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

Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton
Foreign Secretary

Shadow Ministers / Spokeperson
Scottish National Party
Hannah Bardell (SNP - Livingston)
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Foreign Affairs Team Member)

Plaid Cymru
Hywel Williams (PC - Arfon)
Shadow PC Spokesperson (Foreign Affairs)

Liberal Democrat
Layla Moran (LD - Oxford West and Abingdon)
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs)
Lord Purvis of Tweed (LD - Life peer)
Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs)

Labour
David Lammy (Lab - Tottenham)
Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs

Scottish National Party
Brendan O'Hara (SNP - Argyll and Bute)
Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Foreign Affairs)
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Labour
Catherine West (Lab - Hornsey and Wood Green)
Shadow Minister (Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs)
Lyn Brown (Lab - West Ham)
Shadow Minister (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs)
Ministers of State
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Con - Life peer)
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Andrew Mitchell (Con - Sutton Coldfield)
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
Anne-Marie Trevelyan (Con - Berwick-upon-Tweed)
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Andrew Mitchell (Con - Sutton Coldfield)
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development and Africa)
Lord Benyon (Con - Life peer)
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State
Leo Docherty (Con - Aldershot)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
David Rutley (Con - Macclesfield)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Scheduled Event
Tuesday 19th March 2024
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Orders and regulations - Grand Committee
Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2024
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Scheduled Event
Monday 25th March 2024
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Orders and regulations - Main Chamber
Fair Dealing Obligations (Milk) Regulations 2024
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Scheduled Event
Tuesday 26th March 2024
13:30
Foreign Affairs Committee - Oral evidence - Select & Joint Committees
26 Mar 2024, 1:30 p.m.
The UK’s engagement with the Middle East and North Africa
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Scheduled Event
Tuesday 30th April 2024
11:30
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Oral questions - Main Chamber
30 Apr 2024, 11:30 a.m.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development (including Topical Questions)
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Debates
Thursday 14th March 2024
Select Committee Inquiry
Friday 12th January 2024
International relations within the multilateral system

In 2021, the Committee’s report In the room: the UK’s role in multilateral diplomacy concluded that autocratic states were attempting …

Written Answers
Monday 18th March 2024
Armed Conflict: Civilians
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of …
Secondary Legislation
Wednesday 28th February 2024
Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2024
These Regulations are made under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (c. 13) to amend the Russia (Sanctions) (EU …
Bills
Monday 13th June 2022
Northern Ireland Protocol Bill 2022-23
Make provision about the effect in domestic law of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland in the EU withdrawal agreement, about …
Dept. Publications
Monday 18th March 2024
20:14

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
Mar. 12
Oral Questions
Mar. 11
Urgent Questions
Feb. 20
Westminster Hall
Feb. 06
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 2019 Parliament

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has not passed any Acts during the 2019 Parliament

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office - Secondary Legislation

These Regulations are made under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (c. 13) to amend the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/855) (“the 2019 Regulations”).
These Regulations are made under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (c. 13) for the purposes of implementing obligations that the United Kingdom has by virtue of the arms embargo contained in UN Security Council Resolution 2653 (2022), adopted by the UN Security Council on 21st October 2022, as amended by UN Security Council Resolution 2699 (2023), adopted by the UN Security Council on 2nd October 2023, and UN Security Council Resolution 2700 (2023), adopted by the UN Security Council on 19th October 2023.
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).

Trending Petitions
Petition Debates Contributed
388,518
Petition Closed
14 Nov 2021
closed 2 years, 4 months ago

The Government should introduce sanctions against Israel, including blocking all trade, and in particular arms.

We want the Government to seek a ceasefire and also seek to address the root cause of the current conflict by promoting dialogue and advocating for the end of Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

The benefits that were promised if the UK exited the European Union have not been delivered, so we call upon the Government to hold a Public Inquiry to assess the impact that Brexit has had on this country and its citizens.

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
Alicia Kearns Portrait
Alicia Kearns (Conservative - Rutland and Melton)
Foreign Affairs Committee Chair since 12th October 2022
Graham Stringer Portrait
Graham Stringer (Labour - Blackley and Broughton)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 2nd March 2020
Royston Smith Portrait
Royston Smith (Conservative - Southampton, Itchen)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 2nd March 2020
Henry Smith Portrait
Henry Smith (Conservative - Crawley)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 2nd March 2020
Bob Seely Portrait
Bob Seely (Conservative - Isle of Wight)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 2nd March 2020
Andrew Rosindell Portrait
Andrew Rosindell (Conservative - Romford)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 2nd March 2020
Neil Coyle Portrait
Neil Coyle (Labour - Bermondsey and Old Southwark)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 11th May 2020
Brendan O'Hara Portrait
Brendan O'Hara (Scottish National Party - Argyll and Bute)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 12th September 2023
Fabian Hamilton Portrait
Fabian Hamilton (Labour - Leeds North East)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 28th November 2023
Dan Carden Portrait
Dan Carden (Labour - Liverpool, Walton)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 28th November 2023
Ranil Jayawardena Portrait
Ranil Jayawardena (Conservative - North East Hampshire)
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 11th December 2023
Foreign Affairs Committee: Upcoming Events
Foreign Affairs Committee - Oral evidence
The UK’s engagement with the Middle East and North Africa
26 Mar 2024, 1:30 p.m.
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Foreign Affairs Committee: Previous Inquiries
Environmental diplomacy The Myanmar crisis Coronavirus: FCDO response The UK and Iran The FCDO and the Integrated Review The FCO's human rights work in 2013 Gibraltar The UK's relations with Hong Kong: 30 years after the Joint Declaration FCO performance and finances 2013-14 Hong Kong Russia and Ukraine Overseas Territories FCO consular services UK policy towards Iran UK Government policy on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq The future of the BBC World Service Developments in Libya The fight against ISIL: the UK's role inquiry FCO budget and capacity inquiry Libya: Examination of intervention and collapse and the UK's future policy options inquiry Costs and benefits of EU membership for the UK's role in the world inquiry Foreign policy developments Progress of the Iraq Inquiry British Foreign policy and the 'Arab Spring': follow-up Appointment of Lord Hill of Oareford to the European Commission Hong Kong: China's ban on the Committee's visit Government foreign policy towards the United States Foreign and Commonwealth Office performance and finances 2012-13 Departmental Annual Report 2010-11 FCO Public Diplomacy: The Olympic and Paralympic Games 2012 FCO's Human Rights Work 2010-11 Overseas Territories British foreign policy and the 'Arab Spring' FCO's human rights work in 2011 The future of the European Union: UK Government policy The role and future of the Commonwealth UK's relations with Saudi Arabia and Bahrain The UK's response to extremism and political instability in North and West Africa The UK’s influence in the UN inquiry The UK’s response to hurricanes in its Overseas Territories inquiry Global Britain inquiry The Commonwealth Summit inquiry Responsibility to protect and humanitarian intervention inquiry Russian corruption and the UK inquiry Session with Minister of State for Africa inquiry The Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Human Rights Work inquiry The Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s preparations for the World Cup inquiry The Western Balkans inquiry The future of the UK Overseas Territories inquiry Global Britain and India inquiry Global Britain: FCO skills inquiry The work of the Minister of State for the Middle East Global Britain and South America inquiry Global Britain: The future of UK sanctions policy inquiry FCO budget and capacity, and annual report 2017-18 inquiry Finding a diplomatic route: European responses to irregular migration inquiry The World Food Programme inquiry The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Global media freedom inquiry Autocracies and UK Foreign Policy inquiry FCO secure communications and handling of classified information inquiry The future of Britain’s diplomatic relationship with Europe - follow up inquiry Beyond Aid: The UK’s Strategic Engagement in Africa inquiry Human rights: Freedom of religion and belief, and human rights defenders inquiry The Caucasus inquiry The UK and Iran’s regional role inquiry Economic foreign policy inquiry The UK’s policy towards the Middle East Peace Process inquiry UK relations with China inquiry The FCO policy on arms exports inquiry Evidence from HE Lord Llewellyn of Steep on his appointment as HM Ambassador to Paris inquiry Resignation of Lord Hill of Oareford from the European Commission inquiry FCO budget and capacity, and Annual Report 2015-16 inquiry Violence in Rakhine State inquiry China and the international rules-based system inquiry FCO budget and capacity, and annual report 2016-17 Oral evidence from the Foreign Secretary Kurdish aspirations and the interests of the UK inquiry The future of Britain’s diplomatic relationship with Europe inquiry Political Islam inquiry UK's relations with Russia inquiry Human rights inquiry The future operations of BBC monitoring inquiry Human Rights: Annual review of the work of the FCO inquiry UK's relations with Turkey inquiry Implications of leaving the EU for the UK's role in the world inquiry The UK’s role in strengthening multilateral organisations FCO-DFID merger Xinjiang detention camps Global health security Update to the UK's Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy Critical minerals Western Balkans The UK’s engagement in Central Asia The UK’s international counter-terrorism policy The UK’s engagement with the Middle East and North Africa International relations within the multilateral system 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

11th Mar 2024
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, how much his Department has spent on aid for asylum seekers living on Diego Garcia in each of the last 12 months.

The FCDO provides funding to the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) Administration to help support the good governance of the Territory. This funding includes all costs associated with temporarily supporting the migrants on BIOT and supporting their departure from the territory. The information requested on the breakdown of spending can only be provided at disproportionate cost.

David Rutley
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
11th Mar 2024
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, how much his Department has spent on healthcare for asylum seekers living on Diego Garcia in the last two years.

The FCDO provides funding to the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) Administration to help support the good governance of the Territory. This funding includes all costs associated with temporarily supporting the migrants on BIOT and supporting their departure from the territory. The information requested on the breakdown of spending can only be provided at disproportionate cost.

David Rutley
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
13th Mar 2024
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what recent discussions (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have had with their US counterparts on the UK-US Extradition Treaty, in the context (i) the case of Anne Sacoolas and (ii) other prominent cases.

Extradition is a matter for the Home Office, the Crown Prosecution Service, and the courts. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has not had recent discussions with the US on the UK-US Extradition Treaty.

With regards to Anne Sacoolas, she has now been sentenced. We engaged frequently with the US on this case when it was ongoing: in 2022, it was raised at least seven times by FCDO ministers or senior officials with US counterparts.

David Rutley
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
5th Mar 2024
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, with reference to his oral contribution in response to the hon. Member for Hammersmith during the Oral Statement of 27 February 2024 on Israel and Gaza, Official Report, column 159, on what evidential basis he said that a ceasefire would collapse without a prior humanitarian pause.

We are calling for an immediate pause to get aid in and hostages out, then progress towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire, without a return to destruction, fighting and loss of life.

There are several vital elements for a lasting peace, including the release of all hostages; the formation of a new Palestinian Government for the West Bank and Gaza, accompanied by an international support package; removing Hamas's capacity to launch attacks against Israel; Hamas no longer being in charge of Gaza; and a political horizon which provides a credible and irreversible pathway towards a two-state solution.

Andrew Mitchell
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
13th Mar 2024
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of international frameworks for the protection of civilians in conflict zones.

A range of obligations exist in International Humanitarian Law, International Human Rights Law and International Refugee Law concerning the protection of civilians affected by conflict.

We consistently use our diplomatic influence to uphold protective laws and hold those who break them to account. We fund organisations like the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC): a crucial actor in the protection of people in conflict. We initiated and are continuing to engage with discussions at the UN on a proposed Crimes Against Humanity Convention.

Andrew Mitchell
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
8th Mar 2024
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, if he will make an assessment of whether Somaliland meets the criteria for joining the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of independent and equal sovereign states. It is for the Commonwealth Secretary-General and Commonwealth Secretariat to take forward expressions of interest and to assess whether an aspirant member meets the eligibility criteria for membership. The UK, alongside others in the international community, does not recognise Somaliland's unilateral declaration of independence. We believe that the settlement of Somaliland's status is an issue for Somalia and Somaliland to decide through a consultative process and dialogue.

Andrew Mitchell
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
8th Mar 2024
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whether he has had recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the potential merits of Somaliland joining the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of independent and equal sovereign states. It is for the Commonwealth Secretary-General and Commonwealth Secretariat to take forward expressions of interest and to assess whether an aspirant member meets the eligibility criteria for membership. The UK, alongside others in the international community, does not recognise Somaliland's unilateral declaration of independence. We believe that the settlement of Somaliland's status is an issue for Somalia and Somaliland to decide through a consultative process and dialogue.

Andrew Mitchell
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
8th Mar 2024
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, if he will support the application by Somaliland to join the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of independent and equal sovereign states. It is for the Commonwealth Secretary-General and Commonwealth Secretariat to take forward expressions of interest and to assess whether an aspirant member meets the eligibility criteria for membership. The UK, alongside others in the international community, does not recognise Somaliland's unilateral declaration of independence. We believe that the settlement of Somaliland's status is an issue for Somalia and Somaliland to decide through a consultative process and dialogue.

Andrew Mitchell
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
8th Mar 2024
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of Somaliland joining the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of independent and equal sovereign states. It is for the Commonwealth Secretary-General and Commonwealth Secretariat to take forward expressions of interest and to assess whether an aspirant member meets the eligibility criteria for membership. The UK, alongside others in the international community, does not recognise Somaliland's unilateral declaration of independence. We believe that the settlement of Somaliland's status is an issue for Somalia and Somaliland to decide through a consultative process and dialogue.

Andrew Mitchell
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
13th Mar 2024
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, if he will make representations to his international counterparts on the need for an agreement on expediting the delivery of aid into conflict zones.

The UK advocates for the full, unimpeded, safe and timely access by impartial humanitarian actors to those in need of protection and life-saving assistance in conflict zones and crisis situations.

We will continue to use our political influence and diplomatic networks in support of frontline humanitarian agencies, helping to ensure people caught up in conflict and crisis receive the protection and assistance they need. We also partner with, and fund, key UN agencies and actors such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) who work on the frontlines in conflict to negotiate humanitarian access and enable aid to reach those who need it most.

Andrew Mitchell
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
11th Mar 2024
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what the destinations were of domestic overnight visits undertaken by Ministers within their Department in each of the last three financial years.

The Government publishes on GOV.UK details of the cost of overseas Ministerial travel, including costs of travel, and on other costs (visas, accommodation, meals).

As has been the case under successive administrations, the Government does not publish granular detail on Ministers' travel at home or abroad.

David Rutley
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Mar 2024
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whether he had discussions with Mr Boris Johnson (a) before and (b) after his recent meeting with President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela.

Boris Johnson was visiting entirely in a personal capacity and not acting on behalf of the UK Government. His trip was not funded by the UK Government. The UK does not accept the legitimacy of the administration put in place by Nicolás Maduro following the 2018 presidential election.

David Rutley
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
13th Mar 2024
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, to what date UK funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has been transferred to that body; and whether any funding has been provided for the financial year 2024-25.

We are appalled by allegations that UNRWA staff were involved in the 7 October attack against Israel, a heinous act of terrorism that the UK Government has repeatedly condemned. We are pausing any future funding of UNRWA.

The UK provided £35 million to UNRWA this financial year, including an uplift of £16 million for the Gaza humanitarian response, all of which was disbursed before the recent allegations came to light. No more British funding is due this financial year.

Our decision to pause future funding to UNRWA has no impact on the UK's contribution to the humanitarian response.

Andrew Mitchell
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
11th Mar 2024
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, how many people have requested asylum on the British Indian Ocean Territory by nationality in each of the last two years.

As an uninhabited territory, the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) does not have an asylum system as the 1951 Refugee Convention has not been extended to the territory. Where migrants have claimed that they are unable to return safely to their country of origin, their cases are considered by the Commissioner for BIOT in line with BIOT law and international legal obligations. We do not comment publicly on individual claims for protection.

David Rutley
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
11th Mar 2024
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, how many asylum seekers are registered as living on Diego Garcia.

As an uninhabited territory, the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) does not have an asylum system as the 1951 Refugee Convention has not been extended to the territory. Where migrants have claimed that they are unable to return safely to their country of origin, their cases are considered by the Commissioner for BIOT in line with BIOT law and international legal obligations. We do not comment publicly on individual claims for protection.

David Rutley
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Mar 2024
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what steps his Department has taken to prevent miscarriages of justice as a result of the UK-US extradition treaty.

The UK-US Extradition Treaty continues to produce tangible results, bringing justice to victims in both the UK and US. All individual extradition requests are subject to the Extradition Act 2003, which requires a UK judge to decide whether the requested person's extradition would be appropriate based on the safeguards and protections included in the Act. Extradition continues to be a vital tool in our fight against transnational crime. The US is one of our main extradition partners and it is in our national interest to have an effective extradition relationship.

David Rutley
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
1st Mar 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what are their priorities ahead of this year's United Nations General Assembly High-level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance.

The High-level Meeting (HLM) on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) offers an excellent opportunity to catalyse global progress. The UK's priority is a political declaration that sets a high level of ambition across human health, animal health and environmental sectors. The UK is particularly keen to promote more equitable global access to antimicrobials and their appropriate stewardship.

Lord Benyon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
4th Mar 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that Ukrainian special forces are combatting Russian mercenaries on Sudanese soil.

We are aware of reports of external support to both the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces in the conflict in Sudan. The UK condemns any actions that further fuel the brutal conflict in Sudan. The UK strongly supports an immediate end to the hostilities in Sudan both for the sake of its own people and the wider region. We continue to place emphasis in all our international engagement on the importance of neutrality and of supporting a ceasefire and civilian political transition.

Lord Benyon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
4th Mar 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of the United Arab Emirates on the seizing of two ports the Sudanese Red Sea coast through proxy forces, and that they have plans to build a third port.

We are not aware of the United Arab Emirates seizing any ports on the Red Sea coast.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
4th Mar 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have reviewed contingency plans for British citizens and embassy staff in Myanmar to address any possible collapse or defeat of the Myanmar military.

The FCDO requires all our Missions overseas to have the right crisis practices, procedures, systems and structures in place to respond to a range of scenarios overseas. The British Embassy Yangon has such plans which are regularly reviewed. We continue to monitor the situation in Myanmar closely. We advise all British Nationals in Myanmar to pay close attention to the FCDO's travel advice for Myanmar.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
4th Mar 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to deter Chinese criminal gangs using cryptocurrencies to launder significant sums of money; whether they have made any assessment of the scale of the problem and of the nature and likely efficacy of Chinese anti money laundering laws.

The Government has taken steps to build resilience to economic crime abroad, and passed legislation at home to respond to current and emerging threats. This includes responding to the risks posed by cryptoassets, which we assess remain an important facilitator for criminal transactions, as set out in the National Crime Agency's National Strategic Assessment of Serious and Organised Crime Threats. The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (2023) introduced enhanced powers to seize, freeze, convert and recover cryptoassets. The UK remains vigilant to emerging threats, regardless of where they originate, and will continue to respond comprehensively.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
4th Mar 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the tenth anniversary of the Report of the Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and what steps they have taken to implement its recommendations.

The UK is deeply concerned about the appalling human rights situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), as documented by the 2014 UN Commission of Inquiry Report on Human Rights in the country. The UK has responded to the report's recommendations by continuing to press for an annual debate in the UN Security Council, and working to secure a robust resolution on the DPRK at the UN Human Rights Council. On 17 August 2023, at the first UNSC open meeting on the human rights situation in the DPRK since 2017, the UK highlighted inextricable links between the DPRK's human rights violations and its illegal weapons programme, and called on the DPRK to engage with the UN Special Rapporteur. This year, the UK will again work closely with partners to secure a strong resolution which stresses the importance of following-up recommendations from the COI Report and provides the basis for further work on a credible framework for accountability for human rights violations in the DPRK.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
4th Mar 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of human rights violations and the humanitarian situation in North Korea and whether they intend to raise concerns at the UN Security Council and at the next meeting of the UN Human Rights Council.

The UK is deeply concerned about the appalling human rights situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), as documented by the 2014 UN Commission of Inquiry Report on Human Rights in the country. The UK has responded to the report's recommendations by continuing to press for an annual debate in the UN Security Council, and working to secure a robust resolution on the DPRK at the UN Human Rights Council. On 17 August 2023, at the first UNSC open meeting on the human rights situation in the DPRK since 2017, the UK highlighted inextricable links between the DPRK's human rights violations and its illegal weapons programme, and called on the DPRK to engage with the UN Special Rapporteur. This year, the UK will again work closely with partners to secure a strong resolution which stresses the importance of following-up recommendations from the COI Report and provides the basis for further work on a credible framework for accountability for human rights violations in the DPRK.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
1st Mar 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the purpose of the meeting held from 29 February to 2 March in Moscow between Palestinian organisations; and what new diplomatic initiatives they are pursuing to end the Israel/Gaza conflict.

We are aware of the meeting that took place recently in Moscow between Palestinian groups.

We continue to call for an immediate pause to get aid in and hostages out, then progress towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire, without a return to destruction, fighting and loss of life.

Vital elements for a lasting peace include the release of all hostages; the formation of a new Palestinian Government for the West Bank and Gaza, accompanied by an international support package; removing Hamas's capacity to launch attacks against Israel; Hamas no longer being in charge of Gaza; and a political horizon which provides a credible and irreversible pathway towards a two-state solution.

The Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister have reiterated these messages in their contacts with Prime Minister Netanyahu and other senior Israeli political leaders, as well as leaders in Qatar, Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon in recent weeks.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Mar 2024
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, how many and what proportion of development projects were delivered through in-country contracts in each year since 2019.

The information requested is not held centrally by the Department and complying with this request would incur a disproportionate cost to the department.

Andrew Mitchell
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
12th Mar 2024
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, with reference to the press release by the Prime Minister, entitled Prime Minister commits £3bn UK climate finance to supporting nature, published on 11 January 2021, if he will provide a breakdown of where this money has been spent to date.

Between financial years 2021/22 and 2022/23 the UK spent £763 million on climate change interventions that protect and restore nature and biodiversity. This includes £402 million on programmes focussed on protecting and restoring forests and £361 million on programmes supporting other nature and biodiversity priorities such as protecting oceans and supporting land use and agriculture. All programmes supported by UK International Climate Finance, including those supporting our nature commitment can be accessed via the development tracker website and we provide a detailed breakdown of programme spend to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) every two years in line with our international reporting obligations.

Andrew Mitchell
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
6th Mar 2024
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whether he has had recent discussions with (a) his counterpart in Mozambique, (b) representatives of the Southern African Development Community and (c) his counterparts in states neighbouring Mozambique on potential support in tackling security threats posed by IS-Mozambique.

In May 2023, the Minister of State for Development and Africa visited Mozambique and met President Nyusi. They discussed UK support for the Government of Mozambique's response to the ongoing IS-Mozambique insurgency in Cabo Delgado, including through new programmes aimed at building local resilience to violent extremism, security and human rights training that has been delivered to over 200 Armed Forces personnel to date. During the same visit to the region, the Minister of State for Development and Africa met South Africa's Deputy Minister for International Relations & Cooperation to discuss a range of topics including peace and post conflict development in Mozambique. Our UK Special Representative to SADC also regularly engages with SADC missions on peace keeping in the region.

Andrew Mitchell
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
13th Mar 2024
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, if he will take steps with his international counterparts to accelerate the pace at which international courts work.

International courts whether criminal (e.g. the International Criminal Court [ICC]) or dealing with matters of general international law (e.g. in the International Court of Justice), deal with some of the most complex matters of international law. In the former, evidence gathering is often a difficult and painstaking process especially if evidence and witnesses are in a conflict zone and suspects are not in custody. However, once trials start, on average they take no longer than domestic trials of similar complexity. As a State Party to the Rome Statute and an initiator of the Independent Expert Review of the ICC, the UK has supported efforts to make the ICC more effective and efficient. In other international courts, where judgments may impact on states beyond the parties in the dispute, judges are often required to hear considerable numbers of arguments before coming to a judgment. Such judgments may affect matters of global governance, treaty interpretation as well as developing international jurisprudence.

Andrew Mitchell
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
4th Mar 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of recent Iranian media reports that Iran is supplying Hezbollah with ‘Almas’ anti-tank missiles.

We condemn Iran's destabilising political, financial, and military support to proscribed groups, including Lebanese Hizballah. We have made clear to Iran that it must cease proliferating advanced weapons systems throughout the region. We will continue to work to disrupt Iran's destabilising activity in Lebanon and the wider region, including by holding Iran to account in multilateral fora and through sanctions; addressing Iranian weapons proliferation; and strengthening the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
1st Mar 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the severity of the current conflict in North Kivu between M23 rebels and Democratic Republic of the Congo forces; and what diplomatic action they are taking to support a regional peace deal.

The UK is concerned by intensification of fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and its humanitarian consequences. We continue to urge all parties to deliver on their commitments, agreed through regional peace processes. I [Lord Benyon] visited Kinshasa this week and discussed the matter with President Tshisekedi and other senior ministers in DRC. In February, the UK Great Lakes envoy joined a UN-led trip to the region, where Envoys emphasised the need for political solutions and a return peace processes. We continue, alongside partners, to promote confidence building measures and peace building activity.

Lord Benyon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
7th Mar 2024
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of (a) the report entitled A/HRC/55/80: Situation of human rights in Afghanistan - Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, published by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on 29 February 2024 and (b) allegations of human rights abuses against Shia Muslim (i) women and (ii) girls of Hazara ethnicity.

The Government notes the recommendations in the UN Special Rapporteur's latest report and will continue working closely with the international community, including the G7, G20 and through the UN, to promote and protect the human rights of all Afghans, including women and girls, and to coordinate a consistent international response. More broadly, officials from the UK Mission to Afghanistan regularly press Taliban acting ministers to protect religious and ethnic minorities, including Shia Muslims and Hazara communities.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
1st Mar 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the governments of (1) Egypt, and (2) Israel, about allowing free access to Gaza for all foreign media through the Rafah Crossing.

We recognise the valuable work of journalists operating on the ground in Gaza, providing important coverage of the conflict in incredibly challenging circumstances. On 5 December, the UK supported a joint statement of the Media Freedom Coalition expressing concern over the repercussions for the safety of journalists and access to information due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. As the statement highlights, access to reliable, independent and diverse information sources and access to the internet are essential in times of conflict. We call on all parties to the conflict to comply with international law and protect civilians, including guaranteeing the protection of journalists and media workers.

We continue to engage closely with the Israeli Government to discuss a range of issues relating to access to Gaza, and we continue to reiterate the need for Israel to open more crossing points into Gaza. We are working with the Israeli and Egyptian authorities to support any remaining eligible people still in Gaza.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
1st Mar 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with Sumbul Rizvi, the UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh, regarding the security situation for Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, in particular regarding any increases of serious protection incidents, including reports of killings, torture, abductions and sexual and gender-based violence; and to what extent they take such matters into account in determining the amount and nature of support they provide to Rohinya refugees there.

We are concerned at the increase in serious protection incidents in the refugee camp in Cox's Bazar. The UK regularly discusses protection and security challenges for Rohingya refugees with UNHCR, including what more can be done to try to address these issues through programme interventions, and how to support the Government of Bangladesh in their efforts to ensure security in the camps. UK programming is addressing protection issues in the camps, including helping UNICEF tackle child labour and child marriage, and supporting UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) in preventing and addressing gender-based violence. The UK also supports a consortium of International NGOs, led by Norwegian Refugee Council, to address the drivers and impact of protection incidents.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
6th Mar 2024
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of progress towards implementing the Sinjar agreement in Iraq.

Progress towards implementing the Sinjar Agreement has been hindered by a number of factors, including tensions between the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government and the extremely complex politics of the region. ⁠We encourage the governments to agree a candidate to appoint as mayor of Sinjar, an important and necessary step to improve the security situation and lives of people living there. The UK continues to work with international partners on this issue.

David Rutley
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
6th Mar 2024
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, how much UK Development Aid has been transported by road and air into Gaza in 2024.

The UK is providing £60 million in humanitarian assistance to support partners including the British Red Cross, UNICEF, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and Egyptian Red Crescent Society to respond to critical food, fuel, water, health, shelter and security needs in Gaza. Much of this support is in the form of contributions to large scale appeals, which prevents us from directly attributing UK funding to specific items. It includes support to the United Nations World Food Programme to deliver a humanitarian land corridor from Jordan into Gaza. A delivery of 315 tonnes of life-saving food aid was made via this route in January. We also delivered 87 tonnes of aid - inclusive of five tonnes of Cypriot aid - on board RFA Lyme Bay in early January and in late January the UK and Qatar delivered a joint consignment of 17 tonnes of family sized tents. In February the UK and Jordan delivered 4 tonnes of aid by air to Tal Al-Hawa Hospital in northern Gaza.

Andrew Mitchell
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
1st Mar 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the fact that the US has appointed a temporary envoy to Sudan; and what impact this appointment has had on the role and forward plan of the Troika in Sudan.

The UK welcomes Tom Perriello's appointment. We look forward to working with him, Troika partners and the wider international community to press the warring parties to end the violence, secure urgently needed humanitarian access, ensure the protection of civilians and commit to a sustained and meaningful peace process.

Lord Benyon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
1st Mar 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure preventative measures such as enabling access to clean water and basic toilets, and promoting good hygiene practices are central to their work on combatting antimicrobial resistance globally.

Access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in communities and health care settings helps prevent the threat of antimicrobial resistance. The UK's "WASH Systems for Health" programme is working in six lower-middle-income countries to strengthen the systems that deliver sustainable WASH services. The UK-funded Hygiene and Behaviour Change Coalition supported 14,800 facilities with WASH supplies and trained 460,000 health workers on hygiene. We also focus on achieving universal WASH in health care facilities to combat antimicrobial resistance through partners the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Hand Hygiene for All Partnership.

Lord Benyon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
1st Mar 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that their approach to tackling antimicrobial resistance across the world also works to end preventable deaths linked to unclean birth environments.

The UK's Ending Preventable Deaths campaign takes a multisectoral approach which includes tackling antimicrobial resistance, alongside strengthening health systems, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and broader determinants like nutrition, climate and water, sanitation and hygiene. Neonatal sepsis is a particular concern in the context of antimicrobial resistance and as such is where the UK will look to particularly align our work on water sanitation and hygiene, with our work on antimicrobial resistance and the health of mothers and newborns.

Lord Benyon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Mar 2024
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whether his Department has had discussions with the Falkland Islands Government on the awarding of a contract to Harland & Wolff to support delivery of a port facility.

The UK Government is proud of the expertise offered by British companies such as Harland and Wolff.

As a self-governing UK Overseas Territory, any potential redevelopment of the port facility in Stanley is a matter for the Falkland Islands Government. The awarding of contracts for the redevelopment of the port is a commercial matter between the Falkland Islands Government and the companies involved.

David Rutley
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Mar 2024
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, how much development funding has been paid (a) directly and (b) indirectly to consultancies in each year since 2019.

The information is not held centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Andrew Mitchell
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
12th Mar 2024
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, pursuant to the Answer of 28 February 2024 to Question 15307 on Shell: Nigeria, if he will publish the (a) dates (b) attendee lists, (c) minutes and (d) any other relevant details of his Department's meetings with Shell on action to address the risks of pollution from oil production in the Niger Delta.

The UK continues to encourage a coordinated effort between the Nigerian Government, oil and gas companies, and communities to bring an end to all forms of oil contamination in Nigeria. In the most recent meeting, which took place in January, the British High Commissioner met representatives from Shell where he discussed the future of environmental clean-up in the Niger Delta. We do not routinely publish details of meetings with external stakeholders.

Andrew Mitchell
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
6th Mar 2024
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what steps he is taking to tackle disinformation related to the Ukraine conflict.

The UK Government has stepped up support for Ukraine to counter foreign information manipulation, both domestically and internationally. We are supporting the Government of Ukraine's strategic communications capacity and continued operation of media organisations, and building the resilience of vulnerable communities most exposed to Russian propaganda. During 2024, we will increase our efforts under the new security co-operation agreement to counter Russia's malign activity.

Leo Docherty
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Mar 2024
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on their responsibilities to the overseas territories.

As the Minister for Overseas Territories, I [Minister Rutley] regularly meet Ministers across Government on priority areas of work progressed by their departments, and on issues requiring cross departmental collaboration. This includes recent meetings with Ministers from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, HM Treasury, Ministry of Justice, Home Office and Ministry of Defence.

Each UK Government Department has nominated a Minister with responsibility for the OTs, in support of the long-standing position that each Department should engage and support the OTs in their areas of responsibility. These Ministers meet quarterly as a Ministerial Group chaired by myself, as the FCDO Minister for the Overseas Territories.

David Rutley
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
29th Feb 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government, following the appointment of Tom Perriello as a temporary US special envoy for Sudan, when they intend to appoint a new Special Envoy for Sudan.

We do not currently have plans to appoint a new Special Envoy for Sudan. The Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea spends a significant amount of time on efforts to secure peace in Sudan, working closely with other envoys covering Sudan. Our Ambassador to Khartoum - now based in Addis Ababa - continues to engage with key international partners on achieving the UK's strategic objectives, as do other British Ambassadors in the region. We welcome Tom Perriello's appointment as the United States' new special envoy for Sudan, Minister Mitchell spoke with him on Monday 11th March.

Lord Benyon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
29th Feb 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government how much bilateral aid they have sent to Nigeria since 2015.

The UK remains committed to supporting a more stable, resilient and prosperous Nigeria. From 2015 to 2022, the UK Government provided approximately £1.96 billion in bilateral Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) to Nigeria and has allocated £72.3 million in bilateral ODA for financial year 2023/2024. As well as supporting the humanitarian response in North East Nigeria, UK ODA has achieved sustainable results across a range of sectors. For example, the UK has supported over 2 million Nigerians to improve their incomes or jobs sustainably since 2015; strengthened education outcomes for over 8 million children since 2009; and supported over 1.5 million additional girls to access schooling in six states since 2012.

Lord Benyon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
29th Feb 2024
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact that the closure of the UN Transitional Mission to Sudan will have on the Sudanese people and other UN operations; and whether they expect there to be a successor to that Mission.

The UK continues to use its position as penholder to speak out against egregious human rights abuses being committed by both warring parties, and call for a permanent ceasefire, a transfer of power to a civilian administration, as well as unfettered humanitarian access. We worked closely with Security Council members and the UN Secretariat to agree an orderly transition and liquidation last December; this was the best available outcome in the circumstances. We welcome the Secretary-General's appointment of Ramtane Lamamra as a personal envoy, whom we are keen to support.

Lord Benyon
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
4th Mar 2024
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, how many civil servants in his Department have a criminal conviction.

The information requested is not held centrally by the Department and complying with this request would incur a disproportionate cost to the department. The Department undertakes Baseline Personnel Security Standard pre-employment checks for all new joiners. The FCDO's approach to employ those with a criminal record is assessed at national security level and all decisions are made in line with Cabinet Office's Security Vetting Guidance.

David Rutley
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
11th Mar 2024
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, pursuant to the Answer of 28 February 2024 to Question 15479 on Bahrain: Demonstrations, whether he has made representations to his Bahraini counterpart on (a) the detention of Sayed Hashim and (b) allegations of his abuse by the Bahraini authorities during his arrest.

Lord Ahmad has not made representations as Minister of State for the Middle East on this matter but as the answer to Question 15479 made clear, the FCDO are aware of the detention of Sayed Hashim, and we continue to encourage the Government of Bahrain to meet all of its human rights commitments. We also encourage those with specific concerns to raise them directly with the appropriate Bahraini oversight body.

David Rutley
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
11th Mar 2024
To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, pursuant to the answer of 11 December 2023 to Question 5692 on Bahrain: Gulf Strategy Fund, when he plans to publish a list of (a) projects delivered by HM Embassy Bahrain and (b) Gulf Strategy Fund Projects in the 2023-2024 financial year.

The full list of projects delivered by the British Embassy in Bahrain is being finalised, but details will be published as usual in the spring on Gov.uk.

David Rutley
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)