Asked by: Desmond Swayne (Conservative - New Forest West)
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 Indian Government's denial of visas to UK citizens for travel to India on those people who are denied visas; if he will amend his Department's travel advice to India to enable holidaymakers and other categories of travellers to claim against travel insurance; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Nigel Adams
The global response to coronavirus is developing rapidly, with many countries imposing travel restrictions and closing borders and we have now taken the step to advise against all but essential travel globally, including India. Travellers should speak to their tour operator, airline, transport/accommodation provider and insurance company (as applicable) to discuss the options available to them in regards to claiming on their travel insurance.
Asked by: Desmond Swayne (Conservative - New Forest West)
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 level of religiously motivated violence in Nigeria; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Andrew Stephenson
Communities of different religions live together peacefully across most of Nigeria. However, for many decades Nigeria has experienced episodes of serious religious conflict, including between Muslim and Christian communities. The drivers of violence are complex and rooted in ethnic and religious identities, politics and access to resources.
For more than a decade, Islamic insurgents including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa (ISWA), have caused immense suffering to both Muslim and Christian populations in the North East of the country. The groups seek to undermine the right to freedom of religion by attacking indiscriminately those who do not subscribe to their extremist views. We are appalled by and condemn these attacks, including a recent increase in attacks on Christians in December 2019.
The UK is firmly committed to promoting and protecting the right to freedom of religion or belief around the world. We are a strong voice internationally in defence of this fundamental right. We have made clear to the Nigerian authorities, at the highest levels, the importance of protecting civilians, including ethnic and religious minorities, and human rights for all Nigerians.
Asked by: Desmond Swayne (Conservative - New Forest West)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
What diplomatic steps he is taking to improve UK relations with the Government of Iraq.
Answered by Andrew Murrison
The Government has developed a close bilateral relationship with Iraq, including hosting a successful visit by President Salih in July and ensuring regular ministerial contact since. I met the Iraqi Ambassador yesterday and spoke to Iraqi Foreign Minister Al-Hakim this morning. The Foreign Secretary spoke to Prime Minister Abdul Mehdi last month. In each conversation we have raised our concerns about the handling of the recent protests, urging restraint and proportionality.