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
Tuesday 21st April 2026
Oral Answers to Questions
Oral Questions
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 22nd April 2026
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Visas
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many visas has her Department sponsored for …
Secondary Legislation
Tuesday 21st April 2026
Syria (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2026
These Regulations amend the Syria (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/792) (“the original Regulations”). These amendments are further to …
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
Apr. 21
Oral Questions
Mar. 16
Urgent Questions
Mar. 18
Westminster Hall
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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

These Regulations amend the Syria (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/792) (“the original Regulations”). These amendments are further to amendments made by the Syria (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/507) (“the 2025 Regulations”) following the fall of the former regime led by Bashar Al-Assad in Syria in December 2024. These Regulations revoke trade prohibitions in the original Regulations relating to gold, precious metals or diamonds and luxury goods. Other consequential amendments are made as a result of the revocation of these prohibitions.
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
Petition Open
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2,653 Signatures
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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
23 Apr 2026, 9 a.m.
At 9:30am: Oral evidence
Catherine Little CB - Chief Operating Officer at Civil Service, and Permanent Secretary at Cabinet Office

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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

17th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what information she held on the role of her Department in the vetting process for Lord Mandelson when she sent her letter to the Foreign Affairs Committee of 16 September 2025.

I refer the Hon Member to the Prime Minister's statement to the House on 20 April and his answers to the questions raised in response, and to the Foreign Secretary's letter to the Foreign Affairs Committee on 18 April, which is available on the Committee's website.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
14th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether any goodwill payment or any other costs will be paid to the Mauritian Government as a result of the Diego Garcia Bill not having progressed through Parliament.

Costs associated with the Treaty cannot be paid without the relevant legislation being passed.
Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help tackle transnational repression in the UK but which relates to other countries by definition.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer provided on 11 December 2025 in response to Question 97660.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what information is collected by her Department on incidences related to transnational repression.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer provided on 11 December 2025 in response to Question 97660.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what definition has her Department used to identify instances of transnational repression.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer provided on 11 December 2025 in response to Question 97660.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many currently serving Ambassadors have been appointed despite failing their security vetting.

Subject to the normal vetting process, all Heads of Mission are required to have Developed Vetting security clearance.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Lord Mandelson received and was given Developed Vetting with STRAP clearance.

I refer the Hon Member to the Prime Minister's statement to the House on 20 April and his answers to the questions raised in response.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Olly Robbins will be granted a period of gardening leave.

The Government does not comment on the individual terms and conditions of employment or personnel matters relating to individual civil servants.

Seema Malhotra
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 she is taking to support access to legal assistance for Montserratian citizens residing in Montserrat, in the context of Article 73 of the United Nations Charter.

The UK fulfils its responsibilities under Article 73 of the United Nations Charter to promote the political, economic, social, and educational advancement of the Overseas Territories. As part of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's capital allocation to Montserrat, we are investing in green energy, including solar and resilience works, as well appropriate and safe social housing.

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, what steps she is taking to meet obligations under Article 73 of the UN Charter in respect of the British Overseas Territories; and what assessment she has made of the potential impact of (a) the costs of healthcare, fuel and electricity, (b) quality of infrastructure and (c) levels of hurricane-resilient housing in Montserrat on people in that territory.

The UK fulfils its responsibilities under Article 73 of the United Nations Charter to promote the political, economic, social, and educational advancement of the Overseas Territories. As part of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's capital allocation to Montserrat, we are investing in green energy, including solar and resilience works, as well appropriate and safe social housing.

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, whether her department has undertaken polling of the Chagossian people in respect to the 2025 UK/Mauritius Treaty concerning the Chagos Archipelago.

Accurate polling of Chagossian communities would be challenging given the geographical spread of individuals with Chagossian heritage across the world as well as difficulties in establishing and confirming eligibility to take part. We continue to engage with Chagossian communities, including through meetings of the Chagossian Contact Group, which enables organisations from the UK, Mauritius, Seychelles and France to set out their views directly to the UK Government.

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, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of calls by the President of Argentina on 2 April 2026 for renewed negotiations with the UK over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands.

No such assessment is required. The UK's steadfast support for the Falkland Islanders' right of self‑determination remains unchanged, and our position on sovereignty and the defence of the Falkland Islands remains equally steadfast and consistent.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
13th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if her department will cease the passage of the Diego Garcia Military Base & BIOT Bill, in respect to the ruling by Justice Lewis that reinstated the Right of Abode for Chagossians on the British Indian Ocean Territory.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the statement I made to the House on 13 April, and the answers I provided to questions raised in response, except for matters of ongoing litigation, where I am unable to comment at this time.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (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 the investigation by the United Nations of the proposed deal with Mauritius on the Chagos Islands.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the statement I made to the House on 13 April, and the answers I provided to questions raised in response, except for matters of ongoing litigation, where I am unable to comment at this time.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
13th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the cost to her Department was of litigation undertaken in the Supreme Court relating to the British Indian Ocean Territory in the last 12 months.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the statement I made to the House on 13 April, and the answers I provided to questions raised in response, except for matters of ongoing litigation, where I am unable to comment at this time.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
13th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will list all law firms her department has consulted regarding British Indian Ocean Territory this year.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the statement I made to the House on 13 April, and the answers I provided to questions raised in response, except for matters of ongoing litigation, where I am unable to comment at this time.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
13th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many (1) legal representatives and (2) officials her Department sent to the Judicial Review in the Supreme Court of the British Indian Ocean Territory on Friday 13 March 2026.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the statement I made to the House on 13 April, and the answers I provided to questions raised in response, except for matters of ongoing litigation, where I am unable to comment at this time.

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, pursuant to the Answer of 18 March 2026 to Question 118787 on Jonathan Powell, if she will list each meeting that Jonathan Powell had with external organisations, including foreign governments, whilst the Prime Minister's Special Envoy.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer cited in his question.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
15th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what progress has been made on reforming the ECHR.

Last month, the Steering Committee for Human Rights of the Council of Europe adopted elements for a Council of Europe Political Declaration on the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and irregular migration. Negotiations on the Political Declaration continue based on these elements. We are active in negotiations and will continue to work with international partners to ensure that the ECHR remains effective whilst addressing challenges like illegal migration and cross-border crime.

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 much funding the United Kingdom Government has provided to support primary and secondary education in Montserrat in each of the last five years.

As part of the UK's ongoing support to Montserrat, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provides annual Budget Support to cover the provision of key services, including education. FCDO officials work with the Government of Montserrat (GoM) on annual budget allocations, but ultimately it is for GoM to determine those allocations, including what goes to the Education Ministry. Over the last five years the FCDO has provided the following:

FY 25/26

£37m

FY 24/25

£31.2m

FY 23/24

£30.2m

FY 22/23

£24.1m

FY 21/22

£23.6m

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, whether her Department has had discussions with the Government of Montserrat on the adequacy of levels of education funding in Montserrat; and if she will make an assessment of whether funding levels are adequate to meet the educational needs and aspirations of the Government and people of Montserrat.

As part of the UK's ongoing support to Montserrat, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provides annual Budget Support to cover the provision of key services, including education. FCDO officials work with the Government of Montserrat (GoM) on annual budget allocations, but ultimately it is for GoM to determine those allocations, including what goes to the Education Ministry. Over the last five years the FCDO has provided the following:

FY 25/26

£37m

FY 24/25

£31.2m

FY 23/24

£30.2m

FY 22/23

£24.1m

FY 21/22

£23.6m

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, whether there is a limit to the Official Development Assistance available to Montserrat.

The UK remains committed to meeting the reasonable needs of the Overseas Territories (OTs) where financial self-sufficiency is not possible. As such, the OTs continue to have the first call on Official Development Assistance to facilitate sustainable economic growth and development.

We have recently informed Montserrat of their new allocation, and I held a positive and constructive call with Premier Meade on 25 March.

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, whether the development needs of the Overseas Territories have first call on the UK’s Official Development Assistance programme.

The UK remains committed to meeting the reasonable needs of the Overseas Territories (OTs) where financial self-sufficiency is not possible. As such, the OTs continue to have the first call on Official Development Assistance to facilitate sustainable economic growth and development.

We have recently informed Montserrat of their new allocation, and I held a positive and constructive call with Premier Meade on 25 March.

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, whether any patients in Montserrat who are (a) naturalised and (b) full British citizens and must travel to the United Kingdom for specialist treatment unavailable locally but fall outside the NHS–Montserrat referral scheme have been (i) denied (A) accommodation and (B) welfare support and (ii) advised to return to Montserrat.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answers he was previously provided on these issues on 6 November and 1 December 2025.

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, what steps she is taking to improve emergency medical evacuation and overseas treatment on Montserrat.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answers he was previously provided on these issues on 6 November and 1 December 2025.

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, what steps she is taking to help (a) reduce the cost of air access to Montserrat and (b) support its transition away from UK Government funding dependence.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answers he was previously provided on these issues on 6 November and 1 December 2025.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
15th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans she has to support alternative methods for nighttime medical evacuation from Montserrat following the decision of the Governor of Montserrat to disallow fixed wing aircraft night medevac operations.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answers he was previously provided on these issues on 6 November and 1 December 2025.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
20th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department has used artificial intelligence to assist with drafting (a) legislation and (b) policy in the last 12 months.

Artificial Intelligence tools are routinely used to assist with administrative tasks, subject research, and the arrangement of information into standard templates, but they are not used to draft policy advice, or to prepare draft legislation.

Seema Malhotra
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 her Department has made of the adequacy of maritime safety, search and rescue capability, and maritime security resources available to the British Overseas Territory of Montserrat; and if she will take steps to ensure that the territory retains an appropriately equipped maritime patrol and rescue vessel in order to meet the UK’s constitutional responsibilities for the security and good governance of the territory and its obligations under international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue, to protect life at sea.

Since 2016 the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has established a programme of activities to improve Montserrat's capacity to meet its international maritime safety and search and rescue (SAR) obligations. Montserrat has three UK-funded multipurpose vessels including two new fast police patrol boats provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office which improve the Royal Montserrat Police Service's capability to respond to maritime threats more efficiently and effectively, as well as fulfilling international obligations in relation to search and rescue.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
15th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many and what proportion of foreign nationals are employed by her Department within its UK operations.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office does not routinely capture or hold nationality data. Nationality requirements arise only where necessary to meet security clearance criteria and are set out at recruitment. Visa information is not held centrally and, in the absence of a specified timeframe, could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
15th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many visas has her Department sponsored for foreign nationals employed in the UK.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office does not routinely capture or hold nationality data. Nationality requirements arise only where necessary to meet security clearance criteria and are set out at recruitment. Visa information is not held centrally and, in the absence of a specified timeframe, could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Seema Malhotra
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 make an assessment of the (a) human rights and (b) humanitarian situation in Myanmar following the inauguration of General Min Aung Hlaing.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer provided on 21 April in response to Question 126571.

Seema Malhotra
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 make an assessment of the effectiveness of sanctions on Myanmar.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer provided on 21 April in response to Question 126571.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
13th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to urge the newly formed Government of Myanmar to release (a) Aung San Suu Kyi and (b) all other political prisoners.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer provided on 21 April in response to Question 126571.

Seema Malhotra
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 the inauguration of General Min Aung Hlaing as President of Myanmar; and whether the UK recognises (a) his presidency, (b) the government and (c) the parliament.

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)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 18 March 2026 to Question 114881 on Jonathan Powell, how much Mr Powell was paid as Special Envoy for British Indian Ocean Territory negotiations.

Details of individual renumeration arrangements are not routinely disclosed. The Special Envoy's appointment and terms of engagement were agreed in accordance with established procedures.

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, pursuant to the Answer of 18 March 2026 to Question 114881 on Jonathan Powell, what his remuneration was.

Details of individual renumeration arrangements are not routinely disclosed. The Special Envoy's appointment and terms of engagement were agreed in accordance with established procedures.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
14th Apr 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports concerning the attack on member of the Thai parliament and human rights lawyer Kamonsak Leewamoh; and what representations they have made to the Thai authorities in support of a full, fair and impartial investigation with accountability for those responsible.

The UK is monitoring developments following the reported attack on Kamonsak Leewamoh. We note reports that arrests have been made and that investigations are ongoing by the Thai authorities.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
15th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps she is taking to help ensure that Hamas is disarmed in Gaza.

We have always been clear that Hamas must disarm and have no role in the future governance of Gaza, and we are continuing to support international efforts towards that goal, as part of the wider transition process set out in Phase 2 of the Gaza Peace Plan.

We encourage all parties to work towards a stable and phased security transition including demilitarisation of armed groups, deployment of a new police force under the leadership of the Palestinian National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, and the withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
10th Apr 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many full-time equivalent civil servants were allocated to the China desk in each of the last three years for which data is available; and what were their grades.

In responding to the Hon Member's eleven detailed questions about the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's relative focus on its public sector equality duty obligations compared to certain key foreign policy priorities, I refer him to the answer of 13 November 2025 to Question 88798, and inform him that - by comparison - the Department currently has more than 400 staff in the UK and overseas working on various aspects of the Iran crisis, the conflict in Ukraine, and our policies in respect of Russia and China.

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, how many FTE civil servants were allocated to the Russia desk in each of the last three years for which data is available; and what their grades were.

In responding to the Hon Member's eleven detailed questions about the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's relative focus on its public sector equality duty obligations compared to certain key foreign policy priorities, I refer him to the answer of 13 November 2025 to Question 88798, and inform him that - by comparison - the Department currently has more than 400 staff in the UK and overseas working on various aspects of the Iran crisis, the conflict in Ukraine, and our policies in respect of Russia and China.

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, how many FTE civil servants were allocated to the Iran desk in each of the last three years for which data is available; and what their grades were.

In responding to the Hon Member's eleven detailed questions about the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's relative focus on its public sector equality duty obligations compared to certain key foreign policy priorities, I refer him to the answer of 13 November 2025 to Question 88798, and inform him that - by comparison - the Department currently has more than 400 staff in the UK and overseas working on various aspects of the Iran crisis, the conflict in Ukraine, and our policies in respect of Russia and China.

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, how many civil servants in her Department held a language qualification in each of the last three years; and in what languages.

In responding to the Hon Member's eleven detailed questions about the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's relative focus on its public sector equality duty obligations compared to certain key foreign policy priorities, I refer him to the answer of 13 November 2025 to Question 88798, and inform him that - by comparison - the Department currently has more than 400 staff in the UK and overseas working on various aspects of the Iran crisis, the conflict in Ukraine, and our policies in respect of Russia and China.

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, how many equality, diversity and inclusion related events the Permanent Secretary in her Department has attended since 5 July 2024.

In responding to the Hon Member's eleven detailed questions about the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's relative focus on its public sector equality duty obligations compared to certain key foreign policy priorities, I refer him to the answer of 13 November 2025 to Question 88798, and inform him that - by comparison - the Department currently has more than 400 staff in the UK and overseas working on various aspects of the Iran crisis, the conflict in Ukraine, and our policies in respect of Russia and China.

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, how many language sessions were offered to civil servants in her Department in each of the last three years; and in what languages.

In responding to the Hon Member's eleven detailed questions about the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's relative focus on its public sector equality duty obligations compared to certain key foreign policy priorities, I refer him to the answer of 13 November 2025 to Question 88798, and inform him that - by comparison - the Department currently has more than 400 staff in the UK and overseas working on various aspects of the Iran crisis, the conflict in Ukraine, and our policies in respect of Russia and China.

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, how many civil servants in her Department took part in a language course in each of the last three years; and in what languages.

In responding to the Hon Member's eleven detailed questions about the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's relative focus on its public sector equality duty obligations compared to certain key foreign policy priorities, I refer him to the answer of 13 November 2025 to Question 88798, and inform him that - by comparison - the Department currently has more than 400 staff in the UK and overseas working on various aspects of the Iran crisis, the conflict in Ukraine, and our policies in respect of Russia and China.

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, how many civil servants in her Department attended at least one session on (a) equality, diversity and inclusion, (b) culture and (c) wellness in each of the last three years.

In responding to the Hon Member's eleven detailed questions about the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's relative focus on its public sector equality duty obligations compared to certain key foreign policy priorities, I refer him to the answer of 13 November 2025 to Question 88798, and inform him that - by comparison - the Department currently has more than 400 staff in the UK and overseas working on various aspects of the Iran crisis, the conflict in Ukraine, and our policies in respect of Russia and China.

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, how many people in her Department work in HR and the People function.

In responding to the Hon Member's eleven detailed questions about the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's relative focus on its public sector equality duty obligations compared to certain key foreign policy priorities, I refer him to the answer of 13 November 2025 to Question 88798, and inform him that - by comparison - the Department currently has more than 400 staff in the UK and overseas working on various aspects of the Iran crisis, the conflict in Ukraine, and our policies in respect of Russia and China.

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, how much her Department spent on (a) equality, diversity and inclusion, (b) culture and (c) wellness (i) training courses and (ii) events in each of the last three years.

In responding to the Hon Member's eleven detailed questions about the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's relative focus on its public sector equality duty obligations compared to certain key foreign policy priorities, I refer him to the answer of 13 November 2025 to Question 88798, and inform him that - by comparison - the Department currently has more than 400 staff in the UK and overseas working on various aspects of the Iran crisis, the conflict in Ukraine, and our policies in respect of Russia and China.

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