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
Thursday 19th March 2026
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
Monday 23rd March 2026
Humanitarian Aid: Yazidis
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what outcomes resulted from engagement with Mir Hazem …
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 Act 2026
A Bill to make provision for and in connection with the implementation by the United Kingdom of the Agreement under …

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Commons Appearances

Oral Answers to Questions is a regularly scheduled appearance where the Secretary of State and junior minister will answer at the Dispatch Box questions from backbench MPs

Other Commons Chamber appearances can be:
  • Urgent Questions where the Speaker has selected a question to which a Minister must reply that day
  • Adjornment Debates a 30 minute debate attended by a Minister that concludes the day in Parliament.
  • Oral Statements informing the Commons of a significant development, where backbench MP's can then question the Minister making the statement.

Westminster Hall debates are performed in response to backbench MPs or e-petitions asking for a Minister to address a detailed issue

Written Statements are made when a current event is not sufficiently significant to require an Oral Statement, but the House is required to be informed.

Most Recent Commons Appearances by Category
Mar. 03
Oral Questions
Mar. 16
Urgent Questions
Mar. 18
Westminster Hall
Mar. 11
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


A Bill to make provision for and in connection with the implementation by the United Kingdom of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 12th February 2026 and was enacted into law.

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office - Secondary Legislation

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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Petitions with most signatures
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Petition Debates Contributed
198,966
Petition Closed
28 Jul 2025
closed 7 months, 3 weeks ago

Act to ensure deliverer of fuel, food, aid, life saving services etc. We think this shouldn't be dependant/on condition of Israeli facilitation as the Knesset voted against UNWRA access to Gaza. We think if military delivery of aid, airdrops, peacekeepers etc, are needed, then all be considered.

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: 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

11th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what support is available to British citizens travelling from countries outside of the Middle East on visas that expire before they are able to return to the UK as a result of journeys that have been cancelled due to the situation in Iran.

As part of the FCDO's crisis response, we have been working with the relevant authorities in various countries to request flexibility for people who might overstay their visas due to disrupted travel plans as a result of the crisis in the Middle East. Any British nationals affected in this way should in the first instance speak to their airlines, travel agents or insurance companies about their situation and flight options. FCDO staff are also available 24/7 via our contact centre in the event that consular assistance is required.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she plans to support the establishment of an international criminal court for crimes against children.

The UK is a strong supporter of the International Criminal Court (ICC) as the primary international institution for investigating and prosecuting those responsible for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community and achieving justice for victims. The ICC has jurisdiction over war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, including when committed against children. It also has jurisdiction over specific crimes against children including the forcible transfer of children and the conscription or enlisting of children as soldiers. It is important that we build on work already being done and continue to support the crucial work of the ICC. The UK is committed to achieving justice for those children who have been subject to international crimes.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what draft frameworks, texts or proposals for a ceasefire or peace process in Sudan the UK has reviewed as part of its presidency of the UN Security Council; and what role UK officials have had in shaping those proposals.

I thank the Rt Hon Member for her series of questions on Sudan, all of which have been addressed in previous answers to written questions, or in other public and parliamentary statements by ministers. For example, I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answers provided to Question 112956 on 26 February, Question 118261 on 16 March, Question HL15369 on 11 March, and Question HL15331 on 20 March, and to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 5 February following her visit to the Sudan-Chad border. We will continue to keep the House updated on the actions the UK is taking alongside our international partners to secure a ceasefire in Sudan, and support the humanitarian needs of its people, including continually assessing the impact of those actions.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of progress towards meeting the commitments made at the London Sudan conference in April 2025.

I thank the Rt Hon Member for her series of questions on Sudan, all of which have been addressed in previous answers to written questions, or in other public and parliamentary statements by ministers. For example, I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answers provided to Question 112956 on 26 February, Question 118261 on 16 March, Question HL15369 on 11 March, and Question HL15331 on 20 March, and to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 5 February following her visit to the Sudan-Chad border. We will continue to keep the House updated on the actions the UK is taking alongside our international partners to secure a ceasefire in Sudan, and support the humanitarian needs of its people, including continually assessing the impact of those actions.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, which (a) countries and (b) organisations have confirmed their participation in the Sudan conference to be held in Berlin; and what outcomes the UK is seeking from that conference.

I thank the Rt Hon Member for her series of questions on Sudan, all of which have been addressed in previous answers to written questions, or in other public and parliamentary statements by ministers. For example, I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answers provided to Question 112956 on 26 February, Question 118261 on 16 March, Question HL15369 on 11 March, and Question HL15331 on 20 March, and to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 5 February following her visit to the Sudan-Chad border. We will continue to keep the House updated on the actions the UK is taking alongside our international partners to secure a ceasefire in Sudan, and support the humanitarian needs of its people, including continually assessing the impact of those actions.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department plans to impose sanctions on people or entities involved in financing the conflict in Sudan, including through the gold trade, and what criteria will guide such decisions.

I thank the Rt Hon Member for her series of questions on Sudan, all of which have been addressed in previous answers to written questions, or in other public and parliamentary statements by ministers. For example, I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answers provided to Question 112956 on 26 February, Question 118261 on 16 March, Question HL15369 on 11 March, and Question HL15331 on 20 March, and to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 5 February following her visit to the Sudan-Chad border. We will continue to keep the House updated on the actions the UK is taking alongside our international partners to secure a ceasefire in Sudan, and support the humanitarian needs of its people, including continually assessing the impact of those actions.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what financial, technical or diplomatic support the UK is providing to international justice mechanisms investigating crimes committed in Sudan.

I thank the Rt Hon Member for her series of questions on Sudan, all of which have been addressed in previous answers to written questions, or in other public and parliamentary statements by ministers. For example, I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answers provided to Question 112956 on 26 February, Question 118261 on 16 March, Question HL15369 on 11 March, and Question HL15331 on 20 March, and to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 5 February following her visit to the Sudan-Chad border. We will continue to keep the House updated on the actions the UK is taking alongside our international partners to secure a ceasefire in Sudan, and support the humanitarian needs of its people, including continually assessing the impact of those actions.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of humanitarian aid delivery into Sudan, including the main cross-border routes used and the volume of aid delivered, since late 2025.

I thank the Rt Hon Member for her series of questions on Sudan, all of which have been addressed in previous answers to written questions, or in other public and parliamentary statements by ministers. For example, I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answers provided to Question 112956 on 26 February, Question 118261 on 16 March, Question HL15369 on 11 March, and Question HL15331 on 20 March, and to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 5 February following her visit to the Sudan-Chad border. We will continue to keep the House updated on the actions the UK is taking alongside our international partners to secure a ceasefire in Sudan, and support the humanitarian needs of its people, including continually assessing the impact of those actions.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, which organisations are receiving UK funding to deliver humanitarian assistance in Sudan and how their performance is assessed.

I thank the Rt Hon Member for her series of questions on Sudan, all of which have been addressed in previous answers to written questions, or in other public and parliamentary statements by ministers. For example, I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answers provided to Question 112956 on 26 February, Question 118261 on 16 March, Question HL15369 on 11 March, and Question HL15331 on 20 March, and to the statement made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 5 February following her visit to the Sudan-Chad border. We will continue to keep the House updated on the actions the UK is taking alongside our international partners to secure a ceasefire in Sudan, and support the humanitarian needs of its people, including continually assessing the impact of those actions.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she held with the Ethiopian Government and the African Union on conflict prevention and resolution during her February 2026 visit to Ethiopia.

Alongside our international partners, the UK continues to call for tensions or disputes in Ethiopia to be resolved peacefully and diplomatically, and for all parties to avoid actions that would inflame or escalate those tensions. We also continue to support multilateral efforts to promote peace and stability in Ethiopia, including backing implementation of the African Union-led Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.

During her visit to Addis Ababa in February 2026, the Foreign Secretary discussed these issues with both Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.

Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to her Department’s Eastern Neighbourhood Small Projects Programme, how much has been spent on the project entitled AZE: Support Azerbaijan to develop Carbon Market.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided to him on 17 March 2026 to Question 120276.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to her Department’s Eastern Neighbourhood Small Projects Programme, what evaluation she has made of the effectiveness of the project entitled AZE: Support Azerbaijan to develop Carbon Market.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided to him on 17 March 2026 to Question 120276.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
18th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the UK-EU treaty on Gibraltar on the supply of British food and drink to Gibraltar.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement I made to the House on 26 February, and related statements in the Gibraltar Parliament. The final text of the treaty will be brought before the House for scrutiny in the usual way in due course.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
18th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had recent discussions with international partners on (a) support for the Myanmar Cooperation Treaty and (b) efforts to establish a Myanmar-led pathway towards a democratic settlement.

I refer my Hon Friend to the answer I gave on 10 February in response to Question 109884.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
18th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 21 January 2026 to Question 105213 on India: Armed Conflict, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of her recent discussions on freedom of religion or belief for Muslim communities in India.

Protecting religious minorities and promoting Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) in any country is a long‑term process that requires a strategic and persistent approach. We continue to track these issues closely and engage wherever possible to promote religious freedom and tolerance. We will continue these efforts and keep the House updated as this work progresses.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
9th Mar 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government what advice and support they plan to provide to British citizens detained or imprisoned in Iran.

Craig and Lindsay Foreman's welfare is a priority for FCDO ministers and officials, and we will continue to support the couple and their family as best we can in the current circumstances, as we also will any other British nationals detained in Iran who request our help. A specialist team from the FCDO is in frequent contact with members of Craig and Lindsay's family, providing regular updates and advice.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
9th Mar 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government what support they are providing to Lindsay and Craig Foreman in Evin prison in Iran.

Craig and Lindsay Foreman's welfare is a priority for FCDO ministers and officials, and we will continue to support the couple and their family as best we can in the current circumstances, as we also will any other British nationals detained in Iran who request our help. A specialist team from the FCDO is in frequent contact with members of Craig and Lindsay's family, providing regular updates and advice.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
11th Mar 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to provide additional funding to women-led organisations in Sudan who deliver life-saving assistance, including medical care, food and water, and support local-level governance.

I refer the Noble Baroness to the speech made by the Foreign Secretary to the UN Security Council on 19 February, a copy of which has been placed in the House of Lords library, in which she detailed £20 million of funding for a new multi-year programme, which includes assistance to women and girls affected by sexual violence in Sudan.

I also refer the Noble Baroness to the answer provided in the House of Commons on 2 March 2026 in response to Question 114073, which - for ease of reference - is reproduced below:

UK support to channels which provide direct funding to local responders (including through international organisations) totals £55 million from our total £146 million in aid funding for Sudan this financial year. This includes £28 million to the OCHA-led Sudan Humanitarian Fund (SHF) - to which the UK is the second largest donor - and over £21 million to the Mercy Corps-led Cash Consortium who provide significant support to local actors. The SHF channels 30 per cent of its funding to local actors. We have also recently launched two new partnerships totalling £6 million, through Proximity to Humanity and the First Response Fund, through which we can channel funding more directly to local responders. Under our new programme, HELP-S, we will continue increasing our support to local actors, with the aim that at least 30 per cent of programme spend goes to local actors by the end of the programme in 2029.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
11th Mar 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 9 March (HL14650), which British embassies currently fund projects supporting the work of the Prime Minister's Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict.

The UK funds numerous projects in support of the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI) through our central programme and posts overseas, including a strong focus on our current PSVI focus countries - Bosnia and Herzegovina, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Iraq, South Sudan, and Ukraine - and on current major conflicts in which conflict related sexual violence (CRSV) has become a significant issue. For example, in February, the Foreign Secretary announced £20 million of new UK funding to support survivors of CRSV in Sudan, to be delivered through the British Office Sudan.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
11th Mar 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government what criteria they use when determining whether money provided in overseas aid can be counted as climate finance.

We account for all our International Climate Finance (ICF) using internationally agreed OECD guidelines. Programmes (or elements within them) can be counted as ICF if they address the impacts or causes of climate change, and programme teams report against the Rio Markers for adaptation, mitigation, biodiversity, and desertification as appropriate to capture this.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
12th Mar 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the Government of Zimbabwe following reports that those opposed to proposals to extend the Presidential term in Zimbabwe to 2030 are being targeted with violence and intimidation.

Our Embassy in Harare continues to monitor closely reports of harassment of individuals and groups expressing opposition to proposed changes to the Constitution. Officials remain in contact with the Government of Zimbabwe, civil society organisations and other stakeholders as part of our ongoing engagement on these matters. Amendment of the Zimbabwean Constitution is a sovereign, legislative matter for Zimbabwe to determine. At the same time, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association are fundamental components of any functioning democracy. Political parties, civil society and journalists in Zimbabwe should be able to operate without harassment. We underline the importance of transparent, inclusive and lawful processes, and of ensuring that political space remains open and protected.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
16th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what outcomes resulted from engagement with Mir Hazem Tahsin Beg in July 2025 in relation to (a) support for Yazidi communities and (b) the location of disappeared persons.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 18 March in response to Question 117286.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department plans to increase bilateral and multilateral humanitarian assistance to Lebanon.

I refer the Hon Member to the press statement on Lebanon issued by the Foreign Secretary on 15 March (link provided below), and to her oral statement to the House on 17 March.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-secretary-statement-on-the-situation-in-lebanon--2

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help ensure the protection of civilians in Lebanon.

I refer the Hon Member to the press statement on Lebanon issued by the Foreign Secretary on 15 March (link provided below), and to her oral statement to the House on 17 March.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-secretary-statement-on-the-situation-in-lebanon--2

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department plans to support unaccompanied and separated children in Lebanon.

I refer the Hon Member to the press statement on Lebanon issued by the Foreign Secretary on 15 March (link provided below), and to her oral statement to the House on 17 March.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-secretary-statement-on-the-situation-in-lebanon--2

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps her Department is taking to help ensure unrestricted humanitarian access in Lebanon.

I refer the Hon Member to the press statement on Lebanon issued by the Foreign Secretary on 15 March (link provided below), and to her oral statement to the House on 17 March.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-secretary-statement-on-the-situation-in-lebanon--2

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
12th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps her Department is taking to help secure a ceasefire in Lebanon.

I refer the Hon Member to the press statement on Lebanon issued by the Foreign Secretary on 15 March (link provided below), and to her oral statement to the House on 17 March.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-secretary-statement-on-the-situation-in-lebanon--2

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
3rd Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether officials from her Department have (a) met with representatives from the Iranian Embassy in London in 2026 and (b) attended an Anniversary of the Islamic Revolution event with the Iranian Ambassador in 2026.

The Government has made its position on the Iranian regime clear, whether in relation to its state threat activity (see the Security Minister's oral statement on 4 March 2025), its repression of human rights protests at the turn of the year (see the Foreign Secretary's oral statement on 13 January), or its attacks on its Gulf neighbours in recent weeks (see the Prime Minister's oral statement on 2 March).

FCDO officials continue to raise all these issues on a regular basis with the Iranian embassy in London, along with a range of other issues affecting UK national interests, such as the cases of British nationals under detention in Iran. That kind of engagement has been maintained ever since the previous government permitted the Iranian embassy to reopen in London in 2015, as the Rt Hon Member can see from the answers of 20 September 2016 to Question 46281, 16 November 2016 to Question HL3001, 21 November 2017 to Question 113527, 22 January 2019 to Question 208787, 10 November 2020 to Question HL9786, 16 June 2021 to Question 14181, 18 and 19 October 2022 to Questions 59952 and 59003, and 25 May 2023 to Question 185892.

Similarly, she will be aware that representatives from the FCDO have regularly attended the Iran National Day event since the Iranian Embassy was re-opened in 2015, including when the Rt Hon Member was the Home Secretary.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her Pakistani counterpart on the a) health and b) access to medical treatment of Imran Khan.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer given on 6 March to Question HL14686.

Hamish Falconer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
11th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 25 February 2026 to Question 113793 on Diplomatic Service, how many Notes Verbale have been issued to China since July 2024.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer he references in his question.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
11th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 25 February 2026 to Question 113793 on Diplomatic Service, how many Notes Verbale have been issued to EU institutions since July 2024.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer he references in his question.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
11th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will provide a breakdown of the number people in the UK on Chevening scholarships in each of the last ten years by nationality.

I thank the Hon Member for his question. I will deposit in the library the full requested breakdown of Chevening scholarships by year and by country, but as a summary of the top-line findings, the table below sets out the top 20 countries for scholarships over the period 2015-25.

Brazil611
Indonesia598
Mexico574
Pakistan565
India523
Nigeria489
Egypt486
South Africa447
Malaysia429
Kenya347
Syria290
Argentina283
Philippines282
Vietnam255
Thailand241
Turkey236
Ukraine226
Ghana210
Bangladesh179
Mongolia142
Chris Elmore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
17th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Lord Mandelson returned his (a) laptop, (b) iPhone and (c) iPad after he left the (i) Head of Mission role and (ii) civil service.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 17 March to question 120357.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
4th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she has taken to impose sanctions upon Mojtaba Khamenei.

The Government has a wide range of sanctions in place in relation to Iran, including a range of sanctions measures which apply to key figures and entities who have provided funds or economic resources to the Iranian regime. These have resulted in a range of impacts: for example the freezing of UK based assets held by sanctioned individual Ali Ansari, including property.

It would not be appropriate to speculate about potential future sanctions designations as to do so could reduce their impact.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
4th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she has taken to seize properties in London owned by Mojtaba Khamenei.

The Government has a wide range of sanctions in place in relation to Iran, including a range of sanctions measures which apply to key figures and entities who have provided funds or economic resources to the Iranian regime. These have resulted in a range of impacts: for example the freezing of UK based assets held by sanctioned individual Ali Ansari, including property.

It would not be appropriate to speculate about potential future sanctions designations as to do so could reduce their impact.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
9th Mar 2026
To ask Her Majesty's Government, as a penholder on the UN Security Council for Sudan, what steps they are taking to ensure that Sudanese women’s civil society organisations are meaningfully represented at the Berlin Conference on Sudan in April 2026.

On 24 February, the UK Special Envoy for Women and Girls, Baroness Harman, met senior German Foreign Ministry officials to discuss coordinated action on atrocity prevention and accountability in Sudan, and ensuring meaningful participation by Sudanese women, and wider civil society voices, at the International Sudan Conference in April in Berlin that Germany is co-hosting with the UK, the African Union, the European Union, France and the US. This meeting also provided a platform for Sudanese women to inform discussions ahead of the Berlin Sudan Conference.

We remain in close discussion with our co-hosts to shape an inclusive and meaningful Conference. We continue to engage with all parties, to urge agreement to a ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access, and adherence to international humanitarian law.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
9th Mar 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government how they will ensure that the voices and priorities of Sudanese women are reflected in the discussions and outcomes of the Berlin Conference on Sudan in April 2026, in line with the commitments set out in UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.

On 24 February, the UK Special Envoy for Women and Girls, Baroness Harman, met senior German Foreign Ministry officials to discuss coordinated action on atrocity prevention and accountability in Sudan, and ensuring meaningful participation by Sudanese women, and wider civil society voices, at the International Sudan Conference in April in Berlin that Germany is co-hosting with the UK, the African Union, the European Union, France and the US. This meeting also provided a platform for Sudanese women to inform discussions ahead of the Berlin Sudan Conference.

We remain in close discussion with our co-hosts to shape an inclusive and meaningful Conference. We continue to engage with all parties, to urge agreement to a ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access, and adherence to international humanitarian law.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
9th Mar 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government, what part they are playing in organising the Berlin Conference on Sudan in April; whether they will ensure that representatives of the Sudanese government will be invited to attend the conference; and what steps they are taking to ensure their participation contributes to an inclusive and credible process.

On 24 February, the UK Special Envoy for Women and Girls, Baroness Harman, met senior German Foreign Ministry officials to discuss coordinated action on atrocity prevention and accountability in Sudan, and ensuring meaningful participation by Sudanese women, and wider civil society voices, at the International Sudan Conference in April in Berlin that Germany is co-hosting with the UK, the African Union, the European Union, France and the US. This meeting also provided a platform for Sudanese women to inform discussions ahead of the Berlin Sudan Conference.

We remain in close discussion with our co-hosts to shape an inclusive and meaningful Conference. We continue to engage with all parties, to urge agreement to a ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access, and adherence to international humanitarian law.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Minister of State (Development)
16th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much her Department has spent on special severance payments in each of the last three years.

The number and cost of special severance payments made by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in each financial year are routinely published in the department's annual report and accounts. The most recently published annual report and accounts are available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fcdo-annual-report-and-accounts-2024-to-2025

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations she has made to her Indian counterpart on extrajudicial killings of religious minorities in Punjab, India.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer she was provided on 9 March in response to Question 117992.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Mar 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 Greenpeace’s report entitled Equity, Benefit-Sharing and Financial Architecture in the International Seabed Area.

The Government keeps its policies in relation to climate, nature and marine protection under regular review, informed by a wide range of stakeholder views and expert analyses, including those mentioned by the Hon Member.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of streamlining aid funding to UK suppliers of energy equipment suppliers identified by the Department of Business and Trade as capable of delivering critical aid to Ukraine.

Ukraine faces significant reconstruction needs across its energy sector following sustained Russian attacks. Over the past year, the UK has provided emergency assistance to the energy sector, including £87 million announced over the winter for grid repairs, generators, physical protection and power generation.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) continues to assess the most effective and accountable mechanisms for delivering this support. Since 2022, the majority of UK emergency energy assistance has been channelled through the Ukraine Energy Support Fund (UESF), established at the request of the Government of Ukraine to ensure donor support aligns with Ukraine's priorities through a single, coordinated mechanism. Pooling UK funding with other donors amplifies impact and enables direct support to priorities set by the Ukrainian Ministry of Energy. The FCDO judges the UESF to be cost‑effective and to follow best practice on procurement and reporting.

UK companies are encouraged to bid for UESF tenders, with government engagement to support industry awareness of procurement opportunities.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will consider implementing Magnitsky-style sanctions against the Hong Kong officials responsible for the sentencing of Kwok Yin-sang, father of exiled democracy activist and BN(O) status Anna Kwok.

We continue to keep the scope of our sanctions under close review, but it would not be appropriate to speculate on any future designations, since doing so could reduce their impact.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
11th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 3 March 2026 to Question 115117 on Jonathan Powell, for what reason the direct ministerial appointment of John Powell as Special Envoy in early August 2024 was not announced until 6 September 2024.

Jonathan Powell was appointed in line with standard procedure, and his appointment announced in the usual way.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, further to the Part of a Return to an Address of the Honourable the House of Commons dated 4 February 2026 relating to the appointment of Lord Mandelson as HM Ambassador to Washington, Volume 1, HC1774-I, 11 March 2026, page 107, what confidential undertakings were agreed.

I refer the Hon Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, in the context of the sentencing of Hong Kong democracy activist Anna Kwok's father, Kwok Yin-Sang, what steps she is taking to protect the families of BN(O) status holders from judicial harassment and political imprisonment in Hong Kong.

I refer the Hon Member to the response given to question 112773 on 4 March.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Lord Mandelson completed his register of interests form electronically.

I refer the Hon Member to the Government's statement and release of information on 11 March, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
13th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, under which tax regime was Lord Mandelson’s salary and allowances subject to when he was Ambassador; and whether he was entitled to tax reliefs.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 17 March in response to Question 120407.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
16th Mar 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Lord Mandelson was paid for unused annual leave when he left the Civil Service, in addition to the exit payment.

No.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)