant development, where backbench MP's can then question the Minister making the statement.

Westminster Hall debates are performed in response to backbench MPs or e-petitions asking for a Minister to address a detailed issue

Written Statements are made when a current event is not sufficiently significant to require an Oral Statement, but the House is required to be informed.

Most Recent Commons Appearances by Category
Mar. 03
Oral Questions
Mar. 16
Urgent Questions
Mar. 18
Westminster Hall
Mar. 11
Adjournment Debate
View All Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Commons Contibutions

Bills currently before Parliament

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not have Bills currently before Parliament


Acts of Parliament created in the 2024 Parliament


A Bill to make provision for and in connection with the implementation by the United Kingdom 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.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 12th February 2026 and was enacted into law.

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office - Secondary Legislation

This Order approves the making of payments on behalf of the Government of the United Kingdom to the Caribbean Development Bank (the “Bank”) of sums not exceeding £21 million as a contribution to the Eleventh Replenishment of the Special Development Fund (Unified) (the “Fund”). The payments approved by this Order will be made pursuant to the Resolution adopted by the contributors to the Fund on 14th March 2025. The Order also provides for the redemption of non-interest-bearing and non-negotiable notes issued by the Secretary of State pursuant to arrangements between the Government and the Bank.
These Regulations are made under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (c. 13) to amend the Central African Republic (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/616) (“the CAR Regulations”). These amendments are being made to ensure compliance with the UK’s UN obligations, specifically to ensure changes made by the UN Security Resolution 2745 (2024) (as extended by Resolution 2789 (2025)), in relation to the Central African Republic, are reflected.
View All Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Secondary Legislation

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).

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Petition Debates Contributed
198,966
Petition Closed
28 Jul 2025
closed 8 months, 3 weeks ago

Act to ensure deliverer of fuel, food, aid, life saving services etc. We think this shouldn't be dependant/on condition of Israeli facilitation as the Knesset voted against UNWRA access to Gaza. We think if military delivery of aid, airdrops, peacekeepers etc, are needed, then all be considered.

View All Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Petitions

Departmental Select Committee

Foreign Affairs Committee

Commons Select Committees are a formally established cross-party group of backbench MPs tasked with holding a Government department to account.

At any time there will be number of ongoing investigations into the work of the Department, or issues which fall within the oversight of the Department. Witnesses can be summoned from within the Government and outside to assist in these inquiries.

Select Committee findings are reported to the Commons, printed, and published on the Parliament website. The government then usually has 60 days to reply to the committee's recommendations.


11 Members of the Foreign Affairs Committee
Emily Thornberry Portrait
Emily Thornberry (Labour - Islington South and Finsbury)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 11th September 2024
John Whittingdale Portrait
John Whittingdale (Conservative - Maldon)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Abtisam Mohamed Portrait
Abtisam Mohamed (Labour - Sheffield Central)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Uma Kumaran Portrait
Uma Kumaran (Labour - Stratford and Bow)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Dan Carden Portrait
Dan Carden (Labour - Liverpool Walton)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Aphra Brandreth Portrait
Aphra Brandreth (Conservative - Chester South and Eddisbury)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Edward Morello Portrait
Edward Morello (Liberal Democrat - West Dorset)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Richard Foord Portrait
Richard Foord (Liberal Democrat - Honiton and Sidmouth)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Alex Ballinger Portrait
Alex Ballinger (Labour - Halesowen)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 16th December 2024
Fleur Anderson Portrait
Fleur Anderson (Labour - Putney)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 27th October 2025
Alan Gemmell Portrait
Alan Gemmell (Labour - Central Ayrshire)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 13th April 2026
Foreign Affairs Committee: Upcoming Events
Foreign Affairs Committee - Oral evidence
Work of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
21 Apr 2026, 8:30 a.m.
At 9:00am: Oral evidence
Sir Oliver Robbins KCMG CB - Former Permanent Under-Secretary at Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office

View calendar - Save to Calendar
Foreign Affairs Committee: Previous Inquiries
Environmental diplomacy The Myanmar crisis Coronavirus: FCDO response The UK and Iran The FCDO and the Integrated Review The FCO's human rights work in 2013 Gibraltar The UK's relations with Hong Kong: 30 years after the Joint Declaration FCO performance and finances 2013-14 Hong Kong Russia and Ukraine Overseas Territories FCO consular services UK policy towards Iran UK Government policy on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq The future of the BBC World Service Developments in Libya The fight against ISIL: the UK's role inquiry FCO budget and capacity inquiry Libya: Examination of intervention and collapse and the UK's future policy options inquiry Costs and benefits of EU membership for the UK's role in the world inquiry Foreign policy developments Progress of the Iraq Inquiry British Foreign policy and the 'Arab Spring': follow-up Appointment of Lord Hill of Oareford to the European Commission Hong Kong: China's ban on the Committee's visit Government foreign policy towards the United States Foreign and Commonwealth Office performance and finances 2012-13 Departmental Annual Report 2010-11 FCO Public Diplomacy: The Olympic and Paralympic Games 2012 FCO's Human Rights Work 2010-11 Overseas Territories British foreign policy and the 'Arab Spring' FCO's human rights work in 2011 The future of the European Union: UK Government policy The role and future of the Commonwealth UK's relations with Saudi Arabia and Bahrain The UK's response to extremism and political instability in North and West Africa The UK’s influence in the UN inquiry The UK’s response to hurricanes in its Overseas Territories inquiry Global Britain inquiry The Commonwealth Summit inquiry Responsibility to protect and humanitarian intervention inquiry Russian corruption and the UK inquiry Session with Minister of State for Africa inquiry The Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Human Rights Work inquiry The Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s preparations for the World Cup inquiry The Western Balkans inquiry The future of the UK Overseas Territories inquiry Global Britain and India inquiry Global Britain: FCO skills inquiry The work of the Minister of State for the Middle East Global Britain and South America inquiry Global Britain: The future of UK sanctions policy inquiry FCO budget and capacity, and annual report 2017-18 inquiry Finding a diplomatic route: European responses to irregular migration inquiry The World Food Programme inquiry The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Global media freedom inquiry Autocracies and UK Foreign Policy inquiry FCO secure communications and handling of classified information inquiry The future of Britain’s diplomatic relationship with Europe - follow up inquiry Beyond Aid: The UK’s Strategic Engagement in Africa inquiry Human rights: Freedom of religion and belief, and human rights defenders inquiry The Caucasus inquiry The UK and Iran’s regional role inquiry Economic foreign policy inquiry The UK’s policy towards the Middle East Peace Process inquiry UK relations with China inquiry The FCO policy on arms exports inquiry Evidence from HE Lord Llewellyn of Steep on his appointment as HM Ambassador to Paris inquiry Resignation of Lord Hill of Oareford from the European Commission inquiry FCO budget and capacity, and Annual Report 2015-16 inquiry Violence in Rakhine State inquiry China and the international rules-based system inquiry FCO budget and capacity, and annual report 2016-17 Oral evidence from the Foreign Secretary Kurdish aspirations and the interests of the UK inquiry The future of Britain’s diplomatic relationship with Europe inquiry Political Islam inquiry UK's relations with Russia inquiry Human rights inquiry The future operations of BBC monitoring inquiry Human Rights: Annual review of the work of the FCO inquiry UK's relations with Turkey inquiry Implications of leaving the EU for the UK's role in the world inquiry The UK’s role in strengthening multilateral organisations FCO-DFID merger Xinjiang detention camps Global health security Update to the UK's Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy Critical minerals Western Balkans The UK’s engagement in Central Asia The UK’s international counter-terrorism policy The UK’s engagement with the Middle East and North Africa International relations within the multilateral system The BBC World Service: Is Britain Losing its Soft Power? Work of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict The work of the British Council Soft power: a strategy for UK success? Disinformation diplomacy: How malign actors are seeking to undermine democracy The UK’s sanctions strategy The UK-EU reset: rebuilding a strategic partnership in uncertain times The UK at the United Nations Security Council The UK Government’s China Audit Beyond Aid: The UK’s Strategic Engagement in Africa Autocracies and UK Foreign Policy The future of Britain’s diplomatic relationship with Europe- follow up inquiry China and the international rules-based system Economic foreign policy Finding a diplomatic route: European responses to irregular migration FCO budget and capacity, and annual report 2017-18 The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Global media freedom FCO secure communications and handling of classified information Human rights: Freedom of religion and belief, and human rights defenders Global Britain and South America Global Britain: The future of UK sanctions policy The work of the Minister of State for the Middle East Global Britain and India The future of the UK Overseas Territories Oral evidence from the Foreign Secretary The UK’s influence in the UN Session with Minister of State for Africa Responsibility to protect and humanitarian intervention The Caucasus The UK and Iran’s regional role The World Food Programme

50 most recent 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

10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to identify, detain and seize vessels involved in transporting Russian oil in circumvention of international sanctions, including those operating as part of the so‑called shadow fleet; and what discussions his Department is holding with European partners on overcoming the legal and political barriers to the release of frozen Russian state assets held in Europe for use in support of Ukraine.

In response to the first question, I refer the Hon Member to the answers provided on 10 April in response to Question 123071, and on 28 January in response to Question 106997. In response to the second question, the UK and wider G7 countries have committed to ensuring that Russian sovereign assets remain immobilised across our jurisdictions until Russia ceases its war of aggression and pays for the damage it has caused to Ukraine. We will continue to work with international partners to ensure Ukraine gets the support it needs.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the report by Survival International entitled Uncontacted Indigenous Peoples: at the edge of survival, published in October 2025; and what diplomatic steps her Department is taking to raise this issue with international counterparts and other stakeholders.

The UK voted for the 2007 UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and supports its principles, including respect for the rights, autonomy and protection of all indigenous people - including those living in voluntary isolation.

The UK raises the rights of indigenous people through ongoing diplomatic engagement and works bilaterally and through multilateral institutions to encourage states to meet their international human rights commitments, including in countries where uncontacted indigenous people are present.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions (a) Ministers and (b) officials based overseas have had with the governments of countries with uncontacted indigenous peoples on the protection of the rights of those peoples, including Indonesia, India, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela and Brazil.

The UK voted for the 2007 UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and supports its principles, including respect for the rights, autonomy and protection of all indigenous people - including those living in voluntary isolation.

The UK raises the rights of indigenous people through ongoing diplomatic engagement and works bilaterally and through multilateral institutions to encourage states to meet their international human rights commitments, including in countries where uncontacted indigenous people are present.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
14th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will review the adequacy of her Department's travel advice for Hong Kong, in the context of recent reports of enforcement actions, under the National Security Law, regarding electronic devices in the possession of travellers; and if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of those reports on UK travellers and journalists operating in the territory.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office keeps its travel advice under constant review, and last updated its advice for Hong Kong on 1 April to reflect its assessment of the situation on the ground.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations she has made to her Israeli counterpart regarding the closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The UK is concerned about recent restrictions on access to holy sites in Jerusalem. Israel must work with religious communities to facilitate access in line with the status quo, and the right to worship must be protected.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
13th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of conditions for freedom of religion or belief in North Korea; and what discussions she has had with her North Korean counterpart on that topic.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer he received on 5 March in response to Question 114767.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Mar 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 11 February (HL14050), whether Inter Mediate has undertaken any work for them in relation to (1) the Chagos Islands, or (2) Mauritius; and whether they have received any representations from Inter Mediate about those two places.

For over ten years, Inter Mediate and the UK Government have successfully partnered to advance peace efforts around the globe. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) supports a range of civil society and non-governmental organisations through its mediation and conflict resolution programme. Given the sensitive and discreet nature of these efforts, we do not disclose details of the projects supported. This ensures that neither the safety of partners, nor the integrity of ongoing peace efforts are compromised. This is in line with the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the FCDO's approach to aid transparency, whereby information is excluded from publication where sharing could pose risks to international relations, compromise the security and safety of partners, prejudice national security, or reveal personal data that could infringe on privacy or breach confidentiality.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
17th Mar 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington of 11 February 2026 (HL14050), whether Inter Mediate is undertaking any work in, or with, North Korea funded by the UK Government.

For over ten years, Inter Mediate and the UK Government have successfully partnered to advance peace efforts around the globe. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) supports a range of civil society and non-governmental organisations through its mediation and conflict resolution programme. Given the sensitive and discreet nature of these efforts, we do not disclose details of the projects supported. This ensures that neither the safety of partners, nor the integrity of ongoing peace efforts are compromised. This is in line with the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the FCDO's approach to aid transparency, whereby information is excluded from publication where sharing could pose risks to international relations, compromise the security and safety of partners, prejudice national security, or reveal personal data that could infringe on privacy or breach confidentiality.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had recent discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the fiscal circumstances within which the level of the Official Development Assistance budget will be raised to 0.7% of gross national income.

In line with the International Development (Official Development Assistance Target) Act 2015, the Government is required to review whether a return to spending 0.7 per cent of gross national income on Official Development Assistance is possible against each new fiscal forecast, and to lay a statement in Parliament in each year when that is not possible. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office continues to liaise closely with HM Treasury on an ongoing basis in relation to these projections.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) charity on the potential impact of recent and proposed changes in the level of Official Development Assistance funding on the effectiveness of VSO.

Our partnership with Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) has been extended until March 2027. The Active Citizenship through Inclusive Volunteering and Empowerment (ACTIVE) programme currently operates in 14 countries and works with local civil society groups to strengthen their organisational capacity, leadership, autonomy and sustainability. This reflects our modernised approach to development, delivering value for money for UK taxpayers and transforming our country development partnerships to reflect the changing needs of our partners. We are looking forward to seeing how VSO's work progresses.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to meet the UK's commitments under the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, in the context of revisions to the Official Development Assistance funding allocated to that programme.

Global health remains one of the key priorities of our development work. The UK will continue supporting polio eradication through our flexible core funding to the World Health Organization (WHO). Our £248 million contribution will help sustain essential global health functions, including surveillance and outbreak response, which are vital in the fight against polio. We will also continue contributing to routine polio immunisation through our investment in Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. The UK is Gavi's largest sovereign donor, supporting routine immunisation worldwide. We will invest £1.25 billion in Gavi between 2026 and 2030 to help immunise up to 500 million children, including against polio.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of changes to Official Development Assistance funding for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative on (a) progress towards global polio eradication and (b) international public health preparedness.

Global health remains one of the key priorities of our development work. The UK will continue supporting polio eradication through our flexible core funding to the World Health Organization (WHO). Our £248 million contribution will help sustain essential global health functions, including surveillance and outbreak response, which are vital in the fight against polio. We will also continue contributing to routine polio immunisation through our investment in Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. The UK is Gavi's largest sovereign donor, supporting routine immunisation worldwide. We will invest £1.25 billion in Gavi between 2026 and 2030 to help immunise up to 500 million children, including against polio.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps she is taking to help support the end of the civil war in Sudan.

I refer the Hon Member to the oral statement made by the Foreign Secretary on 5 February following her recent visit to the Chad-Sudan border, and her speech to the United Nations on 19 February, available at the link below. Further updates will follow the Berlin Ministerial Conference this week.

https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/let-this-be-the-time-that-the-world-comes-together-to-end-the-cycle-of-bloodshed-in-sudan-uk-statement-at-the-un-security-council.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much does she estimate the 0.2% of Gross National Income reduction in funding for Official Development Assistance from 2027 will amount to in pound sterling.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 19 March outlining the UK's Official Development Assistance (ODA) allocations for the period up to 2028-29, and to the accompanying documents setting out the detail of those allocations. I also refer him to the evidence provided by the Foreign Secretary and the Minister of State for International Development at the International Development Committee on 24 March, where they addressed questions at length about the Government's ODA policies and allocation decisions.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, which projects will no longer be supported following the reduction in funding for Official Development Assistance in 2027.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 19 March outlining the UK's Official Development Assistance (ODA) allocations for the period up to 2028-29, and to the accompanying documents setting out the detail of those allocations. I also refer him to the evidence provided by the Foreign Secretary and the Minister of State for International Development at the International Development Committee on 24 March, where they addressed questions at length about the Government's ODA policies and allocation decisions.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what criteria was used to allocate £14 million to the solar panel project in Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In the press release issued to mark the launch of British International Investment (BII) by the former Foreign Secretary Liz Truss in November 2021, the previous government specifically stated: "[This] builds on the Prime Minister's commitments at COP26 to help developing countries take advantage of clean technology and grow their economies sustainably, with the BII delivering billions in climate financing for projects like solar power, sustainable transport and disaster-resilient infrastructure over the next 5 years."

The investment in question will support delivery of a major new electrification project, led by a BII-owned company, which will provide a profitable return for UK investment, while also helping to prevent large-scale deforestation, reduce carbon emissions, and support stability in a conflict affected region. This is consistent with the UK's wider International Climate Finance strategy, established under the previous government.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what value for money assessment her Department has made of the expenditure of £14 million on the solar panel project in Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In the press release issued to mark the launch of British International Investment (BII) by the former Foreign Secretary Liz Truss in November 2021, the previous government specifically stated: "[This] builds on the Prime Minister's commitments at COP26 to help developing countries take advantage of clean technology and grow their economies sustainably, with the BII delivering billions in climate financing for projects like solar power, sustainable transport and disaster-resilient infrastructure over the next 5 years."

The investment in question will support delivery of a major new electrification project, led by a BII-owned company, which will provide a profitable return for UK investment, while also helping to prevent large-scale deforestation, reduce carbon emissions, and support stability in a conflict affected region. This is consistent with the UK's wider International Climate Finance strategy, established under the previous government.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the planned ODA funding within the Human Development thematic directorate will be for a) global health, b) women and girls, c) equalities, d) civil society, e) safeguarding, f) governance and g) education in 2026-27, 2027-28 and 2028-29.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 19 March outlining the UK's Official Development Assistance (ODA) allocations for the period up to 2028-29, and to the accompanying documents setting out the detail of those allocations. I also refer him to the evidence provided by the Foreign Secretary and the Minister of State for International Development at the International Development Committee on 24 March, where they addressed questions at length about the Government's ODA policies and allocation decisions.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Science training strengthens reporting by journalists from Ghana and Nigeria, published on 9 April 2026, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the science journalism training programme delivered at Imperial College London.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided to him on 17 March 2026 in response to Question 120276.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Science training strengthens reporting by journalists from Ghana and Nigeria, published on 9 April 2026, how many journalists participated in the programme and how they were selected.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided to him on 17 March 2026 in response to Question 120276.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Science training strengthens reporting by journalists from Ghana and Nigeria, published on 9 April 2026, what metrics her Department will use to evaluate the potential impact of the programme on science reporting in participating countries.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided to him on 17 March 2026 in response to Question 120276.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Science training strengthens reporting by journalists from Ghana and Nigeria, published on 9 April 2026, what the total cost to the public purse was of delivering the programme.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided to him on 17 March 2026 in response to Question 120276.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Science training strengthens reporting by journalists from Ghana and Nigeria, published on 9 April 2026, what estimate she has made of the value for money of funding overseas journalism training initiatives.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided to him on 17 March 2026 in response to Question 120276.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Science training strengthens reporting by journalists from Ghana and Nigeria, published on 9 April 2026, what proportion of programme funding was spent in (a) the UK, (b) Ghana, and (c) Nigeria.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided to him on 17 March 2026 in response to Question 120276.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Science training strengthens reporting by journalists from Ghana and Nigeria, published on 9 April 2026, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of the programme to UK institutions and researchers.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided to him on 17 March 2026 in response to Question 120276.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Science training strengthens reporting by journalists from Ghana and Nigeria, published on 9 April 2026, how the programme contributes to the UK’s foreign policy objectives in West Africa.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided to him on 17 March 2026 in response to Question 120276.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Science training strengthens reporting by journalists from Ghana and Nigeria, published on 9 April 2026, whether her Department plans to expand similar training programmes to other countries.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided to him on 17 March 2026 in response to Question 120276.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Science training strengthens reporting by journalists from Ghana and Nigeria, published on 9 April 2026, whether she plans to provide follow-up support to journalists who completed the programme.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided to him on 17 March 2026 in response to Question 120276.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Science training strengthens reporting by journalists from Ghana and Nigeria, published on 9 April 2026, whether her Department plans to publish an evaluation of the programme’s effectiveness.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided to him on 17 March 2026 in response to Question 120276.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the value for money of payments from the Government to Inter Mediate since 5 July 2024.

The Programming Operating Framework (ProF), published on gov.uk explains the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office's approach to assessing value for money.
Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what support is available for UK-based not-for-profit organisations developing innovative health technologies for use in the developing world.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) routes funding for the development of innovative health technologies for use in low and middle income countries through public-private Product Development Partnerships (PDPs) or similar organisations. These organisations work in partnership with academia, the public and private sectors (including not-for-profit) to develop products where commercial markets fail. Our portfolio includes support to the Liverpool based Innovative Vector Control Consortium (IVCC), TB Alliance and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). FCDO research funding opportunities, including for new health technologies, are advertised through the usual government procurement channels. PDPs collaborate with numerous UK partner organisations. CEPI alone has over 20 UK partners in academia and industry.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of changes to Official Development Assistance funding for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative on (a) global efforts to eradicate polio, (b) child health outcomes in endemic and at-risk countries and (c) the risk of resurgence of poliovirus.

I refer the Hon. Member to the response given to question 126356 on 20 April.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
13th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had discussions with her Mauritian counterpart on the arrest of the former Prime Minister of that country in relation to money laundering issues.

These legal proceedings are a matter for the Mauritian authorities.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
26th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of (a) the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Paul Bérenger in Mauritius and (b) his allegations of corruption.

None of the issues raised by the Rt Hon Member are matters for the UK Government, and none of them have any bearing on the future status of the Diego Garcia base, or the treaty negotiated with Mauritius.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
26th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of the timing of the public commentary by the government of Mauritius on the Iranian missile attack on Diego Garcia.

None of the issues raised by the Rt Hon Member are matters for the UK Government, and none of them have any bearing on the future status of the Diego Garcia base, or the treaty negotiated with Mauritius.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
13th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will seek a United Nations (a) Security Council and (b) General Assembly discussion of the human rights, humanitarian, political and security situation in Myanmar.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 10 April in response to Question HL16049, which - for ease of reference - is reproduced below:

The UK continues to use its penholder role at the UN Security Council (UNSC) to shine a spotlight on the Myanmar crisis. We convened four Council meetings in 2025 to spotlight the crisis and one most recently in March this year. We welcome the report of the UN Special Rapporteur, and condemn airstrikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure, as we did at the UK-convened meeting of the UNSC on 22 December 2025. The statement made at that meeting by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d'Affaires to the UN, is reproduced below:

"This morning, the Security Council will meet privately to discuss the situation in Myanmar. We will hear updates from ASEAN Special Envoy Othman Hashim and the UN Special Envoy Julie Bishop.

"Nearly five years since the Myanmar military overturned the democratically elected government, the UK remains deeply concerned at the ongoing violence. The military must de-escalate and cease its violence, including airstrikes on civilians. Targeted attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure must stop. We strongly condemn the recent airstrike on a hospital in Rakhine State this month, which killed more than 30 civilians.

"The humanitarian situation in Myanmar also remains catastrophic. Over 16 million people will require life-saving assistance in 2026. The UK has provided over $100 million this fiscal year. But financial support can only have real impact if access is granted.

"Finally, the UK is clear: any meaningful election requires an end to violence and dialogue amongst all parties concerned. And there are no indications that the planned elections will be perceived as free or fair. Elections under current circumstances risk provoking further violence and make a long-term solution more elusive.

"The UK reiterates our support for ASEAN's central role in pursuit of a solution to the ongoing crisis. We stand in solidarity with the people of Myanmar and their desire for a peaceful, inclusive, and democratic future. We will keep the Myanmar crisis on the Council's agenda."

In addition, we continue to consider designations under our sanctions regimes, including the Myanmar Sanctions Regulations, as guided by the evidence. It is the UK's long-standing policy not to speculate about future sanctions designations as to do so could reduce their impact.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
26th Mar 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they anticipate that President Ahmed al-Sharaa will visit the UK; if so, when; and what questions they intend to raise with him.

I refer the Noble Lord to the statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office on 31 March, which - for ease of access - is reproduced below:

The Prime Minister met the President of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Downing Street this morning. The leaders agreed that this was an important moment for the UK-Syria relationship.

On the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, they both affirmed the importance of avoiding further escalation and restoring stability in the region. They discussed the need for a viable plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, in the face of the severe economic impact of prolonged closure, and agreed to work with others to restore freedom of navigation.

The Prime Minister welcomed the Syrian Government's action against Da'esh to date and the progress made on cooperation between the UK and Syria on counter-terrorism. He set out how he hoped to make further progress on the issue of migration, including closer work together on returns, on border security, and on tackling people smuggling networks.

They agreed that regeneration of infrastructure would be vital for Syria's economic transition, and discussed opportunities for British businesses across several sectors to play a role in this.

They agreed to keep in touch.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
26th Mar 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government how much financial support they contributed from 2017–24 to the UN Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da'esh/ISIL; and what access victims now have to the evidence collected in Syria and Iraq.

I refer the Noble Lord to the answers provided on 12 February to Questions HL13863 and HL13920, and on the work of UNITAD, I refer him to the answers he was provided on 19 September 2024 in response to Questions HL838 and HL839.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
26th Mar 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of French and German prosecutions of perpetrators of Yezidi genocide, including by trial in absentia; and why similar prosecutions have not occurred in the UK.

I refer the Noble Lord to the answers provided on 12 February to Questions HL13863 and HL13920, and on the work of UNITAD, I refer him to the answers he was provided on 19 September 2024 in response to Questions HL838 and HL839.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
26th Mar 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of (1) the total number of ISIS affiliates freed from prisons in Syria, and (2) the number of British citizens among them.

I refer the Noble Lord to the answers provided on 12 February to Questions HL13863 and HL13920, and on the work of UNITAD, I refer him to the answers he was provided on 19 September 2024 in response to Questions HL838 and HL839.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
26th Mar 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government how many ISIS affiliates who have returned to the UK from Syria or Iraq have been prosecuted for genocide or crimes against humanity.

I refer the Noble Lord to the answers provided on 12 February to Questions HL13863 and HL13920, and on the work of UNITAD, I refer him to the answers he was provided on 19 September 2024 in response to Questions HL838 and HL839.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
27th Mar 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Statement by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 23 February (HLWS1349), how much Official Development Assistance will be allocated to (1) the Media Freedom Coalition, and (2) the Public Interest Media and Healthy Information Environments programme, in (a) 2026–27, (b) 2027–28, and (c) 2028–29.

I refer the Noble Lord to the statements made by the Foreign Secretary and myself - UIN HLWS1431 - on 19 March outlining the UK's Official Development Assistance (ODA) allocations for the period up to 2028-29, and to the accompanying documents setting out the detail of those allocations. Funding for specific organisations over the period in question will be confirmed in due course.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether a UK trade mission will accompany the King’s forthcoming State visit to the US.

The State Visit will of course include components marking the crucial economic ties between the UK and US as well as trade and investment focused engagements. Separately, in May 2026, the UK will host Greater Together LA, an unprecedented gathering of 500 British and American businesses, investors, industry representatives and political leaders, designed to promote enhanced UK-US trade, investment, tourism and education partnerships.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, on what dates (a) she and (b) Ministers in her Department held discussions with their United States' counterparts on the Board of Peace.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office ministers speak to their US counterparts on a regular basis on a range of issues, including the implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has conducted diplomatic discussions with (a) the Government of the Faroe Islands, (b) the Government of Denmark and (c) other international partners on the impact of Faroese dolphin hunting on North Atlantic cetacean populations.

The UK strongly opposes the hunting of cetaceans other than limited activities by indigenous people for defined subsistence needs. UK ministers and officials continue to advocate for the end of cetacean hunts in the Faroe Islands at every appropriate opportunity, most recently during formal UK-Faroes bilateral fisheries negotiations in November 2025, and I raised this with the Faroese Prime Minister Aksel V. Johannesen when I hosted him in London last year. We also use our role as Chair of the International Whaling Commission's Conservation Committee to raise the profile of small cetaceans, including encouraging more work to improve their protection and address welfare concerns.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
14th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how the Government is assessing the financial sustainability of the British Council over the next 3 years; and what metrics or criteria are being used in that assessment.

I refer the Hon Member to (a) the answer I provided on 28 October 2025 in response to question 906060, (b) the oral evidence provided to the Foreign Affairs Committee on 9 December 2025 by the Permanent Under-Secretary to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and on 16 December 2025 by the Foreign Secretary, and (c) the Written Ministerial Statement I made on 26 March 2026 (Statement UIN HCWS1470), where these issues were addressed at length.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
14th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment the Government has made of the principal financial pressures facing the British Council; and what the main drivers of those pressures are.

I refer the Hon Member to (a) the answer I provided on 28 October 2025 in response to question 906060, (b) the oral evidence provided to the Foreign Affairs Committee on 9 December 2025 by the Permanent Under-Secretary to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and on 16 December 2025 by the Foreign Secretary, and (c) the Written Ministerial Statement I made on 26 March 2026 (Statement UIN HCWS1470), where these issues were addressed at length.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
14th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to support the British Council in addressing identified financial pressures; and what further assistance is under consideration to ensure its long-term sustainability.

I refer the Hon Member to (a) the answer I provided on 28 October 2025 in response to question 906060, (b) the oral evidence provided to the Foreign Affairs Committee on 9 December 2025 by the Permanent Under-Secretary to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and on 16 December 2025 by the Foreign Secretary, and (c) the Written Ministerial Statement I made on 26 March 2026 (Statement UIN HCWS1470), where these issues were addressed at length.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps her Department is taking to help support the independence of the International Criminal Court in light of reports of political pressure on its officials.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer he was provided on 11 March in response to Question 118062.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)