Asked by: Ged Killen (Labour (Co-op) - Rutherglen and Hamilton West)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will seek discussions with his Israeli counterpart on the Israeli Government's decision to restrict the ability of the Palestinian Ministry of Health to import vaccines.
Answered by Alistair Burt
We regularly raise the urgent need to ease all access and movement restrictions with Israeli authorities. The availability of some medical supplies and services in the Occupied Palestinian Territories can be restricted by Israeli security procedures. The UK Government supports a project that provides medical equipment and training to medical professionals in Gaza.
Asked by: Ged Killen (Labour (Co-op) - Rutherglen and Hamilton West)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
What steps he is taking to challenge human rights abuses in other countries.
Answered by Mark Field
Championing and defending human rights is central to this government’s foreign policy. FCO ministers regularly raise human rights issues at senior level with foreign governments. We also defend human rights in multilateral fora, and deliver projects funded by the Magna Carta Fund for Human Rights and Democracy.
Asked by: Ged Killen (Labour (Co-op) - Rutherglen and Hamilton West)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what reports he has received on the alleged torture of Jagtar Singh Johal in Punjab.
Answered by Mark Field
Consular staff in India were made aware of allegations of mistreatment through Mr Johal's legal representation. Consular staff have visited Mr Johal on several occasions since early November and are in contact with his lawyer. Our priority is to inquire about these specific allegations with Mr Johal in private. With his consent we will then raise any allegations made with the relevant authorities. When considering how to act, we will avoid any action that might put the individual in question or any other person that may be affected at risk.