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 26th March 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
Wednesday 1st April 2026
Ameer Kotecha
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Mr Ameer Kotecha was given a leave …
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 …
Dept. Publications
Wednesday 1st April 2026
17:29

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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Petitions with most signatures
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Petition Debates Contributed

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
Phil Brickell Portrait
Phil Brickell (Labour - Bolton West)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 16th December 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
Foreign Affairs Committee: Upcoming Events
Foreign Affairs Committee - Oral evidence
Disinformation diplomacy: How malign actors are seeking to undermine democracy: follow-up
14 Apr 2026, 10 a.m.
At 10:30am: Oral evidence
Kanishka Narayan MP - Minister for AI and Online Safety at Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Talitha Rowland - Director for Security and Online Harms at Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

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

24th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether it has conducted an impact assessment of the recent announcement to reduce its development budget to 0.3% of Gross National Income by 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 the accompanying documentation setting out the impact of those allocation decisions. 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)
24th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the exact figure is of ODA that will be spent on International Climate Finance.

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 the accompanying documentation setting out the impact of those allocation decisions. 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)
23rd Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with colleagues in the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the potential impact of developing country debt held by financial institutions based in the UK on the ability of those countries to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.

Supporting developing countries to tackle unsustainable debt is a key development priority of this government. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) works closely with the Treasury to support countries facing high debt burdens and struggling to finance their development priorities.

The UK plays a leading role in mobilising private finance for development, leveraging the City of London's global strengths and our track record on innovative financial instruments. We are committed to ensuring finance is sustainable, which is why the Chancellor established the London Coalition on Sustainable Sovereign Debt last year. The Chancellor and the Minister for International Development will attend the World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF) Spring Meetings and the Minister for International Development will join discussions with borrowing countries on how the London Coalition can help them tackle their debt challenges.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether an event was held within her Department to mark World Afro Day in August 2021.

There is no record of Mr Kotecha being granted a period of unpaid leave during his employment with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). His work on producing the cookbook and running the pudding competition over the course of 2021-22 was carried out in tandem with his preparations to take up a new post at the consulate in Ekaterinburg.

The FCDO did not hold any staff events on Sunday 15 August 2021, the day that the Taliban captured Kabul. The event to which Mr Kotecha has referred took place on Wednesday 15 September 2021, a month after the fall of Kabul, and almost three weeks after the UK's final evacuation flight from Afghanistan. It was a lunchtime panel discussion organised by the Civil Service Race Forum panel, and held online for staff networks across Whitehall. The FCDO had no involvement in its organisation, and no FCDO staff were featured on the panel.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Mr Ameer Kotecha was given a leave of absence from her Department to (a) run the Platinum Pudding Competition and (b) write the Platinum Cookbook.

There is no record of Mr Kotecha being granted a period of unpaid leave during his employment with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). His work on producing the cookbook and running the pudding competition over the course of 2021-22 was carried out in tandem with his preparations to take up a new post at the consulate in Ekaterinburg.

The FCDO did not hold any staff events on Sunday 15 August 2021, the day that the Taliban captured Kabul. The event to which Mr Kotecha has referred took place on Wednesday 15 September 2021, a month after the fall of Kabul, and almost three weeks after the UK's final evacuation flight from Afghanistan. It was a lunchtime panel discussion organised by the Civil Service Race Forum panel, and held online for staff networks across Whitehall. The FCDO had no involvement in its organisation, and no FCDO staff were featured on the panel.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
24th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will mandate British International Investment, as a Government-owned body, to provide salary transparency when advertising roles.

British International Investment operates under a publicly available remuneration framework that sets out how salaries are determined and governed, which is agreed with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and considered to be consistent with best practice.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
24th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she will mandate British International Investment, as a Government-owed body, to recognise a trade union.

British International Investment complies fully with UK employment law, including all statutory rights regarding trade union recognition or membership. There is no detriment for staff who join a union, support recognition of a union, or take part in union activity.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
24th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what is the monetary value of the London Allowance for FCDO SCS staff based in London.

The value of the Location Allowance for London-based staff, including senior civil servants, was increased from £3,250 per year to £4,250 in 2013. It has remained unchanged at its current level of £5,000 since April 2018.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
19th Mar 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the humanitarian impact of the USA's oil blockade of Cuba; what representations they have made to the government of the United States about that impact; and what assessment they have made of the right of Cuban people to self-determination.

The UK continues to follow developments in Cuba closely, including the impact of the 29 January US executive order. The UK has maintained a consistent and long-standing position on the US embargo, voting for the annual UN resolution calling for its end every year since 1996. Consistent with the International Covenants on human rights, the UK recognises the right of self-determination of all peoples, including the people of Cuba.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
23rd Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the decision to increase defence spending alongside a reduction in the international aid budget on spending priorities for global development objectives and international commitments.

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 impact of those allocation decisions. I also refer him to the evidence provided by the Foreign Secretary and the Minister of State for 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)
23rd Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she is providing support to improve security in Burkina Faso in the context of recent attacks conducted by Islamist armed groups.

The UK is deeply concerned by the deteriorating security situation in Burkina Faso, including regular attacks by terrorist groups. This year, the UK provided £173 million to support programmes across the Sahel, including to alleviate the root causes of conflict, help those displaced by it and promote conflict prevention and stability. We have also been working with regional partners to encourage a joined-up response to what is a trans-national problem.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
23rd Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will publish a country-by-country breakdown of ODA programme allocations for a) Africa and b) Middle East & North Africa over the next three financial years.

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)
23rd Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when she expects FCDO country offices to make decisions on disbursement of allocated programme funding for each of the next three financial years.

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)
23rd Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what advice she is providing to FCDO country offices about managing the closure of programmes and projects following the reduction in Overseas Development Assistance spending.

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)
23rd Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of allocations for the Official Development Assistance allocations for the next three financial years on the ability of affected partner countries to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.

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)
23rd Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had about the impact of the UK Government’s cuts to ODA with counterparts in Commonwealth countries affected by those cuts.

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)
23rd Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has put in place contingency plans that may result in increased ODA spend by her department in response to unforeseen conflicts or crisis situations that require a humanitarian response by the UK over the next three financial years.

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)
11th Mar 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government whether the prime beneficiaries of UK aid are women and children.

The UK is committed to putting women and girls at the heart of everything we do, including our development spending. The Foreign Secretary recently announced that women and girls will be a central theme across all the FCDO's work - including development. She also announced a new target that at least 90 per cent of our bilateral Official Development Assistance programmes will have a focus on women and girls by 2030.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
12th Mar 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they plan to make to the government of Nigeria during the state visit by the President of Nigeria about reports of violence and persecution in the country and the important of protecting freedom and democratic standards ahead of the elections in 2027.

The State Visit provided an important opportunity to strengthen the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership across growth, security, migration, and foreign policy. As part of the programme, an interfaith serial, attended by President Tinubu and His Majesty the King, was hosted at Vicars Hall in Windsor, demonstrating the shared UK and Nigerian commitment to fostering constructive interfaith dialogue. The UK condemns violence against civilians of all religions in Nigeria. On democratic standards and the 2027 elections, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided in the House of Commons on 16th March 2026 in response to Question 118699, reproduced below:

The State Visit will provide an important opportunity to strengthen the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership across growth, security, migration, and foreign policy. As the largest democracy in Africa, Nigeria has an important role to play in upholding democratic norms, including ensuring a free, fair and credible Presidential election in 2027. The UK is supporting key legislative and institutional reform processes in the Nigerian National Assembly, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Judiciary and other key institutions to strengthen Nigeria's democracy.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
18th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has raised with the Chinese government reports that political prisoners in Hong Kong are being subjected to political indoctrination and so-called deradicalisation programmes.

Reports of mistreatment in Hong Kong's prisons are deeply concerning. China's imposition of the National Security Law on Hong Kong has seen opposition stifled and dissent criminalised. The UK has called for the National Security Law to be repealed and for an end to the prosecution of all individuals charged under it. We continue to raise our concerns directly with the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities, as well as engaging with our international partners. The next Six-monthly Report to Parliament will be published in due course.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
18th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has made an assessment of the potential implications for UK policy towards Hong Kong of reports of restrictions on visits, legal access, religious practice and correspondence for political prisoners.

Reports of mistreatment in Hong Kong's prisons are deeply concerning. China's imposition of the National Security Law on Hong Kong has seen opposition stifled and dissent criminalised. The UK has called for the National Security Law to be repealed and for an end to the prosecution of all individuals charged under it. We continue to raise our concerns directly with the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities, as well as engaging with our international partners. The next Six-monthly Report to Parliament will be published in due course.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
18th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has made representations to the Hong Kong authorities on reported medical neglect, including delays in treatment and denial of prescription medication, to political prisoners in Hong Kong.

Reports of mistreatment in Hong Kong's prisons are deeply concerning. China's imposition of the National Security Law on Hong Kong has seen opposition stifled and dissent criminalised. The UK has called for the National Security Law to be repealed and for an end to the prosecution of all individuals charged under it. We continue to raise our concerns directly with the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities, as well as engaging with our international partners. The next Six-monthly Report to Parliament will be published in due course.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
18th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has discussed with international partners the potential merits of coordinated action in response to reported human rights abuses in Hong Kong prisons.

Reports of mistreatment in Hong Kong's prisons are deeply concerning. China's imposition of the National Security Law on Hong Kong has seen opposition stifled and dissent criminalised. The UK has called for the National Security Law to be repealed and for an end to the prosecution of all individuals charged under it. We continue to raise our concerns directly with the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities, as well as engaging with our international partners. The next Six-monthly Report to Parliament will be published in due course.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
18th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department plans to publish updated guidance on prison conditions and the treatment of political prisoners in Hong Kong in its next Six-Monthly Report.

Reports of mistreatment in Hong Kong's prisons are deeply concerning. China's imposition of the National Security Law on Hong Kong has seen opposition stifled and dissent criminalised. The UK has called for the National Security Law to be repealed and for an end to the prosecution of all individuals charged under it. We continue to raise our concerns directly with the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities, as well as engaging with our international partners. The next Six-monthly Report to Parliament will be published in due course.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
24th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the full termination payments to Lord Mandelson will be listed with direct reference to his name and the final amounts paid in the FCDO annual report and accounts.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 27 January in response to HL13467.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 17 February 2026 to Question 108739 on UK Relations with EU: Fines, how many international agreements and treaties the UK has signed that included a termination provision since July 2024.

The texts of treaties that have been signed since July 2024 and laid before Parliament for scrutiny can be found on GOV.UK, including details of any termination provisions.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
20th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of allocating the majority of the UK’s pledge to the Eighth Replenishment of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria in 2028/29 on the ability of the Global Fund to scale up innovations.

The Official Development Assistance (ODA) allocations announced by the Foreign Secretary on 19 March take a strategic, multi‑year approach, which will provide greater predictability and support effective planning by our partners, including multilateral organisations such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, which the UK continues to back as a high‑impact institution delivering strong results. These allocations were considered in the round alongside other multilateral commitments and priorities, within a highly constrained overall ODA settlement.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
19th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether diplomats based in the British Embassy in Washington pay UK (i) income tax and (ii) National Insurance on (a) Cost of Living Addition (COLA) and (b) Diplomatic Service Compensation Allowance (DSA), and (c) their core salary.

All UK Based staff working overseas for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office pay UK income tax and National Insurance (for the first 52 weeks' service overseas) on their base salary. Cost of Living Addition (COLA) and Diplomatic Service Compensation Allowance (DSA) are both exempt from UK income tax and National Insurance deductions.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
23rd Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the (a) key performance indicators and (b) social value requirements were under the contract listed in the FCDO Conflict Resolution Department (CRD) Conflict Resolution Programme tracker with reference GB-GOV-1-400035-403.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer of 25 September to question 70453.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
23rd Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 11 February 2026, to Question HL14050, on Haiti: Inter Mediate, whether Inter Mediate has undertaken any work for HM Government in relation to Iran.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer of 25 September to question 70453.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
23rd Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, on what date Lord Mandelson (a) was appointed to and (b) commenced his role as Ambassador to the United States of America.

Peter Mandelson's appointment was announced on 20 December 2024 and he commenced his role as Ambassador to the United States of America on 10 February 2025.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
18th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the average staffing complement is for a ministerial private office within their Department; what grades those staff are appointed at; what the typical remuneration and contracted working hours are for those posts; and what the staff turnover rate is.

The size, grading and remuneration of ministerial office staffing vary depending on the responsibilities of the Minister.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
23rd Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations she has made to the Government of Vietnam regarding the release of political prisoners requiring medical care; and what steps she is taking to promote freedom of religion or belief in Vietnam.

Vietnam is a focus country in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's Freedom of Religion and Belief Strategy, launched in July 2025, and we raise the issue on a regular basis with the Government of Vietnam. We also regularly raise concerns about the treatment of political prisoners, including access to appropriate medical care, through bilateral engagement and also jointly with the support of other diplomatic missions.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
9th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will publish contracts between her Department and Inter Mediate.

For over ten years, successive UK governments have partnered with Inter Mediate to advance peace efforts in conflicts around the globe. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office funds a number of different civil society and non-governmental organisations for its mediation and conflict resolution work. We do not share details of the individual projects funded.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Mar 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government whether there was any communication between No 10 or the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Global Counsel in relation to the visit by the Prime Minister and Lord Mandelson to Palantir in Washington DC in February 2025.

I refer the Noble Baroness to the Government's statement (Official Report, vol. 854, cols. 769-783) and release of information on 11 March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
12th Mar 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government, in regard to page 101 of Part of a Return to an Address of the Honourable the House of Commons dated 4 February 2026 relating to the appointment of Lord Mandelson as HM Ambassador to Washington, published on 11 March (HC1774-1), what was the value of the end of tour leave payments made to Lord Mandelson after he was dismissed as Head of Mission and before he left the Civil Service; whether those payments were taxable; and whether any other resettlement payments or allowances were made to Lord Mandelson.

I refer the Noble Baroness to the Government's statement (Official Report, vol. 854, cols. 769-783) and release of information on 11 March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
10th Mar 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government how many UK citizens currently located in Iran and neighbouring countries affected by recent military hostilities have asked the UK government for assistance in returning to the UK; how many have been promised such assistance; and how many have returned to the UK to date.

I refer the Noble Lord to the statement Lord Collins made to the House on 19 March (Official Report, vol. 854, cols. 1121-1124), where he provided the latest details on our consular support to British nationals in the region.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
11th Mar 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government what contribution from the UK aid budget they intend to make to the Global Humanitarian Overview 2026 Appeal launched by the United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

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, HLWS1431, and the accompanying documentation setting out the impact of those allocation decisions. I also refer him to the evidence provided by the Foreign Secretary and I to the International Development Committee on 24 March, where we addressed questions at length about the Government's ODA policies and allocation decision: https://committees.parliament.uk/event/26907/formal-meeting-oral-evidence-session/.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
10th Mar 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the (1) tax rises, and (2) handling charges, Gibraltar would need to impose under the draft UK–EU Agreement in respect of Gibraltar if it were implemented.

I refer the Noble Lord to the statement made by the Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories to the House on 26 February, repeated in the House of Lords on 3 March (Official Report, Volume 853, column. 1150-1160), and the draft treaty documents published on the same day. The Noble Lord will have ample opportunity to scrutinise the final text when it is brought before the House in due course. I note that on 4 March the Parliament of Gibraltar unanimously voted to support a motion calling on the UK to ratify the Treaty.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
12th Mar 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of the United States about risks to Iran's territorial integrity of arming separatist groups in Iran.

I refer the right reverend Prelate to the public and parliamentary statements made by the Prime Minister on 28 February, 1 March, 2 March (repeated in the House of Lords, Official Report, Volume 853, Column. 1076) and 5 March, where he set out in depth the UK's position on this conflict.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
13th Mar 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government, in regard to Part of a Return to an Address of the Honourable the House of Commons dated 4 February 2026 relating to the appointment of Lord Mandelson as HM Ambassador to Washington, published on 11 March (HC1774-1), whether Lord Mandelson used a non-government email address for government business while he was Ambassador to the United States.

I refer the Noble Baroness to the Government's statement (Official Report, vol. 782, cols. 359-374) and release of information on 11 March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
13th Mar 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government whether Lord Mandelson was involved with the China Audit.

I refer the Noble Baroness to the Government's statement (Official Report, vol. 782, cols. 359-374) and release of information on 11 March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
19th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will place in the Library a copy of Peter Mandelson’s full contract as Ambassador.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer he received on 18 March in response to Questions 120607, 120615, 120620 and 120622.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
18th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Lord Mandelson was granted STRAP clearance.

I refer the Hon Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11th March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
18th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has considered clawing back the exit payment made to Lord Mandelson under common law.

I refer the Hon Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11th March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
24th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to support persecuted Christians abroad.

The issues raised in the Hon Member's questions are all key priorities for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and our work in these areas cannot adequately be summarised in a single answer. However, he can find regular updates about that work by following the FCDO news feed on GOV.UK, or continuing to attend sessions of FCDO departmental questions.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
24th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to help prevent international human rights abuses.

The issues raised in the Hon Member's questions are all key priorities for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and our work in these areas cannot adequately be summarised in a single answer. However, he can find regular updates about that work by following the FCDO news feed on GOV.UK, or continuing to attend sessions of FCDO departmental questions.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
24th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to help protect UK citizens travelling abroad.

The issues raised in the Hon Member's questions are all key priorities for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and our work in these areas cannot adequately be summarised in a single answer. However, he can find regular updates about that work by following the FCDO news feed on GOV.UK, or continuing to attend sessions of FCDO departmental questions.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
23rd Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, for what reason her Department’s contracts with Inter Mediate are not on Contract Finder.

Contracts Finder is used for the publication of commercial contracts, rather than government grants, such as the Accountable Grant Agreements typically used by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to administer partnerships with NGOs.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)