Asked by: Gordon Henderson (Conservative - Sittingbourne and Sheppey)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure that (a) Iraq and (b) other countries allow UK contract workers who test negative for covid-19 to return to those countries.
Answered by James Cleverly - Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government
The pandemic has led to unprecedented international border closures and other restrictions and all countries may impose travel restrictions without notice. The UK Government is in close contact with international partners, including the Government of Iraq, on the rules for UK contract workers. All FCDO travel advice pages remain under constant review to ensure they reflect the latest threat assessment to British nationals and include up-to-date information and advice.
Carriers may deny boarding if passengers are not in receipt of a qualifying negative test. The Government recognises the continued challenges that the pandemic poses, both for individuals and for businesses. If British Nationals test positive for COVID-19 they should not travel and should follow the local relevant guidance on self-isolation.
Asked by: Gordon Henderson (Conservative - Sittingbourne and Sheppey)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the extent of Iran's financial and material support for Hamas.
Answered by Tobias Ellwood
Iranian support for Hamas reportedly continues, although at a lower level since Hamas decided not to support the Syrian regime. This support includes the provision of financial resources and training as well as the supply of military equipment, in contravention of UN Security Council Resolution 1747, which prohibits the export of weapons by Iran. This military support for Hamas directly undermines prospects for lasting peace in the region.
Asked by: Gordon Henderson (Conservative - Sittingbourne and Sheppey)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the extent of Iran's financial and material support for Hezbollah.
Answered by Tobias Ellwood
We continue to have serious concerns about Iran's support for the military wing of Hizballah, which is proscribed as a terrorist organisation in the UK and in the EU. This support includes the provision of significant financial resources, military equipment and training, in contravention of UN Security Council Resolution 1747, which prohibits the export of weapons by Iran. We call on Iran to implement its obligations under this Resolution and to end its military support to Hizballah, which undermines regional security.Asked by: Gordon Henderson (Conservative - Sittingbourne and Sheppey)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what reports he has received of a recent bomb attack by Hezbollah against Israeli soldiers on the Lebanon border with Israel.
Answered by Tobias Ellwood
We are aware of reports of an explosive device detonated in the Shebaa Hills area of Israel on 7 October, which injured two Israeli soldiers. Hizballah has claimed responsibility for the attack. The Israel Defense Forces responded with artillery fire into Lebanon. We call on all sides to cease hostilities and honour United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.