Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park

The Environment Act includes provisions to make it illegal for larger businesses operating in the UK to use key commodities that have been grown on land that is illegally occupied or used, but the required secondary legislation to operationalise the scheme was not introduced in the last Parliament. The new Government will set out its approach to addressing the use of forest risk commodities in due course.

The UK Overseas Territories biodiversity strategy, last updated on 12 January, details the importance of the Chagos Archipelago in supporting the healthiest, best managed large ecosystem complex in the Indian ocean, and confirms that - after the UK-Mauritius treaty comes into force - we will support the Mauritian Government in an enhanced partnership to ensure the future protection of that unique environment. As discussed at length during the debates on the Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill, the treaty is entirely compatible with the UK's other environmental commitments and obligations.

The UK Overseas Territories biodiversity strategy, last updated on 12 January, details the importance of the Chagos Archipelago in supporting the healthiest, best managed large ecosystem complex in the Indian ocean, and confirms that - after the UK-Mauritius treaty comes into force - we will support the Mauritian Government in an enhanced partnership to ensure the future protection of that unique environment. As discussed at length during the debates on the Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill, the treaty is entirely compatible with the UK's other environmental commitments and obligations.

The UK Overseas Territories biodiversity strategy, last updated on 12 January, details the importance of the Chagos Archipelago in supporting the healthiest, best managed large ecosystem complex in the Indian ocean, and confirms that - after the UK-Mauritius treaty comes into force - we will support the Mauritian Government in an enhanced partnership to ensure the future protection of that unique environment. As discussed at length during the debates on the Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill, the treaty is entirely compatible with the UK's other environmental commitments and obligations.

The UK Overseas Territories biodiversity strategy, last updated on 12 January, details the importance of the Chagos Archipelago in supporting the healthiest, best managed large ecosystem complex in the Indian ocean, and confirms that - after the UK-Mauritius treaty comes into force - we will support the Mauritian Government in an enhanced partnership to ensure the future protection of that unique environment. As discussed at length during the debates on the Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill, the treaty is entirely compatible with the UK's other environmental commitments and obligations.

I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.

As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.

We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.

In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.

I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.

As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.

We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.

In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.

I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.

As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.

We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.

In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.

I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.

As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.

We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.

In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.

I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.

As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.

We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.

In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.

I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.

As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.

We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.

In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.

I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.

As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.

We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.

In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.

I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.

As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.

We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.

In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.

I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.

As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.

We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.

In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.

I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.

As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.

We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.

In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.

I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.

As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.

We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.

In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.

I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.

As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.

We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.

In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.

I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.

As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.

We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.

In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.

I thank the Noble Lord for his series of related questions submitted from 6-11 February.

As I said in responding to Baroness Alexander of Clevenden in the House of Lords on 25 February, the UK Government consistently urges the Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The former Foreign Secretary raised these issues on his visit last May.

We will continue to urge our Pakistani counterparts to protect the rights of all people in Pakistan, including protesters and detainees, in accordance with its constitution and international standards.

We continuously examine all levers at our disposal to deliver for UK interests. Pakistan is an indispensable partner in keeping the UK safe from irregular migration, terror threats and organised crime, and some of the technical assistance we provide through UK ODA is integral to these efforts.

In relation to Imran Khan and his family members, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 4 December 2025 in response to Question HL12453.

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer given in the House of Commons on 21 November 2025 to Question 90684, which is reproduced below for ease of reference:

We welcome the 3 November announcement by the Mauritian government confirming plans for the establishment of a Marine Protected Area after entry into force of the Treaty. The proposed zones of the future protected area will utilise the internationally recognised categories of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

There will be no commercial fishing across the entire 640,000 square kilometre area. The Great Chagos Bank will be given one of the highest levels of protection, with the rest of the Marine Protected Area categorised as a highly protected conservation zone. There will be limited provision for controlled levels of artisanal fishing in confined zoned areas intended for resettlement, to allow for subsistence fishing by any Chagossian communities that resettle, while maintaining the commitment to nature conservation.

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer given in the House of Commons on 21 November 2025 to Question 90684, which is reproduced below for ease of reference:

We welcome the 3 November announcement by the Mauritian government confirming plans for the establishment of a Marine Protected Area after entry into force of the Treaty. The proposed zones of the future protected area will utilise the internationally recognised categories of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

There will be no commercial fishing across the entire 640,000 square kilometre area. The Great Chagos Bank will be given one of the highest levels of protection, with the rest of the Marine Protected Area categorised as a highly protected conservation zone. There will be limited provision for controlled levels of artisanal fishing in confined zoned areas intended for resettlement, to allow for subsistence fishing by any Chagossian communities that resettle, while maintaining the commitment to nature conservation.

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer given in the House of Commons on 21 November 2025 to Question 90684, which is reproduced below for ease of reference:

We welcome the 3 November announcement by the Mauritian government confirming plans for the establishment of a Marine Protected Area after entry into force of the Treaty. The proposed zones of the future protected area will utilise the internationally recognised categories of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

There will be no commercial fishing across the entire 640,000 square kilometre area. The Great Chagos Bank will be given one of the highest levels of protection, with the rest of the Marine Protected Area categorised as a highly protected conservation zone. There will be limited provision for controlled levels of artisanal fishing in confined zoned areas intended for resettlement, to allow for subsistence fishing by any Chagossian communities that resettle, while maintaining the commitment to nature conservation.

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer given in the House of Commons on 21 November 2025 to Question 90684, which is reproduced below for ease of reference:

We welcome the 3 November announcement by the Mauritian government confirming plans for the establishment of a Marine Protected Area after entry into force of the Treaty. The proposed zones of the future protected area will utilise the internationally recognised categories of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

There will be no commercial fishing across the entire 640,000 square kilometre area. The Great Chagos Bank will be given one of the highest levels of protection, with the rest of the Marine Protected Area categorised as a highly protected conservation zone. There will be limited provision for controlled levels of artisanal fishing in confined zoned areas intended for resettlement, to allow for subsistence fishing by any Chagossian communities that resettle, while maintaining the commitment to nature conservation.

The UK continues to engage with New Zealand through established channels under the Free Trade Agreement, including regular committee meetings and working groups, to ensure the Agreement is implemented effectively and in accordance with its provisions. The UK raised the issue of oil and gas developments with New Zealand in the lead up to, and following, the Environment and Climate Change Sub-Committee meeting in May 2025.

Whilst the Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly have not raised this issue specifically with Ministers, the natural resources of the Falkland Islands belong to the people of the Territory and their right to develop their natural resources is an integral part of the Falkland Islanders' right of self-determination. FCDO Ministers and officials regularly meet with the Legislative Assembly and Falkland Islands Government to discuss issues of importance to the Falkland Islands, including most recently meetings with me and Minister of State Stephen Doughty on 21 and 19 November respectively, in the margins of the Joint Ministerial Council.