Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent steps he has taken to (a) prevent and (b) punish the crime of genocide.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Working closely with our partners and civil society, we take steps to help address the root causes and protect civilians at immediate risk using development, diplomacy and humanitarian action. UK funding has enabled the UN Office for Genocide Prevention and the independent Global Centre on the Responsibility to Protect to help improve ways to support populations at risk of atrocities. The UK is also one of the biggest contributors to the UN Peacebuilding Fund, the primary UN mechanism supporting violence prevention activity in over 40 countries.

Support for international criminal justice and accountability is a fundamental element of our foreign policy. The UK supports and fully respects the independence of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is the primary international institution for investigating and prosecuting the most serious crimes of international concern, including genocide.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made representations to his counterpart in Ukraine on religious freedom, in the context of the ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under law 3894.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

We are deeply disturbed by the impact of Russia's illegal war on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) in Ukraine. In contrast, Ukraine's democracy is well known for its commitment to religious pluralism. The UK fully supports the intention behind Law 3894 "about protection of the constitutional system in field of activity of the religious organisations". The Ukrainian Government and religious leaders have offered reassurances that the law is not aimed at restricting freedom of religion or belief in Ukraine, but instead responds to clear national security threats. The Ukrainian Government is in ongoing consultation with religious and belief communities in Ukraine on the terms of the law, including the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of law 3894 on religious freedom in Ukraine.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

We are deeply disturbed by the impact of Russia's illegal war on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) in Ukraine. In contrast, Ukraine's democracy is well known for its commitment to religious pluralism. The UK fully supports the intention behind Law 3894 "about protection of the constitutional system in field of activity of the religious organisations". The Ukrainian Government and religious leaders have offered reassurances that the law is not aimed at restricting freedom of religion or belief in Ukraine, but instead responds to clear national security threats. The Ukrainian Government is in ongoing consultation with religious and belief communities in Ukraine on the terms of the law, including the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made representations to his Kyrgyz counterpart on human rights in Kyrgyzstan.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs raised his concerns regarding the conviction of several Kyrgyz journalists during a phone call with his Kyrgyz counterpart in October 2024.

Our Embassy in Bishkek closely monitors media freedom and civic space in Kyrgyzstan and raises issues of concern with the Kyrgyz Government. I raised human rights with my Kyrgyz counterparts in February and April 2025, and Lord Collins, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State also raised it in February 2025. The UK made a number of recommendations on human rights during Kyrgyzstan's Universal Periodic Review in the UN Human Rights Council in April.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 6 May 2025 to Question 49372 on Development Aid, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on achieving planned reductions for the next multi-year Spending Review.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Home Secretary is committed to ensuring that asylum costs fall and has already acted. The government has taken measures to reduce the asylum backlog and reform the asylum accommodation system to end the use of expensive accommodation in the next Spending Review period to ensure more of our Official Development Assistance budget is spent on our development priorities overseas.

The Foreign Secretary has regular discussions with his Cabinet colleagues.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made representations to his counterparts in Kyrgyzstan on legislation aimed at controlling so-called foreign representatives.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs has not made direct representations to his counterparts in Kyrgyzstan regarding the 'Law on Non-Commercial Organisations'.

Our Embassy in Bishkek has however raised concerns about the impact of this law with the relevant authorities. The UK also made recommendations about this law during Kyrgyzstan's Universal Period Review in the UN Human Rights Council in April. The UK regularly encourages Kyrgyzstan to continue to allow civil society organisations to operate with independence and without harassment. I underlined the importance of respect for rights and freedoms with my Kyrgyz counterparts in April 2025 and raised human rights more broadly with the Kyrgyz during the inaugural UK-Kyrgyz Strategic Dialogue in February 2025.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the UK-Mauritius Treaty on the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands will be signed before the House rises for summer recess.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Treaty was signed on 22 May and secures the long-term operation of the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia. A copy of the Treaty was deposited in the House and can be found at the following link - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ukmauritius-agreement-concerning-the-chagos-archipelago-including-diego-garcia-cs-mauritius-no12025.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 9 May 2025 to Question 49724 on Saint Helena: Police, whether the national average salary for locally recruited police constables includes the salaries of Technical Cooperation Officers.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The national average salary provided in response to Question 49724 did not include salaries for Technical Cooperation Officers (TCO). The St Helena Government sets TCO salaries to compete with the overseas job market and secure candidates with the advanced experience and broader skill sets not yet available locally. In line with The Royal St Helena Police Service's five-year plan, TCOs help build the capacity of local police officers by investing their expertise and providing bespoke training.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he had discussions with his counterpart in Pakistan on (a) terrorist infrastructure and (b) plans to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan during his visit on 16 May 2025.

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

The UK and Pakistan share a strong mutual interest in countering terrorism. We are committed to working together to combat the terrorist threat and the extremism that sustains it. During his meeting with his Pakistani counterpart on 16 May, the Foreign Secretary emphasised that taking decisive action against terrorism and those who perpetrate it is a vital component of Pakistan's commitment to regional stability.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will have discussions with the Israeli government on the bombing of the European Hospital in Khan Younis on 13 May 2025.

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

The recent attacks on the European Hospital in Khan Younis are deeply concerning. As the Foreign Secretary outlined in his statement on the 20th of May, Israel has repeatedly struck hospitals, and these have rendered the European hospital non-functional. In March, the UK, France and Germany called on Israel to do more to prevent harm to medical personnel and premises in the course of their military operations.

Amid Israel's expanded military operations, the healthcare system in Gaza is now on the brink of collapse. We remain gravely concerned by the lack of adequate medical care in Gaza as nearly all hospitals are damaged or partly destroyed according to the World Health Organization.

My officials and I are in regular dialogue with our Israeli counterparts on the protection of healthcare facilities in Gaza. We will continue to make both public and private representations to the Government of Israel to protect healthcare staff and facilities.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what actions they have taken recently to uphold the Dayton Peace Accords in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

The UK is working with international partners and the High Representative to bolster domestic institutions and actors to respond to threats to the Dayton Peace Agreement and protect Bosnia and Herzegovina's (BiH's) territorial integrity, and to encourage constructive engagement from leaders in the wider region. The Foreign Secretary's visits to BiH on 6-7 May and Serbia on 2 April underlined those efforts, as did the UK Special Envoy to the Western Balkans's address to the UN Security Council on 6 May. Minister Doughty engaged international partners at a meeting of the 'Quint' on 15 May and met BiH Foreign Minister Elmedin Konaković and the High Representative of BiH on 12 April.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to make representations to his Israeli counterpart on complying with international (a) humanitarian and (b) criminal law.

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

The UK has repeatedly stated that all parties including Israel must observe international law in Gaza. Ministers have regularly pressed their Israeli counterparts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and meet their obligations under international humanitarian law. On 19 May, in a statement with his French and Canadian counterparts, the Prime Minister stated that the Israeli Government's denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching International Humanitarian Law. On 13 May the UK, along with European partners, called an urgent session of the UN Security Council to raise these issues.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make his policy to direct bilateral Official Development Assistance spending in Pakistan towards marginalised groups.

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

In Financial Year 24/25, the UK delivered over £100 million of bilateral ODA in Pakistan in different sectors including Health, Education, Climate, Human Rights and Economic growth. All our development programmes are well aligned with the sustainable development goals (SDGs), which expressly seeks to address the needs of marginalised groups, emphasising inclusivity and aiming to leave no one behind.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the 2030 Roadmap for UK-Israel Bilateral Relations remains his Department's policy.

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

As the Foreign Secretary said in his statement to the house on 20 May, the UK will be reviewing our cooperation with Israel on the UK-Israel 2030 Bilateral roadmap. This Government remains steadfast in supporting Israel in its defence against terrorism and the malign activities of Iran, but the continued actions of this Israeli Government mean that it is necessary for the UK Government to take these steps.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment his Department has made of the potential implications for his policies of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, in the context of recent statements by the Israeli Government on the future governance of the territory; and what steps the Government is taking to support the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.

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

The UK strongly opposes the expansion of Israel's operations in Gaza. We consider that any attempt to annex land would be unacceptable. As I said to the house on 14 May, we are calling on the Government of Israel to lift its block on aid immediately, and to enable the UN and humanitarians to save lives. We have been clear that humanitarian aid must never be used as a political tool or military tactic, and that UK will not support any aid mechanism that seeks to deliver political or military objectives or puts vulnerable civilians at risk. Ministers have raised concerns about Israel's aid block with their Israeli counterparts, and on 13 May the UK, along with European partners, called an urgent session of the UN Security Council to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Ministers may use diplomatic passports for personal overseas travel.

Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Where Ministers exceptionally hold a diplomatic passport, this is for official use only and not for personal overseas travel.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when Ministers from his Department last raised the bombing of British doctors working with Medical Aid for Palestine with their Israeli counterparts.

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

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office will continue to raise aid worker safety in Gaza with our Israeli counterparts. Last month, the Foreign Secretary drew attention to the deadly situation on the ground for humanitarians with Israel's Foreign Minister Sa'ar. Gaza is the deadliest place to be an aid worker with at least 430 humanitarians killed since the start of the conflict.

On 23 April, working alongside France and Germany the UK urged Israel to protect medical personnel and premises in the course of their military operations. They must allow the urgent healthcare needs of the population to be met. More recently on 13 May at the United Nations Security Council, the UK called a meeting on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and expressed outrage at recent attacks on humanitarians and medical staff.

Israel must do all they reasonably can to prevent harm to medical personnel and premises in the course of their military operations. Through our engagements, we will continue to press Israel to protect medical staff and premises.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, on what date a Minister from his Department last discussed the killing of British aid workers by an Israeli drone in April 2024 with their Israeli counterparts.

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

The Foreign Secretary and I regularly raise the status of Israel's Military Advocate General's consideration of the Israeli strike that killed three British aid workers in April 2024. We continue to press Israel at the highest levels for the Military Advocate General's consideration to be completed swiftly, including determining whether criminal proceedings will be initiated. We expect those responsible to be meaningfully held to account.

Last month the Foreign Secretary raised the World Central Kitchen incident and the status of the Military Advocate General's consideration with Israel's Foreign Minister Sa'ar. The Foreign Secretary pressed Minister Sa'ar to provide a response.

We will continue to urge Israel to swiftly conclude the Military Advocate Generals' consideration of the incident.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the extent to which the ICJ's Preliminary Measures to prevent genocide in Gaza have been implemented.

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

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is currently considering a case brought under the genocide convention in relation to Gaza. Pending its final decision on the merits of the case, the ICJ has issued provisional measures. The UK has been clear that Israel has an obligation to implement these measures as a matter of international law. It is the UK Government's long-standing position that any formal determination as to whether genocide has occurred is a matter for a competent court, not for Governments or non-judicial bodies. The UK fully respects the independence of the ICJ and supports its work in this regard, including in assessing whether its Orders have been complied with.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has had discussions with the United Nations on the proportion of the population of Gaza who are at risk of (a) famine and (b) starvation.

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

In our statement to the UN Security Council on 13 May, we highlighted the recent report of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) Partnership, and called on Israel to lift its cruel and inexcusable block in the flow of aid to Gaza. The report found that the whole of Gaza faces a critical risk of famine and that half a million people are facing starvation. In a joint statement with Canada and France on 19 May, the Prime Minister called on Israel to stop its military operations in Gaza and immediately allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. This must include engaging with the UN to ensure a return to delivery of aid in line with humanitarian principles.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to restart the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

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

We call on the Government of Israel to abide by its international obligations to ensure full, rapid, safe and unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance to the population in Gaza, now. The Foreign Secretary regularly presses his Israeli counterparts on these issues. We are calling on the Government of Israel to allow a full resumption of aid into Gaza, and let the UN and humanitarians save lives. On 13 May the UK, along with European partners, called an urgent session of the UN Security Council to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza. I spoke with the Israeli Ambassador on 20 May to make clear that the UK stands firmly against Israel's resumption of military action in Gaza, its wholly inadequate plan for aid delivery and to demand that a full and unhindered resumption in the flow of aid into Gaza takes place immediately.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Pakistan about the deportation of Afghan women back to Afghanistan.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK has a longstanding and close relationship with Pakistan. We engage regularly with the Government of Pakistan to advance key priorities and interests, including on human rights and adherence to international law.  Whilst we respect Pakistan's sovereign right to control its borders, the UK, alongside the international and donor community, is urging Pakistan to do so in accordance with their international obligations. On 16 May, the UK's Special Representative for Afghanistan raised the need for safe and dignified returns of Afghans with Pakistan's Special Representative for Afghanistan.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many times the International Humanitarian Law Compliance Assessment Process Cell has submitted assessments on Israel's compliance with international humanitarian law since July 2024.

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

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has carried out regular International Humanitarian Law assessments since the beginning of the conflict on 7 October 2023. To date we have undertaken 14 assessments. Further information on the assessment process can be found on Gov.uk:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/summary-of-the-international-humanitarian-law-ihl-process-decision-and-the-factors-taken-into-account/summary-of-the-ihl-process-decision-and-the-factors-taken-into-account

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of their role in promoting long-term peace and stability in regions affected by religious persecution.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK is committed to championing freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all. Societies that respect and uphold human rights, including FoRB, are stronger, more stable and prosperous.

Faith leaders play a vital role in international mediation and reconciliation. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office works internationally with faith-based organisations to support the UK's conflict resolution efforts and build trust and understanding between communities. In Colombia and South Sudan, the UK worked with faith leaders to call on warring parties to negotiate and to support the design and implementation of peace agreements.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential effect of recognising Somaliland’s statehood for promoting security in the Gulf of Aden so that international partners can enter bilateral security treaties with Somaliland.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

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 authorities in Mogadishu and Hargeisa to decide through a consultative process and dialogue.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 8 May 2025 to Question 48089 on Bahrain: Human Rights, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the criticisms from civil society organisations about the institutions mentioned.

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

We take civil society views into account, alongside a range of other sources of information, when making human rights assessments about a country. The UK continues to support the development of Bahrain's human rights institutions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when his Department's International Humanitarian Law Compliance Assessment Process last made an assessment of Israel's compliance with international humanitarian law.

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

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has carried out regular International Humanitarian Law assessments since the beginning of the conflict on 7 October 2023. Our assessments are continuous and the latest is due to be finalised before the end of the month.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to integrate freedom of religion or belief into their broader foreign policy and international development strategies

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK remains committed to championing freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all. In December 2024, I detailed five Human Rights priorities including defending the rights of people belonging to vulnerable and marginalised groups. By championing FoRB for all, we are fighting back against the threats so many people face for simply what they do, or do not, believe in.

Working with the Special Envoy for FoRB, David Smith MP, we are championing the right to FoRB and promoting tolerance and mutual respect through our multilateral and bilateral engagement. Where FoRB is under attack, other rights are often threatened too. Our policy is to defend the full range of rights set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in international human rights treaties to which we are a state party - including FoRB. We work to fully integrate human rights across our wider policy and development agendas to support meaningful change on the ground.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to develop (1) cultural, and (2) trade, links with Tunisia.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK and Tunisia share ambitions to build the bilateral relationship across trade, culture and other areas. Bilateral trade is currently £753 million (Q4 2024) an increase of 8.7 per cent from Q4 2023. There are UK-Tunisia cooperation opportunities in sectors such as agri-food and technology, particularly fintech. The UK will welcome a Tunisian delegation and ten Tunisian tech startups to London Tech Week 2025, bringing together innovators and investors.

Through the British Council's work, the UK supports a growing number of Tunisian artists, arts organisations and civil service organisations to benefit from UK partnerships. Recent collaborations include festival partnerships, youth training and capacity building, and cultural heritage preservation.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the International Humanitarian Law Compliance Assessment Process Cell has requested access to footage from the Royal Air Force's surveillance missions over Gaza.

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

Our International Humanitarian Law (IHL) assessments include information from a wide range of sources, including a third-party contractor specialising in geolocation verification and consider analysis from a wide range of sources including the UN, Non-Governmental Organisations, media and organisations on the ground.

The UK's operational mandate has been narrowly defined to focus on securing the release of the hostages only. These Royal Air Force surveillance flights are unarmed and do not have a combat role. We will not comment further on detailed intelligence matters to protect operational security.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has used contractors to provide (a) information and (b) analysis to the International Humanitarian Law Compliance Assessment Process Cell.

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

Our International Humanitarian Law (IHL) assessments include information from a wide range of sources, including a third-party contractor specialising in geolocation verification and consider analysis from a wide range of sources including the UN, Non-Governmental Organisations, media and organisations on the ground.

The UK's operational mandate has been narrowly defined to focus on securing the release of the hostages only. These Royal Air Force surveillance flights are unarmed and do not have a combat role. We will not comment further on detailed intelligence matters to protect operational security.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the oral answer by the Minister for the Middle East to the hon. Member to Islington North of 14 May 2025, Official Report, column 354, which international obligations he was referring to in his answer.

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

Criterion 1 of the UK's Strategic Export Licensing Criteria requires respect for the UK's international obligations and commitments. We have carefully collated, reviewed and assessed relevant evidence concerning the Gaza conflict. The action we have taken, as announced to Parliament, is consistent with all our legal obligations, including those under the Arms Trade Treaty and Genocide Convention, and we remain wholly committed to international law.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when the investigation into the killing of three British aid workers in April 2024 by an Israeli drone will conclude.

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

The strike on the World Central Kitchen convoy killing British citizens John Chapman, James Henderson, and James Kirby was an appalling injustice. In November last year, the Foreign Secretary met with their families and was moved by their dedication to serving others.

We continue to press Israel to swiftly conclude the Military Advocate General's consideration of events on 1 April 2024, including determining whether criminal proceedings should be initiated. We expect those responsible to be meaningfully held to account. Israel must ensure lessons are learned to deliver lasting safety improvements for aid workers on the ground.

Gaza is the deadliest place for humanitarians. It is completely unacceptable that at least 430 aid workers have been killed since the conflict began.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the merits of the security and counter-terrorism partnership between the UK and India.

Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK and India have a long-standing security relationship, including on counter-terrorism and we work together both bilaterally and through multilateral mechanisms.

We continue to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation to take decisive and concerted action against globally proscribed terrorists and terror entities. India hosted the sixteenth meeting of the UK-India Counter Terrorism Joint Working Group in New Delhi in May 2024. We look forward to hosting the seventeenth Joint Working Group this year in London.

Ensuring the utmost safety of British nationals - and the protection of British interests - in India will continue to inform our deepening relationship with the Government of India.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of planned reductions in spending on official development assistance on funding for Voluntary Service Overseas.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Prime Minister has set out a new strategic vision for government spending on defence and security, and Official Development Assistance (ODA). Decisions on how the ODA budget will be used are being worked through as part of the ongoing Spending Review, based on various factors including impact assessments, and value for money.

Our approach balances the UK's proud tradition of supporting the world's most vulnerable with our fundamental responsibility to protect British interests in an increasingly unstable world.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made representations to his Kyrgyz counterparts on the dismissal of the Kyrgyz Ombudswoman Atyr Abdrakhmatova in that country.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs has not made representations to his Kyrgyz counterparts regarding the dismissal of Kyrgyz Ombudswoman Atyr Abdrakhmatova in May 2023.

I raised human rights with my Kyrgyz counterparts in February and April 2025, and Lord Collins, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, also raised it in February 2025. The UK made a number of recommendations on human rights during Kyrgyzstan's Universal Periodic Review in the UN Human Rights Council in April.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to support the initiative of the UN Secretary General to create a humanitarian aid corridor from Bangladesh into Rakhine State, Myanmar.

Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

We are concerned about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Rakhine, including the deteriorating food security situation. The UK continues to advocate for safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all those in need in Myanmar. The long-term solution for Rohingya refugees remains a voluntary, safe and dignified return to Rakhine state in Myanmar, once the conditions there allow.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has concluded investigations into how British doctors working with Medical Aid for Palestine were bombed by Israel in January 2024.

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

We expect Israel to investigate all attacks against humanitarians and medical staff fully and transparently. We also expect that those responsible are meaningfully held to account.

Attacks on hospitals and medical facilities are deeply distressing. We remain gravely concerned by the lack of adequate medical care in Gaza; nearly all Gaza's hospitals are damaged or partly destroyed according to the World Health Organisation. We have made clear that this is unacceptable.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the oral contribution of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan) in response to the question from the hon. Member for Waveney Valley, during the Urgent Question on Middle East Update of 6 May 2025, Official Report, column 588, if he will publish his most recent risk assessment.

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

The Government published a summary of the assessment process and decisions that led to the suspension on 2 September of export licences for items that could be used by Israel in its conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Further information on the assessment process can be found on Gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/summary-of-the-international-humanitarian-law-ihl-process-decision-and-the-factors-taken-into-account/summary-of-the-ihl-process-decision-and-the-factors-taken-into-account

The Foreign Secretary has committed to keeping Parliament updated.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the medical care offered to detained British national Alaa Abd el-Fattah in Egypt.

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

We consistently raise Mr El-Fattah's case at the highest levels of the Egyptian Government and lobby extensively for consular access. However, the Egyptian Government does not recognise his British nationality. Consular officials are in regular contact with Mr El-Fattah's family, who continue to provide regular updates with regards to his health and welfare. The Prime Minister raised the case with President Sisi on 22 May. The Foreign Secretary raised the case with Foreign Minister Abdelatty on 1 June. I discussed the case with the Egyptian Ambassador to the UK on 31 May. The UK Government is committed to securing Mr El-Fattah's release.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the report by the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator on the potential impact of aid shortages on baby mortality in Gaza; and if he will take additional steps to help prevent potential loss of life.

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

As the Foreign Secretary said to this house on 20 May, the threat of starvation hanging over hundreds of thousands of civilians is abominable, this includes the risk to infants and children who are disproportionately affected by the conflict. On 19 May, we issued a statement, with France and Canada, calling on the Israeli Government to stop its military operations in Gaza and immediately allow humanitarian aid to enter. The Minister for Development reiterated our support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and its critical role in delivering desperately needed aid and services in a meeting with Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini on 12 May and in a visit to the region on 21 May where she met UNRWA staff and separately announced a further £4 million in funding to the British Red Cross to deliver humanitarian relief in Gaza through their partner the Palestinian Red Crescent Society.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential implications for his Department's policies of trends in levels of women and girls in Iran imprisoned for participation in women's freedom protests.

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

We continue to stand with Iranian women and girls in their daily fight for equal rights. The UK was instrumental in delivering the Iran human rights resolution, adopted by the UN Third Committee in November 2024, which called on Iran to release women human rights defenders imprisoned for exercising their rights, and to take appropriate, robust and practical steps to protect women human rights defenders and guarantee their full enjoyment of all their human rights. On the second anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini in September 2024, we issued a joint statement alongside international partners, emphasising our commitment to holding Iran accountable for its rights violations. We continue to support the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, which is essential for collecting and preserving evidence of serious human rights violations, including against women and girls. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office officials continue to engage with Iranian civil society actors, many of whom are in exile, to understand their lived experiences.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with exiled Iranian opposition leaders on women’s freedom in Iran.

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

We continue to stand with Iranian women and girls in their daily fight for equal rights. The UK was instrumental in delivering the Iran human rights resolution, adopted by the UN Third Committee in November 2024, which called on Iran to release women human rights defenders imprisoned for exercising their rights, and to take appropriate, robust and practical steps to protect women human rights defenders and guarantee their full enjoyment of all their human rights. On the second anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini in September 2024, we issued a joint statement alongside international partners, emphasising our commitment to holding Iran accountable for its rights violations. We continue to support the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, which is essential for collecting and preserving evidence of serious human rights violations, including against women and girls. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office officials continue to engage with Iranian civil society actors, many of whom are in exile, to understand their lived experiences.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with international counterparts on improving women’s freedom in Iran.

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

We continue to stand with Iranian women and girls in their daily fight for equal rights. The UK was instrumental in delivering the Iran human rights resolution, adopted by the UN Third Committee in November 2024, which called on Iran to release women human rights defenders imprisoned for exercising their rights, and to take appropriate, robust and practical steps to protect women human rights defenders and guarantee their full enjoyment of all their human rights. On the second anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini in September 2024, we issued a joint statement alongside international partners, emphasising our commitment to holding Iran accountable for its rights violations. We continue to support the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, which is essential for collecting and preserving evidence of serious human rights violations, including against women and girls. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office officials continue to engage with Iranian civil society actors, many of whom are in exile, to understand their lived experiences.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the risk of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

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

It is the UK government's long-standing position that any formal determination as to whether genocide has occurred is a matter for a competent court, and not for governments or non-judicial bodies. The International Court of Justice case on genocide is ongoing, and we support the independence of the court. Our approach to genocide determination does not prevent us from taking action to call out and seek to address risks of atrocities. We have been clear that we strongly oppose the expansion of Israel's operations in Gaza, that Israel must do much more to protect civilians, that Palestinian territory must not be reduced nor subjected to any demographic change and that Israel must immediately lift its block on aid. Ministers have raised these issues with Israeli government counterparts, and we have repeatedly made our position clear through joint statements with partners and at the UN Security Council.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking, bilaterally or through international forums, to support humanitarian access, civilian protection and accountability in the light of reports of armed non-state actors operating in the Kurram region of Pakistan.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK urges the Government of Pakistan to prioritise the protection of civilians in Kurram, work to restore unrestricted access for humanitarian assistance, and undertake transparent investigations into attacks on civilians. It is imperative that aid organisations can deliver essential supplies and services without delay or obstruction. Our High Commission in Islamabad has raised the humanitarian and security situation in Kurram with senior government representatives.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of potential violations of international human rights and humanitarian law in Parachinar, particularly in regard to freedom of movement and access to medical care.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK's long-term commitment to promoting human rights in Pakistan is unwavering. Our position is clear - any allegations of human rights violations must be investigated thoroughly, promptly and transparently. We urge the Government of Pakistan to prioritise the protection of civilians in Parachinar, including religious minorities, and the safe and voluntary movement of people. Our High Commission in Islamabad has raised the humanitarian and security situation in Parachinar with senior government representatives.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has had discussions with Inter Mediate on de-sanctioning the Syrian regime since July 2024.

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

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not routinely disclose the content of private discussions with external organisations.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make it his policy to suspend the remaining arms licences to Israel, in the context of remarks by Prime Minister Netanyahu on control of Gaza made on 19 May 2025.

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

The Government's position is clear. This conflict has had a devastating impact on civilians and more bloodshed is in no-one's interest. One of our first actions in government was to review and suspend export licences which might be used by the Israeli Defence Forces in Gaza. As the Foreign Secretary set out in Parliament, that was a complex decision, which the Foreign Secretary took extremely seriously and stands by.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether it remains his policy that any determination as to whether Israel has committed genocide in Gaza is a matter for a competent national or international court.

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

The UK's long-standing policy is that any formal determination as to whether genocide has occurred is a matter for a competent national or international court, rather than for governments or non-judicial bodies.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of taking legislative steps to help encourage Iran to improve the freedom of women and girls in that country.

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

We have not taken legal action regarding Iran's abhorrent repression of women and girls. However, we continue to stand with Iranian women and girls in their daily fight for equal rights. The UK was instrumental in delivering the Iran human rights resolution, adopted by the UN Third Committee in November 2024, which called on Iran to release women human rights defenders imprisoned for exercising their rights, and to take appropriate, robust and practical steps to protect women human rights defenders and guarantee their full enjoyment of all their human rights. We continue to support the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, which is essential for collecting and preserving evidence of serious human rights violations, including against women and girls. On the second anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini in September 2024, we issued a joint statement alongside international partners, emphasising our commitment to holding Iran accountable for its rights violations. Our Ambassador to Iran has raised women's rights directly with the Iranian government.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential implications for his policies of the recent killing of Dr. Sheikh Mahmood in Sargodha, Pakistan; and what steps his Department is taking to support efforts to protect the (a) rights and (b) safety of religious minorities in that region.

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

Promoting freedom of religion or belief is a core part of the UK's diplomatic engagement overseas. I raised the deteriorating situation for Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan in a meeting with Pakistan's Minister of State for the Interior in March 2025. Our High Commission in Islamabad regularly raises the importance of Ahmadi rights at the highest levels, and has raised the tragic killing of Dr Sheikh Mahmood with Pakistan's Minister for Human Rights and the Chief Minister of Punjab. We will continue to urge the Government of Pakistan to guarantee the rights of all people in accordance with international standards.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to drive private sector investment into Ukraine’s economy.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

The UK recognises that private sector investment is critical for Ukraine's economic recovery. To de-risk investment, the UK will continue to support war risk insurance through partnerships with the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The UK is leveraging its world-class insurance industry to explore ways to make insurance in Ukraine more accessible and affordable and is supporting the Government of Ukraine-led insurance task force working with industry to address barriers to trade and investment.

British Investment International has committed to invest £30 million to support trade flows of critical goods and is actively pursuing further investments in Ukraine, up to a total of £250 million. Through the UK-Ukraine TechBridge and InnovateUkraine challenge fund we are expanding opportunities for UK and Ukrainian partnerships across multiple sectors.

The Department for Business and Trade has delivered five defence trade missions to Ukraine since the full-scale invasion, supporting the development of long-term cooperation and investment, working closely with the Ministry of Defence's Taskforce HIRST. Trade Envoy Alex Sobel plays a crucial role engaging with UK and Ukrainian businesses to foster trade and industrial partnerships to support the recovery of Ukraine.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Pakistan regarding the ongoing blockade of Parachinar.

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK Government is concerned by restrictions on humanitarian access in Kurram. To ensure the rights and dignity of all people, we urge the Government of Pakistan to prioritise the restoration of full, unhindered access for humanitarian assistance. It is essential that aid organisations can deliver essential supplies and services without obstruction or delay. Our High Commission in Pakistan has raised the humanitarian and security situation in Kurram with senior government representatives.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to help support the operation of desalination plants in Gaza.

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

Recognising the vital role that desalination plants play in providing clean drinking water to civilians in Gaza, the UK supported efforts to establish a Gaza Central Desalination Programme through the World Bank. This work is currently on hold due to the conflict, and the programme has been restructured to meet urgent, short-term water needs in Gaza.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with international human rights organisations on (a) the Xinjiang Police Files and (b) the adequacy of human rights in the Uyghur Region.

Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

This Government stands firm on human rights, including in Xinjiang, where China continues to persecute and arbitrarily detain Uyghur Muslims. We continue to refer to the OHCHR's 2022 Xinjiang Assessment, which is based on independent evidence and China's own records, including the Xinjiang Police Files. We raise our concerns on human rights at the highest levels: the Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, Chancellor and Energy Secretary all raised human rights recently with their counterparts. We continue to coordinate efforts with our international partners to hold China to account, for example, joining a statement led by Australia on Xinjiang and Tibet at the UN General Assembly in October.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the total expenditure by his Department is on overseas (a) road repairs, (b) waterways, (c) bridges, (d) highways and (e) canals in each of the last five years.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Source: Statistics on International Development

NB Figures prior to the 2020 Department For International Development (DFID) - Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) merger were for DFID, as FCO at that time was focussed on the Prosperity Fund that was closed soon after the merger.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the African Union's report Fact-Finding Mission to Somaliland (30 April to 4 May 2005).

Answered by Lord Collins of Highbury - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK is aware of the findings of the African Union's Fact-Finding Mission to Somaliland from 2005. The UK, alongside others in the international community, including the African Union, does not recognise Somaliland's unilateral declaration of independence. We believe that the settlement of Somaliland's status is an issue for authorities in Mogadishu and Hargeisa to decide through a consultative process and dialogue.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his (a) international and (b) Chinese counterparts on (i) the Xinjiang Police Files, published in 2022, and (ii) allegations of human rights violations in those documents.

Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

This Government stands firm on human rights, including in Xinjiang, where China continues to persecute and arbitrarily detain Uyghur Muslims. We continue to refer to the OHCHR's 2022 Xinjiang Assessment, which is based on independent evidence and China's own records, including the Xinjiang Police Files. We raise our concerns on human rights at the highest levels: the Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, Chancellor and Energy Secretary all raised human rights recently with their counterparts. We continue to coordinate efforts with our international partners to hold China to account, for example, joining a statement led by Australia on Xinjiang and Tibet at the UN General Assembly in October.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential implications for its policies of the Xinjiang Police Files in 2022.

Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

This Government stands firm on human rights, including in Xinjiang, where China continues to persecute and arbitrarily detain Uyghur Muslims. We continue to refer to the OHCHR's 2022 Xinjiang Assessment, which is based on independent evidence and China's own records, including the Xinjiang Police Files. We raise our concerns on human rights at the highest levels: the Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, Chancellor and Energy Secretary all raised human rights recently with their counterparts. We continue to coordinate efforts with our international partners to hold China to account, for example, joining a statement led by Australia on Xinjiang and Tibet at the UN General Assembly in October.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many requests his Department has made of the Mass Atrocity Prevention Hub to make an assessment of the risk of genocide being committed in Gaza.

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

It is the UK Government's long-standing position that any formal determination as to whether genocide has occurred is a matter for a competent court, and not for governments or non-judicial bodies. The International Court of Justice case on genocide is ongoing, and we support the independence of the court. Our approach to genocide determination does not prevent us from taking action to call out and seek to address risks of atrocities. We have been clear that we strongly oppose the expansion of Israel's operations in Gaza, that Israel must do much more to protect civilians, that Palestinian territory must not be reduced nor subjected to any demographic change and that Israel must immediately lift its block on aid. Ministers have raised these issues with Israeli government counterparts, and we have made our position clear through joint statements with partners. On 13 May the UK, along with European partners, called an urgent session of the UN Security Council.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to his Israeli counterpart on lifting the aid blockade of Gaza.

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

We call on the Government of Israel to abide by its international obligations to ensure full, rapid, safe and unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance to the population in Gaza, now. The Foreign Secretary regularly presses his Israeli counterparts on these issues. We are calling on the Government of Israel to allow a full resumption of aid into Gaza, and let the UN and humanitarians save lives. On 13 May the UK, along with European partners, called an urgent session of the UN Security Council to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza. I spoke with the Israeli Ambassador on 20 May to make clear that the UK stands firmly against Israel's resumption of military action in Gaza, its wholly inadequate plan for aid delivery and to demand that a full and unhindered resumption in the flow of aid into Gaza takes place immediately.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent steps his Department has taken to help establish a stable government in Syria.

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

We are supporting the Syrian Government to work towards an inclusive, representative, and non-sectarian political transition that has respect for human rights and transitional justice at its core. On 25 April, we lifted some sanctions to promote economic recovery and investment, and in May we hosted the first visit by a Syrian Minister in 14 years to the Education World Forum, showcasing the UK's education programmes in Syria, which are a key part of fostering broader stability. We are also encouraging the Syrian Government and Syrian Democratic Forces to implement the agreement they made in March on North-East Syria's future.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Israeli counterpart on implementing a two-state solution in the region.

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

The Government regularly raises that a long-lasting ceasefire is the only credible pathway towards a sustainable peace, a two-state solution and the reconstruction of Gaza with counterparts in the Israeli Government. The Foreign Secretary last raised this in discussions with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar on 21 May as well as concern about the expansion of settlements in the West Bank. On 19 May the UK, alongside France and Canada, issued a joint statement expressing concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza and the expansion of settlements in the West Bank. The statement called for the release of hostages, reaffirmed Israel's right to self-defence with an emphasis on proportionality, and voiced support for both a ceasefire and a two-state solution.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help ensure that Lukoil is not able to avoid UK sanctions.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

We cannot comment on future designations. The UK has targeted Russian oil and those who produce it, by banning its import, implementing the Oil Price Cap, sanctioning two Russian oil majors, and specifying 251 shadow fleet oil tankers. Ships sanctioned by the UK in 2024 collectively carried $1.6 billion less year-on-year in Russian oil and oil products in Q1 2025.

We have also targeted those enabling Russia's illicit oil trade. These include a British national involved in procuring vessels for Russia's shadow fleet on behalf of Lukoil and networks established to enable the trade of Russian oil via the shadow fleet.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will maintain funding for the Choices Reproductive Health Supplies programme through a multi-year commitment of £400million from 2025-2030.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Following the decision to reduce the UK aid budget to 0.3 per cent of gross national income (GNI) by 2027, implications for individual programmes are still being worked through. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's Official Development Assistance allocations will be considered over the coming months and will be published in the summer.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with (a) the trustees of Chelsea Football Club, (b) his Portuguese counterpart and (c) the European Commission on the proceeds of the sale of that club.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Government is determined to see the proceeds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club reach humanitarian causes in Ukraine, following Russia's illegal full-scale invasion.

We are deeply frustrated that it has not been possible to reach agreement on this with Mr Abramovich so far.

While the door for negotiations will remain open, we are fully prepared to pursue this matter through the courts if required, to ensure people suffering in Ukraine receive the benefit from these proceeds as soon as possible.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what his target date is for distributing the proceeds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club; and how he plans to allocate those funds.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Government is determined to see the proceeds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club reach humanitarian causes in Ukraine, following Russia's illegal full-scale invasion.

We are deeply frustrated that it has not been possible to reach agreement on this with Mr Abramovich so far.

While the door for negotiations will remain open, we are fully prepared to pursue this matter through the courts if required, to ensure people suffering in Ukraine receive the benefit from these proceeds as soon as possible.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he has taken to support efforts to tackle (a) malaria and (b) other diseases of poverty globally.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK is a leading donor to the fight against Malaria. Our £1 billion pledge (2023-2025) to the Global Fund will support distributing 86 million treated mosquito nets, provide 452,000 doses of seasonal malaria chemoprevention and provide malaria treatment for 18 million people. The UK's £1.65 billion funding (2021-2025) to Gavi is helping to fund the rollout of malaria vaccines in up to 25 countries by the end of 2025. This is complemented by investments to support research and development and to improve access to key malaria products and support to the World Health Organisation and others to strengthen health systems. Additionally, our £1 billion funding to the Global Fund is expected to provide antiretroviral therapy for 1.8 million people and provide Tuberculosis treatment and care for 1.1 million people. Our £1.65 billion funding to Gavi will support immunisation of 300 million children and save up to 8 million lives from vaccine preventable diseases.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what recent discussions they have had with the government of India on the death in custody of Father Stan Swamy SJ, and the continued imprisonment of those allegedly involved in the Bhima Koregaon violence.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

His Majesty's Government extends condolences, first and foremost, to those who knew and worked closely with Fr. Swamy at Jesuit Missions.

Jesuit Missions' work, partnering with organisations to empower local communities and to build a more just and sustainable future, is admirable.

The UK Government takes all allegations of human rights violations very seriously. However, given this is an internal Indian legal matter, the ability of the UK Government to get involved directly on these matters is significantly limited.

The UK Government has a broad, deep and respectful partnership with the Government of India. This includes sharing perspectives on human rights issues and finding common ground.

Our High Commission in New Delhi and our network across India monitor human rights across the country. We engage Indian stakeholders on a range of human rights matters, working with Union and State Governments, and with civil society.

This includes raising issues of concern where we have them.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports of Rohingya refugees being cast into the sea by the Indian navy near the maritime border with Myanmar; and what representations they have made to the government of India about those reports and the treatment of Rohingya refugees.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

We are aware of recent reports alleging that Rohingya refugees have been cast into the sea by the Indian Navy near the maritime border with Myanmar. We understand that the UN Special Rapporteur for human rights in Myanmar will investigate these allegations. The UK Government will examine their conclusions closely. Our High Commission in New Delhi and our diplomatic network across India engage Indian stakeholders on a range of human rights matters, including the situation of the Rohingya refugees, both within and outside of Myanmar. We ask all states to uphold the principle of non-refoulement, which is a fundamental tenet of international law that prohibits states from returning individuals to a territory where they face threats to their lives or freedom.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will be obliged to consult with the EU in advance of any foreign or defence policy or operation as a result of the UK–EU reset agreement.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

At the UK-EU Summit, the UK and the EU adopted a Security and Defence Partnership (SDP). The SDP creates a strong basis to strengthen our foreign, security, and defence dialogue and cooperation. It does not oblige either party to consult the other on their respective foreign, security, or defence operations.

However, the SDP will enhance our cooperation across a broad range of areas including: maritime security; space security; hybrid threats; resilience of our critical infrastructure; irregular migration; global health; illicit finance; defence industry; and military mobility. It will complement our relationships through NATO - the bedrock of our Euro-Atlantic security, and other mechanisms such as the JEF.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure that the International Finance Facility for Immunisation frontloading model is effectively utilised for the fast delivery of vaccines.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK is the largest donor to Gavi and the largest contributor to the International Finance Facility for Immunisation (IFFIm). IFFIm enables Gavi to rapidly introduce and scale-up new, breakthrough and existing vaccines and surge financing during unexpected health crises. The model also allows Gavi to manage financing more effectively across their 5-year strategic periods. The UK continues to monitor IFFIm's efficiency through our Annual Reviews that are published on Dev Tracker.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help support the roll-out of UK-made malaria vaccines.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK is Gavi's largest investor, committing £1.65 billion to the current strategic period covering 2021-2025. Gavi coordinates the global malaria vaccination (RTS,S and R21) programme, providing essential financial support for the procurement, transport and roll-out of doses. To date, Gavi has supported 20 African countries in integrating the malaria vaccine into routine immunisation programmes. By collaborating with countries and partners, Gavi ensures the delivery of malaria vaccines as part of a comprehensive malaria control strategy. In addition to our support to Gavi the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office and the UK Research and Innovation's Medical Research Council are funding applied research to support the effective rollout of malaria vaccines including how to best combine the vaccines with existing interventions.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the proposed deal with Mauritius on the Chagos Islands amends the status of (a) the waters of the British Indian Ocean Territory's Water and (b) the Blue Belt Programme.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The agreement will be supported by an enhanced partnership between the UK and Mauritius on conservation. This partnership will prioritise high conservation standards, with the UK supporting Mauritius' ambitions to establish a Marine Protected Area (MPA) that protects the globally significant ecosystems in the Chagos Archipelago.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what information his Department holds on the safety of transgender people travelling to the US; and if he will publish a country policy and information note on (a) sexual orientation and (b) gender identity and expression in the US.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

US immigration is a matter for the US Government, in accordance with international law. The UK Government remains fully committed to upholding the human rights and freedoms of all LGBT+ people. We regularly monitor how policy changes in other countries could impact British nationals who travel, including LGBT+ people. We then review and update policies, and travel advice, as necessary.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with UK regional allies on alternative aid routes into Gaza.

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

All routes to deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza must be approved by the Government of Israel. The UK has previously collaborated with regional partners on alternative routes, including air drops and a maritime corridor. However, these cannot substitute delivery by land, which remains the best way to get aid in at the scale required. On 19 May, the UK signed a joint donor statement on the humanitarian situation in Gaza calling for a full resumption of aid and for Israel to allow the UN and other aid organisations to operate independently. The Government of Israel must abide by its international obligations to ensure full, rapid, safe and unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance to the population in Gaza.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to help (a) ensure that medical aid reaches people who are most in need in and (b) evacuate (i) people and (ii) children who need more extensive medical support from Gaza.

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

The UK continues to urge Israel to let Gazans receive urgent healthcare, including allowing the sick and wounded to temporarily leave the Gaza Strip for treatment. On 19 May, the UK, Canada, and France jointly called for Israel to cease its renewed military offensive and lift restrictions on humanitarian aid. It is vital there is a full resumption of aid with Israel allowing the United Nations and other aid organisations to operate independently.

We announced a £7.5 million package of support to bolster medical care in Gaza and the region including additional funding for UK-Med, World Health Organization Egypt, and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Occupied Palestinian Territories Humanitarian Fund.

The UK has supported an initiative by Project Pure Hope to bring a small number of children from Gaza to the UK for privately funded specialist care. On 1 May, I announced that two children have arrived in the UK to begin privately funded medical treatment.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department provides guidance on the installation of gender-neutral toilets in its estate outside the UK.

Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Design Guide asks for FCDO estates projects to provide sanitary provision in line with UK Building Regulations, including the Approved Document Part T: Toilets, with adaptations where required to suit more onerous local regulations or address cultural sensitivities.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of trends in the level of adherence to the Murad Code on improving information-gathering from survivors of sexual violence in conflicts within Sudan by (a) NGOs, (b) belligerents and (c) civil society.

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

Conflict-related sexual violence in Sudan has been, and remains, unacceptably high. Given the frequent internet and communications shutdowns and lack of access to conflict zones, it is particularly challenging to monitor implementation of the Murad Code. As such we are currently unable to provide an assessment of trends in the level of adherence.

In 2022, together with Nobel Laureate Nadia Murad and the Institute for Inter­national Criminal Investi­gations (IICI), the UK launched the Murad Code, which sets out minimum standards for gathering information from survivors of conflict-related sexual violence safely and ethically. It is now available in 14 languages, including Arabic. Many non-governmental organisations and civil society actors, including those working in Sudan, have shown commitment to its principles. We continue to promote the Murad Code.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the statement by the UN special rapporteur Thomas Andrews on 15 May regarding allegations that Rohingya refugees were forced off an Indian naval vessel.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

We are aware of recent reports alleging that Rohingya refugees have been cast into the sea by the Indian Navy near the maritime border with Myanmar. We understand that the UN Special Rapporteur for human rights in Myanmar will investigate these allegations. The UK Government will examine their conclusions closely.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what practical steps they are taking to ensure the expeditious release of Jimmy Lai from prison, his reunion with his family, and whether they will arrange for the Prime Minister to meet Jimmy Lai’s son.

Answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington - Minister of State (Development)

This Government, from the Prime Minister down, continues to call on the Hong Kong authorities to end their politically motivated prosecution and release Jimmy Lai. The Prime Minister raised his case with President Xi at the G20, and the Foreign Secretary raised it most recently with Foreign Minister Wang Yi in April.

The Prime Minister is following Jimmy Lai's trial closely. The Minister for the Indo-Pacific remains in regular contact with Mr Lai's son and last met him on 28 April and raised this case with the Hong Kong Government on 30 May.

Jimmy Lai's case remains a priority, and we will continue to press for consular access.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many overseas diplomatic postings are waiting for a Head of Mission to be appointed.

Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Appointments to all Head of Mission roles, including Ambassadors and High Commissioners, are announced after the necessary internal processes have concluded, including approval through His Majesty The King and agreement from the host Government. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office ensures that all diplomatic posts are appropriately staffed, including with interim arrangements in place where necessary.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the oral contribution of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan) in response to the question from the hon. Member for Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber, during the Urgent Question on Gaza: UK Assessment of 14 May 2025, Official Report, column 353, if he will specify (a) which responsibilities under international law and (b) what type of assessments he was referring to; and on what date did his Department last conduct one of these assessments.

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

The UK is fully committed to international law and respects the independence of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). It is the Government's long-standing position that any determination as to whether genocide has occurred is a matter for a competent national or international court, and not for governments or non-judicial bodies. This case is ongoing, and we await their decision.

As soon as the Foreign Secretary took office, he ordered a review into Israel's compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL), to meet the statutory obligation, set out under the UK's Strategic Export Licensing Criteria. This assessment found that there were possible breaches of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in the areas of treatment of detainees and humanitarian access and relief and that there was a clear risk that UK export items might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law. The Government therefore suspended all relevant licences for export to Israel on 2 September 2024, except for exports to the global F-35 programme. Our IHL assessments continue regularly, and recent assessments have maintained this position. Ultimately it is for a court to decide if a breach has occurred.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure the safety of British nationals located on the India-Pakistan border.

Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The safety of British nationals will always be our priority. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) continues to monitor developments closely and is ready to support British nationals 24/7. Any British nationals in the region should follow the FCDO's travel advice for the country they are in, along with the advice of the local authorities. That travel advice is currently against travel to areas close to the Line of Control and international border.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 8 April 2025 to Question 43485 on Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Flags, whether his Department has had discussions with Westminster City Council on this matter.

Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has had no discussions with Westminster City Council on this matter.

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Found: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) oversees the BAT’s governance.

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Found: We are writing to the FCDO in similar terms.

Found: I am copying this letter to the Prime Minister, the Attorney General, Minister Doughty at the FCDO and

Found: CommonsBTC Stephen Doughty MP Minister of State for Europe, North America and UK Overseas Territories FCDO

Found: Laboratory (Dstl), Defence Futures, Strategic Command) and Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: generally, we engage regularly and closely with two departments in particular: the Foreign Office, or FCDO

Found: (JMSC Funding RDEL element) Transfer to MOD RE funding for National Shipping Office Transfer from FCDO

Found: The contingent liability is based on the additional benefit due from the FCDO as a result of assuming

Found: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Oral Evidence

Found: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Oral Evidence

Found: and Development Office 2025-26 1 Overview The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO

Found: overseas security and justice assistance work meets our human rights obligations and our values, FCDO

Found: HAA0048 - Humanitarian access and adherence to international humanitarian law Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: CLE0028 - Aid for community-led energy Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Written Evidence

Found: How does the FCDO ensure that the voices and rights of women, older people and marginalised communities

Found: CLE0017 - Aid for community-led energy Modern Energy Cooking Services, FCDO Programme Written Evidence

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Found: from our pilot research on inclusion in climate-focused aid projects, with a special emphasis on the FCDO-funded

Found: energy Introduction The inquiry on ‘Aid for Community-Led Energy’ highlights the question: How does the FCDO

Found: MENTARI Programme, a £20 million low-carbon energy initiative funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: e.g., installing a solar PV system for Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital21, implemented by the FCDO

Found: How does the FCDO ensure that the voices and rights of women, older people and marginalised communities

Found: How does the FCDO ensure that the voices and rights of women, older people and marginalised communities

Found: The Building Local Resilience in Syria (BLRS) Supported by FCDO, the Building Local Resilience in Syria

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Found: for, as well as evaluations of, energy access programmes funded by development partners including FCDO

Found: The UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) (and previously the Department for International

Found: Recommendation to FCDO: FCDO should address the lack of disaggregated data and appropriate modelling

Found: , co-funded by the Shell Foundation and the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: decentralized energy systems in a way that no other investor is currently doing. 7) How does the FCDO

Found: How does the FCDO ensure that the voices and rights of women, older people and marginalised communities

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Found: Social Care Start for Life programme 56,645 56,645 Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office

Found: Talks BoE, BEIS, Chatham House, DexEU, DfID, DIT, FCO/FCDO, Festival of Economics, HMT, Le Cercle, ONS

Found: This is firstly because each of these departments (FCDO; MOD; Business and Trade) are involved in issuing

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Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to increase protections for Hong Kongers facing transnational oppression in the UK.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office)

While we do not comment on specific threats or targets, I can assure the Hon Member that the safety and security of Hong Kongers in the UK remains of the upmost importance.

The UK will always stand up for the rights of the people of Hong Kong. On Christmas Eve, the Foreign Secretary strongly condemned the Hong Kong police’s targeting of individuals for exercising their right to freedom of expression. FCDO officials have raised concerns directly with the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities. This year, the Foreign Secretary and Minister West met with individuals affected by the latest round of arrest warrants and bounties placed on them by the Hong Kong Police Force.

The UK Government has developed a range of support and security assistance mechanisms to protect individuals and communities that are at risk of transnational repression. This assistance is based on threat and varied in its scope and approach, but can include tailored protective advice, cybersecurity measures, and access to broader public resources. In addition, I announced in March that training and guidance on state threats activity is now being offered by Counter Terrorism Policing to all 45 territorial police forces across the UK. This will enhance the ability of front-line police officers and staff in the identification of state-directed crimes and the actions that can be taken to escalate and mitigate this activity.

Guidance can be found on GOV.UK providing those who believe themselves to be at risk of TNR with practical advice for their safety both physically and online. If individuals think they are a victim of state directed activity, they should report this to police via the established mechanisms - 101, 999, or at a local police station.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of potential merits of increasing domestic critical mineral capacity for UK defence supply chains.

Answered by Maria Eagle - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The recent Strategic Defence Review recognised the UK's dependence on "intricate global supply chains to meet the UK's demand for critical minerals", (SDR 25 Page 32). Although Defence capabilities are dependent on a wide range of critical minerals Defence is a small consumer of these materials. As such, the MOD works closely with DBT and UK Industry partners to consider the potential for "on-shore" sourcing of critical minerals and with DBT, FCDO and NATO to consider resilient supply of these materials from overseas partners. The MOD recognises the potential of recycling and recovery of critical minerals from defence equipment to reduce dependency on imported critical minerals.

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Found: FCDO Services spending over £500, April 2025

Found: FCDO Services spending over £500, April 2025

Found: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) ● Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

Found: FCDO Services spend over £25,000, April 2025

Found: FCDO Services spend over £25,000, April 2025

Found: allowed to continue in this role during his time in the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO

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Found: You noted the association receives funding from the FCDO and from private companies and

Found: consolidated list (detailing which individuals are designated under UK sanctions) and how OFSI and FCDO

Found: This ‘A’ rated FCDO programme has delivered bilateral government to government health systems strengthening

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