Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she is taking steps to ensure that private lenders who arranged to provide money to countries under UK legislation are (a) prevented from suing those countries when they are in debt distress and (b) encouraged to participate in debt relief negotiations for lower-income countries.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The UK, alongside the G20 and Paris Club, expects private creditors to participate in international debt restructurings on comparable terms.

At this stage, the government is not pursuing a legislative approach that would force private sector participation in restructurings. Overall, we have seen private creditors’ willingness to engage and provide debt treatments where needed, including for Zambia and Ghana – though we keep this under review

The government is focused on enhancing a market-based (contractual) approach to private sector participation The Economic Secretary is co-chairing the 'London Coalition on Sustainable Sovereign Debt', launched in June 2025 to work with private creditors on sovereign debt issues. The Coalition promotes the uptake of UK-led contractual innovations, such as Climate Resilient Debt Clauses.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, following the conclusion of the public inquiry into the Port of London Authority Harbour Revision Order, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that the Port of London Authority is operating in a fair and transparent manner in relation to the charging of river works licences for balconies overhanging the River Thames.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Following the conclusion of the inquiry, the Port of London Authority (PLA) has told the Department how it intends to resolve residents’ concerns. Although the Department has no relevant powers that can be used to assist in this situation, it is currently satisfied with the PLA’s proposed course of action but will keep the matter under review.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department's policy of considering the legal basis and policy rationale when approving foreign nations’ use of UK military bases for operational purposes also applies to the use of the military base at Diego Garcia.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Yes, the United States' (US) operational use of Diego Garcia is governed by an Exchange of Notes between the UK and the US.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I provided on 19 December to Question 99134, where I confirmed that this Government will continue to work closely with the US to ensure the base's operational effectiveness and that it remains a vital part of our security alliance well into the next century.

Radiotherapy in the National Cancer Plan

Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank

Found: leader, East Devon District Council, and deputy leader, Devon County Council) Dr Jonathan Dove (GP)Richard Foord

Found: Q25 Richard Foord: Professor Tzanakopoulos, do you have anything to add?

Found: Q25 Richard Foord: Professor Tzanakopoulos, do you have anything to add?

Found: meeting Members present: Emily Thornberry (Chair); Fleur Anderson; Alex Ballinger; Phil Brickell; Richard Foord