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.
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)
13:20
Although China is the UK’s fifth largest trading partner, the UK Government has, in recent years, described China as an …
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the implications …
These Regulations are made under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (c. 13). Regulations 3 to 29 amend the …
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
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
Petitions
e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.
If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.
If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).
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Petition Closed
Urgently fulfil humanitarian obligations to Gaza
Gov Responded - 8 Aug 2025 Debated on - 24 Nov 2025closed 10 months, 2 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.
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
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 11th September 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 16th December 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 27th October 2025
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 13th April 2026
Foreign Affairs Committee: Upcoming Events
Foreign Affairs Committee: 17 Current Inquiries
Foreign Affairs Committee: Previous Inquiries
50 most recent Written Questions
(View all written questions)I refer the Hon Member to the statement I made to the House on 26 March (HWCS1470).
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK is working closely with Commonwealth partners to ensure this year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda addresses the challenges of today's world, in particular delivering increased intra-Commonwealth trade, investment and economic security, strengthening the Commonwealth's commitment to democracy, and deepening collaboration on protecting the environment.
We will set out our priorities for other future international meetings in the usual way in due course, including next year's G20 summit.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK is working closely with Commonwealth partners to ensure this year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda addresses the challenges of today's world, in particular delivering increased intra-Commonwealth trade, investment and economic security, strengthening the Commonwealth's commitment to democracy, and deepening collaboration on protecting the environment.
We will set out our priorities for other future international meetings in the usual way in due course, including next year's G20 summit.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to my statement to the House on 27 November 2025 (HWCS1105), and the response provided on 5 June to Question 5325.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Brendan O'Hara
(Scottish National Party - Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber)
The UK regularly raises concerns with the Government of Vietnam about freedom of religion or belief for independent religious communities. Vietnam is a focus country in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB) Strategy, launched in July 2025, and we raise the issue on a regular basis with the Government of Vietnam. We will continue to urge Vietnam to meet its international human rights obligations. We continue to highlight FoRB violations and abuses on the international stage, through our position at the UN and as an active member of the Article 18 Alliance, ensuring joint international action on FoRB.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
A number of Parliamentary Questions have been asked in recent months around the persecution of members and leaders of Christian congregations and other religious groups in Nicaragua, Colombia, Mexico and Cuba, and these are issues the Government continues to take very seriously as part of our commitment to promoting Freedom of Religion or Belief around the world. Specifically, on each of the countries raised by the Hon Member, I refer her to the answers provided to Questions 5332 and 5388 on 8 June, Question 5283 on 4 June, and Question 66106 on 17 July 2025.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
A number of Parliamentary Questions have been asked in recent months around the persecution of members and leaders of Christian congregations and other religious groups in Nicaragua, Colombia, Mexico and Cuba, and these are issues the Government continues to take very seriously as part of our commitment to promoting Freedom of Religion or Belief around the world. Specifically, on each of the countries raised by the Hon Member, I refer her to the answers provided to Questions 5332 and 5388 on 8 June, Question 5283 on 4 June, and Question 66106 on 17 July 2025.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
A number of Parliamentary Questions have been asked in recent months around the persecution of members and leaders of Christian congregations and other religious groups in Nicaragua, Colombia, Mexico and Cuba, and these are issues the Government continues to take very seriously as part of our commitment to promoting Freedom of Religion or Belief around the world. Specifically, on each of the countries raised by the Hon Member, I refer her to the answers provided to Questions 5332 and 5388 on 8 June, Question 5283 on 4 June, and Question 66106 on 17 July 2025.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
A number of Parliamentary Questions have been asked in recent months around the persecution of members and leaders of Christian congregations and other religious groups in Nicaragua, Colombia, Mexico and Cuba, and these are issues the Government continues to take very seriously as part of our commitment to promoting Freedom of Religion or Belief around the world. Specifically, on each of the countries raised by the Hon Member, I refer her to the answers provided to Questions 5332 and 5388 on 8 June, Question 5283 on 4 June, and Question 66106 on 17 July 2025.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
A number of Parliamentary Questions have been asked in recent months around the persecution of members and leaders of Christian congregations and other religious groups in Nicaragua, Colombia, Mexico and Cuba, and these are issues the Government continues to take very seriously as part of our commitment to promoting Freedom of Religion or Belief around the world. Specifically, on each of the countries raised by the Hon Member, I refer her to the answers provided to Questions 5332 and 5388 on 8 June, Question 5283 on 4 June, and Question 66106 on 17 July 2025.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Ministers and officials are in regular discussion with the African Union (AU) about a range of shared priorities. The Minister of State for International Development and Africa, attended the AU Summit in February, one of only two European Ministers to attend and the first UK Minister to be invited in a around a decade, a signal of the strength of our relationship.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
As per the Minister for Development's letter of 1 June to the International Development Committee, we remain committed to publishing the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) country Official Development Assistance allocations in, or before, the FCDO Annual Report and Accounts 2025/26.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK has historically recognised the outcome of the 1961 UN-organised plebiscite, in which the territories now forming the North-West and South-West regions voted to join the Republic of Cameroon, as endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 1608(XV).
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK has historically recognised the outcome of the 1961 UN-organised plebiscite, in which the territories now forming the North-West and South-West regions voted to join the Republic of Cameroon, as endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 1608(XV).
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Civil servants are required to adhere to the Civil Service Code and the terms and conditions of their employment, including requirements relating to outside interests and external employment. Any such activity must be formally approved and must not conflict with an individual's official duties. In line with long-standing practice, the Government does not comment on the detail of individual personnel matters.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Our High Commission in New Delhi, together with our network of Deputy High Commissions, is following the Special Intensive Revision process, including in West Bengal. We will continue to monitor the situation.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK is gravely concerned at the fragile security situation in Mali, including reports of rising attacks against religious minority groups. We raise our concerns about protection of minority communities and social cohesion directly with the Government of Mali. We also provide lifesaving humanitarian assistance including projects dedicated to protection of civilians across the Sahel: last financial year the UK provided over £177 million of bilateral Official Development Assistance to the region.
More broadly, the UK continues to champion Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for all, and we deplore the persecution of Christians globally on account of their faith, alongside the persecution of other groups. We regularly highlight FoRB violations through our position at the UN, the G7, and as an active member of the Article 18 Alliance.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Noble Baroness to the answer provided on 8 June in response to Question HL462.
Minister of State (Development)
I refer the Noble Baroness to the answer provided on 8 June in response to Question HL462.
Minister of State (Development)
I refer the Noble Baroness to the answer provided on 8 June in response to Question HL462.
Minister of State (Development)
The UK and Irish governments regularly discuss our staunch support for countering Russia's aggression in Ukraine, including international efforts to maximise pressure on the Russian war economy. We conduct similar conversations with the EU on a regular basis. We keep all options to put pressure on the Russian war economy under regular review.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK and Irish governments regularly discuss our staunch support for countering Russia's aggression in Ukraine, including international efforts to maximise pressure on the Russian war economy. We conduct similar conversations with the EU on a regular basis. We keep all options to put pressure on the Russian war economy under regular review.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the answer I gave him on 1 June in response to Question 2730.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Western Sahara is a UN Non-Self-Governing Territory with no defined Administering Power. The UK wants to see a lasting solution to the Western Sahara conflict. In her meeting with Moroccan Foreign Minister Bourita on 23 April, the Foreign Secretary reaffirmed Morocco's 2007 autonomy plan as the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for achieving this objective. We continue to engage with all relevant parties in support of the UN-led process to achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution, based on compromise, which conforms with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including the principle of respect for self-determination.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
As the Prime Minister and Taoiseach made clear at the 2026 UK-Ireland Summit, the UK and Ireland are committed to protecting the integrity of the Common Travel Area. UK officials continue to work closely with their Irish counterparts on a range of issues, including border security and migration.
Minister of State (Development)
As has been made clear in documents that were published in the Government's response to the Humble Address, on 1 June 2026, measures were put in place to manage Peter Mandelson's declared conflicts of interest. As was also made clear in the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister's statement to the House on the same day, some documents relevant to the Humble Address have been withheld at the request of the police.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 1 June, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address, and the answers given by the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister in response to questions during the General Debate on 3 June. The documents published in the first and second tranches contain the entirety of the documents the Government has available for disclosure, except those being withheld at the request of the Metropolitan Police. As the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister said on 3 June, the Metropolitan Police have permitted the Government to confirm the categories of documents that they are holding, but nothing further. When the Metropolitan Police have concluded their investigation, this material will be published.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the answers provided on this point by the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister during his statement on 11 March.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
As the long-standing practice under successive governments, we cannot comment on the contents of any individual's vetting file, as to do so would risk undermining the integrity and effectiveness of the entire vetting system.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 1 June, which sets out the information available in response to the Humble Address. Aside from those ministers and senior UK officials whose meetings with external organisations are declared in quarterly transparency returns, it has never been the practice under any government routinely to publish details of all other external meetings.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the response on 10 June to Question 5980. In addition, the Hon Member references the 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, Volume II Part I, HC2-I, published on 1 June 2026, Page 334, which notes that Peter Mandelson attended the Hill and Valley Forum on 2 May 2025 and that Louis Mosley was also scheduled to attend that large event. Further to Lord Mandelson's letter to the Defence Secretary on 26 February 2025 on page 309, it is a matter of public record that Peter Mandelson accompanied the Prime Minister on his visit to Palantir's Washington DC office on 27 February 2025.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The Rapid Response Facility has not been used since 2019 and there are no plans to revive its use. Alternative mechanisms, such as the Start Fund have provided a more efficient route for providing funding to NGOs, and currently has a membership of 145 NGOs, of which over 100 are local or national NGOs. The Start Fund responds globally to small and medium sized humanitarian emergencies and helps build the operational response capacity and leadership of locally led humanitarian organisations.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 8 September 2025 to Question 69421. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has not issued any further certificates since this answer.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Peter Mandelson's security clearance formally ended on 16 October 2025 when his employment also formally ended. However, his Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office user accounts were suspended and his access to classified material resulting from that clearance ceased immediately on his withdrawal from the role of HM Ambassador to Washington DC on 11 September 2025.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided by HM Treasury on 4 June in response to Question 3437.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided by HM Treasury on 4 June in response to Question 3437.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the answer mentioned in his question. Future updates will be provided to the House in the normal way in due course.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Afghanistan is a focus country for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's strategy on freedom of religion or belief, announced in July 2025, and officials regularly press the Taliban to respect the human rights of all Afghans. We work with international partners to maintain collective pressure on the Taliban to reverse their oppressive restrictions, including new criminal court procedures. We continue to support the United Nations Special Rapporteur and his mandate to document human rights abuses in Afghanistan. Human rights and basic freedoms are not only a moral imperative but also essential for building a stable, inclusive and prosperous country for all Afghans. Without inclusive governance that reflects Afghanistan's religious, ethnic, gender and cultural diversity, we will never see an Afghanistan at peace with itself and its neighbours.
Minister of State (Development)
On 3 June British diplomats visited the community in Khan al-Ahmar. We continue to follow developments in the West Bank closely. On the wider issue of illegal settlements, I refer the Hon Member to the answers that the Foreign Secretary and I gave at Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Oral Questions on 21 April.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
We are deeply concerned about the situation facing Christian communities in Yemen, particularly in areas under Houthi control, where reports indicate that minorities cannot practise their faith freely, and routinely face harassment and discrimination.
We raise these concerns regularly with international partners, including at the UN Security Council and Human Rights Council, and continue to press for respect for human rights and accountability for violations. The UK condemns all forms of persecution based on religion or belief and will continue to advocate for the protection of Christians and other minorities in Yemen. More broadly, the UK will continue to use its diplomatic influence and humanitarian support to try and protect all civilians in Yemen, and press for an inclusive peace process under UN auspices.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK has been a leading international advocate of Colombia's peace process. Since 2016, the UK has committed over £80 million to support the implementation of the agreement and we are one of the largest UN Trust Fund donors. The Hon Member can find details of all programmes supported in Colombia on the GOV.UK Development Tracker (https://devtracker.fcdo.gov.uk/).
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Value for money is embedded across all of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's work. We employ robust systems and frameworks, and continuously review our programmes, to ensure the effective and responsible use of UK taxpayers' money. Documentation related to our active and former programmes in Palestine is available on DevTracker: DevTracker Programme GB-GOV-13-OODA-AHRC-C4WCAGQ-R6SBCMZ-AYRNVWK.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Value for money is embedded across all of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's work. We employ robust systems and frameworks, and continuously review our programmes, to ensure the effective and responsible use of UK taxpayers' money. Documentation related to our active and former programmes in Palestine is available on DevTracker: DevTracker Programme GB-GOV-13-OODA-AHRC-C4WCAGQ-R6SBCMZ-AYRNVWK.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Catherine West
(Labour - Hornsey and Friern Barnet)
As I stated during the Urgent Question debate on 3 June, the UK is already one of the largest humanitarian donors in Lebanon, and has committed £30 million in additional humanitarian support to respond to this crisis through trusted partners, including the United Nations and the Lebanese Red Cross. We have been clear in our engagements with all parties that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected in line with international humanitarian law.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 8 June in response to Question 5332.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided in the House of Commons on 8 June in response to Question 5388 - which for ease of reference is reproduced below:
The UK is committed to promoting freedom of religion or belief and to the freedom of expression globally. We are concerned by reports of violence against indigenous and rural communities in Mexico. Any violence against indigenous communities must be fully investigated. We regularly engage with the Mexican authorities and civil society on the issue of the protection of civilians, as well as with the UN in Mexico on the effective investigation of crimes against human rights defenders.
Minister of State (Development)
Freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) is a priority for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the right to FoRB is clearly enshrined in the Turkish constitution. We continue to urge respect for religious freedoms, which are essential to the long-term health of Turkish democracy.
Minister of State (Development)
The Government is aware of the recent report by Human Rights First on Bahrain, and the cases it refers to. The UK maintains a constructive and longstanding partnership with Bahrain, through which we raise human rights issues as required, and support practical reform. We will continue to work with the Government of Bahrain to make further progress in line with international standards, and to encourage the thorough investigation and timely conclusion of cases where human rights concerns are raised.
Minister of State (Development)
We remain concerned about the pattern of drone warfare in Sudan including attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure. Co-hosting the International Sudan Conference in Berlin on 15 April, we joined other participants in calling on the warring parties to end the conflict and adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law. Previously, on 26 February, we launched the Coalition on Atrocity Prevention and Justice in Sudan, bringing together likeminded partners to press for accountability, advance justice and bolster local peacebuilding and protection efforts.
Minister of State (Development)