Foreign, Commonwealth & 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.

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.

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.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided by HM Treasury on 4 June in response to Question 3437.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided by HM Treasury on 4 June in response to Question 3437.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/).

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.

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.

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.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 8 June in response to Question 5332.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Government remains extremely concerned about reports of external support to the warring parties in Sudan, and we have repeatedly called on all international actors to end the supply of weapons, finance, and personnel, and use whatever influence they have to bring the warring parties to the negotiating table.

Last year, we worked closely with international partners to secure the renewal of the long-standing UN arms embargo on Darfur. The UK will support its further renewal in September and will continue to push for the embargo to be extended to the whole of Sudan. We expect all countries to comply with their obligations under UN sanctions regimes.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer I provided on 8 June to the identical set of questions submitted by the Hon Member, (UINs 4932-6).

As we have stated on numerous occasions, including the Urgent Question debate on 5 November 2025, the Government remains extremely concerned about reports of external support to the warring parties in Sudan, and we have repeatedly called on all international actors to end the supply of weapons, finance, and personnel, and use whatever influence they have to bring the warring parties to the negotiating table.

The Foreign Secretary's statement to the House on 5 February set out the action taken against those accused of procuring Colombian mercenaries to train and fight for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), as well as those involved in funding the RSF's activities. To date, we have sanctioned 24 individuals and entities aligned with or backing the warring parties.

Last year, we worked closely with international partners to secure the renewal of the long-standing UN arms embargo on Darfur. The UK will support its further renewal in September and will continue to push for the embargo to be extended to the whole of Sudan. We expect all countries to comply with their obligations under UN sanctions regimes.

As we have stated on numerous occasions, including the Urgent Question debate on 5 November 2025, the Government remains extremely concerned about reports of external support to the warring parties in Sudan, and we have repeatedly called on all international actors to end the supply of weapons, finance, and personnel, and use whatever influence they have to bring the warring parties to the negotiating table.

The Foreign Secretary's statement to the House on 5 February set out the action taken against those accused of procuring Colombian mercenaries to train and fight for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), as well as those involved in funding the RSF's activities. To date, we have sanctioned 24 individuals and entities aligned with or backing the warring parties.

Last year, we worked closely with international partners to secure the renewal of the long-standing UN arms embargo on Darfur. The UK will support its further renewal in September and will continue to push for the embargo to be extended to the whole of Sudan. We expect all countries to comply with their obligations under UN sanctions regimes.

As we have stated on numerous occasions, including the Urgent Question debate on 5 November 2025, the Government remains extremely concerned about reports of external support to the warring parties in Sudan, and we have repeatedly called on all international actors to end the supply of weapons, finance, and personnel, and use whatever influence they have to bring the warring parties to the negotiating table.

The Foreign Secretary's statement to the House on 5 February set out the action taken against those accused of procuring Colombian mercenaries to train and fight for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), as well as those involved in funding the RSF's activities. To date, we have sanctioned 24 individuals and entities aligned with or backing the warring parties.

Last year, we worked closely with international partners to secure the renewal of the long-standing UN arms embargo on Darfur. The UK will support its further renewal in September and will continue to push for the embargo to be extended to the whole of Sudan. We expect all countries to comply with their obligations under UN sanctions regimes.

Further to my statement to the House on 21 May (HCWS60), the Minister of State for International Development visited Kinshasa on 29 May to see first-hand how agencies on the ground are responding to the Ebola outbreak, with the support of the UK and other international partners, and to discuss that response with the Director General of the World Health Organization. We will provide further updates to Parliament in due course, as this fast-moving and deeply concerning situation in the region continues to unfold.

I refer the Hon Member to Paragraph 9 of the communiqué agreed at the last UK and Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council, published on 28 November 2025. Details of Official Development Assistance to the Overseas Territories can be found at: devtracker.fcdo.gov.uk.

On 14 April, I formally received the Virgin Islands Government's proposals for constitutional reform, some of which draw on the report of the Virgin Islands Constitutional Review Commission, and I discussed elements of these proposals with the Premier on 19 May. My officials will begin to engage in formal negotiations with the Virgin Islands Government in the coming months.

On the development of a partnership framework, I refer the Hon Member to the first paragraph of the answer provided on 7 January in response to Question 101093.

This Government remains committed to strengthening UK-EU cooperation on tackling money-laundering. The UK works closely with the EU and its Member States through a range of established fora, including through the Financial Action Task Force.

I refer the Hon Member to the first paragraph of the answer provided on 7 January in response to Question 101093.

The Government's use of generative AI is governed by the Generative AI Framework and AI Playbook for the UK Government, which set out the principles for its safe, responsible and effective use. The only generative AI tool currently cleared for use within the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is Microsoft Copilot, which has been assured to the appropriate security standards and approved for use by all staff in the Department.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 8 June to Question 4500.

The UK has a robust sanctions enforcement regime in place, and - while it would not be appropriate to comment on individual cases - we will continue to investigate and take action against any individuals and entities, including hostile state actors, involved in any unlawful attempts to circumvent our sanctions regime.

No such estimate is readily available, but as I said during our last session of departmental oral questions on 21 April, the collective sanctions action on a range of individuals and entities, across a wide range of economic sectors, taken by the UK and our international partners has denied Russia access to an estimated $450 billion in revenues since the start of the current conflict in 2022.

The UK has led international efforts to disrupt Russia's shadow fleet which, by some estimates, Putin spent over $14 billion to establish. The UK has now specified 594 vessels under the Russia sanctions regime, including 567 oil tankers and 18 liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers.

Delivery of Pillar 9, paragraph 5 of the 100 Year Partnership Agreement is progressing. We want more local authorities to twin with Ukrainian counterparts to enable cooperation that delivers material benefits for people in the UK and Ukraine. Local authorities have already: hosted Ukrainian medical professionals in UK hospitals to facilitate exchanges of expertise, supported business exchanges, engaged on sustainable and resilient urban development/reconstruction, shared lessons learned for fostering local culture and attracting tourism, and donated lifesaving equipment (e.g. fire engines to Ukraine). The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office works closely with Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government and colleagues in local government to ensure that this engagement supports the broader goals of the UK-Ukraine 100 Year Partnership and to provide support when necessary. We are also encouraging other institutions including universities, and schools to twin with their Ukrainian counterparts to ensure that the benefits of the 100-Year Partnership are shared as widely as possible across the UK and Ukraine.

The UK remains steadfast in our support to Ukraine, having provided £21.8 billion in military and non-military assistance since the start of the full scale invasion. This includes support for Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction, including through our £5.3 billion of non-military support, covering fiscal, humanitarian, energy, stabilisation, reform, and economic and social recovery. We will continue to work with Ukraine and international partners, including via the Ukraine Donor Platform and the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdansk, to help mobilise finance for a sustainable and locally led recovery, including by supporting stronger regional and local capacity and work on project preparation to help speed up the development of shovel ready infrastructure projects.

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.

I met members of the Chagossian contact group on Wednesday 3 June to discuss a range of issues of interest to Chagossian communities.

Russia's recruitment of foreign nationals to fight in its illegal war against Ukraine is deeply concerning. The UK condemns any deception, coercion or trafficking linked to Russia's war effort and is working with partners to expose these practices, support accountability and disrupt those responsible. On 5 May, the UK announced sanctions targeting networks involved in trafficking vulnerable migrants to support Russia's war effort, including deceptive recruitment and exploitation. The UK calls for full compliance with international humanitarian law, including the humane treatment of prisoners of war and appropriate access and protection arrangements.

Russia's recruitment of foreign nationals to fight in its illegal war against Ukraine is deeply concerning. The UK condemns any deception, coercion or trafficking linked to Russia's war effort and is working with partners to expose these practices, support accountability and disrupt those responsible. On 5 May, the UK announced sanctions targeting networks involved in trafficking vulnerable migrants to support Russia's war effort, including deceptive recruitment and exploitation. The UK calls for full compliance with international humanitarian law, including the humane treatment of prisoners of war and appropriate access and protection arrangements.

Russia's recruitment of foreign nationals to fight in its illegal war against Ukraine is deeply concerning. The UK condemns any deception, coercion or trafficking linked to Russia's war effort and is working with partners to expose these practices, support accountability and disrupt those responsible. On 5 May, the UK announced sanctions targeting networks involved in trafficking vulnerable migrants to support Russia's war effort, including deceptive recruitment and exploitation. The UK calls for full compliance with international humanitarian law, including the humane treatment of prisoners of war and appropriate access and protection arrangements.

The Overseas Territories Ministerial Group which I chair already provides for effective coordination of UK Government policy and activity on strategic and cross cutting issues affecting the OTs.

Arrangements on chairing Cabinet meetings are set out in each Overseas Territory's constitution. The UK will engage closely and proactively with each Overseas Territory where the democratically elected Territory Government seeks engagement on reviewing their constitution.

Further to my statement to the House on 21 May (HLWS64), I visited Kinshasa on 29 May to see first-hand how agencies on the ground are responding to the Ebola outbreak, with the support of the UK and other international partners, and to discuss that response with the Director General of the World Health Organization. We will provide further updates to Parliament in due course, as this fast-moving and deeply concerning situation continues to unfold.

It has been a top priority for the Government in recent weeks, working alongside our international partners, to ensure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz without tolls or conditions, and we will continue working to promote navigational rights and freedoms in the Strait of Hormuz and in other contexts around the world, in accordance with international law as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The UK continues to welcome the crucial role played by the United Nations' network of special rapporteurs and experts in several countries and regions around the world, as well as on specific issues of concern. However, in order to maintain the confidence of the international community in those roles, it is important that each rapporteur or expert upholds the highest standards of independence and objectivity, and we will always make clear when we believe any individual has fallen short of those standards.

The UK continues to welcome the crucial role played by the United Nations' network of special rapporteurs and experts in several countries and regions around the world, as well as on specific issues of concern. However, in order to maintain the confidence of the international community in those roles, it is important that each rapporteur or expert upholds the highest standards of independence and objectivity, and we will always make clear when we believe any individual has fallen short of those standards.