Asked by: Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether any files relating to the overseas travel or official engagements of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in his capacity as UK Special Representative or Trade Envoy have been withheld, removed, or redacted from transfer to the National Archives under exemptions in the Public Records Act 1958; and what public interest test has been applied to those decisions.
Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)
I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided in the House of Commons on 11 February in response to Question 111463, which - for ease of reference - is reproduced below:
The release of historical records relating to members of the Royal Family is governed by the Public Records Act, the application of Freedom of Information exemptions that persist beyond 20 years, and the Code of Practice on the Management of Records issued under section 46 the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) continues to operate in accordance with these statutory obligations. The FCDO does not set the legislation nor define which individuals are covered by the legislation.
Asked by: Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 26 March 2025 (HL5660), and in light of recent disclosures arising from the release of files relating to Jeffrey Epstein, whether they will consider undertaking a review of records relating to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's activities as UK global trade envoy.
Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)
I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided in the House of Commons on 11 February in response to Question 111463, which - for ease of reference - is reproduced below:
The release of historical records relating to members of the Royal Family is governed by the Public Records Act, the application of Freedom of Information exemptions that persist beyond 20 years, and the Code of Practice on the Management of Records issued under section 46 the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) continues to operate in accordance with these statutory obligations. The FCDO does not set the legislation nor define which individuals are covered by the legislation.
Asked by: Baroness Coussins (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what actions they are taking to promote the protection of women human rights defenders in Colombia, especially those supporting victims of sexual- and gender-based violence.
Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)
The UK is unwavering in its commitment to the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, as the Foreign Secretary made clear in last November's 25th anniversary events, and we are looking to refresh the UK WPS National Action Plan this year, to ensure continued international leadership on the issue.
In Colombia, the UK supports human rights defenders and victims through programming and diplomatic engagement, and - following the launch of Colombia's own WPS National Action Plan, which the UK supported - we continue to work with the Colombian Government and civil society to support its implementation. UK funding has helped advance accountability and ensure access to services for thousands of survivors of conflict-related sexual violence in Colombia over the last decade. This includes supporting the Colombian transitional justice system to open the first macro case on sexual violence.
Asked by: Baroness Coussins (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they have taken to further their commitment in the UK Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan 2023-2027 to support and champion women human rights defenders.
Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)
The UK is unwavering in its commitment to the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, as the Foreign Secretary made clear in last November's 25th anniversary events, and we are looking to refresh the UK WPS National Action Plan this year, to ensure continued international leadership on the issue.
In Colombia, the UK supports human rights defenders and victims through programming and diplomatic engagement, and - following the launch of Colombia's own WPS National Action Plan, which the UK supported - we continue to work with the Colombian Government and civil society to support its implementation. UK funding has helped advance accountability and ensure access to services for thousands of survivors of conflict-related sexual violence in Colombia over the last decade. This includes supporting the Colombian transitional justice system to open the first macro case on sexual violence.
Asked by: Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports of abductions, custodial torture and enforced disappearances of civilians, including political workers and journalists, in Pakistan, particularly those held in military custody; and what representations they have made to the government of Pakistan about its obligations under international human rights law and the Convention Against Torture.
Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)
I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.
As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.
We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.
We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.
In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.
Asked by: Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether future UK aid and security cooperation with Pakistan will be conditioned on measurable improvements in human rights, including (1) the treatment and release of reported political detainees, (2) access to medical care and legal counsel for political detainees, (3) the use of military courts for civilians, and (4) the humane treatment of prisoners in custody.
Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)
I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.
As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.
We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.
We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.
In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.
Asked by: Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have sought assurances from the government of Pakistan that (1) former Prime Minister Imran Khan and other political detainees will be granted immediate access to independent medical care, including their personal physicians, and (2) no detainee will be subjected to medical neglect or prolonged solitary confinement.
Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)
I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.
As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.
We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.
We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.
In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.
Asked by: Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to propose measures in Commonwealth institutions, such as suspending the government of Pakistan from relevant councils or ministerial forums, in response to continued reports of the suppression of political dissent by the government of Pakistan.
Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)
I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.
As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.
We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.
We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.
In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.
Asked by: Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government, following reports of the suppression of political dissent in Pakistan by the government of Pakistan, what assessment they have made of the impact of UK development assistance to Pakistan; and whether they will review their aid programmes as a result.
Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)
I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.
As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.
We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.
We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.
In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.
Asked by: Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to introduce sanctions against Pakistani officials implicated in human rights abuses; and what criteria they apply to determine sanctions against individuals in cases involving serious human rights abuses, such as torture.
Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)
I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.
As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.
We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.
We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.
In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.