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1687730

registered interest
date	06/02/2024
answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept id	208
answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
hansard heading	Afghanistan: British Nationals Abroad
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, how many UK nationals have remained in Afghanistan since August 2021.
tabling member constituency	Strangford
tabling member printed	Jim Shannon
uin	13264
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/02/2024 answer text <p>We do not hold formal data on the number of British nationals in Afghanistan, but we estimate that numbers are likely in the hundreds. The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to Afghanistan. Since April 2021, we have brought around 24,600 people out of Afghanistan, including 4,660 British Nationals and their families during Operation Pitting itself.</p> answering member constituency Berwick-upon-Tweed answering member printed Anne-Marie Trevelyan question first answered 20/02/2024 13:28:38 answering member 4531 label Biography information for Anne-Marie Trevelyan
tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon

1687754

registered interest
date	06/02/2024
answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept id	208
answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
hansard heading	Red Sea: Piracy
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, with reference to the Oral Statement of the Secretary of State for Defence of 5 February 2024 on Situation in the Red Sea, Official Report, column 22, whether the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs discussed the consequences to Iran of failing to stop Houthi attacks during his meeting with his Iranian counterpart last month.
tabling member constituency	East Londonderry
tabling member printed	Mr Gregory Campbell
uin	13231
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/02/2024 answer text <p>The Foreign Secretary sent a clear message during his meeting with his Iranian counterpart on 17 January. The Foreign Secretary made clear that Iran must use its influence with the Houthis to prevent further strikes, and that Iran must cease its support to the Houthi's illegal and unacceptable attacks. We will continue to work with international partners to deter Iran's destabilising activity, including by holding Iran to account in multilateral fora and through sanctions; addressing Iranian weapons proliferation; and maintaining our permanent defence presence in the region.</p> answering member constituency Macclesfield answering member printed David Rutley question first answered 20/02/2024 16:46:46 answering member 4033 label Biography information for David Rutley
tabling member	1409 label Biography information for Mr Gregory Campbell

1687769

registered interest
date	06/02/2024
answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept id	208
answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
hansard heading	Gaza: Israel
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whether he has had recent discussions with his Israeli counterpart on Israel’s political objectives in Gaza.
tabling member constituency	Portsmouth South
tabling member printed	Stephen Morgan
uin	13349
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/02/2024 answer text <p>In recent weeks the Foreign Secretary has reiterated to Prime Minister Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Katz and other senior politicians the UK's call for an immediate pause to get aid in and hostages out and then progress towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire, without a return to destruction, fighting and loss of life. Vital steps include the release of all Israeli hostages, the formation of a new Palestinian Government for the West Bank and Gaza, accompanied by an international support package, removing Hamas's capacity to launch attacks against Israel, Hamas no longer being in charge of Gaza and a political horizon which provides a credible and irreversible pathway towards a two-state solution. We need to generate momentum now towards a permanent peace.</p> answering member constituency Sutton Coldfield answering member printed Mr Andrew Mitchell question first answered 14/02/2024 17:25:21 answering member 1211 label Biography information for Mr Andrew Mitchell
tabling member	4653 label Biography information for Stephen Morgan

1687770

registered interest
date	06/02/2024
answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept id	208
answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
hansard heading	Palestinians: Recognition of States
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whether he has had recent discussions his international counterparts on taking steps to recognise Palestine as a state.
tabling member constituency	Portsmouth South
tabling member printed	Stephen Morgan
uin	13350
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/02/2024 answer text <p>We support a two-state solution that guarantees security and stability for both the Israeli and Palestinian people.</p><p>We must give the people of the West Bank and Gaza the political perspective of a credible route to a Palestinian state and a new future, which needs to be irreversible. This is not entirely in our gift. But Britain and our partners can help by confirming our commitment to a sovereign, viable Palestinian state, and our vision for its composition. Crucially, we must state our clear intention to grant it recognition, including at the United Nations. That can't come at the start of the process. But it doesn't have to be the very end of the process. Our long-standing position has been that we will recognise a Palestinian State at a time that is most conducive to the peace process.</p><p>We need to generate momentum now towards a permanent peace. That is why we are pressing for a Contact Group, bringing together the key players, to be set up at once.</p> answering member constituency Sutton Coldfield answering member printed Mr Andrew Mitchell question first answered 19/02/2024 12:59:33 answering member 1211 label Biography information for Mr Andrew Mitchell
tabling member	4653 label Biography information for Stephen Morgan

1687771

registered interest
date	06/02/2024
answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept id	208
answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
hansard heading	Israel: Palestinians
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whether his Department is taking steps to help plan a negotiated settlement on (a) a two-state solution and (b) recognition of a Palestinian state.
tabling member constituency	Portsmouth South
tabling member printed	Stephen Morgan
uin	13351
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/02/2024 answer text <p>We support a two-state solution that guarantees security and stability for both the Israeli and Palestinian people. We must give the people of the West Bank and Gaza the political perspective of a credible route to a Palestinian state and a new future. And it needs to be irreversible. This is not entirely in our gift. But we and our partners can help by confirming our commitment and vision. Crucially, we must state our clear intention to grant recognition, including at the United Nations. That can't come at the start of the process. But it doesn't have to be the very end of the process.</p><p>The Palestinian Authority (PA) has an important long-term role to play. We already provide technical and practical support to the PA, and will work with our allies to continue this, and do more. But the Palestinian Authority also must take much needed steps on reform, including setting out a pathway to democratic progress. And just as the PA must act, so must Israel, which means releasing frozen funds, halting settlement expansion and holding to account those responsible for extremist settler violence.</p> answering member constituency Sutton Coldfield answering member printed Mr Andrew Mitchell question first answered 16/02/2024 11:51:32 answering member 1211 label Biography information for Mr Andrew Mitchell
tabling member	4653 label Biography information for Stephen Morgan

1687793

registered interest
date	06/02/2024
answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept id	208
answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
hansard heading	UNRWA: Finance
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what his timescale is for reviewing the decision to suspend funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
tabling member constituency	Liverpool, Walton
tabling member printed	Dan Carden
uin	13364
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/02/2024 answer text <p>We are appalled by allegations that UNRWA staff were involved in the 7 October attack against Israel, a heinous act of terrorism that the UK Government has repeatedly condemned. We are pausing any future funding of UNRWA whilst we review these concerning allegations.The United States, Germany, Australia, Italy, Canada, Finland, Switzerland and the Netherlands have all temporarily paused funding.</p><p>The pause will remain in place until we review the allegations, and we are looking to our partners in the UN to carry out a robust and comprehensive investigation.</p><p>Any future funding decisions will be taken after this point.</p><p>Our decision to pause future funding to UNRWA has no impact on the UK's contribution to the humanitarian response. We are getting on with aid delivery through funding multiple implementing partners including other UN agencies and international and UK NGOs. This support is helping people in Gaza get food, water, shelter and medicines.</p> answering member constituency Sutton Coldfield answering member printed Mr Andrew Mitchell question first answered 16/02/2024 15:52:39 answering member 1211 label Biography information for Mr Andrew Mitchell
tabling member	4651 label Biography information for Dan Carden

1687795

registered interest
date	06/02/2024
answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept id	208
answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
hansard heading	Senegal: Politics and Government
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, if he will (a) take steps to support inclusive dialogue about democratic processes in Senegal in the context of the postponement of presidential elections and (b) make representations to the Government of Senegal on protecting human rights following that postponement.
tabling member constituency	West Ham
tabling member printed	Ms Lyn Brown
uin	13278
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/02/2024 answer text <p>The United Kingdom respects Senegal's tradition of democracy. On 6 February the FCDO released a statement expressing our concern about the postponement of the Presidential elections. We encourage Senegal to work peacefully towards a transparent, inclusive and credible election.</p> answering member constituency Sutton Coldfield answering member printed Mr Andrew Mitchell question first answered 14/02/2024 16:22:44 answering member 1211 label Biography information for Mr Andrew Mitchell
tabling member	1583 label Biography information for Ms Lyn Brown

1687796

registered interest
date	06/02/2024
answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept id	208
answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
hansard heading	Yahaya Sharif-Aminu
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what recent representations he has made to the Government of Nigeria in connection with the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu.
tabling member constituency	West Ham
tabling member printed	Ms Lyn Brown
uin	13279
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/02/2024 answer text <p>The UK Government opposes the death penalty in all circumstances. We will continue to raise Mr Sharif-Aminu's case as he appeals his sentence. In April 2023, officials raised Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, and other blasphemy cases, with the Executive Secretary of Nigeria's National Human Rights Council. Most recently, in August 2023, the British High Commissioner handed over a letter from Fiona Bruce MP, the PM's Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion or Belief, on Yahaya Sharif-Aminu to the Kano State Governor and discussed the case with him. More broadly, we raise Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB) and the rights of those accused of blasphemy with Nigeria bilaterally and in multilateral forums including at Nigeria's Universal Periodic Review at the UN Human Rights Council in January.</p> answering member constituency Sutton Coldfield answering member printed Mr Andrew Mitchell question first answered 14/02/2024 11:39:26 answering member 1211 label Biography information for Mr Andrew Mitchell
tabling member	1583 label Biography information for Ms Lyn Brown

1687803

registered interest
date	06/02/2024
answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept id	208
answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
hansard heading	Deep Sea Mining: International Cooperation
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whether his Department has made representations to international partners on a moratorium on deep-sea mining.
tabling member constituency	Bristol East
tabling member printed	Kerry McCarthy
uin	13236
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/02/2024 answer text <p>On 30 October 2023 the UK Government announced its support for a moratorium on the granting of exploitation licences for deep sea mining projects by the International Seabed Authority (ISA). The UK set out this position to international partners at the 28th Session of the Council at the International Seabed Authority in November 2023. The UK's announcement makes clear that the UK recognises the impacts of deep sea mining are not fully understood and our position is to support research proactively, using UK scientific expertise, to improve international understanding and develop strong and enforceable ISA environmental regulations, standards and guidelines on deep sea mining before any such projects commence.</p> answering member constituency Sutton Coldfield answering member printed Mr Andrew Mitchell question first answered 19/02/2024 17:31:27 answering member 1211 label Biography information for Mr Andrew Mitchell
tabling member	1491 label Biography information for Kerry McCarthy

1687810

registered interest
date	06/02/2024
answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept id	208
answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
hansard heading	Hong Kong: Religious Freedom
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of Article 23 legislation in Hong Kong on religious freedom; and whether he plans to make representations to his counterpart in Hong Kong on that matter.
tabling member constituency	Strangford
tabling member printed	Jim Shannon
uin	13282
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/02/2024 answer text <p>The proposed new Article 23 legislation needs to align with international standards and protect the rights promised to the people of Hong Kong. We will monitor the development of the legislation and continue to raise the erosion of rights and freedoms with the Hong Kong and Chinese authorities. The Foreign Secretary last did so with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on 5 December. The UK is committed to defending Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) globally. We continue to monitor FoRB in Hong Kong through our regular Six-monthly Reports to Parliament and interactions with local faith leaders. In our latest report, published on 19 September, we noted religious practice is generally not restricted in Hong Kong, with a variety of religious practices coexisting across the territory.</p> answering member constituency Berwick-upon-Tweed answering member printed Anne-Marie Trevelyan question first answered 14/02/2024 16:20:57 answering member 4531 label Biography information for Anne-Marie Trevelyan
tabling member	4131 label Biography information for Jim Shannon