Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of (a) Iran's attempts to produce precision guided munitions and (b) the accuracy of reports of Iran's provision of such weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Answer (Dr Andrew Murrison)

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether Norfolk Island (a) was within the geographical boundaries of the Commonwealth of Australia or any State thereof when it was given to the Commonwealth of Australia in 1914 or (b) has since become within those boundaries.

Answer (Mrs Heather Wheeler)

​It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what diplomatic steps his Department is taking to ease tensions in Hong Kong.

Answer (Mrs Heather Wheeler)

We believe that meaningful political dialogue, taken forward by Hong Kong under its high degree of autonomy, is the best way to resolve the current impasse. It is important that the basic freedoms enshrined in the Sino-British Joint Declaration are maintained.

The Sino-British Joint Declaration is a legally binding treaty, registered with the UN, that remains in force. The UK, as a co-signatory, has an obligation to monitor its implementation closely, and we are committed to doing so.

The Prime Minister discussed developments in Hong Kong with other leaders at the recent G7 Summit, and the Foreign Secretary has recently spoken with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he has taken to improve diplomatic relations with the British Virgin Islands.

Answer (Christopher Pincher)

As a British Overseas Territory, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) has no international legal personality separate from that of the United Kingdom, therefore no "diplomatic relations" exist in the traditional sense of the term. The United Kingdom and the BVI, along with the other Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies form an undivided realm. The roles of the United Kingdom, the Governor and the elected government are set out in the Constitution of the BVI. As with all Overseas Territories, the United Kingdom Government works in partnership with the government of the BVI across a wide range of issues.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has made to his Iranian counterpart on the illegal seizure of the Stena lmpero.

Answer (Dr Andrew Murrison)

The Stena Impero was seized illegally, and the Iranians should release it and its crew immediately. On 20 July, the former Foreign Secretary spoke to the Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif and summoned the Iranian Chargé d’Affaires to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to make this demand. We have been clear that we do not seek confrontation with Iran, and that we will continue working hard to resolve the situation through diplomatic means.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent engagements he has had with representatives of Norfolk Island.

Answer (Dr Andrew Murrison)

Foreign & Commonwealth Ministers have not had any recent engagement with representatives of Norfolk Island.​

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of alleged abuses in the Romanian legal justice system relating to UK citizens imprisoned in that country; and what steps he is taking to help prevent such alleged abuses occurring for UK citizens deported to that country.

Answer (Sir Alan Duncan)

We are not aware of any allegations of serious abuses in the Romanian legal justice system relating to UK citizens imprisoned in Romania. When prisoners have approached us with concerns, we have contacted the local authorities to raise them - but they have usually been related to personal inconveniences and not abuse.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure that UK residents deported to Romania are not subject to overcrowded prison conditions in that country.

Answer (Sir Alan Duncan)

We regularly discuss improvements planned for Romanian prisons with the Romanian Ministry of Justice. Through our embassy in Bucharest, we have official guarantees from the Ministry that persons sent back by the UK serve time in prisons which meet EU standards.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent steps he has taken to improve diplomatic relations with Pakistan.

Answer (Dr Andrew Murrison)

​The UK and Pakistan enjoy a strong relationship based on our shared history, wide people to people links and growing economic ties. Pakistan's Foreign Minister has made two recent visits to the UK in June and July this year. The Development Secretary and the Minister of State for the Commonwealth and the United Nations visited in February this year. The Home Secretary visited Pakistan in September 2018. We look forward to building on this partnership and continuing our cooperation, including on security and bilateral trade.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent steps he has taken to improve diplomatic relations with Malaysia.

Answer (Dr Andrew Murrison)

The British government has long-standing diplomatic relations with Malaysia.

We have had a high number of inward and outward ministerial visits over the past year, including a visit by the Foreign Secretary in January. Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, Deputy Prime Minister Wan Azizah and the Malaysian Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah have visited the UK during that period.

The UK works closely with Malaysia in a number of areas including trade and defence. We have strengthened our defence relationship with the launch of the Ministerial level Defence Strategic Dialogue in 2018. We have a growing collaboration on climate change and our education partnership continues to grow with five British university campuses in Malaysia and 19,000 Malaysian students in the UK. The UK is also supporting the Malaysian government's institutional reform agenda.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent steps he has taken to improve diplomatic relations with Ghana.

Answer (Harriett Baldwin)

​The UK has a strong relationship with Ghana that is built on our Commonwealth ties, shared values, our people-to-people links and a common interest in promoting stability, democracy and prosperity in West Africa. The Foreign Secretary visited Ghana on 30 April – 1 May where he was accompanied by a British business delegation. During the visit he held talks with the Vice President of Ghana and several Cabinet Ministers to further bilateral and trade priorities, including securing new commercial deals with British companies. The Foreign Secretary and the Ghanaian Foreign Minister enhanced the UK-Ghana relationship through the signing of a Joint Declaration, which is set to strengthen existing ties, focus action on agreed priorities and open up new areas for mutual co-operation.

In the last year, I have co-chaired, with Ghana's Vice President, two meetings of the UK-Ghana Business Council, a high-level bilateral forum to promote cooperation on economic development, job creation, trade and investment. The last meeting was held in London in February where, as well as the Vice President, I was delighted to welcome the Minister for Trade, the Minister for Planning, and Deputy Ministers of Finance and Foreign Affairs. During his visit, the Vice President also met with the Foreign Secretary and the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent steps he has taken to improve diplomatic relations with Trinidad and Tobago.

Answer (Sir Alan Duncan)

​Bilateral relations between the UK and Trinidad and Tobago are warm and positive. Our close cooperation on shared priorities such as crime and security is underpinned by a 2017 bilateral Security Memorandum of Understanding. Working together through the Commonwealth, we promote democratic values and equality, and jointly tackle global challenges such as climate change. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s International Programme Fund, cross-HMG Conflict, Security and Stability Fund and Counter Terrorism Programme Fund all support our work in Trinidad and Tobago.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with his Argentinian counterpart on the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands; and if he will make a statement.

Answer (Sir Alan Duncan)

None. The position remains unchanged.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent steps he has taken to improve diplomatic relations with Malawi.

Answer (Harriett Baldwin)

Bilateral relations between the UK and Malawi remain strong. Following the Presidential election on 21 May, our High Commission in Lilongwe is engaging with the newly appointed Government to agree areas for future co-operation. The UK supports prosperity and development for the people of Malawi with around £140 million invested per year through the Department for International Development (DFID)'s work, which is targeted on the most vulnerable in society. The UK-funded Commonwealth Trade Facilitation Programme is helping Malawi adopt faster and more efficient customs procedures. In turn, these will reduce the cost of doing business and create a more enabling environment for intra-Commonwealth Trade. In conjunction with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Ministry of Defence (MOD), we are also providing expertise and training to Malawian rangers to tackle the Illegal Wildlife Trade. The recently announced Royal Visit to Malawi by HRH The Duke of Sussex in the Autumn will strengthen further our deep and long-standing relationship with Malawi.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether the Government plans to discuss human rights issues in Hong Kong at the next G20 meeting.

Answer (Dr Andrew Murrison)

“The Prime Minister raised Hong Kong at the G20 with EU leaders. She reiterated the importance of upholding the rights and freedoms and high degree of autonomy guaranteed by the Sino-British Joint Declaration.”

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the Government obligations to monitor the implementation of the principles established in the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration on Hong Kong.

Answer (Dr Andrew Murrison)

The Sino-British Joint Declaration is a legally binding treaty, registered with the UN that remains in force. We believe that the UK has an obligation and a right to monitor its implementation closely, and we are strongly committed to doing so.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether there are political parties within the EU with which it is the UK Government's policy not to engage with.

Answer (Sir Alan Duncan)

We decide whether to engage with individual political parties in Europe on a case-by-case basis. We regularly review our approach.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to encourage the Government of Oman to ensure the fair treatment of the Shuhuh 6.

Answer (Dr Andrew Murrison)

​We monitor human rights in the Middle East and North Africa closely. We are aware that a number of individuals have been arrested under Oman's national security laws and our Ambassador in Muscat raised the arrests with the Omani authorities, most recently on 27 May with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Omani authorities have since given us the strongest assurances that the individuals arrested in Musandam were treated with respect and given full access to their families as well as to legal assistance and recourse, in accordance with Oman's Basic Statute of the State and International laws and Conventions.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent steps he has taken to support diplomatic relations between the UK and Jamaica.

Answer (Sir Alan Duncan)

Bilateral relations between the UK and Jamaica are warm and positive. We engage regularly with the Jamaican Government through our High Commission in Kingston, and with the Jamaican High Commission in London. We work together on shared priorities including trade and investment and combatting serious and organised crime. Through the Commonwealth, we work closely with Jamaica on promoting democratic values and development, and helping to tackle global challenges such as climate change. The UK-Caribbean Infrastructure Fund supports development in Jamaica.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether he plans to make representations to his Indonesian counterpart on ending virginity tests for women applying to the Indonesian military.

Answer (Mark Field)

We are aware that the Indonesia military continues to conduct virginity tests on women recruits and have raised our concerns at senior levels with the Indonesian Government. This test is against our values and we will work closely with international partners to bring this practice to an end.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he has taken to improve diplomatic relations with Mozambique.

Answer (Harriett Baldwin)

Bilateral relations between the UK and Mozambique are positive. I visited Mozambique from 1-3 February. The visit reinforced the UK and Mozambique's shared commitment to prosperity, Commonwealth and security. During the visit I announced the creation of three honorary prosperity consuls to help promote stronger business links. On security, the UK and Mozambique signed a Defence Cooperation memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 13 May, allowing us to work more closely on security matters. The UK was also a major contributor to international efforts in response to the two recent cyclones.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent steps he has taken to enhance diplomatic relations between the UK and Honduras.

Answer (Sir Alan Duncan)

Bilateral relations between the UK and Honduras are positive. We engage regularly with the Honduran Government through our non-resident Embassy in Guatemala City, and with the Honduran Embassy in London. We are members of the G16 donors’ group in Honduras. In Financial Year 2019/20 the Embassy will support projects in Honduras under the themes of promoting freedom of press, business and human rights. The UK has also recently agreed funding via the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to help combat the Illegal Wildlife Trade in the country.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent steps he has taken to improve the diplomatic relationship between the UK and Azerbaijan.

Answer (Sir Alan Duncan)

​The United Kingdom and the Republic of Azerbaijan have enjoyed a strong diplomatic relationship for over a quarter of century. Through regular political and economic dialogue we work together to increase cooperation in all areas of mutual interest. Our annual strategic dialogue, which I last co-chaired in October 2018, provides opportunity for discussion of bilateral relations, multilateral issues and human rights.

Our regular UK-Azerbaijan Joint Intergovernmental Commission, which is co-chaired by the Minister of State for International Trade, was last held on 22 May. This is a forum for in-depth discussion of the UK and Azerbaijan's energy and trade relationship, and sets the agenda for future cooperation in new economic sectors.

We also strengthen bilateral relations through regular high-level visits, most significantly when the Prime Minister welcomed President Aliyev to the UK in April 2018. We have forged close partnerships in the educational, cultural and creative sectors. Every year we welcome new Chevening scholars from Azerbaijan to the UK, and thousands of Azerbaijani students have studied at UK universities.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what diplomatic steps he has taken to develop the UK Government's relationship with Togo.

Answer (Harriett Baldwin)

The British Government does not have diplomatic representation in Togo. Our non-Resident Ambassador – the British High Commissioner to Accra – provides our diplomatic representation and recently received accreditation from the Government of Togo. In March, our Honorary Consul also received accreditation. This progress demonstrates the strengthening of our bilateral relationship with Togo and enables us to progress our relationship further.

Our non-Resident Ambassador has discussed how the UK-Togo relationship can expand with President Gnassingbé, specifically concerning economic development and improved trade links.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether he has met with or plans to meet his Mexican counterpart.

Answer (Sir Alan Duncan)

The Foreign Secretary spoke to this counterpart, Mexican Minister for Foreign Affairs, Marcelo Ebrard on 4 February. A range of issues of mutual interest were discussed. The Foreign Secretary also extended an invitation to Foreign Minister Ebrard to the International Conference on Media Freedom 10-11 July. Separately I met with Julian Ventura, the former Mexican Ambassador to the UK, in December 2018, immediately before he left the UK to take up his new role as one of the new Deputy Foreign Ministers.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking in response to media reports on 6 May 2019 that Argentine nationalists have travelled to the Falklands dressed in combat gear and intimidated residents.

Answer (Sir Alan Duncan)

The Governor of the Falkland Islands and Commander British Forces provide advice and assistance to the Falkland Islands Government (FIG) when requested by the FIG.

The Islands have a growing tourist industry and most visits to the Falkland Islands are trouble free. It is a shame that a minority of visitors have recently taken advantage of the Argentine cemetery, which should be a place of respect and dignity, to make these political statements. It is upsetting for the Islanders and I am sure it is not welcomed by the families of the men in those graves either.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to improve relations between China and Taiwan.

Answer (Mark Field)

We have a constructive and positive dialogue with China on major global issues, which enables us to have an open and frank discussion on difficult issues. We are clear in our discussions with China that our longstanding policy on Taiwan has not changed: we consider the Taiwan issue one that should be settled by the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait through constructive dialogue. We have made clear our concern at any activity by China and Taiwan that risks destabilising the status quo.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of diplomatic relations with Bahrain.

Answer (Mark Field)

The UK and Bahrain continue to have a close and important relationship, which has flourished for more than 200 years. We cooperate on a number of pillars: defence; security; trade and investment. We work together on shared concerns about regional issues and the UK provides technical assistance to Bahrain’s ongoing reform agenda.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of diplomatic relations with Kiribati.

Answer (Mark Field)

The Republic of Kiribati remains a valued partner for the UK. We work closely, bilaterally and in multilateral fora.

I last met the President of Kiribati at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London, 2018. We covered issues of mutual importance, particularly climate change and oceans. As my honourable friend will be aware, Kiribati is under significant pressure from the threat of rising sea levels. The UK’s Commonwealth Marine Economies Programme is funding a project to map Kiribati’s seabed to support new maritime infrastructure.

I have also worked with Kiribati at the United Nations General Assembly, the Pacific Island Forum and our recent UK and New Zealand Wilton Park Conference on Pacific resilience. As we continue to expand our diplomatic presence in the Pacific we expect our engagement to further increase.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to support the Sri Lankan security services as a result of the terrorist attack on Christians on 21 April 2019.

Answer (Mark Field)

​The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka on the 23 April to express her condolences on behalf of the UK and to offer UK expertise and assistance. We are working closely with Sri Lankan authorities and partners on the ground, and are discussing with the Sri Lankan government what form of support would be most helpful and effective.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 19 March to Question 231378 on British Indian Ocean Territory, what assessment he has made of the contribution to regional and global security of the Outer Islands of the Chagos Archipelago.

Answer (Sir Alan Duncan)

​The Outer Islands of the British Indian Ocean Territory are integral to the effective operation of the UK/US defence facility on Diego Garcia, which is used by the UK and our allies to combat some of the most challenging threats to regional and international security, including those from terrorism, organised crime, instability and piracy.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of granting representation in the House of Commons to representatives of Gibraltar.

Answer (Sir Alan Duncan)

The Government of Gibraltar has not made any representations to Her Majesty's Government to propose representation in the House of Commons. We believe the fundamentals of our constitutional relationship are right but we are open to dialogue on any proposals put forward by the Government of Gibraltar.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether it remains Government policy to relinquish control of the Chagos Islands after they are no longer required for defence purposes.

Answer (Sir Alan Duncan)

We reiterate our longstanding commitment to cede sovereignty when we no longer need the territory for defence purposes.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the Government's policy is on UK nationals running for office in the Overseas Territories.

Answer (Sir Alan Duncan)

Local governments of Overseas Territories (OTs) set their own rules on who can vote or can hold office in the OTs. In their report entitled "Global Britain and the British Overseas Territories: Resetting the relationship", the Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC) recommended that we initiate a consultation with the elected governments of the OTs to agree a plan to ensure that there is a pathway for all resident UK and British Overseas Territory citizens to be able to vote and hold elected office in territory. We will be considering this and its other recommendations and responding to the FAC in due course.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent steps he has taken to strengthen the UK's diplomatic relationship with Tanzania.

Answer (Harriett Baldwin)

We have enjoyed good relations with the United Republic of Tanzania since its independence in the 1960s. A range of Whitehall Departments, including Department for International Development (DFID) are represented in our High Commission in Dar es Salaam covering the broad range of interests we share with the Government of Tanzania. Tanzania is one of the largest recipients of British Overseas Development Aid (around £150m per annum).

In a sign of our deep and long-term relationship with Africa, we are increasing the British diplomatic presence in sub-Saharan Africa, including Tanzania, so we can develop more effective partnerships and achieve our mutual goals. And finally the appointment of the Hon Member for Romford as the Prime Minister's Trade Envoy to Tanzania will only serve to cement further our bilateral relationship.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make it his policy to allocate adequate funding to enable Ascension Island to be established as a marine protected area.

Answer (Sir Alan Duncan)

The Government committed £1.2 million of funding to Ascension to undertake the scientific research to underpin their designation of a Marine Protected Area. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office continues to work closely with our delivery partners to prepare the case for ongoing long-term support to those Territories who have participated in the Blue Belt programme, including Ascension.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to improve diplomatic relations with the nations that make up the East African Community.

Answer (Harriett Baldwin)

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office attaches great importance to the countries of the East African Community. We are clear that our approach must rest on modern partnerships of equals, built on shared interests and common goals. As we strengthen our Africa network we will deploy more staff to the region to help deepen our partnership with those countries.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, with reference to the UK Government's official recognition of Juan Guaido as interim president of Venezuela, what steps the UK Government is taking to support the promotion of peace in that country.

Answer (Sir Alan Duncan)

We are working closely with EU partners, regional organisations such as the Lima Group and like-minded international partners to ensure a peaceful resolution to the current crisis and a return to democracy. We urge all Venezuelans to recognise Juan Guaido as the constitutional interim President of Venezuela until new presidential elections that are free and in accordance with international democratic standards are held.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what diplomatic steps the Government is taking to support efforts to end the violence in Zimbabwe.

Answer (Harriett Baldwin)

I summoned the Zimbabwean Ambassador on 17 January, to express our concern at the ongoing situation there, urge the security forces to stop using disproportionate force, and to investigate any cases of alleged human rights abuses. On 21 January, the Foreign Secretary, in a public message to President Mnangagwa, urged him not to turn back the clock and to work with all Zimbabweans in dialogue for a better future. On 30 January, I spoke to Foreign Minister Moyo, repeating our calls for an end to human rights violations and a full investigation into all alleged abuse.

We will continue to raise our serious concerns with the Government of Zimbabwe through our Embassy in Harare and Ministerial interventions.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether the Government will recognise Juan Guaido as the Interim President of Venezuela.

Answer (Sir Alan Duncan)

On 26 January the Foreign Secretary and I said that if there are not fresh and fair elections announced within eight days, the UK will recognise Juan Guaido as constitutional interim President of Venezuela to take forward the political process towards democracy.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the level of religious freedom in Iraq; and what steps the Government is taking to promote and protect the right to freedom of religion or belief in that country.

Answer (Alistair Burt)

The UK remains concerned by continued issues related to religious freedom in Iraq but welcomes signs that Iraq's new leadership is actively promoting respect for religious minorities. For example, the Vatican Secretary of State made an official visit to Iraq in December, and the Iraqi Prime Minister's new Cabinet declared Christmas Day an official holiday for all Iraqis, not just Christians.

The UK is committed to promoting and protecting the right to freedom of religion or belief across Iraq. We regularly underline this to Iraqi political leaders, emphasising that this right is critical to building an inclusive, stable and tolerant country. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon reinforced this message with the new Iraqi Foreign Minister Al-Hakim in December 2018. As part of our efforts, we are also funding a project to pilot a new curriculum on freedom of religion or belief in secondary schools in Iraq.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has received on the persecution of Christians in North Africa; and if he will make a statement.

Answer (Alistair Burt)

The Foreign Secretary and Lord Ahmad have had a number of recent engagements with religious leaders, interested organisations and parliamentarians on the question of the persecution of Christians around the world, including in the Middle East and North Africa. The Foreign Secretary has requested that the Bishop of Truro leads a review of British Government support for persecuted Christians. I regularly raise the issues being faced by Christians and other religious minorities during my meetings with governments in the Middle East and North Africa. The UK remains committed to supporting the fundamental human right of all persons to practice, change or share their faith or belief without discrimination or violent opposition.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has received on the persecution of Christians in the Middle East; and if he will make a statement.

Answer (Alistair Burt)

​The Foreign Secretary and Lord Ahmad have had a number of recent engagements with religious leaders, interested organisations and parliamentarians on the question of the persecution of Christians around the world, including in the Middle East. The Foreign Secretary has requested that the Bishop of Truro leads a review of British Government support for persecuted Christians. I regularly raise the issues being faced by Christians and other religious minorities during my meetings with governments in the Middle East and North Africa. The UK remains committed to supporting the fundamental human right of all persons to practice, change or share their faith or belief without discrimination or violent opposition.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has received on the persecution of Christians in Tanzania; and if he will make a statement.

Answer (Harriett Baldwin)

​The promotion and protection of the right to freedom of religion or belief is a priority for the UK. We regard freedom of thought, conscience or belief as a fundamental human right. Our officials in Tanzania engage with civil society organisations, religious groups and the Tanzanian Government to promote tolerance and trust across communities. We have received no recent representations on the persecution of Christians.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of restrictions on media freedom in Tanzania; and what representations he has made to the Government of Tanzania on that subject.

Answer (Harriett Baldwin)

Over recent years, we have noted a shrinking of public space in Tanzania through increased restrictions on the activities of civil society organisations, political parties and the media. Respect for human rights and the rule of law have been repeatedly undermined. We have made our concerns about this known to the Government of Tanzania at both Ministerial and official level. The UK is fully committed to the promotion of media freedom and the protection of journalists. The Foreign Secretary announced on 31 October 2018 the launch of an international campaign on media freedom and that the UK will host an International Conference aimed at promoting the value and benefits of a free media and to mobilise an international consensus on the protection of journalists as the guardians of our freedoms.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the constitutional crisis in Catalonia; and what representations he has made and to whom on that subject.

Answer (Sir Alan Duncan)

The Government has been clear that the situation in Catalonia is a matter for Spain. The UK strongly supports the rule of law and remains clear that questions related to the issue of Catalan independence should be resolved within the proper constitutional and legal channels. The Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary and I, in our interactions with Spanish counterparts, have made this position clear.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, when the Government next plans to provide an update to Parliament on the fight against Daesh.

Answer (Alistair Burt)

​The British Government updates the House regularly on the progress of the counter Daesh campaign in Iraq and Syria. We intend to update the House as soon as possible.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effect on the fight against Daesh in Syria of the decision of the US Administration to withdraw troops from that country.

Answer (Alistair Burt)

​We are working closely with the US and other allies following the decision of the Administration to withdraw troops from Syria, including on implications for military action by the Global Coalition against Daesh. Since military operations began, the Global Coalition and its partners in Syria and Iraq have recaptured the vast majority of Daesh territory. Important advances continue to be made in the last small Daesh pocket in eastern Syria. As the US recognises, it is important that withdrawal of their forces from Syria takes place in a way which allows this significant progress to be maintained.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether his Department instructed the Home Office not to offer asylum to Asia Bibi due to potential unrest in the UK.

Answer (Mark Field)

It is the long standing position of the Government not to comment on individual immigration issues.

The UK Government's primary concern is for the safety and well-being of Asia Bibi and her family. We want to see a swift, positive resolution to the case.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if his Department will make an assessment of whether the State of Qatar's decision to withdraw from OPEC was linked to accusations from OPEC members that the State of Qatar had provided funds for Islamist extremism and the Muslim Brotherhood; and if he will make a statement.

Answer (Alistair Burt)

Qatar’s decision to withdraw from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is an internal matter for Qatar and OPEC. Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad al-Kaabi, has publically stated that this was a strategic and not a political decision.​

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether his Department plans to update its travel advice to Nicaragua; and if he will make a statement.

Answer (Sir Alan Duncan)

​We keep all of our travel advice, including for Nicaragua, under constant review to ensure it reflects our assessment of the risk to British nationals. Our travel advice for Nicaragua was last updated on 17 December.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to his counterparts in other countries on protecting press freedom.

Answer (Mark Field)

The UK is strongly committed to the promotion of media freedom and the protection of journalists. We are concerned at how many countries are increasingly using restrictive laws to stifle freedom of expression and prevent the function of an independent media. The Forreign Secretary and other Ministers at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have raised, and will continue to raise, the safety of journalists and media freedom in bilateral exchanges and visits. We most recently did so with counterparts over incidents in the Middle East, Africa and Asia in November 2018. The UK will host an international conference in 2019 in London on media freedom, aimed at mobilising a stronger consensus behind the protection of journalists.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Tunisian counterpart on steps to prevent migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea.

Answer (Alistair Burt)

The British Government is concerned about the increasing numbers of migrants crossing illegally from Tunisia to Europe.

We are working closely with the Tunisian Government to help improve their border security, including through the provision of Royal Navy and Royal Marine instructors to assist the Tunisian National Guard Maritime section. More broadly, the British Government actively pursues a 'whole of route' approach to addressing unmanaged migration from Africa to Europe, tackling the drivers of migration that encourage people to undertake the dangerous journey in the first place. We will play an active role in the Intergovernmental Conference to Adopt the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, to be held in Marrakech in December.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps his Department has taken to enable Christians to remain in Syria.

Answer (Alistair Burt)

​As a member of the UN Security Council and the Syria Small Group, the UK is working in support of a political settlement to the conflict that protects all Syrians, including Christians and other minority groups. We have consistently called for members of religious minorities to be protected, including through the Syria resolutions at the UN Human Rights Council, on which the UK leads. We are also at the forefront of the humanitarian response to the Syria crisis, providing life-saving support to millions of Syrians from all communities, supporting them to remain in the region.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, on what date a Minister in his Department last visited the Republic of Tanzania; and what issues were discussed during that visit.

Answer (Harriett Baldwin)

The former Minister for Africa, Rory Stewart, visited Tanzania on 22 and 23 August 2017. The Secretary of State for International Development also visited on 9 and 10 August 2018. Issues discussed during both visits included prosperity, democratic space, security and combatting the Illegal Wildlife Trade.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, on what date a Minister in his Department last visited the Republic of Burundi; and what issues were discussed during that visit.

Answer (Harriett Baldwin)

The then Minister of State (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) Baroness Anelay visited the Republic of Burundi on 16 February 2017. The Minister encouraged the Government of Burundi to engage in the East African Community led dialogue to resolve the political crisis. Human rights, sexual and gender based violence, governance and the role of civil society were also discussed.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Tanzanian counterpart on reducing poaching activity in that country.

Answer (Harriett Baldwin)

Combatting the Illegal Wildlife Trade, including reducing poaching, was most recently discussed with the Tanzanian Minister for Constitutional and Legal Affairs during the Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference in London on 11 and 12 October 2018. It was also raised by the Secretary of State for International Development when she met the President of Tanzania during her visit to Dar Es Salaam on 9-10 August 2018.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the effect of levels of racism on modern slavery and human trafficking in the African Great Lakes Region.

Answer (Harriett Baldwin)

The British Government is committed to the eradication of all forms of modern slavery, forced labour and human trafficking by 2030, as unanimously adopted at the UN Sustainable Development Summit in 2015. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the UK is funding projects on the prevention of child labour in artisanal mines and on remediation work for victims of slavery in the extractive sector. We have not assessed the specific effect of levels of racism on modern slavery and human trafficking in the Great Lakes Region.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to his South African counterpart on the provision of justice as a result of the attacks on South African farmers.

Answer (Harriett Baldwin)

The Foreign Secretary has not raised this issue directly with his counterpart.

South African Government policy is to address all criminal activity with equal concern and without preferential treatment being afforded to any race or group. Our High Commission in South Africa raises issues of concern with the South African authorities where necessary, in particular where UK nationals are involved.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent progress has been made on securing international support for Antarctic marine protection.

Answer (Sir Alan Duncan)

Ocean protection issues have been a key point of discussion among Ministers at recent G7 and G20 meetings, as the UK continues to be a global leader in marine conservation. Within the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), the UK is working proactively to establish a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) around Antarctica. At its next meeting in October, CCAMLR will consider the UK co-sponsored proposals for establishing MPAs in the East Antarctic and Weddell Sea. International consultations on these proposals are underway at official and technical levels.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent progress the Government has made on the release of Libyan assets in the UK to compensate the UK victims of Gaddafi sponsored IRA violence.

Answer (Alistair Burt)

​There is no lawful basis for the UK to seize or change ownership of frozen Libyan assets. These belong to the Libyan people. The UK must fulfil its international commitments and legal obligations regarding frozen assets.

We are committed to seeking justice for all those affected by Qadhafi-sponsored terrorism in the UK. I have raised this issue repeatedly with the Libyan Government, on a number of occasions including during my visit to Tripoli in April.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the proposed environmental mitigation measures in the application from Premier Oil to develop the Sea Lion oil field in the Falkland Islands.

Answer (Sir Alan Duncan)

Policy on hydrocarbons development in Falklands waters is a matter for the Falkland Islands Government.

Companies drilling in Falkland Islands waters are governed by the regulatory regime administered by the Falkland Islands Government. The Falkland Islands Government will therefore carry out an assessment of the adequacy of the environmental mitigation measures, once submitted by Premier Oil, on the Sea Lion oil field.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure the UK is able to respond quickly to hurricanes affecting UK Overseas Territories.

Answer (Sir Alan Duncan)

​The Foreign Secretary continues to chair the Interministerial Group overseeing and coordinating the Government's response to hurricane recovery in the region. This Group is also directing broad cross-government preparations, focusing on improving individual Overseas Territory resilience, expanding regional capability, and better coordinating the UK's response in future.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will publish the working groups associated with the development of a EU Permanent Structured Cooperation and the number of staff from each Government Department working on each of those groups.

Answer (Sir Alan Duncan)

The aim of Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) is to strengthen EU Member States' cooperation in military matters. PESCO is voluntary and works on an opt-in basis.

The UK Government has not committed to PESCO but supports its ambition to develop military capabilities that address the shortfalls in EU and NATO contexts. We welcome PESCO as a tool to support the development of capabilities that Europe needs for its security, provided it remains complementary to NATO and encourages EU-NATO cooperation; and that projects carried out under PESCO remain Member State-owned and the capabilities delivered are available not only to the EU but can also be used in support of NATO and UN operations.

There are no associated working groups but UK officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Ministry of Defence have attended PESCO workshops at both the technical and policy level.

We are encouraging Member States to develop PESCO to be open to third country participation where there is clear value in doing so.

Our vision is of a unique third country partnership that enables unprecedented levels of practical cooperation in tackling common threats building on our shared values and interests. We believe that PESCO must be designed in a way that promotes an open and competitive European Defence industry.

Our approach reflects our commitment to European defence and security, and protecting the interests of UK industry.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what information his Department holds on whether the Slovenian EU Presidency's proposals relating to a new EU Constitution have been formally discussed within EU institutions; and whether any element of those proposals have been identified as items for separate policy development.

Answer (Sir Alan Duncan)

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is unaware of any formal discussions of the Slovenian President's proposals in EU institutions.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether he plans to offer observer status to the British Overseas Territories during the Commonwealth Summit in London in April 2018.

Answer (Alistair Burt)

​The UK is commmitted to strengthening the links between the Commonwealth. However, the only category of Commonwealth membership is that of sovereign states. The UK will discuss the policy priorities for the Heads of Government Meeting with the Overseas Territories ahead of next April and represent them at the summit.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how much his Department has provided to private organisations that work to improve the UK's international relations in each of the last five years.

Answer (Sir Alan Duncan)

As part of the Foreign Office's efforts to imporve the UK's international relations, we work with a number of private organisations. To identify every private organisation we work with from within our 18,000 suppliers would incur disproportionate costs.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of private organisations in the (a) UK and (b) Commonwealth nations that campaign for improved political and economic relations between the UK and the Commonwealth nations.

Answer (Alistair Burt)

The UK acknowledges the valuable role that the 86 Commonwealth accredited and associated organisations play in promoting Commonwealth values and principles and in fostering collaboration across the Commonwealth on a wide range of issues, including improved political and economic relations between member states. The Commonwealth Secretariat leads on the accreditation process for these organisations as well as evaluation of their activity.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to his Spanish counterpart on the violence that occurred during the Catalan independence referendum; and if he will make a statement.

Answer (Sir Alan Duncan)

The Prime Minister discussed the situation in Catalonia with the Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy on 17 October and expressed the UK's support for the rule of law and respect for the Spanish constitution. This followed a meeting between myself and the Spanish Ambassador Carlos Bastarreche on 11 October, after which I released a public statement.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to communicate with hon. Members and Members of the House of Lords plans for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2018.

Answer (Alistair Burt)

​We recognise the extraordinary contribution Parliamentarians can make to the Commonwealth's rejuvenation, both by sharing their wealth of expertise and knowledge and by contributing to activities that celebrate the Commonwealth across the UK in the run up to and during the week of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

Lord Ahmad, Minister for the Commonwealth, is in regular contact with parliamentarians from both Houses, engaging with the All Party Parliamentary Group, through Commonwealth Organisations such as the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK and by meeting many Parliamentarians individually to set out our plans. Lord Ahmad plans to write to Parliamentarians in both Houses shortly to outline further details regarding the summit.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, when he last made representations on the environmental effects of the ivory trade in China with his Chinese counterpart.

Answer (Mark Field)

During my visit to China during the final week of August I had discussions with Vice Foreign Minister Wang Chao on our joint efforts to counter the Illegal Wildlife Trade, including the trafficking of ivory products. I also met our key NGO partners in country and reassured them of the UK’s continued leadership on this issue through funding quality projects and working closely with the Chinese government through the UK-China Global Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 12 September 2017 to Question 9592, what steps his Department has made to investigate the (a) possibility and (b) potential benefits of establishing a free trade area between Gibraltar and the UK.

Answer (Sir Alan Duncan)

I refer my Hon. Friend to my answer of 9 October (PQ 105405).

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to establish a free trade area between the UK and Gibraltar which will be in place after the UK leaves the EU.

Answer (Sir Alan Duncan)

The British Government and the Government of Gibraltar are working to maintain and strengthen our economic links. Ministers discussed progress on this at the Joint Ministerial Council (Gibraltar Europe Negotiations) in September. The Treasury agreed to continue to work closely together with The Government of Gibraltar on financial services, committing to a programme of work on insurance. We have also established a working group to discuss mutual opportunities in the online gaming industry, where Gibraltar is a global leader.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that relations with the Republic of Ireland are not detrimentally affected by the UK leaving the EU.

Answer (Sir Alan Duncan)

​The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is committed to continuing to build and strengthen our close relations with Ireland through regular ministerial contact, as evidenced by the recent visits to Ireland by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Northen Ireland, and joint commemorative events such as that to commemorate the Battle of Messines Ridge earlier this year. We believe strongly that maintaining close links with Ireland is of benefit to both countries.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to establish a free trade area between the UK and Gibraltar after the UK leaves the EU.

Answer (Sir Alan Duncan)

At the most recent Joint Ministerial Council (Gibraltar Europe Negotiations) in July, the Government agreed to continue to work closely with HM Government of Gibraltar on a range of economic issues as the UK prepares to leave the EU.

We are steadfast in our support of Gibraltar, its people and its economy. The UK is committed to involving Gibraltar fully as we prepare for negotiations to leave the EU, to ensure that their priorities are taken properly into account.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support the Nigerian Government in protecting minority groups vulnerable to persecution by Boko Haram.

Answer (Rory Stewart)

Boko Haram have led a brutal campaign of violence against civilians in the Lake Chad region. UK assistance is designed to help those affected, and assist Nigeria and its regional partners to tackle the threat. During their visit to Nigeria last week the Foreign Secretary and the International Development Secretary saw firsthand some of the support that the UK is providing. The conflict in the region requires a comprehensive response, tackling the threat posed by Boko Haram and the humanitarian crisis through the full range of security, political and humanitarian, and in the longer term, development work. The UK is a lead player, providing a substantial package of military, intelligence and development support to Nigeria. This includes training for the Nigerian armed forces and £5 million for the Multinational Joint Task Force, the regional force tackling Boko Haram. The UK was one of the first donors to respond to the humanitarian crisis in North East Nigeria and we have scaled up our support from £1 million in 2014 to £100 million this year. During their visit the Foreign Secretary and International Development Secretary announced an additional £200 million of humanitarian aid over the next four years.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with the Government of Qatar on its partnering with other Gulf states to tackle the financing of, and support for (a) Hamas, (b) the Muslim Brotherhood and (c) other terrorist and extremist groups; and if he will make a statement.

Answer (Alistair Burt)

The UK regularly raises a range of issues with Qatar. Most recently, the Foreign Secretary raised the issue of terrorist financing with the Emir of Qatar, and the Qatari Foreign Minister, during his visit to Doha on 8 July.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment his Department has made of the potential opportunities for the hydrocarbon industry in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Falkland Islands.

Answer (Sir Alan Duncan)

The Falklands oil & gas industry is managed by the Falkland Islands Government. Any assessment of the opportunities, therefore, is the responsibility of the Falkland Islands Government.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, when he last met with representatives of the Spanish Government to discuss incursions into Gibraltarian waters by Spanish vessels.

Answer (Sir Alan Duncan)

Both the Prime Minster and the Foreign Secretary have made publicly clear that the UK will continue to protect and promote Gibraltar’s interests. The Royal Navy challenges all maritime incursions into British Gibraltar Territorial Waters and my Department backs this up by making formal diplomatic protests to the Spanish government. Officials in Madrid meet regularly with their Spanish counterparts to raise our specific concerns.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, when he last met representatives of the Russian Government to discuss the ongoing conflicts in eastern Ukraine.

Answer (Sir Alan Duncan)

I raised the ongoing conflict in Ukraine with Russian First Deputy Foreign Minister Vladimir Titov in London on 10 March. The Foreign Secretary also raised the UK's concerns about the conflict in Ukraine with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at a meeting of G20 Foreign Ministers in February this year. UK officials continue to raise our concerns through political and military channels with representatives of the Russian Government.