Asked by: Lord Bassam of Brighton (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government when they intend to re-open the Academic Technology Approval Scheme certification scheme.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) requires all non EEA students subject to existing UK immigration permissions to obtain an ATAS certificate before they can apply for a visa to study a postgraduate qualification in subjects which could be used to assist programmes related to Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery. The decision by the Home Office to suspend all Visa Applications and close its Visa processing network, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, means that if an ATAS certificate were to be granted it could not be used. On 6 April, in consultation with other departments, we suspended ATAS. This suspension will remain in place until such time as we are able to properly assess applications. ATAS assessments require access to sensitive information and we placed the duty of care to assessment staff above maintaining a system which was not required while no visas are being issued. We have created processes for students already in the UK who need to extend their stay in the UK. These can be accessed through the Home Office Covid helpline or directly to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office through the university.
Asked by: Lord Bassam of Brighton (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what arrangements they intend to put in place to maintain diplomatic, economic and political relations with the European Union after Brexit; and to what extent any such arrangements will be a continuation of those already in place.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
As the Prime Minister has said, the UK has secured a deal which is in our national interest, and will ensure our smooth and orderly departure from the EU. The Prime Minister has also made clear that our future relationship with the EU should be broader in scope than with any other third country, and that it should allow us to maintain our close diplomatic, economic and political relations. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office will play a key role through its network of Posts which are Her Majesty’s Government’s primary tool to influence and engage EU Member States.
Asked by: Lord Bassam of Brighton (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the daily cost to the Exchequer of the continued occupation of the Foreign Secretary's residence at Carlton Gardens by former Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
There is no additional cost to the Exchequer and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is able to use the residence for official engagements as normal. Former Ministers are expected to leave official residences as quickly as practicable at the end of their tenure, taking into account their personal circumstances and family requirements. The former Foreign Secretary did so on 31 July. Until then, he continued to be responsible for paying the running costs of the private living area in the residence, for example council tax and utilities. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office pays the annual rent on the property under a lease arrangement with the Crown Estate. Other costs, such as maintenance, would be incurred whether or not the residence was occupied.
Asked by: Lord Bassam of Brighton (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs sought permission from the Prime Minister before embarking for Afghanistan on his recent visit.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The former Foreign Secretary visited Afghanistan on 25 June ahead of a National Security Council discussion. Following the recent ceasefires in Afghanistan, and with elections due later this year, this was a timely opportunity to take stock of progress and the UK's supportive role in providing peace and stability to Afghanistan. Further details about the visit are set out in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office press release dated 25 June. I attach a copy.
Asked by: Lord Bassam of Brighton (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what urgent business the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs discussed with the government of Afghanistan during his recent visit to Afghanistan.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The former Foreign Secretary visited Afghanistan on 25 June ahead of a National Security Council discussion. Following the recent ceasefires in Afghanistan, and with elections due later this year, this was a timely opportunity to take stock of progress and the UK's supportive role in providing peace and stability to Afghanistan. Further details about the visit are set out in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office press release dated 25 June. I attach a copy.
Asked by: Lord Bassam of Brighton (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether consideration was given to sending a Minister of State to visit Afghanistan this month as an alternative to the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The former Foreign Secretary visited Afghanistan on 25 June ahead of a National Security Council discussion. Following the recent ceasefires in Afghanistan, and with elections due later this year, this was a timely opportunity to take stock of progress and the UK's supportive role in providing peace and stability to Afghanistan. Further details about the visit are set out in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office press release dated 25 June. I attach a copy.