Stephen Kinnock

National Statistics on the number of children in low income households are published annually in the “Households Below Average Income” publication.

Statistics for the number of children in low income households are not available at combined Local Authority level in this publication because the survey sample sizes are too small to support the production of robust estimates at this geography.

Statistics for the North West region can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/households-below-average-income-199495-to-201718, “children-hbai-timeseries-1994-95-2017-18-tables” in tables 4.17ts (for relative low income, before and after housing costs) and 4.23ts (for absolute low income, before and after housing costs).

Of the 8,250 initial decisions following a PIP assessment since PIP was introduced up to June 2019, for claimants from Aberavon Parliamentary Constituency, 9% have been overturned at a tribunal hearing.

Statistics on the number of initial decisions following a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment which have been overturned at a tribunal hearing, for claimants from Aberavon Parliamentary Constituency, are shown in the table below.

Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10.

Statistics on appeal outcomes in relation to Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) Work Capability Assessments by claim start date and Parliamentary Constituency is available on Stat-Xplore.

https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/

Guidance on how to use Stat-Xplore can be found here:

https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/online-help/index.html

The Ministry of Justice publishes information on the number of all PIP and ESA decisions overturned at a tribunal hearing by tribunal venue, available here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/tribunals-statistics

Of the 8,250 initial decisions following a PIP assessment since PIP was introduced up to June 2019, for claimants from Aberavon Parliamentary Constituency, 9% have been overturned at a tribunal hearing.

Statistics on the number of initial decisions following a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment which have been overturned at a tribunal hearing, for claimants from Aberavon Parliamentary Constituency, are shown in the table below.

Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10.

Statistics on appeal outcomes in relation to Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) Work Capability Assessments by claim start date and Parliamentary Constituency is available on Stat-Xplore.

https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/

Guidance on how to use Stat-Xplore can be found here:

https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/online-help/index.html

The Ministry of Justice publishes information on the number of all PIP and ESA decisions overturned at a tribunal hearing by tribunal venue, available here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/tribunals-statistics

Official statistics on the take-up of income-related benefits at Great Britain level, including Pension Credit, can be found in the ‘Income-related benefits: estimates of take-up in 2016 to 2017’ publication.

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/income-related-benefits-estimates-of-take-up-financial-year-2016-to-2017

The next report containing 2017/18 data is due to be published on 27^th February 2020. It will be available here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/announcements/income-related-benefits-estimates-of-take-up-financial-year-2017-to-2018

The information requested on the amount of Pension Credit which remains unclaimed is only available at the Great Britain level. Below are the figures on the amount of unclaimed Pension Credit within Great Britain over the past 3 years of data available.

The tables below provide estimates of the number of pensioners in Wales living in households where equivalised income is a) below 60% of median income and b) below 50% of median income. Information is only available for regions on an average of three financial years as the sample sizes in the survey used to collect income data are not large enough to provide robust single year estimates.

Estimates for constituencies are not possible due to sample sizes so it is not possible to provide estimates for Aberavon.

Relative low income sets a threshold as a proportion of the UK average (median) income and moves as average income changes over time. Absolute low income takes the 60% of median income threshold from 2010/11 and moves this in line with inflation. This is designed to assess how low incomes are faring with reference to inflation.

Numbers are rounded to the nearest 0.1million children

Universal Credit is now the main system of working age welfare support across the country. It is available in every Jobcentre, with a caseload of 2.8 million claimants, growing every month, now able to access the additional support and flexibilities it offers.

New Claim Advances are available to support those in immediate financial need until their first Universal Credit payment is made. Around 60 per cent of new claims take an advance payment. Subject to some fluctuation, this rate of advance take-up has been broadly consistent over the last 12 months. As the overall Universal Credit caseload grows, we expect the volume and value of advance payments to increase in correlation. This shows that claimants are being made aware of advances and are using it where they need this help.

The below table shows the number of claims paid and those who received at least one advance payment in Wales and the Aberavon parliamentary constituency.

The information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

The information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

The Department does not centrally collate records of back-dated payments by constituencies.

Neither tenants or landlords lose a week’s rent in a 53 weekly rent payment year as has been alleged; no year contains 53 weeks. The problem is alignment between weekly and monthly cycles. Each month the UC housing element is a constant figure but claimants with weekly tenancy agreements will be required to make either four or five rent payments within this period. If the claimant always pays their rent on time, in five payment months they are effectively making payment for part of the following month. That month will always be a four rent payment month, so the combination of the advance payment and the ‘overpayment’ of housing support during that month will result in the correct amount of housing element being paid.

Where a landlord charges rent weekly on a Monday, because of the way the calendar falls every 5 or 6 years, they will seek 53 rent payments in a year, with the 53rd payment in part covering the tenancy for the first few days of the following year. The effect of this is that, over the course of the next housing association rental year, a tenant’s UC payments will accurately reflect their liability, irrespective of the 53 payment weeks.

Where concerns have been raised with officials on compliance with the code, these cases have been referred to NHS Employers or other relevant regulatory bodies.

NHS Employers hosts a list of agencies which adhere to the code to assist employers during the selection process. It undertakes routine checks of agencies’ compliance with the code, responds to complaints or breaches and takes necessary action where the code is contravened.

The information requested is not held centrally.

None of the Department’s estates infrastructure is reliant on private wire networks.

Neither the Department nor the former Public Health England has any collaborative, commercial or contractual links to the Beijing Genomics Institute or its subsidiaries.

The UK Government takes all allegations of human rights violations very seriously, and we regularly raise Mr Johal's case directly with the Government of India at official and Ministerial level. The Foreign Secretary last raised Mr Johal's case with the Indian Minister of External Affairs, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, on 22 October 2021. This Government will continue to look to raise our concerns, including allegations that Mr Johal's detention is arbitrary, at all appropriate opportunities.

On 20 November, the FCDO called on the Chinese authorities to assure the safety of Peng Shuai. We continue to follow her case closely.

Everyone should be allowed to speak out without fear of repercussions. All reports of sexual assault, anywhere in the world, should be investigated.

The Afghan Citizen Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) will provide those put at risk by recent events in Afghanistan with a route to safety. The ACRS is one of the most generous schemes in our country's history under which we will welcome up to 5,000 vulnerable Afghans over the next year and up to a total of 20,000 in the coming years. The Foreign Secretary has discussed the ACRS with the Home Secretary and Lord Ahmad has had regular meetings with the Minister for Afghan Resettlement, Victoria Atkins, most recently on 27 October. Officials are in daily contact. The scheme is not yet open and further details will be announced in due course by the Home Office. Further details on the scheme will be published here: Afghanistan resettlement and immigration policy statement - GOV.UK.

The UK is deeply concerned about the situation in Chin and Sagaing States, particularly the significant troop movements by the Myanmar Armed Forces and reports of multiple civilian casualties. Current clashes have created mass displacement, with thousands of people now fleeing across the Indian border into Manipur and Mizoram state. This not only exacerbates the crisis in Myanmar but causes further regional instability. On 15 October the British Embassy in Yangon released a statement urging the military to end their campaign of violence and flagging our concern for communities, their livelihoods, property and places of worship. We are monitoring developments closely and are in discussion with our international partners in the UN Security Council.

The UK strongly condemns the military coup in Myanmar and the violent crackdown on innocent people. Any decision to declare a foreign diplomat "persona non grata" under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations would need careful consideration in view of the wider implications of such a decision.

To date the Qatari Government has not charged for their flights from Afghanistan to Qatar.

All those at risk of persecution in Afghanistan are eligible to apply to the Afghan Citizens' Resettlement Scheme, which will welcome up to a total of 20,000 vulnerable Afghans to the UK over a five-year period. Women and girls at risk and those who have stood up for the rule of law, including female judges, will be eligible for the scheme.

These tests are a clear violation of UN Security Council Resolutions and a threat to regional peace and security.

North Korea must change course and take immediate steps towards complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation. Alongside our allies and partners, the UK is committed to peace on the Korean Peninsula, upholding the rules-based international system and securing an end to North Korea’s unlawful activities.

We urge North Korea to refrain from further provocations, and to return to dialogue with the US.

The government remains committed to the British Council. As the Integrated Review made clear, the Council is one of the vital instruments of our influence overseas. We agreed a 2021/22 Spending Review settlement totalling £189 million, a 27% increase on funding for 2020/21. We are also providing loan support of up to £245 million, including a £100 million loan to support restructuring efforts and help rebuild commercial surpluses. The Council will continue to operate in over 100 countries promoting the English language, UK arts and culture, and education.

The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office will undertake a new Joint analysis of Conflict and Stability on Sri Lanka in the autumn.

The Digital Security Act (DSA) was passed by the Bangladesh Parliament in 2018. Local and international human rights groups raised serious concerns about its broad and vague provisions, granting law enforcement authorities extensive powers to police the online space. The DSA is widely viewed as a means of suppressing opposition and limiting freedom of speech.

In May 2021, the British High Commissioner in Dhaka highlighted concerns to the Bangladesh Law Minister and the International Adviser to the Prime Minister about the sweeping powers of the DSA, which continue to pose challenges for independent and credible media and civil society in Bangladesh. In July, the Deputy High Commissioner reiterated UK concerns to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also urged Bangladesh to focus on improving the conditions for a free and independent media and the protection of human rights. We continue to work with like-minded partners and urge the Government of Bangladesh to ensure that the DSA is in compliance with international human rights law.

All Overseas Security and Justice Assessments (OSJA) are regularly reviewed in line with our OSJA policy which can be found online at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/overseas-security-and-justice-assistance-osja-guidance. The UK's programme work in Sri Lanka is subject to regular and robust OSJA assessments that analyse the potential human rights, international humanitarian law, political and reputational risks of any proposed assistance to ensure that it supports our values and is consistent with our domestic and international human rights obligations.

We do not discuss the details of accreditation requests in specific cases.

The UK is committed to maintaining an Embassy in Yangon which is delivering vital work to deliver our aid programme and support our political objectives. We are only engaging with the military regime where necessary, including on issues connected to enabling the functioning of the Embassy, and on the welfare of British nationals. We do not discuss the details of accreditation requests in specific cases.

We remain deeply concerned about the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners, Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and others on the grounds of their religion or belief in China. The freedom to practice, change or share ones faith or belief without discrimination or violent opposition is a human right that all people should enjoy. We continue to monitor the issue of alleged organ harvesting closely and consider carefully all evidence presented to us. We regularly raise our concerns about the human rights situation with the Chinese authorities, and will continue to do so.

The UK Government provided the British Council access to a loan facility of £60 million in 2020, which was increased to £145 million in 2021, to enable the organisation to remain solvent and meet its minimum financial obligations in response to the impact of Covid on its exams and teaching business. The terms of this loan facility are commercially sensitive, however, the loan facility was made in line with the Market Economy Operator Principle with assessments conducted on the British Council's financial data and credit worthiness to ensure the terms are in line with those which a private operator would provide.

The UK Government remains committed to the British Council. As the Integrated Review made clear, the Council is one of the vital instruments of our influence overseas. It will continue to operate in over 100 countries promoting the English language, UK arts and culture and education, and continue to promote Global Britain. Questions about staffing levels are operational matters for the British Council.

The UK Government remains committed to the British Council. As the Integrated Review made clear, the Council is one of the vital instruments of our influence overseas. It will continue to operate in over 100 countries promoting the English language, UK arts and culture and education, and continue to promote Global Britain. Questions about staffing levels are operational matters for the British Council.

The Foreign Secretary engages his Ministerial counterparts on a range of issues, including those relating to China. As an open economy, we welcome foreign trade and investment including from Chinese businesses where it adheres to our laws and supports UK growth and jobs. In line with the Integrated Review, we will continue to pursue a positive trade and investment relationship with China, while ensuring our national security and values are protected.

The UK remains committed to equitable access to safe and effective vaccines and the Prime Minister has stated that we will share vaccines with COVAX and has called on G7 leaders to vaccinate the world by end of next year. We will continue to discuss this issue with our G7 partners and will issue details of the quantities and timeframe for sharing vaccine doses soon.

Taiwan has had one of the lowest incidences of Covid-19 in the world since the outbreak of the pandemic. We are continuing to engage with the relevant authorities locally through the British Office in Taipei as it faces its first significant occurrence of community transmission of the virus. Taiwan has so far received 609,600 doses through the COVAX platform. We will continue to work with all of our international partners to deliver a strong global response to the pandemic.

Charging a Committee with the functions set out in section 3 of the Trade Act is a matter for Parliament. During the passage of the Bill, it was not possible to secure agreement on which committees would be responsible for this process. However, I can now confirm that the Foreign Affairs Select Committee (FAC) has agreed to be charged with the role in the Commons, subject to agreement by the House. This proposal was agreed through usual channel discussions with the Chair of the FAC and other parties. Discussions are still ongoing in the House of Commons, and are due to begin shortly in the House of Lords.

As previously agreed, the Government will also support the responsible Committees in both Houses being able to refer reports of genocide, in the territory of a prospective Free Trade Agreement counter-party, to a joint committee. Again, once charged, this will be a matter for each House and the responsible Committees to determine, and the Government has committed to bring forward motions if necessary.

On Friday 28 May, a plane carrying the UK's donation of 260 ventilators and 2,000 visors arrived in Nepal, in response to an urgent request for medical supplies from the Government of Nepal. Moreover, since the beginning of the pandemic, British Embassy Kathmandu has helped Nepal respond to COVID-19 by reprioritising over £40 million of its aid budget. This support has included the construction of an oxygen plant in a Kathmandu hospital; technical advice to local government on managing the impact of COVID-19; water, sanitation and hygiene facilities to support around 300,000 people; safe spaces for women in isolation centres; cash and voucher assistance for the most vulnerable; and nutrition support for pregnant and lactating women. The UK is also a leading donor to COVAX, having committed £548 million to the scheme. COVAX has allocated 2,000,000 vaccine doses to Nepal, of which 348,000 have already been delivered. We are working closely with international partners to support the people of Nepal at this difficult time.

As a matter of established policy, the UK does not reveal its voting intentions in international elections. We recognise the important role of the International Law Commission in promoting the progressive development of international law and its codification. The UK will carefully consider all candidates in determining our voting position.

Evidence of forced Uyghur labour, within Xinjiang and in other parts of China, is credible and growing. We have consistently made clear our view that all businesses involved in investing in Xinjiang, or with parts of their supply chains in Xinjiang, should conduct appropriate due diligence to satisfy themselves that their activities do not support, or risk being seen to support, any human rights violations or abuses. Our message to UK business is clear. It is time to act without delay to ensure our supply chains are free from forced labour and that they are not complicit in these gross violations of human rights. The Government will formally respond to the report and its recommendations by the deadline. Policy responsibility for forced labour and supply chains is split across several Government departments. Officials from BEIS, the FCDO and across Government are co-ordinating closely, including on issues raised by the Committee.

We pay tribute to Ambassador Kyaw Zwar Minn for his bravery in standing up in support of democracy. The UK remains steadfast in our opposition to the coup, as demonstrated by our strong international leadership, including at the United Nations Security Council and G7, and through our imposition of targeted sanctions. It is the longstanding policy and practice of successive British Governments to accord recognition to States and not to Governments. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has received notification, in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, of the appointment of a chargé d'affaires ad interim to act provisionally as head of Myanmar's mission in the United Kingdom. The consent of the receiving State is not required when appointing a chargé d'affaires ad interim.

The Prime Minister's visit to India will be an opportunity to discuss a range of bilateral and multilateral issues with the Indian Government. Where we have specific concerns we raise them directly with the Government of India.

The Prime Minister's visit to India will be an opportunity to discuss a range of bilateral and multilateral issues with the Indian Government. Where we have specific concerns we raise them directly with the Government of India.

The assistance the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) can provide to British nationals abroad is set out in the publication: Support for British nationals abroad: A Guide. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/support-for-british-nationals-abroad-a-guide As stated in our guidance we cannot provide this support to other countries' nationals, even if they have been resident in the UK.

The UK is deeply concerned about the situation on the ground in Myanmar, and condemns the further killings of innocent people over the weekend. I [Minister Adams] have discussed with my counterpart in the Home Office about our options to support Myanmar nationals in the UK who could be in danger if they return.

The majority of Myanmar nationals present within the UK have already utilised the switching provisions, including Exceptional Assurance, within our immigration system to continue their regularised stay.

The UK is a longstanding supporter of an arms embargo on Myanmar. We are clear that countries including those in the Commonwealth should not sell arms to the Myanmar military. The UK autonomous Myanmar sanctions regulations prohibit the provision of military related services, including the provision of technical assistance, to or for the benefit of the Tatmadaw. We will work closely with partners to pressure those who sell arms to the military.

We are clear that the military must pay the price for their actions, that is why we are exploring all options to put pressure on their economic interests, this includes sanctions.

We remain committed to the principle of 'do no harm' with sanctions, and therefore wish to ensure that any measures balance the risk of disproportionately affecting poor people in Myanmar and imposing a cost on the military. In addition, as set out in the written ministerial statement of 25 February, we are reviewing our approach to Trade and Investment in Myanmar, and while that review takes place have suspended all trade promotion activity. The Foreign Secretary and the International Trade Secretary have written to British Companies active in Myanmar to make clear our expectation that they do nothing to support the military.

The UK is a longstanding supporter of the UN Fact Finding Mission, which we worked with partners to establish. We have worked hard to implement its recommendations. The UK is clear that there must be accountability for the acts of the military, both historic and recent. We are clear that all options should be on the table, this includes referral to the International Criminal Court. We will continue to work with partners to further the cause of accountability, including through our strong support to the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, and through discussions at the UN Security Council.

The Foreign Secretary has not yet received any meeting requests from the Committee Representing the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), but Ministers stand ready to meet them. Officials are engaging at a working level with members of the CRPH. They are an important voice for many in Myanmar. We coordinated with them to read out excerpts from their statements at the Special Session of the Human Rights Council on 12 February, and at the UN General Assembly meeting on 26 February.

The situation in Myanmar is complex, there are no simple answers. We work closely with civil society and parliament to ensure that our policy making is taking into account the lessons learned from the past decade.

Under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961, with the exception of heads of mission and military, naval and air attaches, states may freely appoint staff to their diplomatic missions.

We commend the courage of Myanmar's UN Ambassador in speaking out against the coup. He joins the people of Myanmar in resoundingly rejecting military rule. We oppose his suspension and stand with him - democracy must be restored. The Foreign Secretary tweeted his support to the Ambassador after his speech. The UK Ambassador to the UN met with him on 2 March. We do not have further plans to make a public statement against the suspension of Kyaw Moe Tun or on the appointment of any new Ambassador. We will however continue to engage with the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, who represent a body of MPs elected in November. They are an important voice for many in Myanmar. We coordinated with them to read out excerpts from their statements at the Special Session of the Human Rights Council on 12 February, and at the UN General Assembly meeting on 26 February.

The UK government was very concerned to hear about the death in custody of Mushtaq Ahmed, who was being held under the Digital Security Act in Bangladesh. In a statement on 26 February, the British High Commissioner in Dhaka, alongside other local Ambassadors and High Commissioners, emphasised the importance of freedom of expression and called for a swift and transparent investigation into Mushtaq Ahmed's death. In a tweet on 27 February, the Minister of State for South Asia, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, also called for a full investigation.

Bangladesh remains a Human Rights Priority Country for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. We continue to stress to the Government of Bangladesh, both in public and in private, the importance of respect for human rights and the rule of law. Lord Ahmad has raised concerns with the Foreign Minister, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Bangladesh High Commissioner in London on several occasions.

We continue to urge the Government of Bangladesh to engage constructively with civil society and the media to ensure that legislation such as the Digital Security Act is implemented in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as the Constitution of Bangladesh. We also regularly engage with the Government of Bangladesh on the full range of our human rights concerns, including the treatment of those in detention and the integrity and independence of the judicial process.

We are concerned about reports of Professor Muhammad Ismail's arrest. We consistently urge the Pakistani authorities to investigate any such allegations thoroughly and transparently. The UK recognises that Human Rights Defenders play an essential role in promoting and protecting democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law. We support the rights of Human Rights Defenders to carry out their work safely and without fear.

Pakistan remains a FCDO Human Rights Priority Country. We regularly raise at a senior level our concerns about the human rights situation with the Government of Pakistan. Most recently, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon discussed our human rights concerns with Pakistan's Minister for Human Rights, Dr Shireen Mazari, on 20 February. The UK will continue to urge the government of Pakistan to guarantee the rights of all people in Pakistan, as laid down in the Constitution of Pakistan and in accordance with international standards.

Consular staff from the British High Commission in Delhi visited Mr Johal in police custody on Friday 8 January following his transfer to Delhi Special Cell on 7 January. Permission for a further consular visit was granted by the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday 15 January but a visit could not be conducted before Mr Johal was returned to Tihar jail on 16 January. Permission was then sought and granted for a consular call with Mr Johal which took place on Wednesday 20 January.

We regularly make representations on Mr Johal's case to the Government of India and take all allegations of human rights violations very seriously. The Foreign Secretary raised Mr Johal's case with the Indian Minister of External Affairs, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, on 15 December 2020. Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, the Minister of State for South Asia and the Commonwealth, last raised Mr Johal's case with the Indian High Commissioner on 28 January 2021, and with the Indian Foreign Secretary, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, on 3 November 2020. Lord Ahmad has also met with Mr Johal's family on a number of occasions, most recently on 27 January 2021.

The UK has long supported efforts to promote accountability, reconciliation and human rights in Sri Lanka, including in our role as penholder on Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC). We firmly believe that UNHRC resolution 30/1, and its successor resolutions 34/1 and 40/1, remain the best framework for establishing truth and achieving justice and lasting reconciliation following the conflict in Sri Lanka. We have made this clear in statements delivered on behalf of the Core Group on Sri Lanka at the UNHRC in February, June and September 2020.

The Minister of State for South Asia and Minister responsible for Human Rights, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, has raised the importance of justice and accountability on several occasions with the Sri Lankan High Commissioner and the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, most recently on 21 December and 22 January respectively. The UK's High Commissioner to Sri Lanka also regularly raises human rights issues in her discussions with the government of Sri Lanka.

Ahead of the March 2021 session of the UNHRC, the UK are working closely with international partners on our approach, and have discussed this with representatives of the Sri Lankan Government.

Anyone working on cases involving Hong Kong politicians and activists will want to assure themselves that the very highest legal standards, including fairness, are being upheld. The Government has been clear that the Hong Kong authorities must end their targeting of pro-democracy voices.

We are deeply concerned about the ongoing efforts by Chinese authorities to curtail media freedom, an essential element of the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. We continue to urge the Chinese authorities to allow journalists to practice their profession without fear or arrest, harassment or reprisal, and to end extensive censorship and control over the media and wider freedom of expression.

The UK Government is concerned about the Government of Sri Lanka's continued decision to mandate cremations for all those affected by Covid-19, and recognises the particular impact this is having on Sri Lankan Muslims and other faith communities. The Minister of State for South Asia and Minister responsible for Human Rights, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, has raised concerns about this directly with the Sri Lankan High Commissioner, most recently in December. Lord Ahmad also raised the importance of minority rights in a call with the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena in November. The UK's High Commissioner to Sri Lanka has also raised concerns about mandatory cremations several times with the Sri Lankan Government, most recently in January.

The UK has shared guidance with the Government of Sri Lanka on how burials can continue to operate in a safe format, within the WHO guidelines, to ensure all religious groups can practise their rites. We will continue to engage with the Government of Sri Lanka on this important issue.

CDC Group's (CDC) investment in Frontiir has helped connect over one million people in Myanmar to the internet at affordable prices, thereby increasing access to information, boosting businesses, supporting education and tackling poverty. We support CDC's ongoing commitment to this investment.

CDC carries out due diligence in every investment it makes, including Frontiir. Frontiir has at all times adhered to international best practice and the company has become an observer of the Global Network Initiative at CDC's request. The UK remains committed to our efforts with partners to strengthen due diligence processes and raise any concerns, whilst continuing to support investment to benefit the people of Myanmar.

The UK recognises the threat of terrorism in the Philippines and the importance of protecting human rights in the updated Anti-Terrorism Act. We regularly raise human rights concerns and continue to support the work of civil society organisations in the Philippines. I raised our concerns with Foreign Minister Locsin on 20 November, stressing the need for engagement with a new UN technical assistance programme with the Philippines, as set out in a UN Human Rights Council resolution adopted in October 2020.

Sri Lanka is a valuable trading partner for the UK. Both countries have expressed a mutual commitment to identifying and reducing barriers to trade and are actively seeking ways to further enhance our trading relationship. The UK's new trade envoy to Sri Lanka will play an important role in supporting this. The UK has long supported efforts to promote peace, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka, including through our work with the Core Group on Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council. We regularly raise the importance of human rights and good governance alongside trade and other issues as part of our wide-ranging discussions with the Government of Sri Lanka. The Minister of State for South Asia and the Commonwealth, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, has raised both human rights and trade on several occasions with the Sri Lankan High Commissioner and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, most recently during calls on 4 and 5 November. Human rights in Sri Lanka has been, and will continue to be, a longstanding priority for the UK.

The UK firmly believes that the UN Human Rights Council resolution 30/1, and its successor resolutions 34/1 and 40/1, remain the best framework for establishing truth and achieving justice and lasting reconciliation following the conflict in Sri Lanka. We continue to encourage and support Sri Lanka to deliver on the commitments it made to the UNHRC through the resolutions. We believe that the preservation of progress to date, including the gathering of evidence, is important for future reconciliation and accountability. The Minister of State for South Asia and the Commonwealth and Minister responsible for Human Rights, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, has raised human rights concerns on several occasions with the Sri Lankan High Commissioner and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, most recently on 4 and 5 November respectively. At the March 2021 session of the UNHRC we will continue to work with our international partners to take forward this longstanding priority for the UK.

The UK has long supported efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka, including in our role as penholder on Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC). We firmly believe that UNHRC resolution 30/1, and its successor resolutions 34/1 and 40/1, remain the best framework for establishing truth and achieving justice and lasting reconciliation following the conflict in Sri Lanka. We continue to encourage and support Sri Lanka to deliver on the commitments it made to the UNHRC through these resolutions.

We are concerned about the Government of Sri Lanka's decision to withdraw support for the UN resolution, and have made this clear in statements delivered on behalf of the Core Group on Sri Lanka at the UNHRC in February, June and September. These statements reiterated our ongoing commitment to justice and accountability for victims of conflict and human rights violations, and to lasting reconciliation. The Minister of State for South Asia and the Commonwealth and Minister responsible for Human Rights, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, has raised these concerns on several occasions with the Sri Lankan High Commissioner and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, most recently during calls on 4 and 5 November respectively. The Foreign Secretary also underlined the importance of accountability and reconciliation when he spoke to Foreign Minister Gunawardena in May.

Ahead of the March 2021 session of the UNHRC, we will continue to engage with the Government of Sri Lanka to underline the importance we attach to this issue. We will also continue to work with our international partners and with the HRC on how best to take forward this longstanding priority for the UK.

Across two financial sanctions regimes, the UK has targeted sanctions in place on 16 individuals from Myanmar for their role in atrocities against Rohingya and other minorities. These sanctions place obligations on those who hold or control assets to freeze the assets in place. Funds and economic resources must be frozen immediately by the person in possession or control of them. An asset freeze does not involve a change in ownership of frozen funds or economic resources, nor are they confiscated by the UK Government.

The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), part of HM Treasury, publishes details of frozen assets reported to it in its Annual Review. However this figure is provided on an aggregate basis so as not to disclose the value of funds held by particular individuals, in compliance with data protection law.

It would not be appropriate to comment on third party agreements. British diplomats have visited Xinjiang on multiple occasions, most recently in November 2019. The UK has also repeatedly called on China to allow UN experts unfettered access to Xinjiang, including at the most recent session of the UN Human Rights Council in June where we delivered a statement on Xinjiang on behalf of 28 countries.

The UK Government strongly condemns the forced marriage and forced conversion of women and girls from religious minorities in Pakistan. We are working with the Government of Pakistan to strengthen and improve Pakistan's police and judicial systems. The UK's Strengthening Rule of Law in Pakistan programme aims to increase public confidence and trust in the Rule of Law. It focuses on delivering outputs that improve the justice system for victims, witnesses and offenders, including vulnerable women and girls.

The UK Government strongly condemns the forced marriage and forced conversion of women and girls from religious minorities in Pakistan. We regularly raise our concerns about Freedom of Religion or Belief, women and girls' rights and gender equality with the Government of Pakistan at a senior level. Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon last raised our human rights concerns with Pakistan's Minister for Human Rights, Dr Shireen Mazari, on 27 August. On 8 September, Lord Ahmad discussed our concerns regarding Freedom of Religion or Belief with the Governor of Punjab.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office recognises forced marriages and sexual exploitation as an element of modern slavery. The UK Government is committed to the eradication of all forms of modern slavery, forced labour and human trafficking (SDG 8.7) by 2030, as unanimously adopted at the UN Sustainable Development Summit in 2015.

The UK Government strongly condemns the forced marriage and forced conversion of women and girls from religious minorities in Pakistan. We regularly raise our concerns about Freedom of Religion or Belief, women and girls' rights and gender equality with the Government of Pakistan at a senior level. Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon last raised our human rights concerns with Pakistan's Minister for Human Rights, Dr Shireen Mazari, on 27 August. On 8 September, Lord Ahmad discussed our concerns regarding Freedom of Religion or Belief with the Governor of Punjab.

We welcome the establishment of the National Commission for Minorities. Most recently, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon raised our concerns about human rights, including Freedom of Religion or Belief and the National Commission for Minorities, with Pakistan's Human Rights Minister, Dr Shireen Mazari, in a call on 15 July and letter on 27 August. Our High Commissioner to Pakistan, Dr Christian Turner CMG, discussed the National Commission for Minorities with Dr Mazari in a meeting on 8 June. We have highlighted to the Government of Pakistan the importance of ensuring the new Commission is established in line with the UN Paris Principles as it begins its important work, specifically focusing on its independence, funding and membership.

In addition, we have consulted civil society organisations working on human rights and religious communities in Pakistan regarding Freedom of Religion or Belief and the National Commission for Minorities, and are also in close discussion with international partners. On 11 August, the British High Commission in Islamabad hosted a virtual roundtable with civil society members and religious community representatives on Freedom of Religion or Belief to mark National Minorities Day in Pakistan.

We welcome the establishment of the National Commission for Minorities. Most recently, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon raised our concerns about human rights, including Freedom of Religion or Belief and the National Commission for Minorities, with Pakistan's Human Rights Minister, Dr Shireen Mazari, in a call on 15 July and letter on 27 August. Our High Commissioner to Pakistan, Dr Christian Turner CMG, discussed the National Commission for Minorities with Dr Mazari in a meeting on 8 June. We have highlighted to the Government of Pakistan the importance of ensuring the new Commission is established in line with the UN Paris Principles as it begins its important work, specifically focusing on its independence, funding and membership.

In addition, we have consulted civil society organisations working on human rights and religious communities in Pakistan regarding Freedom of Religion or Belief and the National Commission for Minorities, and are also in close discussion with international partners. On 11 August, the British High Commission in Islamabad hosted a virtual roundtable with civil society members and religious community representatives on Freedom of Religion or Belief to mark National Minorities Day in Pakistan.

We welcome the establishment of the National Commission for Minorities. Most recently, Minister for South Asia and the Commonwealth, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, raised our concerns about human rights, including Freedom of Religion or Belief and the National Commission for Minorities, with Pakistan's Human Rights Minister, Dr Shireen Mazari, in a call on 15 July and letter on 27 August. Our High Commissioner to Pakistan, Dr Christian Turner CMG, discussed the National Commission for Minorities with Dr Mazari in a meeting on 8 June. We have highlighted to the Government of Pakistan the importance of ensuring the new Commission is established in line with the UN Paris Principles as it begins its important work, specifically focusing on its independence, funding and membership.

In addition, we have consulted civil society organisations working on human rights and religious communities in Pakistan regarding Freedom of Religion or Belief and the National Commission for Minorities, and are also in close discussion with international partners. On 11 August, the British High Commission in Islamabad hosted a virtual roundtable with civil society members and religious community representatives on Freedom of Religion or Belief to mark National Minorities Day in Pakistan.

Our aid relationship with any government is based on an assessment of commitment to our Partnership Principles, including human rights. We will continue to raise human rights as a concern in our dialogue with the Government of Pakistan, including at our annual Bilateral Assistance Talks.

We welcome the establishment of the National Commission for Minorities. Most recently, Minister for South Asia and the Commonwealth, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon raised our concerns about human rights, including our concerns regarding Freedom of Religion or Belief and the National Commission for Minorities, with Pakistan's Human Rights Minister, Dr Shireen Mazari, in a call on 15 July and letter on 27 August. Our High Commissioner to Pakistan, Dr Christian Turner CMG, discussed the National Commission for Minorities with Dr Mazari in a meeting on 8 June. We have highlighted to the Government of Pakistan the importance of ensuring the new Commission is established in line with the UN Paris Principles as it begins its important work, specifically focusing on its independence, funding and membership.

The UK is playing a leading role supporting hygiene and hand-washing with soap in schools in at least 37 developing countries.

We are working closely with civil society, business and research organisations to provide guidance and advice, use communication channels to promote hygiene, support the establishment of hand-washing facilities, and provide essential hygiene supplies including soap and sanitiser.

The UK continues to support Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organisations where statehood is not a prerequisite and where Taiwan can make a valuable contribution. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office supports the Department for Health in lobbying for Taiwan's participation in World Health Organisation (WHO) meetings. The UK is working with likeminded countries to lobby the WHO at official level to issue an invitation to Taiwan to observe the World Health Assembly in November and allow Taiwan to participate in relevant WHO technical meetings. Lessons learnt from Taiwan's effective tackling of the Covid-19 pandemic adds significant value to the international fight against the virus.

We will continue to monitor trends of representation in the UN and wider international system.

The UK is concerned by the troubling, reported incidents involving Afghan refugees in May and June. Our Embassies in Tehran and Kabul have discussed our concerns regarding Afghan migrants in in Iran with their respective host governments, and we continue to monitor the situation on the Afghanistan-Iran border closely.

We welcome the joint statement issued on 22 June by the Foreign Ministers of the Governments of Iran and Afghanistan that called for both sides to take measures to prevent future incidents and enhance border security and management. We are in frequent contact with Iranian officials on issues involving Afghanistan, and raise the importance of supporting vulnerable refugee communities. We also raise this issue with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. At the 43rd session of the UN Human Rights Council on 26 June, the UK welcomed the renewal of the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Iran.

The UK is concerned by the troubling, reported incidents involving Afghan refugees in May and June. Our Embassies in Tehran and Kabul have discussed our concerns regarding Afghan migrants in in Iran with their respective host governments, and we continue to monitor the situation on the Afghanistan-Iran border closely.

We welcome the joint statement issued on 22 June by the Foreign Ministers of the Governments of Iran and Afghanistan that called for both sides to take measures to prevent future incidents and enhance border security and management. We are in frequent contact with Iranian officials on issues involving Afghanistan, and raise the importance of supporting vulnerable refugee communities. We also raise this issue with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. At the 43rd session of the UN Human Rights Council on 26 June, the UK welcomed the renewal of the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Iran.

All information on FCO ODA spending is available at GOV.UK link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/official-development-assistance-oda-fco-prosperity-fund-spend

As the Foreign Secretary said in Parliament on 1 July, the enactment by China of the national security law for Hong Kong is a grave and deeply disturbing step. The law's imposition on the people of Hong Kong constitutes a clear and serious breach of the Joint Declaration. We are particularly concerned by the provision for Hong Kong's Chief Executive, rather than the Chief Justice, to appoint judges to hear national security cases.

On 1 July, the Permanent Under Secretary of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office summoned the Chinese Ambassador to make clear the UK's deep concern at China's actions. Our Consul General in Hong Kong has also raised our concerns about the legislation with members of the Executive Council Hong Kong. The Foreign Secretary spoke to Chinese State Councillor and Minister for Foreign affairs, Wang Yi on 8 June. We will continue to raise our concerns with both the Governments of China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

We are monitoring political and human rights developments in Sri Lanka very closely and have active discussions with the government on a range of issues, including the link between democratic values and international standing. The UK is a member of the Core Group on Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and has long supported Sri Lanka's commitments under UNHRC resolutions 30/1, 34/1 and 40/1 on accountability and reconciliation. The UK will lead the core group again at the upcoming Human Rights Session in June.

We are deeply concerned by reports of lawyer Yu Wensheng's sentencing to four years in prison. Yu's detention, secret trial, and lack of access to a lawyer of his choosing, raise serious concerns over the rule of law, due process, and judicial transparency in China. We have raised Yu's case directly with Chinese officials, and issued multiple statements of concern about his sentence. The Foreign Secretary raised human rights concerns with his Chinese counterpart, State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, on both 9 March and 8 June.

The UK Government regularly engages with international partners on the importance of truth, accountability and justice for all victims of the civil war in Sri Lanka. At the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, the UK works closely with the Core Group on Sri Lanka, and made clear our continued support for justice for victims of conflict in a joint statement delivered at the UNHRC in February. While in Geneva in February, the Minister of State for South Asia and the Commonwealth, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, met the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena to underline this message, and the Foreign Secretary raised the importance of accountability and reconciliation in Sri Lanka during a call with Foreign Minister Gunawardena in May. On 20 May, in a call with the UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, Lord Ahmad, who is also the Minister of State responsible for Human Rights, welcomed her recent engagement on Sri Lanka.

The British High Commission in Colombo continues to engage with international partners on this important issue. The UK has long supported Sri Lanka's accountability commitments made to the UNHRC through resolutions 30/1, 34/1 and 40/1 as the best way to establish truth regarding alleged crimes committed by all sides during the Sri Lankan civil war, as well as to achieve accountability and reconciliation.

The Prime Minister, as Commonwealth Chair-in-Office, has not held discussions with the Commonwealth Secretariat on a Commonwealth good offices initiative to Sri Lanka, but we are monitoring the situation in Sri Lanka closely. Respect for human rights, democracy and good governance are fundamental tenets of the Commonwealth Charter, and we encourage all member states to uphold those shared commitments.

The UK is also a member of the Core Group on Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and has long supported Sri Lanka's commitments under UNHRC resolutions 30/1, 34/1 and 40/1 on accountability, justice and reconciliation following the Sri Lankan civil war.

Independent sources, including the UN Fact Finding Mission, have been clear that the Myanmar military is responsible for human rights violations across the country.

The UK is a longstanding supporter of an arms embargo on Myanmar as well as targeted individual sanctions on those responsible for atrocities.

The EU Arms Embargo and 14 individual designations continue to apply in the UK for the duration of the transition period. We are looking to transfer existing EU Myanmar sanctions into UK law through the Sanctions Act in preparation for exiting the EU.

Independent sources, including the UN Fact Finding Mission, have been clear that the Myanmar military is responsible for human rights violations across the country.

The UK is a longstanding supporter of an arms embargo on Myanmar as well as targeted individual sanctions on those responsible for atrocities.

The EU Arms Embargo and 14 individual designations continue to apply in the UK for the duration of the transition period. We are looking to transfer existing EU Myanmar sanctions into UK law through the Sanctions Act in preparation for exiting the EU.

Fourteen members of Myanmar's military are listed under targeted EU sanctions. These sanctions which continue to apply in the UK for the duration of the Transition period, freeze all assets that these individuals may have in the EU, restrict trade and ban travel to the EU. The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) undertakes an annual review of frozen assets in the UK, requiring all persons or institutions that hold or control frozen assets in the UK to report to OFSI. Her Majesty's Government and OSFI do not disclose the value of frozen assets of individual listed persons. These targeted sanctions play an important role in underlining the UK's commitment to human rights, challenging impunity and deterring future violations and abuses. Myanmar is also subject to an EU Arms Embargo.

We continue to be concerned by government action against freedom of expression and Bangladesh remains a Human Rights Priority Country for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. We regularly engage with the Government of Bangladesh to address the full range of our human rights concerns, including freedom of expression. The Minister for South Asia stressed the importance of freedom of expression during a telephone call with Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shahriar Alam, on 18 May 2020. We have also made public statements urging the government to engage constructively with civil society and the media to ensure that legislation such as the Digital Security Act is implemented in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as the Constitution of Bangladesh. Our High Commissioner in Dhaka, alongside other local Ambassadors and High Commissioners, highlighted the global importance of access to information and freedom of expression in a tweet on 7 May 2020.

We continue to watch the Gambia's case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) closely. We understand that the report will only be provided to the Court and the parties at this stage rather than being made public. We have not yet made any formal representations, but we are clear that it is in the interests of transparency that Myanmar publishes its response to the ICJ. The Government of Myanmar should also set out a clear plan on how they will work to resolve the deep rooted issues in Rakhine State.

As of 10pm 12 May, more than 14,000 people have been repatriated from India on 60 flights. Between 12 and 15 May, an additional four flights are due to depart from Amritsar and one from Ahmedabad, servicing those locations with the highest numbers of British nationals remaining in the country. Seats on these flights are being allocated to British people who are on waiting lists. We are reserving as many seats as possible on the flights for vulnerable British nationals. Each registration portal has been open for a minimum of 5 days and widely promoted, allowing sufficient time for British nationals wishing to leave India as soon as possible to register their interest in a flight. After this phase of flights, we anticipate that the vast majority of British nationals remaining on the waiting list who can, and want to fly, will have returned to the UK. We are monitoring where there are British nationals still needing to return to the UK, and will reassess if there is need for further flights based on demand. Consular assistance is available for British nationals who remain in India and require support.

Helping British travellers who need and want to return to the UK is one of the Government's highest priorities. Since the outbreak in Wuhan, we estimate that over 1.3 million people have returned to the UK via commercial routes - the majority supported by our work to keep vital routes open. Additionally we have brought home over 31,700 people on 151 flights organised by the Foreign Office from 27 countries and territories.

India, Pakistan and Bangladesh are priorities for the UK Government and we have been working closely with both airlines and the governments of each of those countries to ensure British travellers can return home. We have worked with international allies to lobby authorities to keep commercial air routes open and work together to return travellers globally. In addition, as of 14 May we have arranged 62 charter flights from India and 21 from Pakistan which have repatriated more than 18,000 British travellers. 1,600 British travellers have been repatriated from Bangladesh. Our High Commissions are providing consular assistance to those who need it, including the most vulnerable, and are continuing to provide regular updates on social media. We encourage British travellers to subscribe to our travel service update. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

We estimate that the numbers of UK travellers in Afghanistan is very low. We advise UK travellers wishing to return to the UK from Afghanistan to keep checking our travel advice, local media, and to contact local travel agents and airlines for the most up to date information on the resumption of regular flight operations. On Saturday 16 May, Qatar Airways will operate a one-off commercial flight from Kabul to Doha. We are still working through future plans, identifying where needs are greatest, and where charter flights will have the greatest impact on vulnerable British nationals overseas. We will continue to provide consular support to British nationals who remain in Afghanistan and require assistance.

Commercial flights are still available to return to the UK from Thailand, with seats regularly available on flights from Bangkok to London. The Minister for Asia called the Thai Vice Foreign Minister on 24 April to press on UK priorities, including enabling British nationals to return to the UK.

There also remain commercial options to return to the UK from Vietnam. We strongly advise British travellers in Vietnam to return by commercial means. We continue to work closely with airlines and foreign governments to ensure as many British travellers as possible can return on commercial flights.

We are monitoring the extremely concerning reports of hundreds of Rohingya still at sea in the Bay of Bengal. We continue to engage with the Government of Bangladesh, other countries in the region, UN agencies and the international community to support the safety and well-being of all Rohingya refugees. The UK supports the UN's call for a regional effort to ensure the safety of these vulnerable refugees.

The Minister of State for South Asia, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, raised the issue of Rohingya refugees stranded at sea with the Bangladesh Foreign Minister on 27 April, and also with the Bangladesh High Commissioner in London. In addition, the British High Commission in Dhaka have raised this issue with the Government of Bangladesh. Officials from the British Embassy in Bangkok have discussed with the Thai Government the importance of the provision of humanitarian assistance to Rohingyas aboard vessels that enter Thai waters, including in the last week. Our High Commission in Kuala Lumpur continues to raise our concerns about the situation of the Rohingya community with the Malaysian Government. We continue to urge the Governments of Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia and other Governments in the region to assist boats carrying Rohingya refugees to land. The UK is committed to protecting the Rohingya community, some of the world's most vulnerable people.

We closely monitor events in Indonesia that involve the LGBT community through our Embassy in Jakarta, including the death of an Indonesia national called Mira. We understand suspects have been arrested and that the investigation is ongoing. The UK continues to advocate for minority rights, including lobbying to ensure that any changes to the Indonesian penal code do not discriminate against minority groups. The UK also held a workshop in December 2019 which supported media reporting on LGBT rights.

In March, the Government announced the unprecedented Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to help firms keep millions of people in employment. The scheme is open to any individual who was on an employer’s PAYE payroll on or before 19 March 2020 and for whom HMRC received an RTI submission notifying payment in respect of that employee on or before the 19 March 2020. Full guidance for employers and employees can be found at www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme and www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-could-be-covered-by-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme.

The facility is open to firms that can demonstrate they were in sound financial health prior to the shock, allowing the Government to look through temporary impacts on firms’ balance sheets and cash flows from the shock itself. If a firm believes it is the equivalent of investment grade, there are now two ways in which a firm can demonstrate this in order to be eligible for the CCFF:

• The company should speak to their bank, and if their bank’s advice is that the firm was viewed internally as investment grade as of 1st March, they should contact the Bank of England (CCFFeligibleissuers@bankofengland.co.uk). The BoE will then draw on a range of information, including banks’ internal ratings of a firm, to check whether the firm is equivalent to investment grade.

• The company or their bank can speak to the major credit ratings agencies to secure an assessment of credit quality in a form that can be shared with the BoE and HMT. Credit ratings agencies have been primed to process these assessments much more quickly than they normally take.

The CCFF is just one of a number of schemes; and the government has also launched the CBILS and CLBILs schemes, as well as making VAT deferral available, and protecting commercial leaseholders against automatic forfeiture for non-payment. Together the CBILS, CLBILS and CCFF ensure almost all viable UK businesses can apply for a government backed loan.

The Government has announced an unprecedented support package to help businesses through this challenging time.

For larger businesses, this includes the new Covid Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF), which will provide additional help for firms facing cash flow disruption, and the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme launched on Monday 20 April. For small and medium sized businesses (SMEs), the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) launched on 23 March which will help give lenders greater confidence to continue providing SMEs with finance through this uncertainty.

The Government welcomes the commitments made by the banking industry to support their customers’ finance needs, and will continue to work with the regulators and the industry to ensure the steps we have taken are effective in helping businesses through this period of uncertainty.

Any customer who is concerned about their current financial situation should get in touch with their lender at the earliest possible opportunity to discuss the best option for them.

All taxes are kept under review and the impact of a change to beer duty is considered at each fiscal event, including its effect on pubs, breweries and the wider economy.

Since April 2021, Her Majesty’s Passport Office has added over 850 additional staff to help meet the current unprecedented demand for passports.

A further 350 staff will be added across the summer, which delivers against both the capacity plan for the remainder of this year, and in preparation for 2023.

The information requested on the number of vacancies is not readily available in the format requested as a manual trawl would have to be conducted, which would infer disproportionate costs.

Since 1 May 2022 152 new staff have been appointed to be asylum decision makers, and 57 staff have left the role.

HM Passport Office staffing numbers have been increased over 1200 since April 2021.

HM Passport Office will continue to recruit to cover attrition, ensuring it remains fully resourced.

Visa holders who have paid the immigration health Surcharge (IHS) or who are exempt from payment, are able to access NHS care on broadly the same basis as UK nationals.

The exemptions to payment of the IHS are set out in the Immigration (Health Charge) Order 2015 and include vulnerable categories such as asylum seekers and victims of human trafficking. Migrants who have paid the IHS or are exempt from payment would be able to access maternity care without charge.

People without lawful status or who enter the UK for a period of less than six months are subject to charges for secondary NHS treatment. The decision on whether NHS treatment should be provided is for individual NHS trusts to make, however treatment deemed urgent or necessary such as maternity care is never withheld regardless of an individual’s ability to pay charges.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department talks regularly to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on a range of issues.

The Government takes reports of illegal and unsafe employment practices, including in the social care sector, incredibly seriously. The Government works closely with enforcement bodies, including the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA). Any information regarding allegations of Modern Slavery practices should be referred to the GLAA. In addition, the Government is guided by the Director of Labour Market Enforcement strategy, which includes an assessment of the scale and nature of non-compliance across all sectors, which enables the enforcement bodies to target their activity in areas of greatest concern.

Employers in the health and care sector are expected to adhere to the Department for Health and Social Care’s code of practice in their recruitment and support of overseas employees. This is in the process of being updated and will include stronger guidance on ensuring fairness in recruitment practices and setting out clear routes of escalation for anyone with concerns about exploitative recruitment or employment practices to ensure they can be fully investigated by the appropriate organisation.

The Home Office’s sponsor licence system also places clear and binding requirements and obligations on employers looking to recruit and manage overseas employees. Should an employer be found to be in breach of these requirements we will take action and can remove their ability to recruit from overseas.

As of the 8 July 2022, the Home Office has 906 asylum decision makers, of whom 756 have completed their foundation training. Of those, 337 who have completed their mentoring can be considered fully trained and effective.

We are recruiting up to an additional 950 decision makers as of 8 July 2022.

The Home Office publishes data on small boat arrivals in the quarterly migration statistics release on https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/irregular-migration-to-the-uk-year-ending-march-2022

The Government takes reports of illegal and unsafe employment practices, including in the social care sector, incredibly seriously. The Government works closely with enforcement bodies, including the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA). Any information regarding allegations of Modern Slavery practices should be referred to the GLAA. In addition, the Government is guided by the Director of Labour Market Enforcement strategy, which includes an assessment of the scale and nature of non-compliance across all sectors, which enables the enforcement bodies to target their activity in areas of greatest concern.

Employers in the health and care sector are expected to adhere to the Department for Health and Social Care’s code of practice in their recruitment and support of overseas employees. This is in the process of being updated and will include stronger guidance on ensuring fairness in recruitment practices and setting out clear routes of escalation for anyone with concerns about exploitative recruitment or employment practices to ensure they can be fully investigated by the appropriate organisation.

The Home Office’s sponsor licence system also places clear and binding requirements and obligations on employers looking to recruit and manage overseas employees. Should an employer be found to be in breach of these requirements we will take action and can remove their ability to recruit from overseas.

This information is not held in a reportable format and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

The Home Office has rolling recruitment campaigns to ensure the number of civil servants delivering the training and mentoring programme for new decision makers are maintained at appropriate levels.

Those civil servants who deliver training and mentoring are separate to those processing asylum cases and would not be expected to process asylum cases themselves.

The Government takes reports of illegal and unsafe employment practices, including in the social care sector, incredibly seriously. Enforcement bodies, including the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, will take full and robust enforcement action in such cases.

The direction for the three labour market enforcement bodies is set out by the Director of Labour Market Enforcement in her annual strategy. The strategy includes an assessment of the highest risk sectors, which enables the enforcement bodies to target their activity in areas of greatest concern. The Government is guided by the annual strategy and considers appropriate policy interventions for sectors identified at highest risk, such as expanding the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority’s licensing scheme to the care sector and will keep this under review. It is imperative that we have a strong evidence base in considering policies that will best protect vulnerable workers and drive-up standards. The Director of Labour Market Enforcement will continue to monitor sectors at risk.

Furthermore, the 2019 manifesto included a commitment for the Government to continue its campaigns to eradicate the scourge of modern slavery. We will continue our leadership in tackling modern slavery including labour exploitation.

Our priority will always be to keep our communities safe, and we make no apology for seeking to remove those with no right to remain in the UK.

Charter flight operations are an important means to remove individuals with no right to remain in the UK where there are limited scheduled routes. We manage the charter programme flexibly, balancing it with use of scheduled flights to best respond to operational needs. Costs for individual flights will vary based on a number of different factors and are regularly reviewed to ensure that best value for money is balanced against the need to remove those individuals with no right to remain in the UK.

The endless merry go round of late legal claims – which are often unfounded or without merit – can result in people being removed from flights at the last minute. However, our New Plan for Immigration will stop the abuse of the system and expedite the removal of those who have no right to be here.

The foundation training programme and mentoring framework for new Decision Makers (the Decision Maker Programme) is a 22-week programme.

Our newest Decision Makers are currently expected to complete training and mentoring by 24 November 2022, however we have an ongoing programme of training. We continue working towards our target of 1,000 decision makers.

The Home Office already publishes data on the number of asylum claims being processed and concluded. This information can be found at Asy_04 and Asy_02a of the published Immigration Statistics: List of tables - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The foundation training programme and mentoring framework for new Decision Makers (the Decision Maker Programme) is a 22-week programme.

Our newest Decision Makers are currently expected to complete training and mentoring by 24 November 2022, however we have an ongoing programme of training. We continue working towards our target of 1,000 decision makers.

The Home Office already publishes data on the number of asylum claims being processed and concluded. This information can be found at Asy_04 and Asy_02a of the published Immigration Statistics: List of tables - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

A bilateral arrangement was reached between the UK and France in July 2021 in which the UK pledged to make a financial investment of approximately £54 million (€62.7 million) in the Financial Year 2021/22. Further details can be found on the GOV.UK website here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-france-joint-statement-next-phase-of-tackling-illegal-migration.

This funding was spread across four key thematic areas (law enforcement resource for onshore patrols; technology to detect and prevent crossing attempts; security infrastructure to reduce the opportunity for irregular migration from Northern France; and improving the access of migrants in Northern France to support from the French system). The funding pledged by the UK was used by France in line with the agreement. It is assessed that the investment directly contributed to France maintaining a prevention rate of nearly 50% of all crossing attempts, despite the overall number of attempts more than doubling in 2021. A significant proportion of the capabilities put in place as a result of the funding continue to actively prevent crossings.

The UK remains committed to continuing to address illegal migration with France via this enduring relationship and will continue to keep the impact of our investments with France under review to ensure we are responding to this ongoing issue.

Costs are subject to change depending on numbers being accommodated within the asylum system. Accommodation costs are considered to be commercially confidential, therefore the Home Office does not publish this information. However, total expenditure on asylum is published in the Home Office Annual Report and Accounts, available at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/ho-annual-reports-and-accounts

The recent inspection by the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration found accommodation providers were providing services broadly in line with their requirements. When visiting accommodation sites, ICIBI inspectors noted menus on display at the sites appeared to be well balanced and showed that food options were rotated to create variety. They also found that all the properties were required to supply meals provided the required number.

All providers work to ensure all meals meet the NHS Eat-Well standards of nutrition (The Eatwell Guide - NHS (www.nhs.uk))

The Home Office publishes data on asylum in the ‘Immigration Statistics Quarterly Release’. Data on the outcomes of asylum applications at initial decision are published in table Asy_D02 of the ‘asylum and resettlement detailed datasets’. Information on how to use the datasets can be found in the ‘Notes’ page of the workbook. The latest data relates to the end of March 2022.

Information on future Home Office statistical release dates can be found in the ‘Research and statistics calendar’.

The Home Office are unable to report how many asylum decisions have been made each week since 1 April 2022 as this is not published information.

However, the Home Office publishes data on asylum in the ‘Immigration Statistics Quarterly Release’. Data on outcomes of asylum applications at initial decision can be found in table Asy_D02 of the ‘asylum and resettlement detailed datasets’. Information on how to use the dataset can be found in the ‘Notes’ page of the workbook. The latest data relate to the year ending March 2022. Data for April 2022 will be published on 25 August 2022. Information on future Home Office statistical release dates can be found in the ‘Research and statistics calendar.

Asylum Operations currently have c.820 asylum decision makers employed in their department to process asylum cases. However, some are completing their foundation training programme and mentoring period. We anticipate a further increase in the number of decisions per week once their training is complete. Recruitment is continuing to increase the number of Asylum Decision Makers in post to 1,000.

The Home Office are unable to report how many asylum decisions have been made each week since 1 April 2022 as this is not published information.

However, the Home Office publishes data on asylum in the ‘Immigration Statistics Quarterly Release’. Data on outcomes of asylum applications at initial decision can be found in table Asy_D02 of the ‘asylum and resettlement detailed datasets’. Information on how to use the dataset can be found in the ‘Notes’ page of the workbook. The latest data relate to the year ending March 2022. Data for April 2022 will be published on 25 August 2022. Information on future Home Office statistical release dates can be found in the ‘Research and statistics calendar.

Asylum Operations currently have c.820 asylum decision makers employed in their department to process asylum cases. However, some are completing their foundation training programme and mentoring period. We anticipate a further increase in the number of decisions per week once their training is complete. Recruitment is continuing to increase the number of Asylum Decision Makers in post to 1,000.

The review of visas issued under the Tier 1 (Investor) route between 2008 and 2015 is being finalised and we will publish it in the near future.

Senior Officials regularly meet with senior management of TNT and provide Ministerial feedback regarding supplier performance as part of their regular engagement.

Unaccompanied minors are only eligible under the Homes for Ukraine scheme if they are reuniting with a parent or legal guardian in the UK – this is outlined in the Immigration Rules.

Under 18s are eligible to apply under the Ukraine Family scheme to join an immediate family member. To ensure the welfare and safety of minors, details of accompanying adults will need to be provided along with parental consent for the minor to travel without their parent(s). This is outlined in the Immigration Rules.

Data on the number of people issued under the Ukraine Family Scheme and Homes for Ukraine can be found on the GOV.UK webpage: Ukraine Family Scheme and Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine) visa data - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The Department for Levelling Up Housing & Communities are responsible for sponsorship and so should be able to provide further advice.

Asylum Operations currently have c.820 asylum decision working on processing asylum applications, with some completing their foundation training programme and completing their mentoring period. We anticipate a further increase in the number of decisions per week once their training is complete. We are also continuing to recruit additional decision makers.

The department is also investing in a programme of transformation and business improvement initiatives that will speed up and simplify decision making, reduce the time people spend in the asylum system and decrease the number of people who are awaiting an interview or decision.

The department also have extensive recruitment and training plans in place, including career progression options to aid the retention of staff.

The table below shows the annual average full-time equivalents (FTE) employed by Teleperformance to resource the Passport Adviceline and related services:

Senior officials in Her Majesty’s Passport Office meet routinely with Ministers to discuss a range of matters relating to passport policy and performance.

Her Majesty’s Passport Office has been clear of its performance requirements of suppliers ahead of the unprecedented 9.5 million passport applications that are expected in 2022.

Teleperformance, who operate the Passport Adviceline, have not been meeting the required standard, and Ministerial feedback has been shared with them by senior officials as part of the regular supplier engagement. As part of their response, by mid-June Teleperformance will have added a further 500 call agents compared to their position in mid-April.

To qualify for the Homes for Ukraine scheme the customer must be outside of the United Kingdom, therefore a customer cannot switch from Ukrainian Family scheme to the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Information on an applicants’ eligibility for the sponsorship route can be found here: Apply for a visa under the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The Migration and Economic Development Partnership intends to deter dangerous journeys and illegal entry to the UK, break the business model of people smugglers and protect the lives of those they endanger.

The use of charter flights is a standard part of Immigration Enforcement activity; we work with an independent commercial broker to ensure we get best value for money. Every week the Home Office removes to different countries people who have no right to be in the UK. During the COVID-19 pandemic we have continued to deport foreign national offenders and return other immigration offenders where flight routes have been available to us, both on scheduled and charter flights.

The Government’s efforts to facilitate entirely legitimate and legal returns of people who have entered the UK illegally are too often frustrated by late challenges submitted hours before the flight. These claims are very often baseless and entirely without merit, but are given full legal consideration which can lead to removal being rescheduled.

The table below shows the number of staff in post in Her Majesty's Passport Office on the 1^st April of each year.

Year - Number (FTE)

2022 - 4,417

2021 - 3,656

2020 - 3,914

2019 - 3,678

We have already outlined our ambitions to develop a border and immigration system which is “digital by default”, which means we will increasingly replace physical and paper-based products and services with accessible, easy to use online and digital services.

Our ambition is to have physical documents replaced by eVisas (whereby individuals have access to online evidence of their immigration status information) by the end of 2024. This change is being rolled out incrementally and we will continue to take into consideration the characteristics of each cohort as we do so, to ensure no one is left behind as we move to a digital system.

The latest published Immigration Statistics detail the number of asylum seekers accommodated in each local authority area. These statistics can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/asylum-and-resettlement-datasets#asylum-support(opens in a new tab) Data is published on a quarterly basis, with the latest information published 24 February 2022.

The next quarterly figures are due to be released in May 2022. The Home Office does not publish a breakdown of these statistics which disaggregates the number of asylum seekers accommodated in a specific type of accommodation or break downs in gender and age. These figures are not available in a reportable format and to provide the information could only be done at disproportionate cost.

The latest published Immigration Statistics detail the number of asylum seekers accommodated in each local authority area. These statistics can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/asylum-and-resettlement-datasets#asylum-support(opens in a new tab) Data is published on a quarterly basis, with the latest information published 24 February 2022.

The next quarterly figures are due to be released in May 2022. The Home Office does not publish a breakdown of these statistics which disaggregates the number of asylum seekers accommodated in a specific type of accommodation or break downs in gender and age. These figures are not available in a reportable format and to provide the information could only be done at disproportionate cost.

The latest published Immigration Statistics detail the number of asylum seekers accommodated in each local authority area. These statistics can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/asylum-and-resettlement-datasets#asylum-support(opens in a new tab) Data is published on a quarterly basis, with the latest information published 24 February 2022.

The next quarterly figures are due to be released in May 2022. The Home Office does not publish a breakdown of these statistics which disaggregates the number of asylum seekers accommodated in a specific type of accommodation or break downs in gender and age. These figures are not available in a reportable format and to provide the information could only be done at disproportionate cost.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

We expect all suppliers operating on behalf of the Home Office to behave with professionalism and in line with the high standards outlined in the published operating standards, Detention Services Orders and service delivery contracts.

The Home Office take all reports of sexual exploitation extremely seriously and accordingly have been engaged with Mitie Care & Custody to ensure a thorough investigation of the allegations with contemporaneous updates.

At present, the investigation into these claims has found no evidence of the alleged behaviour. We have instructed Mitie to provide us with a full account of their investigation as soon as it is formally concluded.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

We do not routinely comment on individual cases.

As of 19^th April, a total of 10 sanctioned Russian nationals have previously held at least one grant of Tier 1 (investor) leave, of these 7 either obtained an initial grant of leave or obtained further leave via the route after 2014.

We do not routinely comment on individual cases.

As of 19^th April, a total of 10 sanctioned Russian nationals have previously held at least one grant of Tier 1 (investor) leave, of these 7 either obtained an initial grant of leave or obtained further leave via the route after 2014.

The latest published Immigration Statistics detail the number of asylum seekers accommodated in each local authority area. These statistics can be found at Asylum and resettlement datasets - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Data is published on a quarterly basis, with the latest information published 24 February 2022. The next quarterly figures are due to be released in May 2022. The Home Office does not publish a breakdown these statistics which disaggregates the number of asylum seekers accommodated in specific accommodation. These figures are not available in a reportable format and to provide the information could only be done at disproportionate cost.

The latest published Immigration Statistics detail the number of asylum seekers accommodated in each local authority area. These statistics can be found at Asylum and resettlement datasets - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Data is published on a quarterly basis, with the latest information published 24 February 2022. The next quarterly figures are due to be released in May 2022. The Home Office does not publish a breakdown these statistics which disaggregates the number of asylum seekers accommodated in specific accommodation. These figures are not available in a reportable format and to provide the information could only be done at disproportionate cost.

Information on the number of visas granted under the Ukraine Family Scheme and Homes for Ukraine Scheme can be found in our published data on the GOV.UK webpage: Ukraine Schemes: application data - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Information requested that is not contained within this published data is not routinely captured. To capture numbers would require a manual trawl of data and to do so would incur disproportionate cost

We have received thousands of applications submitted to one of the fastest and largest visa programmes in UK history.

We are processing applications as quickly as possible and extra caseworkers have been brought in to meet demand. The Home Office is continually making efforts to simplify the application process for Ukrainian refugees, and keeps this under regular review.

Information on the number of visas granted under the Ukraine Family Scheme and Homes for Ukraine Scheme can be found in our published data on the GOV.UK webpage: Ukraine Schemes: application data - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Information requested that is not contained within this published data is not routinely captured. To capture numbers would require a manual trawl of data and to do so would incur disproportionate cost

We have received thousands of applications submitted to one of the fastest and largest visa programmes in UK history.

We are processing applications as quickly as possible and extra caseworkers have been brought in to meet demand. The Home Office is continually making efforts to simplify the application process for Ukrainian refugees, and keeps this under regular review.

Information on the number of visas granted under the Ukraine Family Scheme and Homes for Ukraine Scheme can be found in our published data on the GOV.UK webpage: Ukraine Schemes: application data - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Information requested that is not contained within this published data is not routinely captured. To capture numbers would require a manual trawl of data and to do so would incur disproportionate cost

We have received thousands of applications submitted to one of the fastest and largest visa programmes in UK history.

We are processing applications as quickly as possible and extra caseworkers have been brought in to meet demand. The Home Office is continually making efforts to simplify the application process for Ukrainian refugees, and keeps this under regular review.

Information on the number of visas granted under the Ukraine Family Scheme and Homes for Ukraine Scheme can be found in our published data on the GOV.UK webpage: Ukraine Schemes: application data - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Information requested that is not contained within this published data is not routinely captured. To capture numbers would require a manual trawl of data and to do so would incur disproportionate cost

We have received thousands of applications submitted to one of the fastest and largest visa programmes in UK history.

We are processing applications as quickly as possible and extra caseworkers have been brought in to meet demand. The Home Office is continually making efforts to simplify the application process for Ukrainian refugees, and keeps this under regular review.

Information on the number of visas granted under the Ukraine Family Scheme and Homes for Ukraine Scheme can be found in our published data on the GOV.UK webpage: Ukraine Schemes: application data - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Information requested that is not contained within this published data is not routinely captured. To capture numbers would require a manual trawl of data and to do so would incur disproportionate cost

We have received thousands of applications submitted to one of the fastest and largest visa programmes in UK history.

We are processing applications as quickly as possible and extra caseworkers have been brought in to meet demand. The Home Office is continually making efforts to simplify the application process for Ukrainian refugees, and keeps this under regular review.

Following the announcement of the Independent Review of Border Force on 17^th February 2022, the terms of reference were published on 11^th March 2022 and can be found on gov.uk:

Independent review of Border Force: terms of reference - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

We are committed to ensuring our operational teams have the resources they need to run an efficient and effective system. We actively monitor workflows to ensure sufficient resources are in place to meet demand, including from pressures relating to Ukraine.

We are committed to ensuring our operational teams have the resources they need to run an efficient and effective system. We actively monitor workflows to ensure sufficient resources are in place to meet demand, including from pressures relating to Ukraine.

We are committed to ensuring our operational teams have the resources they need to run an efficient and effective system, and we actively monitor workflows to ensure sufficient resources are in place to meet demand, including from pressures relating to Ukraine.

The Home Office and the commercial provider operating our Visa Application Centres have surged staff across Europe to meet demand, where we can offer over 13,000 appointments to visa applicants. UKVI staff in the UK are working seven days a week to process applications.

We are committed to ensuring our operational teams have the resources they need to run an efficient and effective system. We actively monitor workflows to ensure sufficient resources are in place to meet demand, including from pressures relating to Ukraine.

The Home Office and the commercial provider operating our Visa Application Centres have surged staff across Europe to meet demand, where we can offer over 13,000 appointments to visa applicants, and UKVI staff in the UK are working seven days a week to process applications.

We are committed to ensuring our operational teams have the resources they need to run an efficient and effective system. We actively monitor workflows to ensure sufficient resources are in place to meet demand, including from pressures relating to Ukraine.

The Home Office and the commercial provider operating our Visa Application Centres have surged staff across Europe to meet demand, where we can offer over 13,000 appointments to visa applicants, and UKVI staff in the UK are working seven days a week to process applications.

We are committed to ensuring our operational teams have the resources they need to run an efficient and effective system, and we actively monitor workflows to ensure sufficient resources are in place to meet demand, including from pressures relating to Ukraine.

Potential use of the route is difficult to estimate. A broad estimate of potential sponsors can be made, taking Ukrainian nationals with settlement or holding status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) and Ukrainians granted British citizenship as groups most likely to have familial links with Ukraine. Estimates are based on internal analysis. Data on these groups can be found in published statistics:

Table_Se_D01 of https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1055252/settlement-datasets-dec-2021.xlsx

Table EUSS_NON_EEA_02 of
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/eu-settlement-scheme-quarterly-statistics-december-2021

Ukrainian nationals at Table Cit_D02 of https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1055257/citizenship-datasets-dec-2021.xlsx.

Potential use of the route is difficult to estimate. A broad estimate of potential sponsors can be made, taking Ukrainian nationals with settlement or holding status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) and Ukrainians granted British citizenship as groups most likely to have familial links with Ukraine. Estimates are based on internal analysis. Data on these groups can be found in published statistics:

Table_Se_D01 of https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1055252/settlement-datasets-dec-2021.xlsx

Table EUSS_NON_EEA_02 of
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/eu-settlement-scheme-quarterly-statistics-december-2021

Ukrainian nationals at Table Cit_D02 of https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1055257/citizenship-datasets-dec-2021.xlsx.

Potential use of the route is difficult to estimate. A broad estimate of potential sponsors can be made, taking Ukrainian nationals with settlement or holding status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) and Ukrainians granted British citizenship as groups most likely to have familial links with Ukraine. Estimates are based on internal analysis. Data on these groups can be found in published statistics:

Table_Se_D01 of https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1055252/settlement-datasets-dec-2021.xlsx

Table EUSS_NON_EEA_02 of
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/eu-settlement-scheme-quarterly-statistics-december-2021

Ukrainian nationals at Table Cit_D02 of https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1055257/citizenship-datasets-dec-2021.xlsx.

Potential use of the route is difficult to estimate. A broad estimate of potential sponsors can be made, taking Ukrainian nationals with settlement or holding status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) and Ukrainians granted British citizenship as groups most likely to have familial links with Ukraine. Estimates are based on internal analysis. Data on these groups can be found in published statistics:

Table_Se_D01 of https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1055252/settlement-datasets-dec-2021.xlsx

Table EUSS_NON_EEA_02 of
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/eu-settlement-scheme-quarterly-statistics-december-2021

Ukrainian nationals at Table Cit_D02 of https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1055257/citizenship-datasets-dec-2021.xlsx.

Potential use of the route is difficult to estimate. A broad estimate of potential sponsors can be made, taking Ukrainian nationals with settlement or holding status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) and Ukrainians granted British citizenship as groups most likely to have familial links with Ukraine. Estimates are based on internal analysis. Data on these groups can be found in published statistics:

Table_Se_D01 of https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1055252/settlement-datasets-dec-2021.xlsx

Table EUSS_NON_EEA_02 of
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/eu-settlement-scheme-quarterly-statistics-december-2021

Ukrainian nationals at Table Cit_D02 of https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1055257/citizenship-datasets-dec-2021.xlsx.

Potential use of the route is difficult to estimate. A broad estimate of potential sponsors can be made, taking Ukrainian nationals with settlement or holding status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) and Ukrainians granted British citizenship as groups most likely to have familial links with Ukraine. Estimates are based on internal analysis. Data on these groups can be found in published statistics:

Table_Se_D01 of https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1055252/settlement-datasets-dec-2021.xlsx

Table EUSS_NON_EEA_02 of
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/eu-settlement-scheme-quarterly-statistics-december-2021

Ukrainian nationals at Table Cit_D02 of https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1055257/citizenship-datasets-dec-2021.xlsx.

The Home Office does not comment on individual cases.

The UK has a proud record of providing protection for people who need it, in accordance with our obligations under the Refugee Convention and the European Convention on Human Rights.

We are already doubling the number of decision makers in asylum and working to streamline our processes. These will be of benefit if increased numbers of Ukrainians claim asylum within the UK.

The Home Office has also agreed a range of temporary concessions to support Ukrainian nationals currently in the UK who are now unable to return when their existing visa expires. These concessions will assist Ukrainian nationals in extending their stay in the UK without having to leave and re-apply from overseas or enter the asylum system.

Individuals in the UK who are unable to return to Ukraine may be eligible to switch visa routes, even if the visa type typically does not allow this.

Further information can be found on GOV.UK page: Support for family members of British nationals in Ukraine, and Ukrainian nationals in Ukraine and the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

We expect all suppliers operating on behalf of the Home Office to treat detained individuals with decency and respect, behaving in line with the high standards outlined in the Detention Centre Rules, published operating standards and service delivery contracts.

The Government has made clear that the behaviour displayed by a small number of Mitie Care & Custody staff was utterly unacceptable, and Mitie Care & Custody and the Home Office have responded swiftly and robustly to these allegations.

Mitie Care & Custody have commenced an investigation and have suspended those about whom complaints have been made, pending the investigation outcome. In parallel, the Home Office has commissioned the Home Office Professional Standards Unit to investigate the allegations relating to the behaviour and conduct of Mitie staff.

This information can only be provided at disproportionate cost.

We evacuated over 15,000 people in Operation Pitting and a further 1,500 since then. There are currently over 12,000 individuals from Afghanistan in bridging hotels.

This cohort is made up of British and Afghan Nationals who may be eligible for Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) or Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS).

To date we have successfully moved over 4,000 people into permanent accommodation and are working at pace with our Local Authority partners to secure permanent accommodation for those still in temporary accommodation. We urge all Hon Members to speak to their LA and offer any further accommodation for resettlement of Afghans.

The Home Office regularly monitors the number of individuals in this accommodation however at present there are no plans to publish month by month figures while we continue to evacuate from the region.

The Government is determined to prevent further loss of life in the Channel and break the business model of dangerous criminal people smugglers.

The UK armed forces already work closely with Border Force in these operations, given their expertise and experience in maritime operations.

This is a complex global issue requiring a response across the whole of government, and it is right that we pursue all options to prevent illegal crossings and protect life at sea.

The Government’s New Plan for Immigration will help deter illegal migration and break the business model of the criminal gangs.

The Home Office are unable to state how many applications for asylum from Chinese nationals of the Uyghur minority were received, granted or rejected since 1 January 2017, or how many Uyghur minority people are resident in the UK having been granted asylum as this as the data is only held on paper case files or within the notes sections of the Home Office's databases. Therefore, the information requested is not held in a reportable format.

However, the Home Office publishes information on asylum applications and resettlement in the Immigration statistics quarterly release. Data on asylum applicants being refused any form of leave and then subsequently being returned to either their home country or a safe third country are published in table Asy_D04 of the asylum and resettlement detailed datasets; available breakdowns include year of application and nationality.

The latest data relates to 2020 and can be found at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/asylum-and-resettlement-datasets

The Home Office are unable to state how many applications for asylum from Chinese nationals of the Uyghur minority were received, granted or rejected since 1 January 2017, or how many Uyghur minority people are resident in the UK having been granted asylum as this as the data is only held on paper case files or within the notes sections of the Home Office's databases. Therefore, the information requested is not held in a reportable format.

However, the Home Office publishes information on asylum applications and resettlement in the Immigration statistics quarterly release. Data on asylum applicants being refused any form of leave and then subsequently being returned to either their home country or a safe third country are published in table Asy_D04 of the asylum and resettlement detailed datasets; available breakdowns include year of application and nationality.

The latest data relates to 2020 and can be found at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/asylum-and-resettlement-datasets

We can confirm that there have been no extraditions from the UK to Hong Kong since January 2017.

As a matter of long-standing policy and practice, we do not disclose whether an extradition request has been made or received until such time as a person is arrested in relation to the request. Therefore, we cannot provide the number of extradition requests made by Hong Kong to the UK since January 2017.

We can confirm that there have been no extraditions from the UK to Hong Kong since January 2017.

As a matter of long-standing policy and practice, we do not disclose whether an extradition request has been made or received until such time as a person is arrested in relation to the request. Therefore, we cannot provide the number of extradition requests made by Hong Kong to the UK since January 2017.

The Home Office does not hold these statistics, but is aware of reports of members of the Uyghur diaspora - including in the UK - being harassed by the Chinese authorities in an effort to intimidate them into silence, force them to return to China, or co-opt them into providing information on other Uyghurs. HMG takes a zero-tolerance approach to harassment of individuals based on ethnicity. We will continue to work closely with our international allies to protect Uyghurs and other minorities resident in the UK, and we urge anyone affected in the UK to contact the police.

Through the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS), the UK will relocate up to 20,000 people at risk. It will prioritise those who have stood up for values such as democracy and women’s rights in Afghanistan, as well as vulnerable groups, including ethnic and religious minorities such as the Hazara people.

The first to be resettled through this scheme will be those who arrived in the UK under the evacuation programme, which included individuals who were considered to be at particular risk – including women’s rights activists, prosecutors and journalists. We will work with international organisations such as UNHCR to identify others eligible to come here under ACRS.

We are working urgently to stand up the remaining elements of the scheme, amid the complex and changing picture. We are working closely across government and with NGOs, charities, local authorities and civil society groups to ensure support is provided to people who are resettled through this route.

Further information on the eligibility, prioritisation and referral of people for the ACRS is set out in the policy statement published on gov.uk on 13 September, available at www.gov.uk/government/publications/afghanistan-resettlement-and-immigration-policy-statement.

Through the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS), the UK will relocate up to 20,000 people at risk. It will prioritise those who have stood up for values such as democracy and women’s rights in Afghanistan, as well as vulnerable people including ethnic and religious minorities such as Uyghurs.

The first to be resettled through this scheme will be those who arrived in the UK under the evacuation programme, which included individuals who were considered to be at particular risk – including women’s rights activists, prosecutors and journalists.

We are working urgently to stand up the remaining elements of the scheme, amid the complex and changing picture. We are working closely across government and with NGOs, charities, local authorities and civil society groups to ensure support is provided to people who are resettled through this route.

Further information on the eligibility, prioritisation and referral of people for the ACRS is set out in the policy statement published on gov.uk on 13 September, available at www.gov.uk/government/publications/afghanistan-resettlement-and-immigration-policy-statement.

Home Office Migration Statistics do not capture the number Afghan interpreters whose families went on to submit applications under Family Reunion, or how many family members of interpreters remain in Afghanistan.

To capture numbers would require a manual trawl of data and to do so would incur disproportionate cost.

The Government does not comment on intelligence matters, including whether an organisation is or is not under consideration for proscription.

The Government keeps the list of proscribed organisations under review.

The Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Center (PICACC) is a model for an enhanced global response against online sexual exploitation of children, and an example of cooperation among local and international law enforcement partners including the National Crime Agency. The Centre has provided international law enforcement agencies with the information needed to build cases against both local traffickers and foreign perpetrators.

Since its formation in February 2019 the PICACC ran 61 operations; rescued 202 victims and children-at-risk of sexual abuse and exploitation; arrested 55 suspected CSAE local traffickers; and convicted 4 traffickers

The PICACC has enabled member agencies to better understand the legal framework from numerous jurisdictions all around the world, allowing them to strengthen their ability to combat both the demand and supply side of child sexual abuse and exploitation.

Protecting those at risk from abuse and exploitation is a priority for this Government, and the Government continues to develop our understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on child sexual abuse, gathering input from law enforcement, safeguarding leads, charities, international partners and other colleagues. We are acutely aware that for some children and young people, the Coronavirus pandemic may have brought with it additional risks and dangers, as well as reducing contact with professionals and trusted adults. This Government is committed to doing everything we can to support and protect those at risk of harm both at home and abroad.

The Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Center (PICACC) is a model for an enhanced global response against online sexual exploitation of children, and an example of cooperation among local and international law enforcement partners including the National Crime Agency. The Centre has provided international law enforcement agencies with the information needed to build cases against both local traffickers and foreign perpetrators.

Since its formation in February 2019 the PICACC ran 61 operations; rescued 202 victims and children-at-risk of sexual abuse and exploitation; arrested 55 suspected CSAE local traffickers; and convicted 4 traffickers

The PICACC has enabled member agencies to better understand the legal framework from numerous jurisdictions all around the world, allowing them to strengthen their ability to combat both the demand and supply side of child sexual abuse and exploitation.

Protecting those at risk from abuse and exploitation is a priority for this Government, and the Government continues to develop our understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on child sexual abuse, gathering input from law enforcement, safeguarding leads, charities, international partners and other colleagues. We are acutely aware that for some children and young people, the Coronavirus pandemic may have brought with it additional risks and dangers, as well as reducing contact with professionals and trusted adults. This Government is committed to doing everything we can to support and protect those at risk of harm both at home and abroad.

As announced by the Foreign Secretary on 1st July, a new bespoke immigration route will allow BN(O)s to apply to come to the UK without the current 6 month limit, granting them 5 years limited leave to remain, with the ability to live and work in the UK without salary thresholds, after which they may apply for settled status and a year later citizenship. This is a special bespoke set of arrangements, developed for the unique circumstances we face and in light of our historic commitment to the people of Hong Kong.

The new route will be implemented in the coming months, with further details to be announced in due course on the simple, streamlined application process which will have no quota on numbers

As announced by the Foreign Secretary on 1st July, a new bespoke immigration route will allow BN(O)s to apply to come to the UK without the current 6 month limit, granting them 5 years limited leave to remain, with the ability to live and work in the UK without salary thresholds, after which they may apply for settled status and a year later citizenship. This is a special bespoke set of arrangements, developed for the unique circumstances we face and in light of our historic commitment to the people of Hong Kong.

The new route will be implemented in the coming months, with further details to be announced in due course on the simple, streamlined application process which will have no quota on numbers

As announced by the Foreign Secretary on 1st July, a new bespoke immigration route will allow BN(O)s to apply to come to the UK without the current 6 month limit, granting them 5 years limited leave to remain, with the ability to live and work in the UK without salary thresholds, after which they may apply for settled status and a year later citizenship. This is a special bespoke set of arrangements, developed for the unique circumstances we face and in light of our historic commitment to the people of Hong Kong.

The new route will be implemented in the coming months, with further details to be announced in due course on the simple, streamlined application process which will have no quota on numbers

The UK will continue to defend the rights & freedoms of the people of Hong Kong. Should China push ahead and impose national security legislation on Hong Kong then we will provide a generous offer to BN(O)s of a bespoke immigration route providing unrestricted access to work and study with a pathway to apply for citizenship.

We are working closely with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and domestic departments on the offer to British Nationals (Overseas) and will set out more detail in due course.

The UK will continue to defend the rights & freedoms of the people of Hong Kong. Should China push ahead and impose national security legislation on Hong Kong then we will provide a generous offer to BN(O)s of a bespoke immigration route providing unrestricted access to work and study with a pathway to apply for citizenship.

We are working closely with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and domestic departments on the offer to British Nationals (Overseas) and will set out more detail in due course.

The UK will continue to defend the rights & freedoms of the people of Hong Kong. Should China push ahead and impose national security legislation on Hong Kong then we will provide a generous offer to BN(O)s of a bespoke immigration route providing unrestricted access to work and study with a pathway to apply for citizenship.

We are working closely with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and domestic departments on the offer to British Nationals (Overseas) and will set out more detail in due course.

The UK will continue to defend the rights & freedoms of the people of Hong Kong. Should China push ahead and impose national security legislation on Hong Kong then we will provide a generous offer to BN(O)s of a bespoke immigration route providing unrestricted access to work and study with a pathway to apply for citizenship.

We are working closely with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and domestic departments on the offer to British Nationals (Overseas) and will set out more detail in due course.

This is an operational policing issue and the information is not held by the Home Office.

As at 17 January 2022, Defence is providing the following support to ambulance services through the Military Aid to the Civil Authorities (MACA) system:

• England:

• North West - 170 Service personnel.
• South Central - 32 Service personnel.
• East Midlands - 134 Service personnel.
• Yorkshire - 112 Service personnel.

• Scotland - 96 Service personnel.
• Wales - 313 Service personnel.

The official statistics for Sexual Offences in the Service Justice System will be published on 31 March 2022. This year, the statistics will include the offences of murder and manslaughter, and from 2023 will include information about domestic abuse and child sexual abuse.

The UK Government has a longstanding relationship with Ukraine, providing support and advice in many areas, including security assistance and defence reform. Since 2015, the UK has helped to build the resilience and defensive capabilities of the Ukrainian armed forces through Operation ORBITAL.

The UK regularly engages with the Ukrainian Government to support the implementation of their cyber strategy in addition to close political cooperation and programme support.

We regularly review and update our Overseas Security and Justice Assistance (OSJA) guidance to ensure that UK assistance and defence engagement is in line with our values and is consistent with our domestic and international human rights obligations.

OSJAs are sensitive documents and disclosure could prejudice the UK's relations with foreign states. If OSJA assessments were to be put in the public domain we would lose the freedom to be completely candid in the assessment, undermining its purpose. OSJA assessments may also draw on material not publicly available that has been provided to the UK "in confidence" and disclosure could affect provision of such information in the future.

We regularly review and update our Overseas Security and Justice Assistance (OSJA) guidance to ensure that UK assistance and defence engagement is in line with our values and is consistent with our domestic and international human rights obligations.

OSJAs are sensitive documents and disclosure could prejudice the UK's relations with foreign states. If OSJA assessments were to be put in the public domain we would lose the freedom to be completely candid in the assessment, undermining its purpose. OSJA assessments may also draw on material not publicly available that has been provided to the UK "in confidence" and disclosure could affect provision of such information in the future.

None of the Department’s estates infrastructure is reliant on private wire networks.

My department is fully aware of the potential sensitivities with regards to Hong Kong, and will undertake robust due diligence procedures before awarding funding to any organisation through the Hong Kong UK Welcome Programme. This includes assessing the appropriateness and suitability of potential grant recipients, and their ability to deliver the support required.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund will help to level up and create opportunity across the UK in places most in need, such as ex-industrial areas, deprived towns and rural and coastal communities, and for people who face labour market barriers. We are working to ensure that there is a seamless transition from current EU structural funds to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The November 2020 Spending Review set out the main strategic elements of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in the Heads of Terms. We will ramp up funding so that total domestic UK-wide funding will at least match EU receipts reaching around £1.5 billion a year. In addition, the UK Government is providing additional funding in 2021/22 through the UK Community Renewal Fund to help local areas prepare for the launch of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The UK has a strong historic relationship with the people of Hong Kong. This Government is proudly honouring its promise to uphold the freedoms of BN(O) status holders, allowing them to build a new life for them and their family here.

Departments across Government are working together closely to ensure that all necessary support and guidance is provided for all BN(O) status holders who take advantage of our generous offer and come and live, work and study in the UK. Further details will be set out in due course.

We will set out further details on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund following the Spending Review.

In the meantime, we will continue to work closely with interested parties whilst developing the fund.

We are working to ensure that there is a seamless transition from current EU structural funds to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, as EU Structural Fund investment phases out over the coming years.

Now we have left?the European Union, we will create the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the domestic?successor to EU structural funds.?Through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the Government can cut out bureaucracy and create a fund which invests in UK priorities and is easier for local areas to access.?The Government?recognises the importance of this funding for?communities across the United Kingdom and we want to ensure there is a smooth transition as we replace EU structural funds with their domestic successor.?Final decisions on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund will be taken?after?the upcoming Spending Review.?Further details on the fund will be announced in due course.

The 2019 Conservative Manifesto committed to creating a UK Shared Prosperity Fund that tackles inequality and deprivation in each of our four nations, whilst at a minimum matching the size of European structural funds in each nation. The Government has been working closely with interested parties across the UK whilst developing the fund. Final decisions on the quantum of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund will be made at the cross-government Spending Review.

The 2019 Conservative manifesto commits to creating the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a programme of investment to bind together the whole of the United Kingdom, tackling inequality and deprivation in each of our four nations. Government officials have held engagement events with external stakeholders from a variety of sectors across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We are also working to ensure that there is a seamless transition from current EU structural funding arrangements to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, as EU Structural Fund investment tails off over the coming years. Final decisions about the delivery of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund will be taken after a cross-government Spending Review.

The Government has committed to create the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as the successor to EU structural funds. The fund will bind together the whole of the United Kingdom, tackling inequality and deprivation in each of our four nations.

The Government recognises the importance of reassuring local areas on the future of local growth funding and of providing clarity on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Government officials have been working closely with interested parties and will continue to do so as we develop the fund. Officials have held 26 engagement events in total, including 25 across the UK and one in Gibraltar. These were attended by over five hundred representatives from a breadth of sectors and designed to aid the development of the fund.

We will publish a Devolution White Paper setting out our strategy to unleash the potential of our regions, which will include plans for spending and local growth funding.