Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

The UK Government works in close partnership with British Overseas Territory Governments to support national security, resilience and preparedness for natural disasters and other emergencies. As Minister for the Overseas Territories, I recently visited the Turks and Caicos Islands and Bermuda, where I met key security agencies and I am in regular discussions with the Home Office and Ministry of Defence in relation to security matters related to the UK and our Overseas Territories.

The reforms highlighted under the development finance priorities are in the UK's interests. Reform means greater global economic stability and growth and investment opportunities for UK businesses and investors.

The reforms highlighted under the development finance priorities are in the UK's interests. Reform means greater global economic stability and growth and investment opportunities for UK businesses and investors.

The UK is committed to defending gender equality, human rights and democratic freedoms against growing global rollback. Across the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, we are using our diplomatic and development levers to defend established international commitments, build coalitions with partners and embed gender equality and support for rights and democracy, across our diplomacy, development, security and trade work.

Further to my Written Answers of 12 October, our High Commission in Lusaka engages frequently with the Zambian government, emphasising the importance of transparency and following due process, including in relation to the recent detentions of opposition figures.

The UK-Turkey Security and Defence Partnership commits the UK and Turkey to regular consultations on foreign, security and defence policy issues, including defence industry cooperation and counter-terrorism. Future consultations under the Partnership will be arranged through the appropriate UK-Turkey channels.

We are deeply concerned by the arbitrary detention of Ukrainian personnel working at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The UK continues to raise our concerns regarding Russia's treatment of Ukrainian detainees. These arbitrary detentions are yet another consequence of Russia's occupation of Ukrainian territory. We continue to call for the release of all civilians unlawfully detained by Russia.

The UK remains committed to championing freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all. No one should live in fear because of what they do or do not believe in. The UK Special Envoy for FoRB, David Smith MP, plays a critical role in this. Reports of restrictions on peaceful religious activity reinforce the importance of this commitment.

The Government regularly condemns the Kremlin's dire domestic human rights record in international fora. The UK will continue to call on the Russian Government to uphold its international commitments on FoRB, and to end its persecution of religious minorities, including Jehovah's Witnesses and protestant communities.

We continue to work closely with the EU and other international partners to increase economic pressure on Russia. It is for the EU to comment on their sanctions decisions.

As the Prime Minister has made clear, the UK is committed to further sanctions on Russia. To date, the UK has sanctioned over 3,500 individuals, entities and ships under our Russia sanctions regime, of which over 3,300 were imposed since the full-scale invasion in 2022 and 500 imposed in 2026 alone.

The Metropolitan Police are actively investigating this matter. As the investigation remains ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further or speculate on the outcome. However, the Government is clear that any attempt by a foreign state to coerce, intimidate, harass or harm individuals on UK soil will not be tolerated.

The Multilateral development banks (MDBs) are leading development actors and a central part of the UK's international development toolkit, allowing us to achieve a level of scale and impact that is not possible through our bilateral programmes alone. The MDBs' financial model allows them to leverage shareholder capital, borrowing at low rates from international capital markets using their strong credit ratings and on-lending many multiples of the initial capital to countries at favourable rates. This offers strong value for money for the UK taxpayer. For example, in the case of the lending arm of the World Bank, £1 in capital from a shareholder such as the UK can enable up to £10 of additional lending to middle income countries over ten years.

Reducing high debt service costs will create more fiscal space and allow partner countries to scale public investment. The government will also work in partnership with developing countries to support them to raise more domestic revenues, improving the efficiency of public spending, and tackling waste, corruption, and illicit flows. Delivery is managed through staff in the UK and overseas, the oversight of UK Delegations to the Multilateral Development Banks and established programme management processes.

Reducing high debt service costs will create more fiscal space and allow partner countries to scale public investment. The government will also work in partnership with developing countries to support them to raise more domestic revenues, improving the efficiency of public spending, and tackling waste, corruption, and illicit flows. Delivery is managed through staff in the UK and overseas, the oversight of UK Delegations to the Multilateral Development Banks and established programme management processes.

Reducing high debt service costs will create more fiscal space and allow partner countries to scale public investment. The government will also work in partnership with developing countries to support them to raise more domestic revenues, improving the efficiency of public spending, and tackling waste, corruption, and illicit flows. Delivery is managed through staff in the UK and overseas, the oversight of UK Delegations to the Multilateral Development Banks and established programme management processes.

Scaling up private capital mobilisation is essential for delivering the Government's priorities on inclusive growth and climate. UK-supported development finance seeks to mobilise private capital into investments which are commercially sustainable, or have a pathway towards commercial sustainability. His Majesty's Government development finance instruments seek to crowd in private investment that would not otherwise occur, whilst ensuring we avoid distorting markets.

Any expenditure will be agreed through normal departmental business planning processes and managed within the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's Spending Review settlement.

Any expenditure will be agreed through normal departmental business planning processes and managed within the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's Spending Review settlement.

The Government promotes human rights, democratic values and the rule of law through its strategic security partnerships. Through these partnerships the UK strengthens oversight, promotes accountability, and encourages responsible contracting.

The UK supports international initiatives, including the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights and the International Code of Conduct Association for Private Security Providers, to improve standards in security provision and reduce the risk of human rights abuses. The UK also works through multilateral and regional security fora, including the United Nations, the G7 and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, to promote human rights, democratic values and the rule of law internationally.

Work is underway across the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to implement the UK International Strategic Framework on Women and Girls and put in place arrangements to monitor progress and establish governance mechanisms. As set out in the Framework, rigorous reporting and governance will monitor delivery against our goals on women and girls and support transparency and accountability.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office publishes details of Ministers' and senior officials' external meetings in accordance with the Government's transparency requirements. Previous publications show meetings between Inter Mediate and the Minister for Multilateral and Human Rights on 23 March 2026, in Haiti; and with the previous Minister for International Development Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 2 July 2025, in Haiti. Meeting information can be withheld under specific circumstances, but there are no records of exemptions being used for meetings with Inter Mediate.

The Department does not publish details of individual human resources (HR) cases.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) regularly issues detailed guidance on international engagement by Devolved Governments, including to our Embassies and High Commissions, to ensure that the UK Government's reservation on foreign affairs is protected. The FCDO monitors international activity undertaken by the Devolved Governments, including the Scottish Government. The majority of Scottish Government overseas staff are located on the FCDO platform, enabling close working and co-operation.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer given to question 33975 on 15 October.

The transaction identified in DevTracker is an internal correction. No negative payment was transacted.

I refer the Rt Hon. Member to the response provided to Question HL3376 on 6 October 2026. As we set out in our national statement at the 113th Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on 6 October, we note with particular concern reports of chemical weapon use in Sudan and continue to call for the completion of a thorough, transparent, impartial and credible national investigation and for its findings to be shared with the OPCW as soon as possible.

I refer the Rt Hon. Member to the response provided to Question HL3376 on 6 October 2026. As we set out in our national statement at the 113th Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on 6 October, we note with particular concern reports of chemical weapon use in Sudan and continue to call for the completion of a thorough, transparent, impartial and credible national investigation and for its findings to be shared with the OPCW as soon as possible.

I refer the Rt Hon. Member to the response provided to Question HL3376 on 6 October 2026. As we set out in our national statement at the 113th Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on 6 October, we note with particular concern reports of chemical weapon use in Sudan and continue to call for the completion of a thorough, transparent, impartial and credible national investigation and for its findings to be shared with the OPCW as soon as possible.

I refer the Rt Hon. Member to the response provided to Question HL3376 on 6 October 2026. As we set out in our national statement at the 113th Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on 6 October, we note with particular concern reports of chemical weapon use in Sudan and continue to call for the completion of a thorough, transparent, impartial and credible national investigation and for its findings to be shared with the OPCW as soon as possible.

The UK Government recognises the growing importance of South America to the UK's long-term diplomatic, economic and strategic interests. The region offers significant opportunities for UK growth and economic security, including through trade, investment, critical minerals, clean energy and resilient supply chains. It is also central to tackling shared challenges including serious and organised crime, climate change and biodiversity loss. We are therefore strengthening partnerships across the region while working with partners on trade and investment, critical minerals, climate and nature, regional security and the rules-based international system. Our engagement is focused on areas where the UK can add distinctive value and advance our long-term prosperity, security and global influence.

The UK remains a leading international advocate of Colombia's 2016 Peace Agreement. As penholder on Colombia at the UN Security Council, we continue to support the work of the UN Verification Mission and engage regularly with the Government of Colombia and international partners on peace process issues. Since 2016, the UK has committed over £80 million to support implementation of the Agreement, including transitional justice, reintegration and the protection of conflict-affected communities. The UK continues to support transitional justice mechanisms established under the Agreement and emphasises the importance of victims' rights and the independence of these institutions. We remain committed to supporting independent monitoring of implementation through the UN Verification Mission and we support the new international verification mechanism for the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) sanctions. We are concerned by continuing violence affecting communities, victims, social leaders and former combatants, and regularly encourage Colombian authorities to strengthen protection measures, improve security guarantees and tackle the root causes of violence.

The UK remains a leading international advocate of Colombia's 2016 Peace Agreement. As penholder on Colombia at the UN Security Council, we continue to support the work of the UN Verification Mission and engage regularly with the Government of Colombia and international partners on peace process issues. Since 2016, the UK has committed over £80 million to support implementation of the Agreement, including transitional justice, reintegration and the protection of conflict-affected communities. The UK continues to support transitional justice mechanisms established under the Agreement and emphasises the importance of victims' rights and the independence of these institutions. We remain committed to supporting independent monitoring of implementation through the UN Verification Mission and we support the new international verification mechanism for the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) sanctions. We are concerned by continuing violence affecting communities, victims, social leaders and former combatants, and regularly encourage Colombian authorities to strengthen protection measures, improve security guarantees and tackle the root causes of violence.

The UK remains a leading international advocate of Colombia's 2016 Peace Agreement. As penholder on Colombia at the UN Security Council, we continue to support the work of the UN Verification Mission and engage regularly with the Government of Colombia and international partners on peace process issues. Since 2016, the UK has committed over £80 million to support implementation of the Agreement, including transitional justice, reintegration and the protection of conflict-affected communities. The UK continues to support transitional justice mechanisms established under the Agreement and emphasises the importance of victims' rights and the independence of these institutions. We remain committed to supporting independent monitoring of implementation through the UN Verification Mission and we support the new international verification mechanism for the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) sanctions. We are concerned by continuing violence affecting communities, victims, social leaders and former combatants, and regularly encourage Colombian authorities to strengthen protection measures, improve security guarantees and tackle the root causes of violence.

The UK remains concerned about the serious humanitarian situation in Cuba, particularly shortages of fuel, food and essential medicines. Fuel shortages are disrupting essential services and constraining the delivery of humanitarian assistance. The UK supports humanitarian relief through international and multilateral partners including the World Food Programme, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the UN Central Emergency Response Fund. We continue to engage with international partners and assess what further practical support may be possible, while balancing competing humanitarian priorities globally.

The UK has consistently opposed the longstanding US embargo against Cuba, including through our voting position at the UN. We consider the embargo harmful to the Cuban people and counterproductive. Recent US measures affecting fuel supplies, finance and economic activity have compounded humanitarian pressures. Cuba's current challenges cannot, however, be explained by sanctions alone. Sustainable improvement also requires domestic economic reform.

UK consular officials routinely share information related to a British nationals' death overseas with their next of kin. The consular service has no direct role in post mortem processes. A funeral director in the country where the death took place can also do this.

The UK Government is committed to improving the lives of children through our international development work. We support essential services for children, including by investing in maternal and newborn health and nutrition, childhood vaccinations, foundational learning, ending child marriage and supporting children's care reform. We have no plans to set specific spending targets for children. Our focus is on ensuring that all development resources deliver the greatest possible impact.

We regularly engage China on climate and environmental issues, including through the UK-China Climate Dialogue. The Government is concerned about glacier loss, and tackling the climate and environmental crisis is a priority for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. We have supported research into climate and environmental risks including for the Tibetan Plateau. The UK also supports climate resilience in the wider Himalayan region, outside of China, through the Climate Action for a Resilient Asia programme, including the Himalayan Resilience Enabling Action Programme.

The United Kingdom Government set out the cost of the UK-Mauritius Agreement at the time of signature, which remains just over £100 million per annum in today's money. The forecast total cost of the Agreement using the Net Present Value method depends on a range of factors, including the date of entry into force of the Agreement. The Government is working with the US and Mauritius to find a diplomatic resolution that protects UK national security and works for all partners. We will not be providing a running commentary of these discussions, or of any forecast entry into force date.

President Xi Jinping's visit to the US and discussions with President Trump are a matter for the US and China. It would not be for the UK to comment on US-China engagement. The US is, and will continue to be, the UK's closest security and defence partner.

The UK is leading diplomatic efforts to reduce space threats through norms of responsible behaviours, including at the United Nations General Assembly First Committee session in New York this month (October 2026). We participate in the UN Open Ended Working Group (OEWG) on Preventing an Arms Race in Outer Space in All its Aspects which has a mandate to consider both legally and non-legally binding measures. Our priority is agreeing upon non-legally binding measures to reduce the risks of miscalculation, escalation, and conflict in space. We remain open to legally binding measures where, for example, robust verification is feasible.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer given on 14 July 2026 to question 15997.

The Government is working to strengthen the UK's economic security through Economic Security Dialogues with key partners to strengthen supply chains, build resilience and tackle economic coercion. We also engage the G7, including through the Economic Coercion Platform.

The £133 million allocation for 2024-25 reflected the UK's development priorities. Final Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Official Development Assistance (ODA) expenditure was £100.6 million following in-year budget adjustments. Over wider programme periods, up to March 2025, UK assistance has helped more than 5 million children access education, provided humanitarian assistance to over 12 million people, and reached over 35 million people through campaigns addressing child marriage and gender-based violence. UK-backed governance reforms also helped unlock over £1.9 billion in Pakistani public finance.

Our current development partnership with Pakistan focuses on systemic change across growth, climate, human capital and security, combining technical assistance with diplomacy and wider UK partnerships. UK bilateral aid is delivered through NGOs, UN agencies, development partners and private-sector organisations rather than directly to the Government of Pakistan.

I refer the Honourable Member to the answer given on 17 September 2025 to Question 74745.

I refer the Honourable Member to the answer given on 17 September 2025 to Question 74745.