Asked by: Ian Paisley (Democratic Unionist Party - North Antrim)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what progress has been made on strengthening the special relationship with the US.
Answered by Alan Duncan
The State Visit of President Trump on 3-5 June further strengthened our already close relationship with the US in areas such as trade, investment, security and defence. The Prime Minister discussed with President Trump how we could build on these ties in the years ahead, including an ambitious free trade agreement when we leave the EU.
Asked by: Ian Paisley (Democratic Unionist Party - North Antrim)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help tackle the persecution of Christians abroad.
Answered by Mark Field
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is committed to defending Freedom of Religion or Belief as a universal human right which should be enjoyed by everyone. The UK regularly raises this issue with governments across the world, through our diplomatic network and at the Human Rights Council, and the UK funds and supports projects that promote respect for all people of different faiths and none. As the Prime Minister's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon regularly raises this subject with his international counterparts. The Foreign Secretary launched an independent Review of FCO support for persecuted Christians on 30 January. The Review is led by the Bishop of Truro. It will map levels of persecution and discrimination against Christians around the world, and provide robust recommendations on how the FCO can respond. The Bishop submitted his interim report in May and will submit his final report in Summer.
Asked by: Ian Paisley (Democratic Unionist Party - North Antrim)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to strengthen the rules-based international order.
Answered by Mark Field
The rules-based international system has made the world collectively more prosperous and safe than ever before. Making the case for effective multilateralism is the responsibility of all those who believe in the opportunities that co-operation brings. Upholding and strengthening this system is a priority for the government. We are reinvigorating and expanding the UK's diplomatic network in order to reinforce our friendships and alliances, to defend the values of democracy and human rights, to reform the multilateral architecture where needed and to reach agreement on new rules in evolving policy areas. This will allow the UK to play a leading role in shaping a rules-based international system fit for the future.
Asked by: Ian Paisley (Democratic Unionist Party - North Antrim)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with his international counterparts on prospects for the Middle East peace process.
Answered by Andrew Murrison
The United Kingdom remains a strong supporter of efforts to promote peace in the Middle East. We are in regular conversations with partners about the best way to advance prospects for peace. The Acting Minister for the Middle East discussed prospects for peace with the Israeli Ambassador to the UK on 30 April and the Palestinian Head of Mission in the UK on 9 May.
Asked by: Ian Paisley (Democratic Unionist Party - North Antrim)
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 effect of the Hamas Government in Gaza on political stability in the region.
Answered by Andrew Murrison
The UK remains very concerned about the situation in Gaza and any actions by Hamas which increase instability. We utterly condemn rocket fire from by Hamas and other militants in Gaza; Palestinians and Israelis deserve to live in safety and peace. Hamas must renounce violence, recognise Israel and accept previously signed agreements. Hamas' military wing has been proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the UK since 2001 and the UK retains a policy of no contact with Hamas in its entirety. We regularly raise our concerns about the situation in Gaza with the Israeli Government and the Palestinian Authority, pressing them on the need for a long-term strategy to improve economic and political conditions, and urging them to work together to see long-term improvements. We are supportive of Hamas-Fatah reconciliation attempts, and of the PA returning to resume government functions in Gaza, helping to improve the dire humanitarian and economic situation.
Asked by: Ian Paisley (Democratic Unionist Party - North Antrim)
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 level of the security threat posed by Hezbollah to (a) Israel and (b) the Middle East.
Answered by Andrew Murrison
The British Government has serious concerns about the actions and behaviours of Hizballah in the Middle East. Its continued role in Syria, amassing of weapons outside of state control and, therefore, the lack of distinction between its political and military wings is what led the Home Secretary to extend proscription of Hizballah to the entirety of the organisation. Most recently, former Minister, Alistair Burt, raised this during his visit to Lebanon in March this year, when he expressed his concerns over Hezbollah's regional role.
Hizballah has been proscribed in its entirety since March and the UK has long had a no contact policy with the whole organisation.
Asked by: Ian Paisley (Democratic Unionist Party - North Antrim)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of reports of renewed tunnel construction into Israel by Hamas in Gaza.
Answered by Alistair Burt
We remain deeply concerned by Hamas's attempts to re-arm and rebuild militant infrastructure, including the tunnel network, in Gaza. Such actions undermine efforts to improve the situation in Gaza and harm the prospects for peace.
Asked by: Ian Paisley (Democratic Unionist Party - North Antrim)
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 effectiveness of democratic processes in the Palestinian Authority.
Answered by Alistair Burt
While we have made no recent assessment of this matter, we continue to believe that inclusive, accountable and democratic institutions and processes, based on respect for the rule of law and human rights, are crucial elements in establishing a viable and sovereign Palestinian State.
Asked by: Ian Paisley (Democratic Unionist Party - North Antrim)
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 Iran's ballistic missile programme.
Answered by Alistair Burt
Iran’s ballistic missile programme presents a threat to the security of the Middle East and Europe which cannot be ignored. We therefore continue to call on Iran to act consistently with all UN Security Council resolutions in relation to its ballistic missile programme.
Asked by: Ian Paisley (Democratic Unionist Party - North Antrim)
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 adequacy of democratic processes in the Palestinian Authority.
Answered by Alistair Burt
Inclusive, accountable and democratic institutions and processes, based on respect of the rule of law and human rights, are important goals. Along with EU partners, we have encouraged the Palestinian leadership to continue their work towards genuine and democratic elections for Palestinians.