Asked by: Michael Tomlinson (Conservative - Mid Dorset and North Poole)
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 ensure religious minorities in the Middle East have a sustainable future in the region.
Answered by Tobias Ellwood
The Government supports the right to freedom of religion or belief for all communities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) by regularly urging governments, at senior levels to uphold the rights of all minorities; building international consensus on freedom of religion or belief; and supporting practical projects, For example, in Iraq we are supporting a project inspiring key leaders in society to become defenders of freedom of religion or belief.
We are also working to implement the results of the 2016 Syria Conference, which aims to create over one million jobs in the MENA region, including refugees from religious minorities. We use the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund Programme Funds to support community cohesion, encourage reconciliation and promote tolerance between communities in Iraq. We regularly engage with faith leaders and faith-based Non- Governement Organisations (NGOs) in the UK and the MENA region to discuss the situation of religious communities. We will assist NGOs where we can to carry out their work.
Asked by: Michael Tomlinson (Conservative - Mid Dorset and North Poole)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent reports he has received on renewed construction by Hamas of cross-border tunnels into Israel.
Answered by Tobias Ellwood
We are aware of reports of Hamas rebuilding tunnels and we remain deeply concerned by Hamas' attempts to rearm and rebuild infrastructure, including the tunnel network in Gaza. Any Hamas rearmament undermines efforts to improve the situation in Gaza and harms prospects for peace and stability in the Middle East.
Asked by: Michael Tomlinson (Conservative - Mid Dorset and North Poole)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to encourage the resumption of direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
Answered by Tobias Ellwood
The UK Government believes a negotiated two-state solution is in the firm interests of both Israel and the Palestinians. We are working through international organisations, including the UN and EU, to encourage both sides to take steps that rebuild trust - crucial for negotiations to succeed. Arab states also have a key role in the peace process and we are discussing with them ways we can move the situation forward. And we are in contact with the French about their initiative, launched in January, aimed at securing progress in the situation.
But whilst we are doing all we can, ultimately peace will only come through negotiations between the parties. It is critical that Israel and the Palestinians take advantage of any momentum gathered through international efforts.