Asked by: Clive Betts (Labour - Sheffield South East)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to decide which international partners will be included in the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy scheme; and when those partners will be notified.
Answered by James Cleverly - Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government
The Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP) scheme has already resettled thousands of Afghans who have worked with the UK Government, and their families. The ARAP scheme is a UK run scheme, managed by the MOD.
Asked by: Clive Betts (Labour - Sheffield South East)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of the reported (a) raid of school in the Wadi Al Joz neighbourhood of East Jerusalem, (b) detention of the school principal and an employee and (c) seizure of computers and files by Israeli forces on 1 September 2021.
Answered by James Cleverly - Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government
It is essential to have a strong and thriving Palestinian education system in order to provide opportunities, economic development and hope for the next generation. While we recognise Israel's legitimate need to deploy security measures, we encourage them to deploy these in a way that minimises tension. We repeatedly call on Israel to abide by its obligations under international law and have a regular dialogue with Israel on legal issues relating to the occupation, including the treatment of Palestinian children.
Asked by: Clive Betts (Labour - Sheffield South East)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of reports that Israeli forces raided the offices of the human rights NGO, Defence for Children International-Palestine, during which files relating to child detainees were seized.
Answered by James Cleverly - Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government
The UK and officials from other like-minded missions met with Defence for Children International - Palestine on 31 August. We have followed developments in this case, including an ongoing military court petition filed by the organisation. We have called upon the Government of Israel to fully respect the fundamental rights and freedoms of human rights defenders and organisations and to allow them to freely operate in Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories. Israel's long-standing commitment to democratic values is one of its great strengths as a fellow democracy, and we continue to make clear that a strong, vibrant civil society is in Israel's own interest. As a friend of Israel, we would be concerned by any developments that may undermine this commitment.
Asked by: Clive Betts (Labour - Sheffield South East)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to make representations to his Israeli counterpart on holding criminal investigations into the reported death of children as a result of Israeli police and military personnel actions.
Answered by James Cleverly - Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government
The UK has been clear that we need an immediate de-escalation on all sides, and an end to targeting of civilian populations. The UK offers our condolences to the families of those civilians killed. Civilian deaths, both in Israel and Gaza are a tragedy.
Israel has a legitimate right to self-defence, and the right to defend its citizens from attack. In doing so, it is vital that all actions are proportionate, in line with International Humanitarian Law, and make every effort to avoid civilian casualties. We call on all sides to reduce tensions, restore calm and avoid provocation.