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100175

	registered interest
	date	21/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Saudi Arabia
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representation he has made to his Saudi Arabian counterpart on the execution of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr; and what steps he is taking to condemn such acts and prevent their re-occurrence.
	tabling member constituency	Ceredigion
	tabling member printed	Mr Mark Williams
	uin	211316
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/10/2014 answer text <p>We understand that Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr has been sentenced to death. It is still possible for him to appeal the decision, and we will not be making representations while the legal process is ongoing.</p><p>The death penalty undermines human dignity and its abolition is a human rights priority for the UK. Ministers, our Ambassador in Riyadh and the Embassy team raise the issue of the death penalty with the Saudi authorities, both bilaterally and through the European Union. We recognise that total abolition of the death penalty is unlikely in Saudi Arabia in the near future. Our focus is therefore on the introduction of EU minimum standards for the death penalty as a first step, and on supporting access to justice and rule of law.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 27/10/2014 14:55:02 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	1498 label Biography information for Mr Mark Williams

100176

	registered interest
	date	21/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Bahrain
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what reports he has received of ethnic discrimination by the Bahraini government against Bahraini Shia; and what steps he is taking to condemn and to prevent such discrimination in Bahrain.
	tabling member constituency	Ceredigion
	tabling member printed	Mr Mark Williams
	uin	211314
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/10/2014 answer text <p>The Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry made a number of observations regarding long-standing complaints of sect-based discrimination in Bahrain. We have raised these concerns with the Government of Bahrain and we continue to encourage the Bahraini authorities to implement in full the recommendations set out in the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 27/10/2014 14:52:26 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	1498 label Biography information for Mr Mark Williams

100178

	registered interest
	date	21/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Intelligence Services Act 1994
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many times activity has been authorised under section 7 of the Intelligence Services Act 1994 in each year since 2010.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne East
	tabling member printed	Mr Nicholas Brown
	uin	211217
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/10/2014 answer text <p>It is the long-standing policy of successive governments not to comment on matters of intelligence. However, the Intelligence Services Commissioner’s annual reports provide details of his oversight of Section 7 ISA authorisations. The most recent report was published in June 2014.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 27/10/2014 14:49:52 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	523 label Biography information for Mr Nicholas Brown

100374

	registered interest
	date	22/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Iran
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what his policy in the P5+1 talks is on Iran's capability to build a nuclear weapon.
	tabling member constituency	Kettering
	tabling member printed	Mr Philip Hollobone
	uin	211460
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/10/2014 answer text <p>The UK is committed to ensuring that Iran does not develop a nuclear weapons capability. A comprehensive agreement between the E3+3 [P5+1] and Iran is the best way to ensure the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 27/10/2014 15:01:01 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	1537 label Biography information for Mr Philip Hollobone

100375

	registered interest
	date	22/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Occupied Territories
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will support proposals in the EU to take action against the Israeli government if it does not rescind the appropriation of 990 acres in Gush Etzion in the West Bank.
	tabling member constituency	Easington
	tabling member printed	Grahame M. Morris
	uin	211443
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/12/2014 answer text <p>We are strongly opposed to any attempts to change the facts on the ground in the West Bank by increasing the number of settlers living there. Such acts raise tensions and undermine prospects for peace. During my visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories between 5-8 October, I discussed my strong concerns about the issue of settlements and land expropriation with the Israeli Justice Minister on 6 October. Discussions are continuing in Brussels on how the EU can best discourage settlement expansion, and the UK is working closely with other Member States to that end.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 17/12/2014 13:58:33 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	3973 label Biography information for Grahame Morris

100376

	registered interest
	date	22/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Occupied Territories
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will support proposals in the EU to impose sanctions on the Israeli government if it goes ahead with tenders and construction of Israeli settlements at Givat Hamatos in East Jerusalem.
	tabling member constituency	Easington
	tabling member printed	Grahame M. Morris
	uin	211444
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/10/2014 answer text <p>We are strongly opposed to any attempts to change the facts on the ground in the East Jerusalem by increasing the number of settlers living there. Such acts raise tensions and undermine prospects for peace. During my visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories between 5-8 October, I discussed my strong concerns about the issue of settlements and land expropriation with the Israeli Justice Minister on 6 October. Discussions are continuing in Brussels on how the EU can best discourage settlement expansion, and the UK is working closely with other Member States to that end.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 29/10/2014 14:57:48 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	3973 label Biography information for Grahame Morris

100377

	registered interest
	date	22/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Israel
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will support proposals in the EU to apply sanctions on the Israeli government if it goes ahead with plans to relocate 12,000 Bedouins in a new town in the Jordan Valley without their consent.
	tabling member constituency	Easington
	tabling member printed	Grahame M. Morris
	uin	211445
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/10/2014 answer text <p>During my recent visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, I visited the E1 area and met members of the Bedouin community living there who face relocation by the Israeli authorities. They told me that they had no wish to leave, and expressed their fears of being forcibly transferred to make way for the construction of Israeli settlements. Such a move would seriously threaten the possibility of a contiguous Palestinian state, and according to the UN would be contrary to international humanitarian law. Discussions are continuing in Brussels on how the EU can best discourage settlement expansion, and the UK is working closely with other Member States to that end.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 29/10/2014 15:01:00 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	3973 label Biography information for Grahame Morris

100379

	registered interest
	date	22/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Middle East
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent estimate he has made of the number of (a) deaths and (b) serious injuries sustained as a result of conflict in Israel and Gaza in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow West
	tabling member printed	Mr Gareth Thomas
	uin	211484
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/10/2014 answer text <p>Since January 2014, we estimate that in Gaza over 1,475 Palestinians have been killed and over 5,000 injured. We have not made any estimates of how many Israelis have been killed or injured in the same period, but during the recent Gaza crisis six Israeli civilians were killed (including one child). On 22 October, a three month old child was killed, while seven others were injured when a Palestinian drove his car into a light rail stop in East Jerusalem.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 27/10/2014 16:21:19 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	177 label Biography information for Gareth Thomas

100380

	registered interest
	date	22/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Syria
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what reports he has received on the use of chemical weapons by ISIS in Kobani on 21 October 2014.
	tabling member constituency	East Renfrewshire
	tabling member printed	Mr Jim Murphy
	uin	211494
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/10/2014 answer text We are aware of reports in the public domain of the use by ISIL in Kobani of industrial chemicals as weapons. We condemn unreservedly all and any use of chemical weapons. Use is a breach of international norms. Any party using chemical weapons should be brought to justice. answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 27/10/2014 14:42:56 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	595 label Biography information for Mr Jim Murphy

100382

	registered interest
	date	22/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Middle East
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates about the progress made by the international coalition against ISIL; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow West
	tabling member printed	Mr Gareth Thomas
	uin	211505
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/10/2014 answer text We are working closely with international partners, including Gulf countries, to tackle the shared threat posed by ISIL. UK Ministers and officials have had a number of discussions recently with Gulf partners about coalition action against ISIL. The Prime Minister discussed the issue with His Majesty, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia on 8 October. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge discussed it with his Gulf counterparts on 14 October at the UK-GCC Foreign Ministers meeting in Kuwait. I discussed it with the Saudi Arabian ambassador earlier this month and with the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs on 21 October. answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 29/10/2014 14:30:20 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	177 label Biography information for Gareth Thomas

100384

	registered interest
	date	22/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Middle East
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what reports he has received on the (a) recent incidence of rocket attacks on Israel and (b) present level of threat of such attacks; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow West
	tabling member printed	Mr Gareth Thomas
	uin	211485
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/10/2014 answer text <p>We have not received any reports of recent incidences of rocket attacks on Israel and we believe that the present level of threat of such attacks is low to moderate. We are aware of recent false alarms of rocket fire into Israel. We amended our travel advice for Israel on 2 September, to remove advice against all travel to areas of Israel within a 40km range of the Israeli border with Gaza.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 27/10/2014 14:47:23 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	177 label Biography information for Gareth Thomas

100387

	registered interest
	date	22/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Occupied Territories
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will support proposals in the EU to take action against the Israeli government if it continues to expand the settlement of Har Homa in East Jerusalem.
	tabling member constituency	Easington
	tabling member printed	Grahame M. Morris
	uin	211442
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/10/2014 answer text <p>We are strongly opposed to any attempts to change the facts on the ground in East Jerusalem by increasing the number of settlers living there. Such acts raise tensions and undermine prospects for peace. During my visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories between 5-8 October, I discussed my strong concerns about the issue of settlements and land expropriation with the Israeli Justice Minister on 6 October. Discussions are continuing in Brussels on how the EU can best discourage settlement expansion, and the UK is working closely with other Member States to that end.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 29/10/2014 14:53:59 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	3973 label Biography information for Grahame Morris

100390

	registered interest
	date	22/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Islamic State
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what reports he has received on the volume of oil being sold from oilfields controlled by ISIL; and to whom such sales are being made.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow West
	tabling member printed	Mr Gareth Thomas
	uin	211513
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/10/2014 answer text <p>We assess that levels of oil production in ISIL held areas are likely to be a fraction of pre-conflict capacity, and that any oil products are likely to be consumed for internal ISIL use, and smuggled into regional markets.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 29/10/2014 14:33:34 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	177 label Biography information for Gareth Thomas

100392

	registered interest
	date	22/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Africa
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping efforts in Africa; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow West
	tabling member printed	Mr Gareth Thomas
	uin	211510
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/12/2014 answer text <p>In collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and Department for International Development, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office carries out regular assessments of United Nations peacekeeping missions. These assessments enable us to make recommendations for improvements and influences our negotiating position in the Security Council when drafting or renewing peacekeeping mandates. Nine out of the current sixteen United Nations peacekeeping missions are in Africa. All the missions in Africa face distinctive challenges as a result of the changing nature of the conflicts they are facing, the environment in which they operate or the capacity and capability of their personnel. Peacekeepers are likely to face violence, insurgency, terrorism and the absence of credible state authority. We welcome the announcement in June, by the United Nations Secretary General, of a review of United Nations peacekeeping. The UK will make an active contribution.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 17/12/2014 14:04:29 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	177 label Biography information for Gareth Thomas

100393

	registered interest
	date	22/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Iraq
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the progress of efforts to form an inclusive government in Iraq; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow West
	tabling member printed	Mr Gareth Thomas
	uin	211511
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/10/2014 answer text <p>The Government welcomes the appointment of Iraqi Defence and Interior Ministers on 18 October, and that Kurdish Ministers have now taken up their posts. This completes the formation of the new Iraqi government, with representation from all of Iraq’s main communities. More inclusive governance will be critical in addressing the challenges that Iraq faces.</p><p>The UK will support Prime Minister al-Abadi and his Ministers as they work to build a more stable and prosperous future for all of Iraq’s communities.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 29/10/2014 14:31:32 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	177 label Biography information for Gareth Thomas

100394

	registered interest
	date	22/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Palestinians
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of progress made by the international effort to support the reconstruction of areas damaged by recent military action in Gaza; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow West
	tabling member printed	Mr Gareth Thomas
	uin	211512
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/10/2014 answer text <p>Reconstruction of Gaza has begun, the Palestinian Border Authority announced that 75 trucks entered Gaza on 14 October for private sector construction. The UK pledged £20m to help kick start the recovery and help get the Gazan people back on their feet. Israel and the Palestinians must now demonstrate that they are ready to take the political steps necessary to agree a durable ceasefire that ends the cycle of violence.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 29/10/2014 15:03:07 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	177 label Biography information for Gareth Thomas

100396

	registered interest
	date	22/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Bahrain
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has made to the government of Bahrain on its human rights record.
	tabling member constituency	Birkenhead
	tabling member printed	Mr Frank Field
	uin	211637
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/10/2014 answer text <p>Our Ambassador and his team regularly discuss human rights and political reform with the Government of Bahrain at the highest levels. We are supportive of the reforms underway in Bahrain and commend the steps taken by the Bahraini government to implement the recommendations set out in the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry and UN Universal Periodic Review. Whilst progress has been made in a number of areas, we are clear that more needs to be done. I will continue to encourage the Government of Bahrain to ensure that the recommendations are fully implemented.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 29/10/2014 16:04:36 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	478 label Biography information for Lord Field of Birkenhead

100704

	registered interest
	date	23/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Conflict Prevention
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness and outcomes of the Building Stability Overseas Strategy.
	tabling member constituency	Lagan Valley
	tabling member printed	Mr Jeffrey M. Donaldson
	uin	211690
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/10/2014 answer text Progress on the implementation of the Building Stability Overseas Strategy (BSOS) – including through the Conflict Pool – has been reported to Parliament annually since 2011. Progress includes: the achievement of 30% of DFID spending going to fragile states; establishment of cross-HMG strategies for priority fragile or conflict-affected States; the implementation of a cross-HMG tool to analyse drivers of conflict; and changes made to the Conflict Pool to reflect the challenges of spending in high-risk environments, including multi-year funding and the introduction of a dedicated crisis response Early Action Facility (EAF). Once the Conflict Pool comes to a close at the end of FY14/15 the FCO, MOD and DFID will commission an external review, covering the three-year Conflict Pool results framework. This report will be published once completed. The BSOS will continue to be one of the key policy drivers for UK activity in fragile states including under the new Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF), which builds on the success of the Conflict Pool and replaces it from financial year 2015/16. As well as responding to crises, the CSSF will also ensure longer term conflict prevention work to tackle the root causes of conflict abroad. answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 29/10/2014 16:30:24 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	650 label Biography information for Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

100705

	registered interest
	date	23/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Conflict Prevention
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Cabinet colleagues on the future of the Building Stability Overseas Strategy; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Lagan Valley
	tabling member printed	Mr Jeffrey M. Donaldson
	uin	211691
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/10/2014 answer text <p>The Building Stability Overseas Strategy (BSOS), published by the Coalition Government in 2011, set out a new strategic framework for cross-Government work to prevent conflict and build stability in fragile states focussing on better early warning, rapid response, upstream conflict prevention and working with international partners. The BSOS remains one of the Government’s key policy frameworks for activity in fragile states including under the new Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF), which builds on the success of the Conflict Pool, and replaces it from Financial Year 2015/16. Priorities for the Fund will be set by the National Security Council to ensure a strengthened cross-departmental approach that draws on the most effective combination of defence, diplomacy, development assistance, security and intelligence. This will include funding to ensure the UK can respond quickly to crises. It will also ensure longer term conflict prevention work to tackle the root causes of conflict abroad.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 29/10/2014 16:31:57 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	650 label Biography information for Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

100803

	registered interest
	date	23/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Languages: Education
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how much his Department spent on language training in each year since 2010.
	tabling member constituency	North Durham
	tabling member printed	Mr Kevan Jones
	uin	211814
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/10/2014 answer text <p>Following the closure of the language centre under the previous Government, the former Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right Hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks.) (Mr Hague), restablished one in 2013. Fulltime language training (FTLT) is provided for all officers going overseas where the ability to communicate effectively in another language is considered essential to meet the requirements of their role. Training is provided to either C1 operational level or C2 Extensive level depending on the job requirements. The FCO also provides language training to A2 Confidence level to staff and their spouses/partners being posted overseas into non speaker roles. In 2012 the FCO also introduced a developmental language training programme to enable all staff to learn a new language or maintain existing language skills. The table below summarises the annual spend on all three language training programmes since 2010. Essential fulltime language training includes a period of training overseas. Research has shown that the experience of immersing themselves in a new language and culture makes a huge difference to students’ learning and their future effectiveness in their job. The associated costs of immersion are shown in Row B. Financial Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 (forecast) A: Language Training costs only 2,034,609 2,231,436 2,350,730 2,999,781 3,223,107 3,242,509 B: Associated costs (e.g. travel, accommodation etc) 418,964 772,472 626,807 385,895 682,257 782,720 C: Total spend 2,453,573 3,003,908 2,977,537 3,385,676 3,905,364 4,025,229</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 30/10/2014 14:48:35 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	1438 label Biography information for Mr Kevan Jones

100804

	registered interest
	date	23/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Security Guards
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how much his Department spent on private security companies in each year since 2010; and what the contractual arrangements were with each such company.
	tabling member constituency	North Durham
	tabling member printed	Mr Kevan Jones
	uin	211816
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/12/2014 answer text <p>The FCO has spent the following amounts with PSC (Private Security Companies) year by year since 2010: 2010/2011:2011/2012:2012/2013:2013/2014 G4S: £28,916,168 :£30,081,113:£31,391,478:£35,285,387 Control Risks Group: £453,477:£5,573,212:£920,281:£1,208,369 Aegis: £4,211:£183,516:£563,184:£556,920 Minimal Risk :£1,951,611:£1,744,356:£2,122,113:£1,707,150 Gardaworld :£17,291,485:£16,381,944:£17,498,010:£,342,201 PSCs are contracted in a number of countries to carry out a variety of activities and duties including the static protection of premises and the close protection of personnel. They play a vital and necessary protective role in hostile environments, and enable the Government and partner organisations to carry out their work by providing essential security services.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 17/12/2014 13:56:24 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	1438 label Biography information for Mr Kevan Jones

100806

	registered interest
	date	23/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Rendition
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the Government's policy is on (a) the transportation of detainees held by another state through UK territory, including UK colonies and dependent territories, other than pursuant to a lawful extradition proceeding, (b) attendance of UK agents at interrogations of detainees by or on behalf of a foreign state and (c) supplying questions for use in interrogating detainees held by foreign states.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle upon Tyne East
	tabling member printed	Mr Nicholas Brown
	uin	211801
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/10/2014 answer text <p>We expect any State wishing to transport detainees via UK territory, including our Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies, to seek permission to do so. The Government will grant that permission only if satisfied that such transportation would be in accordance with UK law and our international obligations. Detained persons should remain within the protection of the law at all times.</p><p>Government policy on the principles governing the detention and interviewing of detainees overseas, and on the passing and receipt of intelligence relating to detainees, is set out in the Consolidated Guidance published in July 2010. The Consolidated Guidance is consistent with UK domestic law and international law obligations, and requires an assessment of the standards to which the detainee may have been/or may be subject.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 29/10/2014 16:25:44 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	523 label Biography information for Mr Nicholas Brown

100873

	registered interest
	date	24/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Occupied Territories
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 15 October 2014, to Question 209580, whether he and his EU counterparts gave specific consideration to settlement construction in Givat Hamatos, E1 and Har Homa, and to the relocation of 12,500 Bedouin from E1, and to the implications of those developments for future relations between the EU and Israel.
	tabling member constituency	Oxford East
	tabling member printed	Mr Andrew Smith
	uin	211912
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/10/2014 answer text <p>Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymead and Weybridge (Mr Hammond) made clear in his statement of 3 October, the UK deplores Israel’s decision to advance plans for settlement units in Givat Hamatos. Along with a number of EU counterparts, and the European External Action Service, he urged the Israeli authorities to reverse this decision. Discussions are continuing in Brussels on how the EU can best discourage settlement expansion including in Givat Hamatos, E1 and Har Homa, and plans to relocate Bedouin from E1. The UK is working closely with other Member States to that end.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 30/10/2014 14:49:40 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	95 label Biography information for Mr Andrew Smith

100874

	registered interest
	date	24/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Pakistan
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with government officials in Pakistan on the allegations made against Aasia Bibi.
	tabling member constituency	Aberconwy
	tabling member printed	Guto Bebb
	uin	211909
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 31/10/2014 answer text <p>I am concerned to hear that a Pakistan court has upheld the imposition of the death penalty in the case of Asia Bibi. We support the EU’s recent statement on her case and hope that the verdict will be overturned on appeal. We regularly raise at the highest levels the misuse of blasphemy laws against both Muslims and religious minorities. Most recently, I raised this with the Pakistan High Commissioner on 28 October. We will ensure that these issues continue to be raised at the highest levels in Pakistan and we will continue to express our concerns about such cases.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 31/10/2014 12:25:37 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	3910 label Biography information for Guto Bebb

101124

	registered interest
	date	27/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Iran
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has made to the Iranian government about the persecution of Christians, Bahá'ís and other religious minorities in that country.
	tabling member constituency	East Ham
	tabling member printed	Stephen Timms
	uin	212108
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/10/2014 answer text <p>The UK welcomed President Rouhani’s comments in 2013 that all Iranians, including religious minorities, should “feel justice.” Unfortunately, there has been little noticeable change in the approach taken by Iran’s security and judicial authorities.</p><p><br>The Iranian Constitution recognises only three religious faiths other than Islam: Judaism, Christianity and Zoroastrianiam. Christians nevertheless continue to face discrimination; Evangelical Christians, Iranian converts to Christianity and those involved in house churches have been particularly affected. Other minority religious groups have faced similar treatment, and the Baha’i faith – which is unrecognised in Iran - has been particularly discriminated against.</p><p><br>The UK has repeatedly called on the Iranian government to end all persecution of individuals on the basis of their faith. We will continue to use our bilateral relationship to urge Iran to guarantee the human rights of all Iranians.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 30/10/2014 14:37:53 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	163 label Biography information for Sir Stephen Timms

101125

	registered interest
	date	27/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Iran
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the Iranian government about the case of the imprisoned Christian pastor, Farshid Fathi.
	tabling member constituency	East Ham
	tabling member printed	Stephen Timms
	uin	212109
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/10/2014 answer text We remain deeply concerned by the detention and ill treatment of all prisoners of conscience in Iran, and the ongoing discrimination against Christians and other minority religious groups. We have called for the Iranian government to protect the rights of all minority groups in Iran and end the persecution of individuals on the basis of their faith. answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 30/10/2014 14:38:45 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	163 label Biography information for Sir Stephen Timms

101126

	registered interest
	date	27/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Iran
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the extent of persecution of Christians and other religious minorities in Iran under the Rouhani administration; and what the implications of that assessment are for developing bilateral relations between the UK and Iran.
	tabling member constituency	East Ham
	tabling member printed	Stephen Timms
	uin	212110
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/10/2014 answer text <p>The UK welcomed President Rouhani’s comments in 2013 that all Iranians, including religious minorities, should “feel justice.” Unfortunately, there has been little noticeable change in the approach taken by Iran’s security and judicial authorities. The Iranian Constitution recognises only three religious faiths other than Islam: Judaism, Christianity and Zoroastrianiam. Christians nevertheless continue to face discrimination; Evangelical Christians, Iranian converts to Christianity and those involved in house churches have been particularly affected. Other minority religious groups have faced similar treatment, and the Baha’i faith – which is unrecognised in Iran - has been particularly discriminated against. The UK has repeatedly called on the Iranian government to end all persecution of individuals on the basis of their faith. We will continue to use our bilateral relationship to urge Iran to guarantee the human rights of all Iranians.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 30/10/2014 14:45:10 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	163 label Biography information for Sir Stephen Timms

101127

	registered interest
	date	27/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Iran
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what priority the Government gives to the human rights situation in Iran as a factor in the development of bilateral relations with that country and in the potential re-opening of embassies in Tehran and London; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	East Ham
	tabling member printed	Stephen Timms
	uin	212111
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/10/2014 answer text We remain deeply concerned by the dire human rights situation in Iran. Iran is one of the UK Government's "Countries of Concern" on human rights and thus subject to enhanced monitoring and reporting on human rights developments. We hope that President Rouhani will act on the pledges he has made to implement social reforms and improve the rights of all citizens in Iran. But responsibility for human rights in Iran does not fall under the direct authority of the President. Genuine progress, while essential, will be difficult to achieve. Improving our bilateral relationship with Iran is in the interests of both countries. It does not mean we suddenly agree on everything; on the contrary, we will continue to have sharp disagreements with Iran, particularly over human rights. But a functioning relationship, including with embassies reopened, will better equip us to respond to those challenges. answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 30/10/2014 14:47:12 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	163 label Biography information for Sir Stephen Timms

101129

	registered interest
	date	27/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Bahrain
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the government of Bahrain on that government's recent decision to revoke the nationality of 31 Bahraini political activists.
	tabling member constituency	Ealing, Southall
	tabling member printed	Mr Virendra Sharma
	uin	212125
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/11/2014 answer text <p>We have raised with the Government of Bahrain the decision to withdraw citizenship from 31 individuals in 2012. We encourage the authorities to conduct full and transparent investigations into any of those accused of crimes. Any charges against these individuals should be based on strong, credible evidence that will stand up to scrutiny. We commend the steps taken by the Bahraini government to implement the recommendations set out in the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry. As outlined in our recent human rights case study on Bahrain, progress has been made in a number of areas but there is still more to be done.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 03/11/2014 14:32:45 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	1604 label Biography information for Mr Virendra Sharma

101133

	registered interest
	date	27/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Iran
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the timetable is for the reopening of (a) HM Embassy in Tehran and (b) the Iranian Embassy in London.
	tabling member constituency	Lagan Valley
	tabling member printed	Mr Jeffrey M. Donaldson
	uin	211981
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/10/2014 answer text <p>We remain committed to reopening the British Embassy in Tehran once we have resolved some outstanding issues. We anticipate that the Iranian Government will wish to reopen its Embassy in London in parallel, in line with our step by step and reciprocal approach to improving bilateral relations.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 30/10/2014 14:35:07 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	650 label Biography information for Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

101134

	registered interest
	date	27/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Iran
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent reports he has received of an increase of religious persecution in Iran; and what recent representations on this issue he has made to the Iranian government.
	tabling member constituency	Lagan Valley
	tabling member printed	Mr Jeffrey M. Donaldson
	uin	211980
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/10/2014 answer text <p>The UK welcomed President Rouhani’s comments in 2013 that all Iranians, including religious minorities, should “feel justice.” Unfortunately, there has been little noticeable change in the approach taken by Iran’s security and judicial authorities. Discrimination against individuals on the basis of their faith has remained discouragingly widespread.</p><p><br>The Iranian Constitution recognises only three religious faiths other than Islam: Judaism, Christianity and Zoroastrianiam. Christians nevertheless continue to face discrimination; Evangelical Christians, Iranian converts to Christianity and those involved in house churches have been particularly affected. Other minority religious groups have faced similar treatment, and the Baha’i faith – which is unrecognised in Iran - has been particularly discriminated against.</p><p><br>The UK has repeatedly called on the Iranian government to end all persecution of individuals on the basis of their faith, and to guarantee the human rights of all Iranians.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 30/10/2014 14:34:18 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	650 label Biography information for Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

101252

	registered interest
	date	22/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Palestinians
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he plans to take in response to the decision of the House on 13 October 2014 in respect of recognition of Palestine.
	tabling member constituency	Exeter
	tabling member printed	Mr Ben Bradshaw
	uin	905707
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/10/2014 answer text I have discussed the debate with senior Israeli and Palestinian officials. I reiterated that we share Parliament’s commitment to recognising a Palestinian State as a contribution to a negotiated two state solution, at a time most helpful to the peace process. The UK is a long-standing supporter of seeing a sovereign, democratic and viable Palestinian State - living in peace and security, alongside Israel. answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 28/10/2014 14:58:37 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	230 label Biography information for Mr Ben Bradshaw

101253

	registered interest
	date	22/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Qatar
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has made to the government of Qatar about alleged abuse of migrant workers in that country.
	tabling member constituency	Jarrow
	tabling member printed	Mr Stephen Hepburn
	uin	905710
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/10/2014 answer text <p>We welcome the steps taken by the Qatari government in response to concerns about the treatment of migrant workers and continue to discuss implementation with them. I raised this issue with them during my visit to Doha on 15 October.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 28/10/2014 14:09:29 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	520 label Biography information for Mr Stephen Hepburn

101256

	registered interest
	date	22/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Palestinians
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the decision of the House on 13 October 2014 in respect of recognition of Palestine.
	tabling member constituency	Isle of Wight
	tabling member printed	Mr Andrew Turner
	uin	905712
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/10/2014 answer text I have discussed the debate with senior Israeli and Palestinian officials. I reiterated that we share Parliament’s commitment to recognising a Palestinian State as a contribution to a negotiated two state solution, at a time most helpful to the peace process. The UK is a long-standing supporter of seeing a sovereign, democratic and viable Palestinian State - living in peace and security, alongside Israel. answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 28/10/2014 14:05:56 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	1426 label Biography information for Mr Andrew Turner

101257

	registered interest
	date	22/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Syria
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps the Government has taken to ensure that UN Security Council Resolution 2139 is being complied with in relation to the humanitarian crisis in Syria; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Hexham
	tabling member printed	Guy Opperman
	uin	905706
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/10/2014 answer text <p>The UK, with allies and partners, demanded and secured a tougher UN Security Council resolution - UNSCR 2165 - which required Syria to open its borders to humanitarian aid deliveries. In parallel, we have also intensified our work delivering humanitarian aid to people in desperate need, including across borders and conflict lines.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 28/10/2014 14:34:38 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	4142 label Biography information for Guy Opperman

101387

	registered interest
	date	28/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Iraq
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how his Department plans to respond to Iraq's statement at the First Assembly of the UN General Assembly, requesting help from the international community for research into and decontamination of depleted uranium.
	tabling member constituency	North Devon
	tabling member printed	Sir Nick Harvey
	uin	212280
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/11/2014 answer text We are aware of the request made by the Government of Iraq during its statement to the First Committee of the UN General Assembly in October for Member States and relevant international organisations to conduct research into the impact of exposure to depleted uranium (DU) ammunition on human health and the environment and possible methods of treatment. We are conscious that some nations, international organisations and individuals are concerned that there may be a link between the use of DU ammunition and certain medical conditions. This is an issue taken very seriously by the Government. Scientific literature, including that of the Royal Society, the European Commission, the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Health Organisation, contains a substantial number of reports which indicate that DU has not been shown to have, and indeed is very unlikely to have, any significant impact on the health of the local population or on the veterans of conflicts in which these munitions are used. answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 03/11/2014 14:55:45 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	231 label Biography information for Sir Nick Harvey

101388

	registered interest
	date	28/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Bahrain
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will take steps to use the UK's membership of the UN Human Rights Council to introduce a resolution condemning human rights violations in Bahrain.
	tabling member constituency	South Shields
	tabling member printed	Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck
	uin	212247
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/11/2014 answer text The UK remains actively engaged with the United Nations Human Rights Council on Bahrain and we will continue to align ourselves with statements which accurately reflect the situation on the ground. Bahrain was one of the countries that we raised in our national statement under Item 10 of the agenda at the September session at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. We commend the steps taken by the Bahraini government to implement the recommendations set out in the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry. As outlined in our recent human rights case study on Bahrain, progress has been made in a number of areas but there is still more to be done. answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 03/11/2014 14:54:56 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	4277 label Biography information for Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck

101397

	registered interest
	date	28/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Bahrain
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent meetings he has had with Bahraini human rights advocates.
	tabling member constituency	Bishop Auckland
	tabling member printed	Helen Goodman
	uin	212219
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/11/2014 answer text <p>Our Ambassador and his team in Bahrain, and FCO officials in the UK, regularly meet with Bahraini civil society and NGOs to seek the widest views possible. Our engagement is constructive and focused on supporting political and human rights reform. In June, my predecessor, Rt Hon Sir Hugh Robertson MP KCMG, visited Bahrain and met a wide range of representatives including human rights defenders and civil society groups to hear their views on the political and human rights situation.</p><p>We commend the steps taken by the Bahraini government to implement the recommendations set out in the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry. As outlined in our recent human rights case study on Bahrain, progress has been made in a number of areas but there is still more to be done.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 03/11/2014 14:47:26 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	1484 label Biography information for Helen Goodman

101398

	registered interest
	date	28/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Bahrain
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what meetings he has had with Prince Nasser bin Hamad of Bahrain since 2010.
	tabling member constituency	Bishop Auckland
	tabling member printed	Helen Goodman
	uin	212218
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/11/2014 answer text <p>The Government has met Prince Nasser bin Hamad of Bahrain, as Commander of Bahrain’s Royal Guard and member of the Bahraini royal family, on a number of occasions since 2010.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 03/11/2014 14:45:42 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	1484 label Biography information for Helen Goodman

101407

	registered interest
	date	28/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Bahrain
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with Bahraini government on its (a) human rights record and (b) allegations of torture against political prisoners.
	tabling member constituency	Bishop Auckland
	tabling member printed	Helen Goodman
	uin	212308
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/11/2014 answer text <p>Our Ambassador and his team regularly discuss human rights, including allegations of torture and mistreatment, with the Government of Bahrain at the highest levels. The British Government consistently and unreservedly condemns torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, and it is a priority for us to combat it wherever and whenever it occurs. As well as raising our concerns with the Government of Bahrain, the UK continues to work with the Bahraini authorities to share best practice on torture prevention measures and address allegations of torture and mistreatment.</p><p>We commend the steps taken by the Bahraini Government to implement the recommendations set out in the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry. As outlined in our recent human rights case study on Bahrain, progress has been made in a number of areas but there is still more to be done.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 03/11/2014 14:50:03 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	1484 label Biography information for Helen Goodman

101409

	registered interest
	date	28/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Pitcairn Islands
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the sustainability of the Pitcairn Islands.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	212288
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/11/2014 answer text In 2013, the Government of Pitcairn and Her Majesty's Government commissioned two independent pieces of analysis. One into the appetite amongst the Pitcairn diaspora for return to the island, and the other on the broader economic potential of the island. Both reports recognised that unless the population of the island increases, it will be a challenge to maintain the longer-term sustainability of Pitcairn. Her Majesty's Government fully supports the economic development of the Pitcairn Islands. The Government of Pitcairn has recently worked up a new Strategic Development Plan and a repopulation plan, and Her Majesty’s Government has given advice on both these documents. The Pitcairn Island Council is currently reconsidering those documents alongside HMG’s advice. We will continue to work in partnership with the Government of Pitcairn to support the community in Pitcairn as we consider longer-term options for the island. Given the acute challenges Pitcairn faces, a new office of Administrator will replace the current role of Governor’s Representative on the island by the end of the year to provide more assistance at this critical stage. answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 03/11/2014 16:15:51 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

101552

	registered interest
	date	29/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Democratic Republic of Congo
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure MONUSCO peace-keepers are implementing their mandate.
	tabling member constituency	Belfast East
	tabling member printed	Naomi Long
	uin	212433
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/11/2014 answer text <p>United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has a clear mandate and we are working through the UN Security Council and with the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, MONUSCO, the government of DRC and governments of the region to ensure it is fully implemented.</p><p>In August, the UK used its Presidency of the UN Security Council to draw attention to the importance of MONUSCO implementing its mandate, with the then Minister for Africa, Mark Simmonds MP, chairing a discussion in the UN Security Council which also involved senior Ministers from the region. In September my Hon Friend the Member for Rochford and Southend East (James Duddridge MP), the Minister for Africa, discussed implementation of MONUSCO’s mandate with the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General and Head of MONUSCO, Martin Kobler (SRSG). Senior officials in Kinshasa and New York regularly discuss progress and raise issues of concern, including when we believe peacekeepers have fallen short in implementing MONUSCO’s mandate to protect civilians. This has included accompanying the SRSG on visits to peacekeepers on the ground to emphasise what more they need to do to implement the mandate. We have raised the importance of political support for implementing the mandate with governments in the region, including countries which contribute troops to the Force Intervention Brigade. We are also contributing to an ongoing strategic review of MONUSCO which will focus on ways to further deliver the robust and mobile force needed to fully implement the mandate.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 03/11/2014 14:29:53 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	3920 label Biography information for Naomi Long

101557

	registered interest
	date	29/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Iran
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has made to the Iranian authorities on the imprisonment of Maryam Naghash Zargaran.
	tabling member constituency	East Ham
	tabling member printed	Stephen Timms
	uin	212410
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/11/2014 answer text <p>We are aware of the imprisonment in Iran of Maryam Naghash Zargaran. We remain deeply concerned by the detention and ill treatment of all prisoners of conscience in Iran, and the ongoing discrimination against Christians and other minority religious groups. We have called for the Iranian Government to protect the rights of all minority groups in Iran and to end the persecution of individuals on the basis of their faith.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 03/11/2014 14:53:35 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	163 label Biography information for Sir Stephen Timms

101560

	registered interest
	date	29/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Central African Republic
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps his Department is taking in collaboration with Deputy Special Representative of MINUSCA, Diane Corner, to ensure that a comprehensive and inclusive disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration process is planned and prioritised in the Central African Republic.
	tabling member constituency	Belfast East
	tabling member printed	Naomi Long
	uin	212432
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/11/2014 answer text MINUSCA (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic) assumed responsibility from the AU Mission, MISCA (African-led support mission to the Central African Republic) on 15 September. The mission’s mandate includes a call for “support for the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former armed elements, with specific attention to children, and the repatriation of foreign elements, as well as community violence-reduction programmes”. Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials are monitoring MINUSCA’s progress on all areas of the mandate as the mission works to build up to full capacity; and are in close contact with Diane Corner (Deputy SRSG)on this. We have encouraged the UN to prioritise their efforts given the Mission is in early stages, and the operational challenges due to the surge in violence in CAR in recent weeks. Ensuring security is an essential first step in bringing peace and stability to CAR. MINUSCA has a phased mandate, with its priority task being the protection of civilians; HMG supports this approach. answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 03/11/2014 14:28:12 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	3920 label Biography information for Naomi Long

101642

	registered interest
	date	29/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Nigeria
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has made to his Nigerian counterpart on alleged human rights abuses by the Nigerian military; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow West
	tabling member printed	Mr Gareth Thomas
	uin	212481
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/11/2014 answer text <p>The Government has made clear to the Nigerian authorities, at all levels, that whilst we support Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, we do not condone human rights violations. We have urged Nigeria to respond constructively to credible reports of human rights violations and to launch independent investigations. During his meeting with the Nigerian Foreign Minister in Abuja on 3 September, my Hon Friend the Member for Rochford and Southend East (James Duddridge MP), the Minister for Africa, underlined the importance we attach to the respect for human rights and the safeguarding of the civilian population.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 03/11/2014 14:23:33 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	177 label Biography information for Gareth Thomas

101643

	registered interest
	date	29/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Boko Haram
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking with his international counterparts to co-ordinate the rescue of girls and women kidnapped by Boko Haram; what steps he is taking to help prevent further such abductions; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Harrow West
	tabling member printed	Mr Gareth Thomas
	uin	212480
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/11/2014 answer text <p>The UK is working closely with Nigeria, its neighbours and other international partners to tackle Boko Haram, including to find victims of abduction. The UK is providing a substantial package of support, including training and advice to Nigerian military units that will be deployed against Boko Haram, surveillance assets and intelligence expertise. We have also committed £1 million to the UN Safe Schools Initiative, designed to promote a safer environment for children in north east Nigeria to receive their education.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 03/11/2014 14:10:40 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	177 label Biography information for Gareth Thomas

101864

	registered interest
	date	30/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Kenya
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Kenyan counterpart on the threat of Islamist militants in that country.
	tabling member constituency	Belfast North
	tabling member printed	Mr Nigel Dodds
	uin	212676
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/11/2014 answer text Ministers and officials regularly discuss the terrorist threat in Kenya with the Kenyan Government. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Rochford and Southend East (Mr Duddridge) discussed the importance of an effective and human rights compliant counter-terrorism response with the Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade in September 2014. We have a shared interest in tackling this threat and the UK actively supports Kenya to do so in a manner consistent with its Constitution and international law. answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 04/11/2014 14:02:36 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	1388 label Biography information for Lord Dodds of Duncairn

101865

	registered interest
	date	30/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Afghanistan
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the (a) total Allied and (b) UK financial contribution to the Afghan National Security Forces will be in the current year; and how much is pledged for each contribution in each of the next three years.
	tabling member constituency	York Central
	tabling member printed	Hugh Bayley
	uin	212689
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/11/2014 answer text <p>On 4 September 2014 at the NATO Wales Summit NATO allies and ISAF partners renewed their financial commitments to support the sustainment of the ANSF, including to the end of 2017. At the Wales summit the UK confirmed in principle an annual financial contribution of £70 million to help train the ANSF until at least 2017. This is part of an overall commitment from the international community of around $5 billion per year for the next three years. The majority of this will be provided by the US who have requested up to $4.1 billion in their 2015 budget.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 06/11/2014 12:44:53 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	385 label Biography information for Sir Hugh Bayley

101866

	registered interest
	date	30/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Somalia
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to end sexual violence against women in Somalia.
	tabling member constituency	Belfast North
	tabling member printed	Mr Nigel Dodds
	uin	212678
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/11/2014 answer text <p>The UK has been at the forefront of international efforts to eradicate sexual violence in conflict. We are committed to using UK expertise to help national Governments prevent and prosecute those responsible for sexual violence in conflict, to improve care for survivors, and to provide training to improve their military and police capability. The UK, together with the UN, has worked closely with the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) in the development of its national action plan for addressing sexual violence, which it announced at the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative (PSVI) Summit in London in June this year.</p><p>The UK has in addition put £1 million this year into funding projects in Somalia to provide care and support to survivors including:</p><p>o Improving the response to and prevention of sexual and gender-based violence in three districts of Mogadishu (Yaqshid, Bondhere and Karaan), including the integration of support services (psychosocial, legal, and economic) within existing medical clinics;</p><p> </p><p>o In Lower Juba, increasing the capacity of local authorities to prevent and respond to cases of sexual violence, improve access to health facilities for survivors and improve the documentation of sexual violence cases;</p><p> </p><p>o Support for survivors of sexual violence in camps for Internally Displaced Persons in Mogadishu.</p><p>The UK was extremely concerned by recent allegations relating to the conduct of soldiers operating as part of the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia (AMISOM). My hon friend the member for Rochford and Southend East (James Duddridge MP), the Minsiter for Africa, raised these allegations with the AU and the relevant troop contributing countries, and an investigation is due to start imminently. The UK already supports pre-deployment training programmes for AMISOM on prevention of sexual violence, international human rights laws, and best practice in assisting women and children in the aftermath of violent conflict.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 05/11/2014 13:20:03 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	1388 label Biography information for Lord Dodds of Duncairn

101869

	registered interest
	date	30/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	West Africa
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the UK's financial share is of the EU's contribution to fighting the spread of Ebola.
	tabling member constituency	Belfast North
	tabling member printed	Mr Nigel Dodds
	uin	212743
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/11/2014 answer text <p>The UK has committed £225 million (approximately €285 million) to fight Ebola in West Africa. This equates to more than 25 per cent of the €1 billion pledged by the EU and its Member States and makes us the second-highest bilateral donor after the United States.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 04/11/2014 14:04:42 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	1388 label Biography information for Lord Dodds of Duncairn