To match an exact phrase, use quotation marks around the search term. eg. "Parliamentary Estate". Use "OR" or "AND" as link words to form more complex queries.

Keep yourself up-to-date with the latest developments by exploring our subscription options to receive notifications direct to your inbox

Written Question
Afghanistan: Education
Monday 12th January 2026

Asked by: Iain Duncan Smith (Conservative - Chingford and Woodford Green)

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions her Department has had with its international partners and relevant authorities on restrictions on girls’ access to education in Afghanistan.

Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The UK Government condemns the Taliban's ban on girls' secondary and higher education in Afghanistan. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials consistently raise human rights concerns, including the ban on girls' education, in engagements with the Taliban, including during every visit to Kabul. The UK works closely with international partners to sustain pressure on the Taliban, including through our chairmanship of the G7+ group of countries, our membership of the Afghanistan Coordination Group and engagement through the UN and the Human Rights Council.

Division Vote (Commons)
12 Jan 2026 - Finance (No. 2) Bill - View Vote Context
Iain Duncan Smith (Con) voted No - in line with the party majority and against the House
One of 91 Conservative No votes vs 0 Conservative Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 324 Noes - 180
Division Vote (Commons)
12 Jan 2026 - Finance (No. 2) Bill - View Vote Context
Iain Duncan Smith (Con) voted Aye - in line with the party majority and against the House
One of 90 Conservative Aye votes vs 0 Conservative No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 167 Noes - 350
Division Vote (Commons)
12 Jan 2026 - Finance (No. 2) Bill - View Vote Context
Iain Duncan Smith (Con) voted Aye - in line with the party majority and against the House
One of 99 Conservative Aye votes vs 0 Conservative No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 188 Noes - 341
Division Vote (Commons)
12 Jan 2026 - Finance (No. 2) Bill - View Vote Context
Iain Duncan Smith (Con) voted Aye - in line with the party majority and against the House
One of 94 Conservative Aye votes vs 0 Conservative No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 185 Noes - 344
Division Vote (Commons)
12 Jan 2026 - Finance (No. 2) Bill - View Vote Context
Iain Duncan Smith (Con) voted No - in line with the party majority and against the House
One of 95 Conservative No votes vs 0 Conservative Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 344 Noes - 181
Division Vote (Commons)
12 Jan 2026 - Clause 1 - View Vote Context
Iain Duncan Smith (Con) voted Aye - in line with the party majority and against the House
One of 99 Conservative Aye votes vs 0 Conservative No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 188 Noes - 341
Division Vote (Commons)
12 Jan 2026 - Clause 1 - View Vote Context
Iain Duncan Smith (Con) voted Aye - in line with the party majority and against the House
One of 94 Conservative Aye votes vs 0 Conservative No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 185 Noes - 344
Division Vote (Commons)
12 Jan 2026 - Clause 1 - View Vote Context
Iain Duncan Smith (Con) voted No - in line with the party majority and against the House
One of 95 Conservative No votes vs 0 Conservative Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 344 Noes - 181
Division Vote (Commons)
12 Jan 2026 - Clause 1 - View Vote Context
Iain Duncan Smith (Con) voted No - in line with the party majority and against the House
One of 91 Conservative No votes vs 0 Conservative Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 324 Noes - 180