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1020814

	registered interest
	date	07/12/2018
	answering body	Department for International Development
	answering dept id	20
	answering dept short name	International Development
	answering dept sort name	International Development
	hansard heading	Yemen: Humanitarian Aid
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what recent assessment her Department has made of the effect of the continued military offensive on Hodeidah port on the delivery of humanitarian aid in Yemen; and what steps her Department is taking to ensure humanitarian and commercial imports are delivered into and throughout Yemen.
	tabling member constituency	Liverpool, West Derby
	tabling member printed	Stephen Twigg
	uin	200068
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/12/2018 answer text <p>An operational pause in fighting around Hodeidah continues to hold while Stockholm talks take place. The UK government continues to raise concerns with the Saudi led-Coalition about the potential impact of any assault on the port and city and is in regular contact with the Coalition about the need to ensure that any further military operations do not disrupt commercial and humanitarian flows both through the port and onwards across the country.</p><p>As we have consistently made clear, the Houthis must also facilitate access throughout areas they control (which is where most of the population in humanitarian need live).</p><p>To date, Red Sea ports remain operational and continue to import most of the food and fuel on which Yemenis rely. The UK is providing £1.3 million to the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism to increase physical inspections of commercial ships giving the Coalition confidence that weapons which threaten Saudi national security are not coming in to Houthi-controlled areas.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt question first answered 12/12/2018 17:16:46 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
	tabling member	167 label Biography information for Stephen Twigg

1020815

	registered interest
	date	07/12/2018
	answering body	Department for International Development
	answering dept id	20
	answering dept short name	International Development
	answering dept sort name	International Development
	hansard heading	Yemen: Humanitarian Aid
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment her Department has made of the reports by the UN World Food Programme that there has been a decrease in accuracy of operations at Hodeidah port in recent weeks.
	tabling member constituency	Liverpool, West Derby
	tabling member printed	Stephen Twigg
	uin	200069
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/12/2018 answer text <p>Red Sea Ports are currently operational and continue to import most of the food and fuel on which Yemenis rely. For most of this year imports have been robust and in some cases exceeded pre-war levels. We are however concerned about recent reports of a reduction of imports into Yemen.</p><p><em> </em></p><p>To maintain confidence of commercial importers, the UK recently worked with the US, Saudis and Emiratis to agree measures with the Central Bank of Yemen to issue letters of credit to provide foreign currency so that importers can purchase food on international markets. This has also resulted in an appreciation of the Yemeni Riyal, increasing the purchasing power of ordinary Yemenis.</p><p> </p><p>It is imperative the Red Sea ports of Hodeidah and Saleef remain operational. Yemen relies on imports to meet 90% of its basic needs like food and fuel – before the conflict, the Red Sea ports of Hodeidah and Saleef accounted for approximately 80% of total imports into Yemen. The UK recently pressed successfully for the suspension of unnecessary processes introduced by the Government of Yemen in bringing food goods into the country and we continue to call on all parties to allow safe, rapid and unhindered access for food and fuel throughout Yemen.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt question first answered 12/12/2018 17:18:00 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
	tabling member	167 label Biography information for Stephen Twigg

1020816

	registered interest
	date	07/12/2018
	answering body	Department for International Development
	answering dept id	20
	answering dept short name	International Development
	answering dept sort name	International Development
	hansard heading	Yemen: Famine
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps her Department is taking to respond to the risk of famine in Yemen; and if she will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Liverpool, West Derby
	tabling member printed	Stephen Twigg
	uin	200070
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/12/2018 answer text <p>The newly published Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) Report highlights growing food insecurity in Yemen over the past year, with the overall number of food insecure people rising from 17 million to over 20 million (70% of the population). In response urgent action is needed to improve economic conditions and maintain food supply chains into and throughout the country, including Hodeidah port and routes out of the city.</p><p>To maintain confidence of commercial importers, the UK recently worked with the US, Saudis and Emiratis to agree measures with the Central Bank of Yemen to issue letters of credit to provide foreign currency so that importers can purchase food on international markets. This has also resulted in an appreciation of the Yemeni Riyal, increasing the purchasing power of ordinary Yemenis.</p><p>The UK is playing a leading role in combating hunger in Yemen through our £170 million in aid this financial year, which will help meet the immediate food needs of four million Yemenis. However, a political settlement is the only way to bring long-term stability to Yemen and to address the worsening food security crisis. We therefore welcome the positive outcome of peace talks in Stockholm and continue to encourage both sides to engage constructively and in good faith to agree a political solution to end the conflict.</p> answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt question first answered 14/12/2018 15:38:49 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
	tabling member	167 label Biography information for Stephen Twigg

1020817

	registered interest
	date	07/12/2018
	answering body	Department for International Development
	answering dept id	20
	answering dept short name	International Development
	answering dept sort name	International Development
	hansard heading	Yemen: Economic Situation
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment her Department has made of the effect of the conflict in Yemen on that country's economy; and what steps her Department is taking to support the Yemen economy.
	tabling member constituency	Liverpool, West Derby
	tabling member printed	Stephen Twigg
	uin	200071
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/12/2018 answer text <p>Yemen’s recent economic crisis is one of the biggest risks threatening to tip Yemen into famine, with the Yemeni Riyal losing over 40% of its value between June and October.</p><p>The UK’s immediate leadership at the height of the economic crisis in October prevented a worsening of the situation. We worked with the Central Bank of Yemen in releasing $270 million of hard currency, provided by Saudi Arabia, to support importers bringing food staples into the country.</p><p>We also successfully pressed for the suspension of unnecessary processes introduced by the Government of Yemen in bringing these goods into the country. This has eased the pressure of price increases and temporarily stabilised the currency - the value of the Riyal has since appreciated, rising from 755 YER per USD to 500 YER per USD.</p><p>However, much more remains to be done. The UK is now working with the Government of Yemen to facilitate greater financial transparency, ensure foreign currency is available to commercial importers and rebuild key financial institutions.</p> answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt question first answered 14/12/2018 15:33:19 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
	tabling member	167 label Biography information for Stephen Twigg

1020826

	registered interest
	date	07/12/2018
	answering body	Department for International Development
	answering dept id	20
	answering dept short name	International Development
	answering dept sort name	International Development
	hansard heading	Burma: Humanitarian Aid
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what recent assessment her Department has made of the level of access by providers of humanitarian aid to (a) Kachin and (b) Shan State in Burma.
	tabling member constituency	Liverpool, West Derby
	tabling member printed	Stephen Twigg
	uin	200074
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/12/2018 answer text <p>We are deeply concerned by continued lack of access and reports of violence in Kachin and also northern Shan States, which has led to a further 8,000 people being displaced since February 2018. The UK continues to push for unfettered access at every given opportunity. Most recently, the British Ambassador raised the importance of ensuring humanitarian access in his meeting with the Chief Minister of Kachin State on 3 December.</p> answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt question first answered 14/12/2018 15:35:08 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
	tabling member	167 label Biography information for Stephen Twigg

1035136

	registered interest
	date	04/01/2019
	answering body	Department for International Development
	answering dept id	20
	answering dept short name	International Development
	answering dept sort name	International Development
	hansard heading	UNAIDS
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, with reference to the written statement of 20 December 2018 on Future Leadership of UNAIDS, HCWS1223, if she will withhold funding allocated by her Department to UNAIDS in 2019 until the Executive Director of that organisation steps down in response to the recommendations of the report on the work of the Independent Expert Panel on prevention of and response to harassment, including sexual harassment; bullying and abuse of power at UNAIDS Secretariat, published in December 2018; and if she will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Liverpool, West Derby
	tabling member printed	Stephen Twigg
	uin	205078
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/01/2019 answer text <p>The UK has been a driving force in tackling this issue, galvanising the sector to put in place the vital initiatives needed to finally rid it of those who seek to tarnish its reputation. We have been very clear that we will not tolerate practices which do not reach the highest standards in relation to tackling harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and abuse of power. The UK expects the current Executive Director to step down. This is vital to signal a strong response to this critical issue within and beyond the organisation.</p><p>The UK’s next scheduled payment to UNAIDS is not due until later in the year. We will assess progress in implementation of the Panel’s recommendations as part of our regular review of funding.</p><p>A statement was issued by Secretary of State on UNAIDS on Thursday 20 December 2018, reference: <strong>HC</strong><strong>WS1223</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-statement/Commons/2018-12-20/HCWS1223/" target="_blank">https://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-statement/Commons/2018-12-20/HCWS1223/</a></p><p> </p><p>There are currently no plans for the Secretary of State to make a statement in the House beyond the statement on 20 December 2018.</p> answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt question first answered 09/01/2019 16:26:51 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
	tabling member	167 label Biography information for Stephen Twigg

1043031

	registered interest
	date	17/01/2019
	answering body	Department for International Development
	answering dept id	20
	answering dept short name	International Development
	answering dept sort name	International Development
	hansard heading	Polio: Vaccination
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment she has made of the effect of anti-vaccination fake news on polio (a) vaccination and (b) eradication efforts in (i) Pakistan and (ii) Afghanistan.
	tabling member constituency	Liverpool, West Derby
	tabling member printed	Stephen Twigg
	uin	209731
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/01/2019 answer text <p>We are concerned about anti vaccination messaging on social media, and the further impact this can have, including in Afghanistan and Pakistan. These “fake news” messages have the potential to spread more rapidly and widely than traditional routes.</p><p> </p><p>Our emphasis has been on our own positive messaging, and supporting the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance to understand anti-vaccine sentiment at a local level and the root causes of concerns. These organisations use a range of tools to monitor this – including population surveys, media and social media monitoring and through community dialogue. In both Pakistan and Afghanistan, health organisations have developed strategies to increase acceptance and demand for vaccination, which includes community engagement and trust-building, regular national assessment of vaccine concerns, and crisis response planning.</p> answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt grouped question UIN 210005 question first answered 23/01/2019 16:35:58 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
	tabling member	167 label Biography information for Stephen Twigg

1043032

	registered interest
	date	17/01/2019
	answering body	Department for International Development
	answering dept id	20
	answering dept short name	International Development
	answering dept sort name	International Development
	hansard heading	Polio: Vaccination
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what discussions her Department has had with social media platforms on ending the spread of anti-vaccination fake news relating to polio vaccination and eradication programmes in (a) Pakistan and (b) Afghanistan.
	tabling member constituency	Liverpool, West Derby
	tabling member printed	Stephen Twigg
	uin	209732
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/01/2019 answer text <p>Through DFID’s communications and digital team, we provide regular messaging on the positive impact of immunisation globally through our support to global organisations including GAVI - the Vaccine Alliance, and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).</p><p> </p><p>GPEI monitors the anti-vaccination social media news, and is aware of online videos and text messages have been prominent in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Through our support to GPEI we ensure that strong communications and social mobilisation platforms are in place to dispel myths and encourage immunisation.</p><p> </p><p>In both Pakistan and Afghanistan GPEI works closely with local partner organisations and civil society groups on the ground with good access to communities in order to increase the understanding and importance of polio vaccinations, and increase the numbers being vaccinated.</p> answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt question first answered 22/01/2019 17:10:13 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
	tabling member	167 label Biography information for Stephen Twigg

1043692

	registered interest
	date	18/01/2019
	answering body	Department for International Development
	answering dept id	20
	answering dept short name	International Development
	answering dept sort name	International Development
	hansard heading	Developing Countries: Vaccination
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment her Department has made of the scale of anti-vaccination fake news in (a) Pakistan and (b) Afghanistan.
	tabling member constituency	Liverpool, West Derby
	tabling member printed	Stephen Twigg
	uin	210005
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/01/2019 answer text <p>We are concerned about anti vaccination messaging on social media, and the further impact this can have, including in Afghanistan and Pakistan. These “fake news” messages have the potential to spread more rapidly and widely than traditional routes.</p><p> </p><p>Our emphasis has been on our own positive messaging, and supporting the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance to understand anti-vaccine sentiment at a local level and the root causes of concerns. These organisations use a range of tools to monitor this – including population surveys, media and social media monitoring and through community dialogue. In both Pakistan and Afghanistan, health organisations have developed strategies to increase acceptance and demand for vaccination, which includes community engagement and trust-building, regular national assessment of vaccine concerns, and crisis response planning.</p> answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt grouped question UIN 209731 question first answered 23/01/2019 16:35:58 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
	tabling member	167 label Biography information for Stephen Twigg

1086711

	registered interest
	date	11/03/2019
	answering body	Department for International Development
	answering dept id	20
	answering dept short name	International Development
	answering dept sort name	International Development
	hansard heading	Syria: Internally Displaced People
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what recent assessment she has made of the humanitarian situation in the al-Hol refugee camp in Syria; and what steps her Department is taking to support refugees within that camp.
	tabling member constituency	Liverpool, West Derby
	tabling member printed	Stephen Twigg
	uin	230609
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/03/2019 answer text <p>We remain immensely concerned about the dreadful humanitarian situation in Al Hol camp in Northeast Syria as the camp population has grown to over 65,000 people since December 2018. The prevailing harsh winter conditions in Northeast Syria have so far resulted in the deaths of at least 97 people, two-thirds of whom were children under the age of five. Rapid increases in the camp population have severely strained the camp infrastructure and services, with shelter, water and sanitation, health and protection services identified by the UN as the priority areas.</p><p> </p><p>DFID remains committed to helping to alleviate the suffering of those in Al Hol. In 2018/19, the UK has allocated over £40 million to address basic-life saving needs across Northeast Syria where Al Hol camp is located. UK funded partners are doing all they can to support those affected by providing vital services including healthcare and shelter. Reaching those who most need our support remains an issue across Syria. The UK is therefore pressing for immediate and unfettered access to reach those in desperate need.</p> answering member constituency North East Bedfordshire answering member printed Alistair Burt question first answered 14/03/2019 17:47:25 answering member 1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt
	tabling member	167 label Biography information for Stephen Twigg