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
Wednesday 4th February 2026
Armed Conflict: Children
Westminster Hall
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 4th February 2026
Gibraltar: National Security
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how they intend to respond to the findings …
Secondary Legislation
Thursday 8th January 2026
Caribbean Development Bank (Eleventh Replenishment of the Special Development Fund (Unified)) Order 2026
This Order approves the making of payments on behalf of the Government of the United Kingdom to the Caribbean Development …
Bills
Wednesday 10th September 2025
Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill 2024-26
A Bill to make provision for and in connection with the implementation by the United Kingdom of the Agreement under …
Dept. Publications
Thursday 5th February 2026
11:00

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
Jan. 20
Oral Questions
Feb. 03
Urgent Questions
Jan. 28
Written Statements
Feb. 04
Westminster Hall
Jan. 13
Adjournment Debate
View All Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Commons Contibutions

Bills currently before Parliament

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not have Bills currently before Parliament


Acts of Parliament created in the 2024 Parliament

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has not passed any Acts during the 2024 Parliament

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office - Secondary Legislation

This Order approves the making of payments on behalf of the Government of the United Kingdom to the Caribbean Development Bank (the “Bank”) of sums not exceeding £21 million as a contribution to the Eleventh Replenishment of the Special Development Fund (Unified) (the “Fund”). The payments approved by this Order will be made pursuant to the Resolution adopted by the contributors to the Fund on 14th March 2025. The Order also provides for the redemption of non-interest-bearing and non-negotiable notes issued by the Secretary of State pursuant to arrangements between the Government and the Bank.
These Regulations are made under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (c. 13) to amend the Central African Republic (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/616) (“the CAR Regulations”). These amendments are being made to ensure compliance with the UK’s UN obligations, specifically to ensure changes made by the UN Security Resolution 2745 (2024) (as extended by Resolution 2789 (2025)), in relation to the Central African Republic, are reflected.
View All Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Secondary Legislation

Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

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Petition Debates Contributed
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Petition Closed
28 Jul 2025
closed 6 months, 1 week 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
Phil Brickell Portrait
Phil Brickell (Labour - Bolton West)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 16th December 2024
Alex Ballinger Portrait
Alex Ballinger (Labour - Halesowen)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 16th December 2024
Fleur Anderson Portrait
Fleur Anderson (Labour - Putney)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 27th October 2025
Foreign Affairs Committee: Upcoming Events
Foreign Affairs Committee - Oral evidence
The situation in Ukraine
9 Feb 2026, 1 p.m.
View calendar - Save to Calendar
Foreign Affairs Committee: Previous Inquiries
Environmental diplomacy The Myanmar crisis Coronavirus: FCDO response The UK and Iran The FCDO and the Integrated Review The FCO's human rights work in 2013 Gibraltar The UK's relations with Hong Kong: 30 years after the Joint Declaration FCO performance and finances 2013-14 Hong Kong Russia and Ukraine Overseas Territories FCO consular services UK policy towards Iran UK Government policy on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq The future of the BBC World Service Developments in Libya The fight against ISIL: the UK's role inquiry FCO budget and capacity inquiry Libya: Examination of intervention and collapse and the UK's future policy options inquiry Costs and benefits of EU membership for the UK's role in the world inquiry Foreign policy developments Progress of the Iraq Inquiry British Foreign policy and the 'Arab Spring': follow-up Appointment of Lord Hill of Oareford to the European Commission Hong Kong: China's ban on the Committee's visit Government foreign policy towards the United States Foreign and Commonwealth Office performance and finances 2012-13 Departmental Annual Report 2010-11 FCO Public Diplomacy: The Olympic and Paralympic Games 2012 FCO's Human Rights Work 2010-11 Overseas Territories British foreign policy and the 'Arab Spring' FCO's human rights work in 2011 The future of the European Union: UK Government policy The role and future of the Commonwealth UK's relations with Saudi Arabia and Bahrain The UK's response to extremism and political instability in North and West Africa The UK’s influence in the UN inquiry The UK’s response to hurricanes in its Overseas Territories inquiry Global Britain inquiry The Commonwealth Summit inquiry Responsibility to protect and humanitarian intervention inquiry Russian corruption and the UK inquiry Session with Minister of State for Africa inquiry The Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Human Rights Work inquiry The Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s preparations for the World Cup inquiry The Western Balkans inquiry The future of the UK Overseas Territories inquiry Global Britain and India inquiry Global Britain: FCO skills inquiry The work of the Minister of State for the Middle East Global Britain and South America inquiry Global Britain: The future of UK sanctions policy inquiry FCO budget and capacity, and annual report 2017-18 inquiry Finding a diplomatic route: European responses to irregular migration inquiry The World Food Programme inquiry The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Global media freedom inquiry Autocracies and UK Foreign Policy inquiry FCO secure communications and handling of classified information inquiry The future of Britain’s diplomatic relationship with Europe - follow up inquiry Beyond Aid: The UK’s Strategic Engagement in Africa inquiry Human rights: Freedom of religion and belief, and human rights defenders inquiry The Caucasus inquiry The UK and Iran’s regional role inquiry Economic foreign policy inquiry The UK’s policy towards the Middle East Peace Process inquiry UK relations with China inquiry The FCO policy on arms exports inquiry Evidence from HE Lord Llewellyn of Steep on his appointment as HM Ambassador to Paris inquiry Resignation of Lord Hill of Oareford from the European Commission inquiry FCO budget and capacity, and Annual Report 2015-16 inquiry Violence in Rakhine State inquiry China and the international rules-based system inquiry FCO budget and capacity, and annual report 2016-17 Oral evidence from the Foreign Secretary Kurdish aspirations and the interests of the UK inquiry The future of Britain’s diplomatic relationship with Europe inquiry Political Islam inquiry UK's relations with Russia inquiry Human rights inquiry The future operations of BBC monitoring inquiry Human Rights: Annual review of the work of the FCO inquiry UK's relations with Turkey inquiry Implications of leaving the EU for the UK's role in the world inquiry The UK’s role in strengthening multilateral organisations FCO-DFID merger Xinjiang detention camps Global health security Update to the UK's Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy Critical minerals Western Balkans The UK’s engagement in Central Asia The UK’s international counter-terrorism policy The UK’s engagement with the Middle East and North Africa International relations within the multilateral system The BBC World Service: Is Britain Losing its Soft Power? Work of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict The work of the British Council Soft power: a strategy for UK success? Disinformation diplomacy: How malign actors are seeking to undermine democracy The UK’s sanctions strategy The UK-EU reset: rebuilding a strategic partnership in uncertain times The UK at the United Nations Security Council The UK Government’s China Audit Beyond Aid: The UK’s Strategic Engagement in Africa Autocracies and UK Foreign Policy The future of Britain’s diplomatic relationship with Europe- follow up inquiry China and the international rules-based system Economic foreign policy Finding a diplomatic route: European responses to irregular migration FCO budget and capacity, and annual report 2017-18 The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Global media freedom FCO secure communications and handling of classified information Human rights: Freedom of religion and belief, and human rights defenders Global Britain and South America Global Britain: The future of UK sanctions policy The work of the Minister of State for the Middle East Global Britain and India The future of the UK Overseas Territories Oral evidence from the Foreign Secretary The UK’s influence in the UN Session with Minister of State for Africa Responsibility to protect and humanitarian intervention The Caucasus The UK and Iran’s regional role The World Food Programme

50 most recent Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department

30th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much funding was given by her Department to the Independent Commission for Aid Impact in each of the last five years.

I refer the Hon Member to the Minister for International Development's appearance before the International Development Committee on 20 January, where she addressed these issues at length.

The Independent Commission for Aid Impact's (ICAI) budget allocation for 2025/26 is £3.97 million. Details of its past funding can be found in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) annual reports and accounts, and decisions on its future funding will be announced in due course when we publish our allocations of the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget up to 2028/29. The FCDO remains committed to full transparency and scrutiny of our ODA spend.

Over the previous five financial years (2021/22 to 2025/26), ICAI have published on average 5.6 reviews and 1.6 shorter information notes per year. This financial year, ICAI have published 2 reviews to date.

Ministers and FCDO officials continue to have regular engagement with ICAI.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
30th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what engagement has she had with the a) Independent Commission for Aid Impact and b) recipients of UK overseas development assistance, on future funding for the ICAI.

I refer the Hon Member to the Minister for International Development's appearance before the International Development Committee on 20 January, where she addressed these issues at length.

The Independent Commission for Aid Impact's (ICAI) budget allocation for 2025/26 is £3.97 million. Details of its past funding can be found in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) annual reports and accounts, and decisions on its future funding will be announced in due course when we publish our allocations of the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget up to 2028/29. The FCDO remains committed to full transparency and scrutiny of our ODA spend.

Over the previous five financial years (2021/22 to 2025/26), ICAI have published on average 5.6 reviews and 1.6 shorter information notes per year. This financial year, ICAI have published 2 reviews to date.

Ministers and FCDO officials continue to have regular engagement with ICAI.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
30th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps is she taking to ensure future scrutiny and transparency of UK overseas development and assistance.

I refer the Hon Member to the Minister for International Development's appearance before the International Development Committee on 20 January, where she addressed these issues at length.

The Independent Commission for Aid Impact's (ICAI) budget allocation for 2025/26 is £3.97 million. Details of its past funding can be found in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) annual reports and accounts, and decisions on its future funding will be announced in due course when we publish our allocations of the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget up to 2028/29. The FCDO remains committed to full transparency and scrutiny of our ODA spend.

Over the previous five financial years (2021/22 to 2025/26), ICAI have published on average 5.6 reviews and 1.6 shorter information notes per year. This financial year, ICAI have published 2 reviews to date.

Ministers and FCDO officials continue to have regular engagement with ICAI.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
21st Jan 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government how many people have come to the UK under the Gaza medical evacuation scheme (1) in the past month and (2) overall, either at public expense or through private funding.

We have supported 50 sick and injured children to leave Gaza and receive treatment in the UK, and have separately supported an initiative by Project Pure Hope to bring several children from Gaza to the UK for privately funded specialist care. The safety, privacy, and wellbeing of these patients and their families remains our absolute priority and we will not be providing further operational details.

We continue to seek the most effective ways to deploy the UK's resources to meet healthcare needs in Gaza and the region. Further announcements on the future of this scheme will be made in the usual way in due course.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
21st Jan 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to facilitate further evacuations under the Gaza medical evacuation scheme, either at public expense or through private funding; what assessment they have made of obstacles to such evacuations; and what steps they are taking to remove any obstacles.

We have supported 50 sick and injured children to leave Gaza and receive treatment in the UK, and have separately supported an initiative by Project Pure Hope to bring several children from Gaza to the UK for privately funded specialist care. The safety, privacy, and wellbeing of these patients and their families remains our absolute priority and we will not be providing further operational details.

We continue to seek the most effective ways to deploy the UK's resources to meet healthcare needs in Gaza and the region. Further announcements on the future of this scheme will be made in the usual way in due course.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
27th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when she expects to have updated the 1966 Exchange of Notes with the United States regarding the ongoing use of Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia.

I refer the Hon Member to the Urgent Question debate on 26 January and the Opposition Day debate on 28 January, where these and other issues were addressed at length.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
26th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department uses the Global Disinformation Index service.

No.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
26th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how they intend to respond to the findings of the McGrail Inquiry that found “grossly improper” and “sinister” interventions by the Chief Minister of Gibraltar to interfere in a live criminal investigation relating to national security.

Sir Peter Openshaw's report contains extremely serious findings which are deeply concerning, and which must be urgently addressed. The UK Government takes its constitutional responsibilities very seriously and expects the highest standards of good governance to be upheld in all our Overseas Territories, including in Gibraltar.

The Inquiry and the report's findings are firstly the responsibility of the Government of Gibraltar, the Gibraltar Parliament, Judiciary and other local accountability mechanisms and authorities.

We have however been explicitly clear that the UK Government expects the Government of Gibraltar to implement the necessary reforms quickly and fully. The UK Government stands ready to support Gibraltar in strengthening its institutions, and to taking any further actions as required to ensure good governance in line with the established constitutional arrangements and our responsibilities.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
26th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 8 January 2026, to Question 101383, on Government Actuary's Department: Freedom of Information, what the total cost would be in cash terms over 99 years without net present value discounting.

I refer the Hon Member to the answers I gave on this and other matters during the Urgent Question debate on 26 January. As an expert in the financial services industry, he will understand that it is simply wrong to ignore the effects of inflation and the changing value of money on the real costs of a deal that lasts 99 years.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
29th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Pelindaba Treaty, what discussions she has with the Secretary of State for Defence on the long-term potential capability of storing nuclear weapons on Diego Garcia.

I refer the Hon Member to the answers provided by the Ministry of Defence on 14 January in response to Question 103951, and on 5 December 2024 in response to Question 16455.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
28th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what data her Department holds on the allocation of Overseas Development Aid by country.

If my Hon Friend is seeking a breakdown by country of Official Development Assistance funding allocated by the UK, the latest published data - for Calendar Year 2024 - can be found at this link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/statistics-on-international-development

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
14th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what estimate she has made of the total cost to her Department of implementing the proposed treaty with Mauritius on the Chagos Archipelago.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answers provided on 12 January in response to Question 103250, and in the Urgent Question debate on 26 January.

The costs of the Treaty will be split between the Ministry of Defence and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
14th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the fiscal impact on her Department’s budget of supporting the resettlement of the Chagossian community.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answers provided on 12 January in response to Question 103250, and in the Urgent Question debate on 26 January.

The costs of the Treaty will be split between the Ministry of Defence and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
29th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has made an assessment of the adequacy of the long-term (a) funding, (b) staffing and (c) remit of the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI); and whether she plans to bring forward proposals to (i) reduce resources, (ii) alter the independence and (iii) limit the operations of ICAI.

I refer the Hon Member to the Minister for Development's appearance before the International Development Committee on 20 January, where she addressed issues around the future of the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) at length. Decisions on how the Official Development Assistance budget will be used up to 2028/29 will be announced in the coming months.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
26th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department is taking steps to support the Turks and Caicos government with the procurement of outsourced professional services for the proposed expansion of the Providenciales International Airport.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer I gave on 15 January in response to Question 104147.

The UK is committed to expanding economic cooperation with the Overseas Territories, recognising that sustainable economic prosperity is central to our shared future. The 2025 Joint Ministerial Council included discussions with UK Export Finance regarding their infrastructure offer and credit finance opportunities in the UK, as well as a business engagement session alongside UK companies with infrastructure expertise, including in relation to airports. FCDO officials will continue to engage with their Turks and Caicos Island counterparts to understand their specific needs and plans.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
26th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department is taking steps to help support the Turks and Caicos government with the procurement of outsourced professional services for the proposed expansion of the Providenciales International Airport.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer I gave on 15 January in response to Question 104147.

The UK is committed to expanding economic cooperation with the Overseas Territories, recognising that sustainable economic prosperity is central to our shared future. The 2025 Joint Ministerial Council included discussions with UK Export Finance regarding their infrastructure offer and credit finance opportunities in the UK, as well as a business engagement session alongside UK companies with infrastructure expertise, including in relation to airports. FCDO officials will continue to engage with their Turks and Caicos Island counterparts to understand their specific needs and plans.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
26th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps she has taken with her international counterparts to help ensure the independence of Armenia’s Apostolic Christian Church.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer provided on 17 November 2025 to Question 89462.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
26th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of Prime Minister of Armenia moving to enact state control of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer provided on 17 November 2025 to Question 89462.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
26th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the state of religious freedom in Armenia.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer provided on 17 November 2025 to Question 89462.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
28th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to maintain public confidence in the value for money and accountability of UK aid spending.

In relation to all the questions raised by the Hon Member on 28 January, I refer her to Baroness Chapman's appearance before the International Development Committee on 20 January, where she addressed these issues at length. We will set out any further plans in this area in the context of Official Development Assistance funding allocations up to 2028-29, decisions on which will be announced in the coming months.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
28th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what her long-term plans are for the Independent Commission for Aid Impact, particularly in relation to its mandate and resourcing.

In relation to all the questions raised by the Hon Member on 28 January, I refer her to Baroness Chapman's appearance before the International Development Committee on 20 January, where she addressed these issues at length. We will set out any further plans in this area in the context of Official Development Assistance funding allocations up to 2028-29, decisions on which will be announced in the coming months.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
28th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of independent scrutiny on value for money across the aid programme.

In relation to all the questions raised by the Hon Member on 28 January, I refer her to Baroness Chapman's appearance before the International Development Committee on 20 January, where she addressed these issues at length. We will set out any further plans in this area in the context of Official Development Assistance funding allocations up to 2028-29, decisions on which will be announced in the coming months.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
28th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to support the independent scrutiny of Official Development Assistance.

In relation to all the questions raised by the Hon Member on 28 January, I refer her to Baroness Chapman's appearance before the International Development Committee on 20 January, where she addressed these issues at length. We will set out any further plans in this area in the context of Official Development Assistance funding allocations up to 2028-29, decisions on which will be announced in the coming months.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
28th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to help facilitate independent scrutiny of Official Development Assistance across Government departments.

In relation to all the questions raised by the Hon Member on 28 January, I refer her to Baroness Chapman's appearance before the International Development Committee on 20 January, where she addressed these issues at length. We will set out any further plans in this area in the context of Official Development Assistance funding allocations up to 2028-29, decisions on which will be announced in the coming months.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
21st Jan 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government how many UK citizens are permanently resident in Greenland.

There is no general requirement for British travellers or residents to register with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) when they go overseas, and the FCDO does not therefore collect data on the number in each location.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
23rd Jan 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to refer Myanmar to the International Criminal Court under Article 14 of the Rome Statute.

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer he received on 5 November 2024 in response to Question HL1783. He will be aware that the case referred to in that answer is currently proceeding at the International Court of Justice, while separately, the International Criminal Court continues to pursue its investigation of crimes against the Rohingya.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
20th Jan 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the percentage of companies registered in the British Virgin Islands which are held via a trust or complex legal arrangement; and whether legitimate interest registers will allow for the identification of the ultimate beneficiaries of corporate structures in the British Virgin Islands.

Financial Services, including in relation to information on beneficial ownership, are a devolved matter for the Government of the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Whilst it is not unusual to hold companies through legal arrangements, including Trusts, this Government expects Overseas Territories, including the BVI, to implement accessible registers of beneficial ownership as a way of mitigating the risk that these structures are abused by those seeking to hide illicit gains. The Minister of State, Stephen Doughty wrote to Premier Wheatly on 26 January to reiterate that this Government expects that the BVI's proposals for legitimate interest access registers will uphold the highest possible standards of transparency and demonstrate a clear commitment to openness and robust oversight. This Government's ultimate expectation is that the OTs launch fully public registers of beneficial ownership.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
21st Jan 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have raised the arrest of Ebrahim Sharif on 12 November 2025 with the government of Bahrain; if so, on how many occasions they have raised that case; and who discussed the issue with that government.

The Government is aware of the case and conviction of Ebrahim Sharif. I refer the Noble Lord to the answers provided to questions HL13268 and HL13269 (published 19 January 2026) and HL12137 (published 2 December 2025).

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
21st Jan 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the conviction of Ebrahim Sharif in Bahrain on 8 January.

The Government is aware of the case and conviction of Ebrahim Sharif. I refer the Noble Lord to the answers provided to questions HL13268 and HL13269 (published 19 January 2026) and HL12137 (published 2 December 2025).

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
21st Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department is monitoring far right activity by British citizens in France.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office does not have any specific remit in that regard.

The UK government cooperates on a regular basis with our close ally and partner France on a range of security issues.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
27th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she will recognise Somaliland as an independent nation.

It is the UK's long-standing position that the settlement of Somaliland's status is an issue for authorities in Mogadishu and Hargeisa to decide through a consultative process and dialogue, in line with the principles of the UN charter.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
28th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 23 June 2025 to question 57617 on Zimbabwe: Commonwealth, what recent steps she has taken to support a further Commonwealth assessment mission.

The timing of any Commonwealth assessment mission is for the Secretary General and the Government of Zimbabwe to agree. Given the time passed since their last reports, we would welcome a Commonwealth assessment mission returning to Zimbabwe to follow up on its recommendations from its last visit and the subsequent election observation report.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
28th Jan 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 recommendations of Open Doors’ report entitled World Watch List 2026.

The UK continues to champion Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for all, including in the countries on the Open Doors' World Watch List where Christians face persecution or discrimination because of their faith. Last July, the UK's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, David Smith MP, set out the Government's new strategy on FoRB, providing a framework for engagement with other countries, and describing the links between the protection of FoRB and other goals including the prevention of conflict. As part of this strategy, the UK continues to support FoRB on the international stage, through our position in the United Nations, the G7 and the Article 18 Alliance.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
9th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 23 October 2025 to Question 76596 and the Answer of 12 January 2023 to Question 119101 on Guantanamo Bay: Closures, on what date did her Department change its policy on the closure of the Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility.

The Hon Member will be aware that it has been the stated intention of the US administration since January 2025 to expand the facilities at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to serve as a large-scale migration detention centre. As stated in the answer to Question 76596, that remains a matter for the US.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
9th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 23 October 2025 to Question 76596 and the Answer of 12 January 2023 to Question 119101 on Guantanamo Bay: Closures, what assessment she has made of the potential impact on the UK's international human rights obligations of the change in her Department's policy on the closure of the Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility.

The Hon Member will be aware that it has been the stated intention of the US administration since January 2025 to expand the facilities at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to serve as a large-scale migration detention centre. As stated in the answer to Question 76596, that remains a matter for the US.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
9th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 23 October 2025 to Question 76596 and the Answer of 12 January 2023 to Question 119101 on Guantanamo Bay: Closures, which Ministers were involved in the decision to change the UK Government's policy on the closure of the Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility.

The Hon Member will be aware that it has been the stated intention of the US administration since January 2025 to expand the facilities at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to serve as a large-scale migration detention centre. As stated in the answer to Question 76596, that remains a matter for the US.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
9th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 23 October 2025 to Question 76596 and the Answer of 12 January 2023 to Question 119101 on Guantanamo Bay: Closures, what discussions did her Department have with its US counterparts ahead of the decision to change the UK Government's policy on the closure of the Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility.

The Hon Member will be aware that it has been the stated intention of the US administration since January 2025 to expand the facilities at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to serve as a large-scale migration detention centre. As stated in the answer to Question 76596, that remains a matter for the US.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
27th Jan 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 reports of arbitrary detentions in Guinea.

The UK regularly raises concerns with the authorities in Guinea over human rights, democracy, freedom of expression, and the rule of law, including arbitrary detentions, and restrictions on political freedoms, civil society and peaceful protest.

Since the December 2025 elections, our Ambassador has pressed the Guinean authorities, including security officials, to ensure due process, and release detainees being held without charge. The UK is also continuing to support efforts to strengthen good governance and access to justice.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
27th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussion her Department has had with its counterparts in Guinea on the right to peaceful protest.

The UK regularly raises concerns with the authorities in Guinea over human rights, democracy, freedom of expression, and the rule of law, including arbitrary detentions, and restrictions on political freedoms, civil society and peaceful protest.

Since the December 2025 elections, our Ambassador has pressed the Guinean authorities, including security officials, to ensure due process, and release detainees being held without charge. The UK is also continuing to support efforts to strengthen good governance and access to justice.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
27th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions her Department has had with its counterparts in Guinea on the rights of political prisoners.

The UK regularly raises concerns with the authorities in Guinea over human rights, democracy, freedom of expression, and the rule of law, including arbitrary detentions, and restrictions on political freedoms, civil society and peaceful protest.

Since the December 2025 elections, our Ambassador has pressed the Guinean authorities, including security officials, to ensure due process, and release detainees being held without charge. The UK is also continuing to support efforts to strengthen good governance and access to justice.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
27th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent steps her Department has taken to help promote human rights in Guinea.

The UK regularly raises concerns with the authorities in Guinea over human rights, democracy, freedom of expression, and the rule of law, including arbitrary detentions, and restrictions on political freedoms, civil society and peaceful protest.

Since the December 2025 elections, our Ambassador has pressed the Guinean authorities, including security officials, to ensure due process, and release detainees being held without charge. The UK is also continuing to support efforts to strengthen good governance and access to justice.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
27th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations she has made to her Nigerian counterparts regarding the arbitrary detention of Mr Nnamdi Kanu and what steps she is taking to secure his release.

I refer the Rt Hon member to the answer provided for 87707 on 19 November 2025.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
26th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 26 January 2026 to Question 106949 on Oil: Sanctions and with reference to the meeting with Irish Ministers on 3 December 2025, whether she received an offer of support in countering Russian aggression at that meeting.

As stated in my answer to Question 105155, the UK and Ireland are jointly committed to deepening our security and defence cooperation on the full range of threats facing both our countries. That includes countering Russian aggression and supporting Ukraine.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
23rd Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what estimate her Department has made of changes in levels of (a) maladministration and (b) corruption involved in the onsite distribution of the overseas aid budget between 2020 and 2025.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) actively monitors and manages fraud, bribery, corruption and error risks across its Official Development Assistance (ODA) portfolio through a range of controls, reporting mechanisms and ongoing risk assessments. Available estimates in this area can be found in the section on fraud at pages 167-169 of the FCDO's 2024/25 Annual Report and Accounts, and in equivalent sections in previous years' reports.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
20th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to help support independent media and political prisoners in Belarus.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer given on 1 December 2025 to Questions 92971-73.

Belarus continues to support Russia's aggression towards Ukraine, including the stationing of Oreshnik missiles on its soil, and we remain clear that Belarus must end that support and return to compliance with international law.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
20th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of Russia’s military presence in Belarus.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer given on 1 December 2025 to Questions 92971-73.

Belarus continues to support Russia's aggression towards Ukraine, including the stationing of Oreshnik missiles on its soil, and we remain clear that Belarus must end that support and return to compliance with international law.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
13th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of current visa arrangements for UK law graduates seeking (a) training contracts or (b) early-career experience in EU member states.

UK nationals travelling for the purposes of taking up work or providing a service in a Member State will need a visa and/or work permit to work in most EU countries. While the visa policy of EU Member States is a matter for those countries, the Government will continue to listen to and advocate for UK nationals.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
23rd Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had discussions with the Heads of Churches in the Holy Land on their (a) attendance at and (b) participation in the Israel-Palestine peace summit of 12 March 2026.

We will announce further details in the near future of the 12 March conference to help establish an International Peace Fund for Israel and Palestine, including attendees, and I thank the Hon Member for her constructive proposals. On her letter of 7 November 2025, I apologise for the delay in responding, and I will ensure that a reply is with her shortly.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
23rd Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will reply to the letter of 7 November 2025 on Christianity in the Holy Land from the hon. Member for East Wiltshire and the hon. Member for and Lancaster and Wyre.

We will announce further details in the near future of the 12 March conference to help establish an International Peace Fund for Israel and Palestine, including attendees, and I thank the Hon Member for her constructive proposals. On her letter of 7 November 2025, I apologise for the delay in responding, and I will ensure that a reply is with her shortly.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)