Asked by: Andrea Jenkyns (Conservative - Morley and Outwood)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential effect on (a) Caspian oil supplies and (b) British regional interests in the energy field of recent hostilities between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Answered by Wendy Morton
The Government is deeply concerned by the recent hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan and regrets the loss of life. We continue to monitor the situation closely. We are aware of the recent exercises in southwest Russia, and monitor Russian exercise activity closely. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office statement of 14 July called for Armenia and Azerbaijan to respect the ceasefire, engage in dialogue and refrain from rhetoric that could increase tensions. The prosperity of the South Caucasus and wider regional energy security depends on both sides returning to the negotiating table and engaging in substantive talks. The Government fully supports the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs aimed at facilitating this.
Asked by: Andrea Jenkyns (Conservative - Morley and Outwood)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of imposing sanctions on people responsible for human rights violations in Hong Kong.
Answered by Nigel Adams
On 6 July, The Foreign Secretary brought into force the UK's first autonomous human rights sanctions regime, which gives the Government the power to impose sanctions on those involved in the very worst of human rights abuses around the world.
As the Foreign Secretary said in his statement to the House, the Government will consider carefully further suggestions for designations under this regime. However, it would not be appropriate to pre-empt who may be designated.
Asked by: Andrea Jenkyns (Conservative - Morley and Outwood)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of imposing sanctions on people responsible for human rights violations in Xinjang.
Answered by Nigel Adams
It is not appropriate to speculate who may be designated under the sanctions regime in the future. We do not want to reduce the impact of the designations. We will keep all evidence and potential listings under close review.
Asked by: Andrea Jenkyns (Conservative - Morley and Outwood)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the likelihood of a truce in the conflict in Libya.
Answered by James Cleverly - Home Secretary
The Government is deeply concerned by the continuing fighting in Libya. All the signs are that, despite calls for a humanitarian truce, hostilities are continuing on all sides. We are clear that an enduring ceasefire and a return to UN-led political talks are the only means of achieving the peace and stability that most Libyans crave.
Asked by: Andrea Jenkyns (Conservative - Morley and Outwood)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to help prevent the spread of covid-19 in the UK Overseas Territories.
Answered by Wendy Morton
We will always stand by the Overseas Territories. A range of government departments, led by DFID and the FCO, are supporting the Overseas Territories to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic. Support includes essential medical supply, public health advice, security and access support, and financial aid to mitigate the economic impacts in the most vulnerable territories.
Asked by: Andrea Jenkyns (Conservative - Morley and Outwood)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Jordanian counterpart on that country’s reform of its national curriculum to strengthen anti-extremist education.
Answered by James Cleverly - Home Secretary
We frequently engage with the Government of Jordan on countering violent extremism, and Jordan has - in recent years - improved the content of its curriculum. We do not assess that the Jordanian curriculum contains materials that promote engagement with Daesh or other extremist groups, or promotes violent extremist behaviour.
Asked by: Andrea Jenkyns (Conservative - Morley and Outwood)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effect of the recent peace deal between the US and the Taliban on the future of Afghanistan.
Answered by Nigel Adams
The UK welcomes the agreement between the US and the Taliban, and the Joint Declaration between the United States and the Afghan government. There is an opportunity for all to come together to work for inclusive and sustainable peace. A political settlement is the only way to achieve lasting stability in Afghanistan and the wider region. It is vital that the next step is a credible and inclusive peace process that protects the progress made in the country, including protection for women and minorities. We continue to support Afghanistan on its path towards a more peaceful and positive future.
Asked by: Andrea Jenkyns (Conservative - Morley and Outwood)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the accuracy of recent reports of Hamas-led rocket attacks on Israel.
Answered by James Cleverly - Home Secretary
We are concerned by the recent escalation in Gaza, including indiscriminate rocket fire which places civilians at risk. We call upon Hamas and other terrorist groups to permanently end their attacks against Israel. Indiscriminate attacks against civilians are unacceptable and unjustifiable. The perpetual cycle of violence does not serve anyone's interests, and must end. We urge all parties to adhere to the recent ceasefire arrangement.
Asked by: Andrea Jenkyns (Conservative - Morley and Outwood)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if his Department will take steps to (a) support sports teams from the Falkland Islands to participate in international tournaments and (b) tackle intimidation of such teams.
Answered by Wendy Morton
The UK Government fully supports the right of the Falkland Islanders to compete in international sports tournaments under their own flag. Officials in our missions overseas stand ready to support any Overseas Territories teams competing in international tournaments who find themselves under threat or intimidation. Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials in Stanley and Brasilia were in close contact with the Falklands Team throughout the Pan American Team Continental Championships to offer support.
Asked by: Andrea Jenkyns (Conservative - Morley and Outwood)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to encourage a democratic resolution to the situation in Venezuela.
Answered by Wendy Morton
We maintain regular discussions with key actors on Venezuela following the United Kingdom's recognition of Juan Guaido as constitutional interim President of Venezuela. Through our Ambassador in Caracas and internationally, we have been working closely with like-minded partners - including on a sanctions regime imposed by the EU. We are also working with the US and the regional Lima Group to encourage a peaceful resolution of the current crisis and a democratic transition through free and fair elections.