Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, as a signatory to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, what steps they are taking to address the concerns of the indigenous people of Nagaland about the public auction of the body parts of their ancestors.

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

We recognise the important global contribution that all Indigenous Peoples make to climate change mitigation, biodiversity preservation, and inclusive and sustainable development, and support global efforts to recognise and advance their contribution.

It is for businesses and auction rooms to consider the consent and licensing provisions of the UK Human Tissue Act 2004. Those who sell or purchase human remains may also be subject to their own professional standards and codes of conduct.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the human rights impact of the conflict in Myanmar on the indigenous people of Nagaland; and when Government representatives last visited Naga territories in (1) India, and (2) Myanmar.

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

The UK remains deeply concerned about the ongoing conflict in Myanmar and its impact on all communities, including those in border regions. We are aware of reports that the violence and instability have affected indigenous populations in neighbouring areas, including the Naga people. We condemn all human rights atrocities committed in Myanmar, notably by the military regime. In April, we co-sponsored the UN Human Rights Council resolution on Myanmar calling for the military regime to fully respect and protect the human rights of all persons in Myanmar, including ethnic and religious minorities. British Officials have not recently visited the Naga territories in India, and have not been able to visit Naga territories in Myanmar since the coup in February 2021.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the role of civil society, youth and religious organisations in negotiating reconciliation and restorative justice in (1) conflict areas with disputed boundaries, and (2) Nagaland.

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

His Majesty's Government recognises the vital role that civil society, youth, and religious organisations play in fostering reconciliation and promoting restorative justice in conflict-affected regions. These actors are often uniquely placed to build trust, mediate dialogue, and support inclusive peacebuilding processes at the grassroots level.

In relation to conflict areas with disputed boundaries, the Government continues to support initiatives that empower local communities and civil society actors to engage in dialogue, reduce tensions, and promote peaceful coexistence. With regard to Nagaland, while the UK does not have a direct role in the peace process, we continue to monitor developments closely.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of their obligations, as a signatory to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, to the indigenous people of Nagaland.

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

The UK is committed to human rights globally. We recognise the important global contribution that all Indigenous Peoples make to climate change mitigation, biodiversity preservation, and inclusive and sustainable development, and support global efforts to recognise and advance their contribution.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government, following the online auction of a human female half skeleton by Richard Winterton Auctioneers on 14 July, whether they plan to issue advice to relevant trade associations, internet auctioneers, and regulatory authorities, to regulate or prevent the further sale of human remains and body parts.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

This government calls on all auction houses to scrutinise their activities and for anyone trading in human remains to consider carefully the ethical implications of this activity which many understandably find deeply disturbing. All human remains should be treated with respect and dignity. This did not happen with this sale. I have written to Richard Winterton Auctioneers and other relevant bodies to raise concerns about this issue. UK auction houses currently set their own standards and best practice, taking into account the consent and licensing provisions of the Human Tissue Act. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport will meet with the Department for Health and Social Care in the Autumn to discuss the sale of human remains at auction and online.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what action they plan to take following the online auction of a human female half skeleton by Richard Winterton Auctioneers on 14 July.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

This government calls on all auction houses to scrutinise their activities and for anyone trading in human remains to consider carefully the ethical implications of this activity which many understandably find deeply disturbing. All human remains should be treated with respect and dignity. This did not happen with this sale. I have written to Richard Winterton Auctioneers and other relevant bodies to raise concerns about this issue. UK auction houses currently set their own standards and best practice, taking into account the consent and licensing provisions of the Human Tissue Act. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport will meet with the Department for Health and Social Care in the Autumn to discuss the sale of human remains at auction and online.

Found: ANNEX D Members’ interests Lord Anderson of Swansea No relevant interests Lord Boateng No relevant

Found: Q28 Lord Boateng: Mr McFadden, thank you for all you do.

Found: 4 pm Watch the meeting Members present: Lord Goldsmith (The Chair); Lord Anderson of Swansea; Lord Boateng

Found: Lord Boateng, Chairman of the Memorial Gates Council, will lay a wreath on behalf of HM The King during

Submit Evidence (by 14 Oct 2025)

Following the announcement of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement, the International Agreements Committee is opening an inquiry investigating the impacts and implications of the FTA for the UK. Our inquiry will investigate the terms of the FTA, any potential benefits and disadvantages to the UK, and examine how key provisions will work for important sectors. It will also take into account the bilateral relationship and the broader geopolitical context.