Asked by: Judith Cummins (Labour - Bradford South)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
What recent assessment he has made of the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Answered by James Cleverly - Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government
We continue to monitor the humanitarian situation in Gaza, exacerbated by recent escalation of violence between Hamas and Israel, including significant damage and destruction of civilian infrastructure including homes, schools, hospitals, and clinics.
We are in close contact with UN agencies and key partners on the ground to assess the situation and will monitor closely.
I announced funding of £3.2 million to UNRWA’s emergency flash appeal on 20 May. This will address the immediate humanitarian needs of vulnerable Palestinians living in Gaza.
Humanitarian access remains critical. We continue to urge Israel to ensure access into and out of Gaza, including for essential health services.
Asked by: Judith Cummins (Labour - Bradford South)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Bangladeshi counterpart on the suspension of plans to repatriate Rohingya refugees in the context of the military coup in Myanmar.
Answered by Nigel Adams
The UK remains clear that any Rohingya returns to Rakhine state must be voluntary, safe, dignified, and in line with UNHCR principles. At present, conditions in Myanmar preclude this possibility. The situation in Rakhine State is unpredictable following the military coup and we are monitoring the situation closely, including for the increased risk of atrocities. Until conditions improve, we will continue to support the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and the surrounding host communities.
The Minister of State for South Asia, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, most recently raised these issues with Bangladesh State Minister Shahriah Alam on 18th February 2021.
Asked by: Judith Cummins (Labour - Bradford South)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how much his Department spent on (a) opinion polling and (b) focus groups in each month since January 2019.
Answered by Nigel Adams
This information is not held centrally and to compile it would incur disproportionate cost.
Asked by: Judith Cummins (Labour - Bradford South)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to support the maintenance of the human rights of people in Kashmir.
Answered by Mark Field
I recognise that there are deeply held human rights concerns in India-administered and in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. We encourage both India and Pakistan to uphold their international human rights obligations. Any allegations of human rights violations or abuses is concerning and must be investigated thoroughly, promptly and transparently. The UK regularly raises human rights concerns with counterparts in India and Pakistan.
Asked by: Judith Cummins (Labour - Bradford South)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to help resolve tensions in Kashmir; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Mark Field
As I explained in a Statement to the House on 7 March, the British Government is in regular contact with both countries, urging dialogue and diplomatic solutions to ensure regional stability. We are working closely with international partners to de-escalate tensions.
Asked by: Judith Cummins (Labour - Bradford South)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his counterpart in (a) India and (b) Pakistan on the situation in Kashmir; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Mark Field
The British Government is in regular contact with both countries, urging dialogue and diplomatic solutions to ensure regional stability. I welcome both countries publicly stating they do not want to escalate tensions further and their willingness to work with, and through, the international community. On Wednesday 27 February, I spoke to the Indian and Pakistan High Commissioners and pressed the importance of de-escalation. During a pre-arranged visit to India on 1-3 March, I discussed with Foreign Secretary Gokhale steps to decrease tension and improve regional stability, including vital efforts to tackle terrorism. I made a Statement to the House on this subject on 7 March.
Asked by: Judith Cummins (Labour - Bradford South)
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 on Palestinian communities of Israel’s plans for demolition of buildings in the village of Khan al-Ahmar in the West Bank; and what discussions he has had with his Israeli counterpart on this issue.
Answered by Alistair Burt
The Foreign Secretary raised the issue of the Bedouin village of Khan Al Ahmar during his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on 6 June. He also issued a statement on 1 June calling on Israel to reconsider its proposals to demolish the village, noting that approximately 180 people face the prospect of losing their homes and livelihoods. The UK is particularly concerned by the pending demolition of the village’s school, which serves 170 children. I visited the village on 30 May, and I emphasised the UK’s concern at the village’s imminent demolition, which the UN say could constitute forcible transfer. I reiterated these concerns to the Israeli Ambassador on 20 June.