Show Search Form

Search Results

registered interest	true false
date	exactly: or between: and
answering body
answering dept id
answering dept short name
answering dept sort name
hansard heading
house id
legislature	pref label
question text
tabling member printed
uin
answer	is ministerial correction true false date of answer exactly: or between: and answer text answering member printed attachment file name title grouped question UIN question first answered answering member label
tabling member	label

Search

61941

	registered interest
	date	16/06/2014
	answering body	Department for International Development
	answering dept id	20
	answering dept short name	International Development
	answering dept sort name	International Development
	hansard heading	International Conference on Population and Development
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what actions they will take to help implement the Stockholm Statement of Commitment developed at the April 2014 International Conference on Population and Development.
	tabling member printed	Viscount Craigavon
	uin	HL359
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/06/2014 answer text <p> </p><p>The UK Government is fully committed to the principles of the International Conference on Population and Development's (ICPD) Programme of Action and will continue to uphold these principles in its development work. We consider 2014, as the twentieth anniversary and review year of the ICPD, as an important moment to recognise progress and to address remaining gaps and emerging challenges.</p><p> </p><p>We have been fully engaged in the intergovernmental process for the review of the ICPD, including actively participating in the regional and thematic conferences, the 47<sup>th</sup> Commission on Population and Development which took place in April of this year, as well as preparations for the upcoming special session at the United Nations General Assembly in September. The Stockholm Statement of Commitment was the outcome document agreed by participants attending the Sixth International Parliamentarians' Conference on the Implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action, which also took place in April. Official representatives from the UK Government did not participate in the Stockholm parliamentarians' meeting. However, the Stockholm Statement does endorse a number of the elements we have been supporting throughout our engagement in the ICPD review process and will continue to support, including that sexual and reproductive health and rights become a reality for all, without distinction of any kind.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Baroness Northover question first answered 23/06/2014 16:46:58 answering member 2539 label Biography information for Baroness Northover
	tabling member	3384 label Biography information for Viscount Craigavon

62483

	registered interest
	date	18/06/2014
	answering body	HM Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	CaTreasury
	hansard heading	Fuels: Tax Evasion
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to address cross-border smuggling of diesel fuel between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
	tabling member printed	Viscount Bridgeman
	uin	HL412
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/06/2014 answer text <p>A range of measures are in place to detect and deter cross border smuggling of diesel between the Republic and Ireland and Northern Ireland. These include investigative work on either side of the border, for example checking of documentation, and acting on intelligence received. This is augmented by close cooperation and information sharing by the HMRC, the Irish Revenue Commissioners and other relevant agencies.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Additionally, HMRC fights fraud on a wide range of fronts, from special units performing thousands of roadside checks to raiding laundering plants. The UK has recently announced, jointly with Ireland, an improved new marker for rebated fuel, which will make it much harder to launder marked fuel and sell it at a profit.</p> answering member printed Lord Deighton question first answered 30/06/2014 15:24:03 answering member 4262 label Biography information for Lord Deighton
	tabling member	3515 label Biography information for Viscount Bridgeman

63127

	registered interest
	date	23/06/2014
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	NATO
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government, in the light of the NATO Baltic air policing mission, what future British armed forces deployments are planned to reaffirm the United Kingdom's commitment to the collective security of NATO member states.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL536
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/07/2014 answer text <p>As a leading member of NATO, the UK continues to play a central role in NATO reaffirming our constant commitment to collective defence and to reassure our Eastern Allies following the recent events in Ukraine.<br><br>The four RAF Typhoon aircraft deployed to Lithuania in support of NATO's peacetime Baltic Air Policing mission are expected to return at the end of August and the E3D Sentry flights in Polish airspace will continue until at least the end of the year.<br><br>There are at present no plans to extend this commitment further, as future mission rotations are filled by Allies for the foreseeable future. However, we keep the situation under constant review and any potential future UK participation would be dictated by the regional situation and NATO requirements.<br><br>The UK has also committed to participate in a number of exercises in the Baltic Region (inlcuding Exercise STEADFAST JAVELIN, Exercise BALTOPS and Exercise RAMSTEIN GUARD) which demonstrates our commitment to NATO, collective defence and reassuring our Eastern Allies.</p> answering member printed Lord Astor of Hever question first answered 15/07/2014 16:04:44 answering member 3428 label Biography information for Lord Astor of Hever
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

63128

	registered interest
	date	23/06/2014
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Armed Forces: Deployment
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the present British armed forces deployments to (1) Lithuania, (2) Estonia, and (3) Latvia, in support of NATO commitments; and also to Finland.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL537
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/07/2014 answer text <p>The UK has put in place a significant and comprehensive package of measures to demonstrate our commitment to NATO and collective defence and to reassure our Eastern Allies.</p><p> </p><p>The UK has no planned exercises or deployments in Finland, however we have recently completed or are participating in the following exercises in the Baltic region;</p><p> </p><p>• Exercise STEADFAST JAVLIN in Estonia (17-23 May). The UK deployed 80 personnel from the 1st Battalion, the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment under NATO command for a field exercise.</p><p>• Exercise BALTOPS in the Baltic Sea (6-21 June). The UK deployed a warship (HMS Montrose) on this NATO maritime exercise in the Baltic Sea.</p><p>• Exercise SABRE Strike in Estonia and Latvia (9-20 June). The UK deployed 1 Company from the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment (approximately 100 personnel), 12 Artillery and Engineer experts and two exercise controllers to participate in a U.S. Army Europe-led multi-national brigade exercise.</p><p>• Exercise RAMSTEIN GUARD in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania and North Atlantic (21-25 July). The UK will send two observers from the Joint Ground Based Air Defence Command based at High Wycombe to assess the UK's ability to support this annual series of NATO Air defence exercises in the future.</p><p>• Exercise BALTIC HOST in Baltic States (6-12 Oct 14) The UK will provide staff officers to participate in a tri-national Command Post.</p><p> </p><p>There are also 4 RAF Typhoon aircraft deployed to Lithuania in support of NATO's peacetime Baltic Air Policing mission which will return at the end of August. There are at present no plans to extend these commitments further, as future mission rotations are filled by Allies for the foreseeable future. However, we keep the situation under constant review and any potential future UK participation would be dictated by the regional situation and NATO requirements.</p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Astor of Hever question first answered 08/07/2014 17:02:11 answering member 3428 label Biography information for Lord Astor of Hever
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

63129

	registered interest
	date	23/06/2014
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Armed Forces: Deployment
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government whether future British armed forces deployments are planned to (1) Lithuania, (2) Estonia, and (3) Latvia, in support of NATO commitments; and also to Finland.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL538
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/07/2014 answer text <p>The UK has put in place a significant and comprehensive package of measures as part of NATO's response to the changing geopolitical situation in Europe to demonstrate our commitment to NATO, collective defence and reassure our Easter Allies.</p><p> </p><p>In additions to those exercises ongoing or recently completed, the UK is also currently examining its ability to support the following exercises in the Baltic States:</p><p> </p><p>• Exercise SABER JUNCTION in Lithuania (14 August – 17 September 2014).</p><p> </p><p>• Exercise SILVER ARROW in Latvia (29 September – 5 October 2014).</p><p> </p><p>• Exercise IRON SWORD in Lithuania (12-14 November 2014).</p><p> </p><p>The UK does not currently plan to exercise in Finland but is engaging Finland on building stronger military partnerships which should lead to mutual training opportunities in 2015.</p><p> </p><p>For completeness, there are also 4 RAF Typhoon aircraft deployed to Lithuania in support of NATO's peacetime Baltic Air Policing mission which will return at the end of August. There are at present no plans to extend these commitments further, as future mission rotations are filled by Allies for the foreseeable future. However, we keep the situation under constant review and any potential future UK participation would be dictated by the regional situation and NATO requirements.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Astor of Hever question first answered 08/07/2014 17:00:53 answering member 3428 label Biography information for Lord Astor of Hever
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

63130

	registered interest
	date	23/06/2014
	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	NATO
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have held in relation to the possibility of establishing a permanent NATO presence in the Baltic states.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL539
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/07/2014 answer text <p>Russia's actions in Ukraine represent the most serious security crisis in Europe this century. As a result, NATO has undertaken a number of measures to reassure Allies in Eastern Alliance territory. These include air policing, maritime deployments and exercising. The UK is playing an active role in delivering NATO reassurance measures and has offered additional support in a number of areas. We are contributing aircraft to reinforce the Baltic Air Policing mission and as part of the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force. We have also augmented some NATO exercises that we were already committed to and are contributing to additional ones. On Wednesday 25 June, the NATO Secretary General announced that NATO Foreign Ministers agreed to develop a robust Readiness Action Plan for the NATO Summit in September. Allies have not made any decision to base forces permanently in the Baltics.</p> answering member printed Baroness Warsi question first answered 01/07/2014 13:09:41 answering member 3839 label Biography information for Baroness Warsi
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

79508

	registered interest
	date	22/07/2014
	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	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with Hamas over the last three weeks regarding brokering a ceasefire with Israel.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL1407
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/07/2014 answer text <p>The Government's policy towards Hamas is clear - the UK does not talk to Hamas, which is a proscribed terrorist organisation.</p> answering member printed Baroness Warsi question first answered 30/07/2014 16:32:09 answering member 3839 label Biography information for Baroness Warsi
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

79509

	registered interest
	date	22/07/2014
	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	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what recent representations they have made to the government of Israel about their ground incursion into Gaza.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL1408
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/08/2014 answer text The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), discussed the current crisis in Gaza with Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, and Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman during his visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories between 23-24 July. He made clear that whilst Israel had a right to self-defence, any response must be proportionate and maximum efforts made to avoid civilian casualties. He urged progress towards a ceasefire. answering member printed Baroness Warsi question first answered 04/08/2014 10:56:44 answering member 3839 label Biography information for Baroness Warsi
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

79510

	registered interest
	date	22/07/2014
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Syria and Iraq
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what new steps they are taking to reduce the number of British Muslims travelling to Syria and Iraq to participate in jihad.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL1409
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/07/2014 answer text <p /> <p>The Government takes the threat posed by those who travel to Syria and Iraq extremely seriously.Our priority is to dissuade people from travelling to areas of conflict in the first place, by highlighting that the best way for the public to help is to donate to UK-registered charities that have ongoing relief operations; that anyone going to Syria, even for humanitarian reasons, is at serious risk of being targeted by terrorist groups or the regime; and that travelling to Syria will place anxiety on families and friends.The Home Secretary this week backed a national campaign aimed at dissuading young people from travelling to Syria and Iraq. The campaign ‘Families Matter’ was launched on 21st July by Families Against Stress and Trauma (FAST), a community organisation which provides support to vulnerable families and individuals across the country. Through our work with law enforcement and responsible social media companies, we are making significant progress with removing online propaganda including material from proscribed groups, such as ISIL, which targets the vulnerable and encourages travel. Since December 2013, the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit have removed over 21,000 pieces of unlawful terrorist material, a significant proportion of which is related to Syria and Iraq. The police and security services are actively working to detect and disrupt terrorist threats. A range of measures may be used to, including disrupting travel by cancelling British passports, depriving dual nationals of British citizenship and excluding them from the UK, and conducting interviews at the border as part of Counter Terrorist investigations.</p><p /> answering member printed Lord Taylor of Holbeach question first answered 30/07/2014 15:11:24 answering member 3787 label Biography information for Lord Taylor of Holbeach
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

79511

	registered interest
	date	22/07/2014
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Syria and Iraq
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their latest estimate of (1) the number of British Muslims fighting with Salafist movements in Syria and Iraq, and (2) the number of such British Muslims who have recently returned home.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL1410
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/07/2014 answer text <p /> <p>We believe that more than 400 UK-linked individuals have travelled to Syria and have become involved in the fighting since the start of the uprising. A <br>significant subset of those have returned to the UK.</p><p /> answering member printed Lord Taylor of Holbeach question first answered 30/07/2014 15:49:00 answering member 3787 label Biography information for Lord Taylor of Holbeach
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

79512

	registered interest
	date	22/07/2014
	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	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what recent discussions they have had with senior Kurdish representatives from northern Iraq about the future of Iraq.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL1411
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/07/2014 answer text <p>Our Consul General in Erbil has met with President of the Kurdistan Region Massoud Barzani, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani and other KRG Ministers and party leaders in recent weeks. Officials in London regularly meet with the KRG Representation to the UK.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Baroness Warsi question first answered 30/07/2014 11:34:50 answering member 3839 label Biography information for Baroness Warsi
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

79513

	registered interest
	date	22/07/2014
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Russia
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many airborne sorties have been carried out by United Kingdom armed forces in the last month to intercept Russian military aircraft approaching or entering British airspace.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL1412
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/07/2014 answer text <p>None.</p> answering member printed Lord Astor of Hever question first answered 29/07/2014 11:22:16 answering member 3428 label Biography information for Lord Astor of Hever
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

79578

	registered interest
	date	23/07/2014
	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	Russia
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what criteria they are using to assess the impact and effectiveness of current European Union sanctions on Russia.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL1476
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/08/2014 answer text We judge the impact and effectiveness of sanctions based on a range of economic and political factors. Sanctions are designed to impose a cost for Russia’s actions in Ukraine, deter further escalation of this crisis, and support the wider diplomatic effort. EU measures already announced have exacerbated negative trends in Russia’s economy; capital flight in the first half of 2014 was greater than for the whole of 2013; and we have seen a significant reduction in expected growth. Russian access to western financial markets will be severely constrained as lenders consider the risks of Russian exposure in the current climate. The strengthening of sanctions should signal clearly to the Russian leadership that their policy of trying to destabilise Ukraine will have a cost for the Russian economy. The EU’s measures have in-built review mechanisms. The sanctions implemented on 31 July are in force for one year, with a review of implementation after three months. answering member printed Baroness Anelay of St Johns question first answered 11/08/2014 10:28:37 answering member 3474 label Biography information for Baroness Anelay of St Johns
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

79579

	registered interest
	date	23/07/2014
	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	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government to what extent the E3/EU+3 talks with Iran have been affected by the situations in (1) Iraq, and (2) Ukraine.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL1477
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/07/2014 answer text <p>E3+3 negotiations with Iran on a comprehensive solution to the nuclear issue have not been affected by either Iraq or Ukraine. These negotiations focus purely on the nuclear issue: regional and other issues are not discussed. The E3+3 remain united in their objectives and approach to the negotiations. All of the E3+3 agreed on 19 July to extend the Joint Plan of Action until 24 November. We will continue to work constructively with our E3+3 partners to reach our goal by 24 November.</p> answering member printed Baroness Warsi question first answered 30/07/2014 11:42:34 answering member 3839 label Biography information for Baroness Warsi
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

79580

	registered interest
	date	23/07/2014
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether ISIS is actively recruiting in the United Kingdom; and what action they are taking to prevent such recruitment.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL1478
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/07/2014 answer text <p /> <p>It has been the longstanding policy of successive governments not to comment on intelligence matters. However, Islamic State of Syria and the Levant also known as the ISIS was proscribed as a terrorist organisation with effect from 20 June. Proscription means that an organisation is outlawed and is unable to operate in the UK. It is a criminal offence for a person to belong to or invite support for a proscribed organisation. It is also a criminal offence to arrange a meeting in support of a proscribed organisation or to wear clothing or to carry articles in public which arouse reasonable suspicion that an individual is a member or supporter of the proscribed organisation. Penalties for proscription offences are a maximum of ten years in prison and/or a £10,000 fine.</p><p /> answering member printed Lord Taylor of Holbeach question first answered 30/07/2014 15:17:01 answering member 3787 label Biography information for Lord Taylor of Holbeach
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

79581

	registered interest
	date	23/07/2014
	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	Sahel
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the present terrorist threat in the Sahel and surrounding regions; and to what extent they consider it a threat to British interests in the region.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL1479
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/07/2014 answer text <p>Terrorist groups operating in the Sahel and surrounding regions can pose a threat to British nationals and interests in the region. Groups active in the region, including Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and Al Murabitun, aspire to establish Islamic law in the region and to attack Western interests. Al Murabitun claimed responsibility for killing a French soldier in Mali on 14 July, while terrorists affiliated to AQIM are believed to be responsible for killing 14 members of the Tunisian Security Forces on 16 July. We are committed to working with our partners to strengthen the capacity of the affected nations to counter this threat.</p><p>Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice gives our most accurate assessment of the situation and the risks to British nationals in the countries across the Sahel. Travel Advice on the Sahel is included in the page for each country in the region and is available on our website at: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We encourage all individuals and organisations to take that advice into account when travelling.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Baroness Warsi question first answered 30/07/2014 11:47:37 answering member 3839 label Biography information for Baroness Warsi
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

79582

	registered interest
	date	23/07/2014
	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	Diplomatic Relations
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what new initiatives they are taking to maximise the use of soft power in their international diplomacy.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL1480
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/08/2014 answer text <p>The Government has taken a number of recent initiatives to maximise Britain’s soft power, as detailed in our response to the House of Lords Select Committee on Soft Power and the UK's Influence Report of session 2013-14 (Command Paper Cm 8879 of June 2014).</p><p>We have increased the 2015-16 budget for the Chevening Scholarship Programme from £18.24m to £45m and trebled the number of places for applicants in developing countries. We are supporting the development of the Chevening Alumni Alliance, and my Rt Hon Friend the Member for East Devon (Mr Swire) held an event at Chevening on 9 July to celebrate the programme’s thirtieth anniversary, with some of its best known alumni.</p><p>We have increased our funding for the GREAT Britain campaign for 2014-15 from £30m to £46.5m, with the aim of generating a further £1 billion of economic benefits for the UK. Already the GREAT Britain campaign has delivered an audited economic return of £580m to date.</p><p>We hosted the first Girl Summit with UNICEF on 22 July, aimed at mobilising domestic and international efforts to end female genital mutilation and child, early and forced marriage. This involved 650 participants from 50 countries. The former Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right Hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), also co-chaired the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict in June, involving 1,700 delegates and 129 country delegations.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Popat question first answered 11/08/2014 11:28:43 answering member 4173 label Biography information for Lord Popat
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

79583

	registered interest
	date	23/07/2014
	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	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the current security situation in Afghanistan; and what is their assessment of Taliban intentions.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL1481
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/08/2014 answer text <p>The security situation in Afghanistan is still challenging, however violence levels remain lower than at the same stage last year, with the exceptions of anticipated spikes in violence on both election polling days. Despite this, the Taleban appear committed to their military campaign and the prospects for an Afghan-led peace process remain difficult in the short-term. We continue to call for the Taleban to enter a peaceful political process with the Afghan government.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Baroness Warsi question first answered 04/08/2014 10:46:17 answering member 3839 label Biography information for Baroness Warsi
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

91874

	registered interest
	date	26/09/2014
	answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept id	13
	answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
	hansard heading	Water Supply
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the amount of water in the United Kingdom that is lost through leakage between source and consumer; and what steps are being taken to end the current position where the consumer pays for such losses through price.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL1932
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/10/2014 answer text <p>The most recently available figures estimate that across England and Wales around 3.1 billion litres of water leaks each day. Ofwat, as the economic regulator, agrees maximum leakage targets with water companies and has the powers to issue penalties to companies that fail to meet these. In the last decade Ofwat has entered into legal agreements with water companies that have missed their targets, committing them to investing more than £230m in improvements on leakage.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The Government and Ofwat have worked together to raise the issue of leakage and have worked with the water companies to reduce total leakage by one third since its peak in the mid-90s. Over the next five years, across England and Wales, companies are proposing further work to reduce leakage further. Innovative changes in leak detection technology and large scale programmes of customer engagement have allowed companies to improve their understanding of the problems across their networks and how their customers expect them to respond, allowing the companies to take a much more proactive approach to leakage reduction. Companies are obliged to publish and explain their annual leakage figures on their websites and outline what steps they intend to take to meet their targets in future.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>In its current price review Ofwat has made it clear that it expects to see companies achieve a balance between keeping customers’ bills down and reducing leakage where it makes sense, such as in water stressed areas where customers are willing to pay.</p> answering member printed Lord De Mauley question first answered 14/10/2014 16:13:33 answering member 2202 label Biography information for Lord De Mauley
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

91875

	registered interest
	date	26/09/2014
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Iraq
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assistance was given by British armed forces in the training of Sunni fighters in Iraq during the so-called Sunni Awakening between 2005 and 2008.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL1933
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/10/2014 answer text <p>The information is not held centrally. A review of readily available sources has not indicated that any such training was undertaken. A wider search could only be undertaken at disproportionate cost.</p> answering member printed Lord Astor of Hever question first answered 16/10/2014 16:05:42 answering member 3428 label Biography information for Lord Astor of Hever
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

91876

	registered interest
	date	26/09/2014
	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	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they (1) have made, and (2) intend to make, to the government of Israel about the full lifting of the blockade on Gaza.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL1934
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/10/2014 answer text <p>Our ambassador in Tel Aviv most recently raised the issue of Gaza with the Israeli National Security Adviser on 15 September. They discussed Israel permitting the transfer of goods to the West Bank, and exports to Israel. Since the 26 August ceasefire our Ambassador has also made the case to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Middle East Peace Process negotiator, his Cabinet Secretary, his National Security Advisor, his Chief of Staff, and his Trade, Finance and Justice Ministers, that the opening up of transfers/exports from the private sector in Gaza and a broader lifting of restrictions would address one of the fundamental drivers of instability in Gaza.</p><p>Our officials in Tel Aviv will continue to lobby Israeli officials in future meetings on the issue of movement and access in Gaza.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Baroness Anelay of St Johns question first answered 13/10/2014 13:43:01 answering member 3474 label Biography information for Baroness Anelay of St Johns
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

91877

	registered interest
	date	26/09/2014
	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	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government which moderate rebel forces they are supporting in Syria; and whether they will set out the criteria by which those groups have been selected for support.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL1935
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/10/2014 answer text <p>The UK provides non-lethal assistance to units of the Free Syrian Army, which has close links to the Syrian National Coalition. Recipients of this assistance are carefully selected to ensure that assistance is not being given to those involved in extremist activities or human rights violations.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Baroness Anelay of St Johns question first answered 13/10/2014 13:42:19 answering member 3474 label Biography information for Baroness Anelay of St Johns
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

91878

	registered interest
	date	26/09/2014
	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	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what estimates have been made of the quantities of western-manufactured weapons currently held by ISIL; and when and how they were obtained.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL1936
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/10/2014 answer text <p>It is very difficult to estimate the quantities of weapons held by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and their sourcing. It is likely that ISIL has obtained its weaponry from a variety of sources, and it is extremely difficult to estimate with any degree of useful accuracy how many specifically western manufactured weapons are currently held by ISIL (as opposed to western designs copied by other countries). We remain deeply concerned about the ability of terrorist groups in Iraq and Syria to acquire weapons and commit atrocities.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Baroness Anelay of St Johns question first answered 13/10/2014 13:41:48 answering member 3474 label Biography information for Baroness Anelay of St Johns
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

91879

	registered interest
	date	26/09/2014
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Radicalism
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many of the British nationals estimated to have travelled abroad to fight in Syria and Iraq for extremist groups have since sought to return to the United Kingdom.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL1937
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/10/2014 answer text <p>We believe that approximately 500 individuals from the UK have now travelled to the region since the start of the conflict. It is estimated half of these have returned.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Bates question first answered 14/10/2014 13:51:18 answering member 1091 label Biography information for Lord Bates
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

92820

	registered interest
	date	13/10/2014
	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	Libya
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they expect to restore full British diplomatic activity in Libya.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL2056
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/10/2014 answer text <p>Our Embassy in Tripoli has been temporarily closed since 6 August, due to ongoing fighting and instability. The safety and security of our staff is paramount: we will re-open the Embassy in Libya when the security situation has improved sufficiently to keep our staff safe. A small team of British diplomats focused on relations with Libya are currently working from our Embassy in Tunis, as well as a team in London. Our core diplomatic activity also includes the work of the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy, Jonathan Powell, who is continuing to work with the UN on the ground in Libya to pursue mediation efforts to agree a negotiated political settlement, which offers the best hope of stability for the country.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Baroness Anelay of St Johns question first answered 21/10/2014 14:21:21 answering member 3474 label Biography information for Baroness Anelay of St Johns
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

92821

	registered interest
	date	13/10/2014
	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	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what information they have on the external funding of ISIL; and what discussions have been held with the governments of (1) Saudi Arabia, and (2) Qatar, on the external funding of ISIL.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL2057
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/10/2014 answer text <p>The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)’s main sources of revenue come from oil sales and extortion. Other sources have included foreign donors, kidnap ransom payments, and money stolen during its advances in recent months.</p><p> </p><p>As part of our strategy to combat ISIL the UK led work on UN Security Council Resolution 2170 which was adopted unanimously on 15 August. It condemns ISIL, the al-Nusra front and other terrorist groups listed under Al-Qaida sanctions. The resolution urges members to take measures to choke ISIL’s sources of finance.</p><p> </p><p>We are working with countries in the Middle East to counter the threat from terrorists and extremists across the region. Combating ISIL and degrading its financial support is a priority and we continue to discuss these issues with our partners, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar.</p><p> </p><p>We are working closely with all our international partners to intensify efforts to stem ISIL’s funding flows.</p> answering member printed Baroness Anelay of St Johns question first answered 22/10/2014 16:05:26 answering member 3474 label Biography information for Baroness Anelay of St Johns
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

92822

	registered interest
	date	13/10/2014
	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	Sahel
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the threat posed by Islamists across the Sahel.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL2058
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/10/2014 answer text <p>Terrorist groups operating in the Sahel and surrounding regions continue to pose a threat to British nationals and interests in the region. Active groups include Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and Al Murabitun. They aspire to establish Islamic law in the region and to attack Western interests. A group linked to Al Murabitun claimed responsibility for an attack on the UN peacekeeping Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) on 3 October in which nine peacekeepers were killed. On 7 October another peacekeeper was killed in a rocket attack on a MINUSMA base. We are committed to working with our partners to strengthen the capacity of MINUSMA and the affected nations to counter this threat.</p><p> </p><p>Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice gives our most accurate assessment of the threat from terrorism to British nationals in the countries across the Sahel. Travel Advice on the Sahel is included in the page for each country in the region and is available on our website at: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We encourage all individuals and organisations to take that advice into account when travelling.</p> answering member printed Baroness Anelay of St Johns question first answered 22/10/2014 15:55:05 answering member 3474 label Biography information for Baroness Anelay of St Johns
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

92823

	registered interest
	date	13/10/2014
	answering body	Ministry of Defence
	answering dept id	11
	answering dept short name	Defence
	answering dept sort name	Defence
	hansard heading	Army Reserve
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many army reservists have been recruited in the last 12 months; and what was the target number of such recruits during the same period.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL2059
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/10/2014 answer text <p>The UK Armed Forces Quarterly Personnel report, which is published by Defence Statistics, shows Reserve trained and untrained strength figures, as well as movements into the Future Reserves 2020 population, at www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-armed-forces-quarterly-personnel-report-2014. Target figures for recruiting and trained strength were set out in the written ministerial statement and paper that the former Defence Secretary, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond) released in the other place on 19 December 2013, (Official Report, column 124WS).<br><br>The trained strength of the Army reserves Future Reserves 2020 population as at 30 June 2014 was 19,290, against the March 2015 target of 19,900.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Astor of Hever attachment 1 file name 19 December 2013.doc Future Reserves 2020.doc title Hansard Extract 19 December 2013 2 file name Quarterly-Personnel-Report_july14_final[1].pdf title UK Armed Forces Quarterly Personnel Report -2014 question first answered 27/10/2014 16:37:22 answering member 3428 label Biography information for Lord Astor of Hever
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

92824

	registered interest
	date	13/10/2014
	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	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they first became aware of the development and growth of ISIL in Syria before its incursion into Iraq.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL2060
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/10/2014 answer text <p>The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) grew out of Al Qaida in Iraq [AQ-I] which has been operating there since 2003.</p><p>Press reporting from 2012 stated that AQ-I fighters were travelling over the border into Syria as the country emerged as the primary “jihadi theatre.” But ISIL’s presence in Syria was publicly announced by a declaration from Al Qaida in Iraq (AQ-I) leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi of its merger with Al Nusrah Front (ANF) in April 2013. The merger was subsequently rejected by the ANF.</p> answering member printed Baroness Anelay of St Johns question first answered 22/10/2014 15:43:01 answering member 3474 label Biography information for Baroness Anelay of St Johns
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

92825

	registered interest
	date	13/10/2014
	answering body	Department for Transport
	answering dept id	27
	answering dept short name	Transport
	answering dept sort name	Transport
	hansard heading	East Coast Main Line
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to improve the East Coast Railway line; and in particular to increase speed between London and (1) Newcastle, and (2) Edinburgh.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL2061
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/10/2014 answer text <p>Her Majesty’s Government has significant plans for the East Coast Main Line and the InterCity East Coast franchise. The competition for the franchise is expected to provide a number of material improvements for passengers, many of which are set out in the Prospectus and Invitation to Tender (ITT) for the franchise. These include the delivery of the new state-of-the-art Class 800/801 trains from the Intercity Express Programme, which will both improve the environment for passengers and reduce journey times.</p><p> </p><p>The Government’s Rail Investment Strategy for the period 2014-2019 includes £240million for improving the East Coast Mainline with the aim of providing a material reduction in journey times between London and Edinburgh by 2020. The ITT for the new franchise seeks to build on this by specifying that the maximum journey time between London and Edinburgh reduces from 4hours 26 minutes in 2013, to 4 hours 17 minutes in 2020 to ensure that benefits from our investments in the IEP fleet and infrastructure are delivered. It does not specify a reduction in journey times to Newcastle but it is expected that these will also reduce to achieve the overall reductions to Edinburgh. As the ITT sets out our minimum requirements for the franchise, we expect that bidders will strive to improve upon these times.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Baroness Kramer question first answered 27/10/2014 16:20:31 answering member 1557 label Biography information for Baroness Kramer
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

93722

	registered interest
	date	16/10/2014
	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	Libya
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government when the last ministerial visit to Libya took place; and what plans they have for future visits.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL2146
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/10/2014 answer text The former Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), visited Tripoli in March 2014. The former Minister of State at the Department for International Development, my right hon. Friend the Member for Rutland and Melton (Sir Alan Duncan), visited on 22 June. Our Embassy in Tripoli has been temporarily closed since 6 August due to ongoing fighting and instability in Libya. The Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to the Libyan Political Transition, Jonathan Powell, visited Libya on 11 October in support of efforts being led by the UN to agree a ceasefire and political settlement. Until such time as the security situation improves, there are no plans for Ministerial visits to Libya. answering member printed Baroness Anelay of St Johns question first answered 23/10/2014 15:07:54 answering member 3474 label Biography information for Baroness Anelay of St Johns
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

93723

	registered interest
	date	16/10/2014
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Islamic State
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the security threat to Britain from current ISIL actions in Syria, Iraq and Lebanon.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL2147
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/10/2014 answer text <p>The assessment of the threat to the UK from international terrorism is made by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC). JTAC assessments are made independently of Ministers.</p><p> </p><p>The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) increased the UK national threat level from international terrorism to SEVERE (meaning that an attack is highly likely) on 26 August for the first time since 2011. This decision was related to developments in Iraq and Syria where groups including ISIL are planning attacks against the West. As the Prime Minister said on 26 September 2014, Official Report, column 1256, ISIL is a terrorist organisation unlike those we have dealt with before, and represents a direct threat to the British people. They have already murdered two British hostages, and are threatening the life of another. The first ISIL-inspired terrorist acts in Europe have already taken place.</p><p> </p><p>There is also a threat to British nationals and interests from ISIL and groups affiliated with ISIL or Al-Qaeda in Arab and African countries. Amongst these groups are Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, operating in the Sahel, and Boko Haram and Ansaru in Nigeria. Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice gives our most accurate assessment of the threat from terrorism to British nationals overseas.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Bates grouped question UIN HL2150 HL2151 question first answered 27/10/2014 12:29:11 answering member 1091 label Biography information for Lord Bates
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

93724

	registered interest
	date	16/10/2014
	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	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of ISIL on Christian communities in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon; and what plans there are to protect such communities.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL2148
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/10/2014 answer text <p>The humanitarian reports from Iraq, Syria and elsewhere in the region are deeply concerning. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and associated armed groups continue to commit atrocities against Muslims, Christians, Yezidis, Turkmen and other communities throughout the areas under their control. We condemn any and all abuses of human rights, including those against Christians.</p><p>We are working closely with our international partners, including in the region, to try to assist and protect civilians - including Christians - from ISIL through a long-term, comprehensive strategy to degrade and defeat this terrorist organisation.</p><p>This strategy is being delivered by a large international coalition, where UK actions complement, and are coordinated with, those of other actors. It has security, political and humanitarian dimensions. For example, in Iraq, we are carrying out airstrikes against ISIL and are providing military assistance to the Kurdish Peshmerga forces so that they can restore control over the areas taken by ISIL. In Syria, we support military action by the US and five Arab states against ISIL; we are supporting the Syrian moderate opposition, who are fighting ISIL; and we continue to work for a political transition: when it comes to tackling ISIL, Assad is part of the problem, not part of the solution. In Lebanon, we continue to press for the election of a President, strengthen municipalities and support the Lebanese Armed Forces reassert state authority in their border regions On the humanitarian front, we continue to provide swift and substantial assistance to those who have fled areas controlled by ISIL, including air drops to deliver aid to those trapped by ISIL. On the diplomatic front, at the Human Rights Council in September we, alongside our international partners, secured a resolution strongly condemning ISIL and stressing the need for accountability.</p> answering member printed Baroness Anelay of St Johns question first answered 24/10/2014 12:33:27 answering member 3474 label Biography information for Baroness Anelay of St Johns
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

93725

	registered interest
	date	16/10/2014
	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	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what proposals they have to ask Israel to contribute to the international funds being raised for the reconstruction of Gaza.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL2149
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/10/2014 answer text <p>The UK has no plans to request Israeli funding for the reconstruction of Gaza. The UK welcomes the generosity shown by the international community in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. At the Gaza reconstruction conference on 12 October the UK pledged an additional £20million to help kick start the recovery and get the Gazan people back on their feet. Our current focus is on engaging Israel and other parties to ensure the unimpeded delivery of aid, including through the UN mechanism on construction materials which both parties have approved. The UK is pressing them to now make swift progress towards a durable ceasefire agreement.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Baroness Anelay of St Johns question first answered 28/10/2014 16:35:18 answering member 3474 label Biography information for Baroness Anelay of St Johns
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

93726

	registered interest
	date	16/10/2014
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Terrorism
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the threat to the United Kingdom posed by Islamist military action in Nigeria.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL2150
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/10/2014 answer text <p>The assessment of the threat to the UK from international terrorism is made by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC). JTAC assessments are made independently of Ministers.</p><p> </p><p>The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) increased the UK national threat level from international terrorism to SEVERE (meaning that an attack is highly likely) on 26 August for the first time since 2011. This decision was related to developments in Iraq and Syria where groups including ISIL are planning attacks against the West. As the Prime Minister said on 26 September 2014, Official Report, column 1256, ISIL is a terrorist organisation unlike those we have dealt with before, and represents a direct threat to the British people. They have already murdered two British hostages, and are threatening the life of another. The first ISIL-inspired terrorist acts in Europe have already taken place.</p><p> </p><p>There is also a threat to British nationals and interests from ISIL and groups affiliated with ISIL or Al-Qaeda in Arab and African countries. Amongst these groups are Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, operating in the Sahel, and Boko Haram and Ansaru in Nigeria. Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice gives our most accurate assessment of the threat from terrorism to British nationals overseas.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Bates grouped question UIN HL2147 HL2151 question first answered 27/10/2014 12:29:11 answering member 1091 label Biography information for Lord Bates
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

93727

	registered interest
	date	16/10/2014
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Terrorism
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the threat to the United Kingdom posed by Islamists across the Sahel.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL2151
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/10/2014 answer text <p>The assessment of the threat to the UK from international terrorism is made by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC). JTAC assessments are made independently of Ministers.</p><p> </p><p>The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) increased the UK national threat level from international terrorism to SEVERE (meaning that an attack is highly likely) on 26 August for the first time since 2011. This decision was related to developments in Iraq and Syria where groups including ISIL are planning attacks against the West. As the Prime Minister said on 26 September 2014, Official Report, column 1256, ISIL is a terrorist organisation unlike those we have dealt with before, and represents a direct threat to the British people. They have already murdered two British hostages, and are threatening the life of another. The first ISIL-inspired terrorist acts in Europe have already taken place.</p><p> </p><p>There is also a threat to British nationals and interests from ISIL and groups affiliated with ISIL or Al-Qaeda in Arab and African countries. Amongst these groups are Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, operating in the Sahel, and Boko Haram and Ansaru in Nigeria. Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice gives our most accurate assessment of the threat from terrorism to British nationals overseas.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Bates grouped question UIN HL2147 HL2150 question first answered 27/10/2014 12:29:11 answering member 1091 label Biography information for Lord Bates
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

47415

	registered interest
	date	07/04/2014
	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
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the extent to which sexualviolence has been used by all parties to theconflict in the Central African Republic.
	tabling member printed	The Lord Bishop of Worcester
	uin	HL6647
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 25/04/2014 answer text <p>Reports suggest that sexual violence in conflict is widespread in the Central African Republic (CAR). UN Security Council Resolution 2149 on CAR authorises a UN Peacekeeping Operation which will, as part of its mandate, be required to help to prevent sexual violence, and contribute to efforts to identify and prosecute perpetrators. The UK is also looking to provide funding to the African Union (AU)'s response to the urgent needs of CAR's victims of sexual violence, and to track and report on specific occurrences of sexual violence. We encourage CAR to endorse the Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict and to attend the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, in London in June 2014.</p> answering member printed Lord Wallace of Saltaire question first answered 25/04/2014 12:00:00 answering member 1816 label Biography information for Lord Wallace of Saltaire
	tabling member	4257 label Biography information for The Lord Bishop of Worcester

47416

	registered interest
	date	07/04/2014
	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
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to deploying experts from their Stabilisation Unit to theCentral African Republic to enhance the capacity of institutions and communities in that country to support the survivors of sexual violence in conflictand to end impunity for perpetrators.
	tabling member printed	The Lord Bishop of Worcester
	uin	HL6648
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 25/04/2014 answer text <p>The Foreign and Commonwealth Office's (FCO) Stabilisation Unit is looking for opportunities to share its expertise and has been asked to provide a strategic communications expert to the African Union (AU) to support the efforts of the AU led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic (CAR). The UK is also looking to give support to the AU's response to the urgent needs of CAR's victims of sexual violence, and to track and report on specific occurrences of sexual violence.</p><p>UN Security Council Resolution on CAR 2149 authorises a UN Peacekeeping Operation which will, as part of its mandate, be required to help prevent sexual violence, and contribute to efforts to identify and prosecute perpetrators.</p> answering member printed Lord Wallace of Saltaire question first answered 25/04/2014 12:00:00 answering member 1816 label Biography information for Lord Wallace of Saltaire
	tabling member	4257 label Biography information for The Lord Bishop of Worcester

63118

	registered interest
	date	23/06/2014
	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	South Sudan
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what support they are offering members of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development to stop smallarms entering South Sudan.
	tabling member printed	The Lord Bishop of Worcester
	uin	HL527
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/07/2014 answer text <p>The members of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have played an important role in the mediation efforts and have consistently called for both parties to respect the cessation of hostilities to solve the ongoing crisis in South Sudan and commit fully to the mediation process. Although South Sudan is not subject to an UN Arms Embargo, we have been clear that the actions of its neighbours should not in any way exacerbate the conflict. South Sudan has been subject to an EU Arms Embargo since its independence.</p> answering member printed Baroness Warsi question first answered 02/07/2014 12:06:29 answering member 3839 label Biography information for Baroness Warsi
	tabling member	4257 label Biography information for The Lord Bishop of Worcester

63119

	registered interest
	date	23/06/2014
	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	South Sudan
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the prevalence of sexual violence in the conflict in South Sudan;whether they are planning to deploy suitable experts from the Stabilisation Unit to strengthenandsupport efforts in South Sudan to respond; and, if so, when.
	tabling member printed	The Lord Bishop of Worcester
	uin	HL528
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/07/2014 answer text <p>We are deeply concerned by reports of human rights violations and abuses in South Sudan, including the widespread use of sexual violence. We fully support the work of the Africa Union Commission of Inquiry and echo the call in the recent UN Human Rights Council resolution for thorough and genuine investigations into all human rights violations and abuses and for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.</p><p>The UK is funding a project with non-governmental organisation Non Violent Peaceforce to establish women's protection teams in Northern Bahr El Ghazal. This project aims to tackle sexual violence in communities affected by insecurity around the border with Sudan by establishing and training women's peacekeeping teams to work within communities. We continue to raise the issue of human rights, and of sexual violence specifically, with South Sudanese Ministers. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Boston and Skegness (Mr Simmonds), discussed the issue with the Foreign Minister of South Sudan at the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict on 11 June. Our Ambassador also raises these issues regularly with the Government of South Sudan.</p><p>There are currently no plans to send additional experts from the Stabilisation Unit to South Sudan. However, we keep all such plans under constant review.</p> answering member printed Baroness Warsi question first answered 07/07/2014 15:03:13 answering member 3839 label Biography information for Baroness Warsi
	tabling member	4257 label Biography information for The Lord Bishop of Worcester

63120

	registered interest
	date	23/06/2014
	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	South Sudan
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure the impartiality of any protection force deployed to South Sudan by the countries of the Intergovernmental Authorityon Development.
	tabling member printed	The Lord Bishop of Worcester
	uin	HL529
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/07/2014 answer text <p>We welcome the decision by the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to deploy troops to provide protection to the IGAD Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (MVM) in South Sudan. The protection force will be integrated into the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) structure, and under UN command, to ensure impartiality and alignment with UN Security Council Resolution 2155.</p> answering member printed Baroness Warsi question first answered 02/07/2014 12:06:53 answering member 3839 label Biography information for Baroness Warsi
	tabling member	4257 label Biography information for The Lord Bishop of Worcester

63121

	registered interest
	date	23/06/2014
	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	South Sudan
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether the United Nations Mission in South Sudan has sufficientlogistical support to respond to the new protection needs in civilianprotection camps in South Sudan.
	tabling member printed	The Lord Bishop of Worcester
	uin	HL530
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/07/2014 answer text <p>UN Security Council Resolution 2155 of 26 May 2014 renewed the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) mandate and acknowledged that the situation has changed in South Sudan. The new mandate enables UNMISS to focus on its core priorities: to protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian assistance and investigate human rights violations and abuses. We will continue to do all we can to ensure that UNMISS remains focused on these priorities, with the right personnel and resources in place.</p> answering member printed Baroness Warsi question first answered 02/07/2014 12:07:23 answering member 3839 label Biography information for Baroness Warsi
	tabling member	4257 label Biography information for The Lord Bishop of Worcester

100070

	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	Pakistan
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the government of Pakistan concerning the relationship between blasphemy laws there and that country's human rights commitments, particularly in the light of the Lahore High Court’s decision to uphold the death penalty passed against Asia Bibi.
	tabling member printed	The Lord Bishop of St Albans
	uin	HL2276
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/10/2014 answer text <p>We regularly raise at the highest levels Pakistan’s human rights commitments including the misuse of blasphemy laws both against Muslims and against religious minorities. We are concerned to hear about the case of Asia Bibi and reports that a court has upheld the imposition of the death penalty. We have consistently pressed the Government of Pakistan on the issue of the death penalty and expressed our principled opposition to it in all cases and we will ensure that we continue to do so.</p> answering member printed Baroness Anelay of St Johns question first answered 28/10/2014 16:42:19 answering member 3474 label Biography information for Baroness Anelay of St Johns
	tabling member	4308 label Biography information for The Lord Bishop of St Albans

44165

	registered interest
	date	19/03/2014
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government when they will publish the findings of the review of the National Referral Mechanism; and how civil society groups are being involved in that review.
	tabling member printed	The Lord Bishop of St Albans
	uin	HL6121
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/03/2014 answer text <p> </p><p>An announcement on the review of the National Referral Mechanism will be made <br />shortly.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Taylor of Holbeach question first answered 26/03/2014 12:00:00 answering member 3787 label Biography information for Lord Taylor of Holbeach
	tabling member	4308 label Biography information for The Lord Bishop of St Albans

44166

	registered interest
	date	19/03/2014
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what the timeline will be for giving consideration to the forthcoming report of the Joint Committee on the draft Modern Slavery Bill; and what further consultation will take place before the bill is introduced into Parliament.
	tabling member printed	The Lord Bishop of St Albans
	uin	HL6122
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/03/2014 answer text <p> </p><p> </p><p>We expect the Modern Slavery Bill to be introduced to Parliament early in the <br />fourth session, subject to other Parliamentary business. </p><p>We will of course give the Joint Committee's report full and careful <br />consideration when it is published, and will continue to consult with <br />stakeholders as we consider the Committee's recommendations prior to <br />introduction of the Bill.</p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Taylor of Holbeach question first answered 26/03/2014 12:00:00 answering member 3787 label Biography information for Lord Taylor of Holbeach
	tabling member	4308 label Biography information for The Lord Bishop of St Albans

49808

	registered interest
	date	06/05/2014
	answering body	Department for Energy and Climate Change
	answering dept id	63
	answering dept short name	Energy and Climate Change
	answering dept sort name	Energy and Climate Change
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government how they intend to ensure the continuing affordability of liquid petroleum gas and oil for those households which are not on mains gas supply.
	tabling member printed	The Lord Bishop of St Albans
	uin	HL6826
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/05/2014 answer text <p>Her Majesty's Government is acutely aware of the difficulties people have experienced with the price of liquid petroleum gas and heating oil. The price of LPG and oil is influenced by a range of factors, including crude oil prices (the major factor), refinery capacity, stock levels, distribution costs and retail margins.</p><p> </p><p>We believe that the consumer is best served by open competition between companies. The Office of Fair Trading studied the heating oil market in 2011 and found few competition concerns. Most areas of the UK are supplied by a variety of heating oil suppliers and there are low barriers to entry for new businesses who may want to compete. The OFT study also commented on the generally positive initial impact of the Competition Commission Orders from 2009 to make it easier for domestic bulk LPG consumers to switch supplier, and there is a statutory duty to keep under review the effectiveness of and compliance with these Orders.</p><p> </p><p>My Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister of State for Energy will chair a third Ministerial Roundtable meeting on heating oil and LPG supply on 21 May. The Roundtable brings together a wide range of interests including Government, regulators, advisory and charitable bodies, the fuel supply industry and others to work together to improve the security and affordability of off-grid fuel supply.</p><p> </p> answering member printed Baroness Verma question first answered 13/05/2014 12:00:00 answering member 3790 label Biography information for Baroness Verma
	tabling member	4308 label Biography information for The Lord Bishop of St Albans

49809

	registered interest
	date	06/05/2014
	answering body	Department for Energy and Climate Change
	answering dept id	63
	answering dept short name	Energy and Climate Change
	answering dept sort name	Energy and Climate Change
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will act to reduce the unit price paid by those consumers who are able to purchase electricity only from a supplier because they are not on mains gas supply and so cannot benefit from a dual fuel tariff.
	tabling member printed	The Lord Bishop of St Albans
	uin	HL6827
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/05/2014 answer text <p>The decision to offer a dual fuel discount to customers who take a gas and electricity supply from one supplier is a commercial matter for the companies concerned. The discount reflects savings made by the company by combining administrative costs of providing the two separate supplies. Dual fuel discounts typically range from £10 to £25 per year. It would not be appropriate for Government to intervene by requiring suppliers to reduce electricity prices for just one specific segment of customers.</p> answering member printed Baroness Verma question first answered 09/05/2014 12:00:00 answering member 3790 label Biography information for Baroness Verma
	tabling member	4308 label Biography information for The Lord Bishop of St Albans

49812

	registered interest
	date	06/05/2014
	answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
	answering dept id	29
	answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
	answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the financial impact on people on low incomes of uprating most cash benefits and tax credits by one per cent from April 2013 rather than in line with inflation.
	tabling member printed	The Lord Bishop of St Albans
	uin	HL6828
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/05/2014 answer text <p /> <p /> <p>For 2013/14, the main rates of working-age benefits, statutory payments and tax credits were up-rated by one per cent in the Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2013. The Welfare Benefits Up-rating Act 2013 provided for the one per cent increase to apply for 2014/15 and 2015/16. Both of these were accompanied by Impact Assessments.</p><p> </p><p>As part of his ongoing public sector equality duty under the Equality Act 2010 to monitor impacts on ‘protected groups', the Secretary of State continues to monitor the impacts of the Welfare Benefits Up-rating Act 2013 in light of any changes to the underlying rate of inflation. The underlying rate of inflation for increases in 2014/15 is similar to that forecast by the Office for Budget Responsibility and used in the Impact Assessment. It is therefore likely that the impacts on affected households will be broadly similar to those detailed in the Impact Assessment.</p> answering member printed Lord Freud question first answered 12/05/2014 12:00:00 answering member 3893 label Biography information for Lord Freud
	tabling member	4308 label Biography information for The Lord Bishop of St Albans

49813

	registered interest
	date	06/05/2014
	answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
	answering dept id	29
	answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
	answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government whether data on the provision of discretionary housing payments by local authorities are collected centrally.
	tabling member printed	The Lord Bishop of St Albans
	uin	HL6829
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/05/2014 answer text <p /> <p /> <p>The Department asks local authorities to provide data on their use of Discretionary Housing Payments on a twice yearly basis. Information regarding April to September 2013 can be found at the following link:</p><p> </p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/268411/use-of-discretionary-housing-payments-dec13.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/268411/use-of-discretionary-housing-payments-dec13.pdf</a></p><p> </p><p>The Department is currently gathering and quality assuring information regarding end of year spend from local authorities for 2013/14</p><p> </p> answering member printed Lord Freud question first answered 12/05/2014 12:00:00 answering member 3893 label Biography information for Lord Freud
	tabling member	4308 label Biography information for The Lord Bishop of St Albans

49815

	registered interest
	date	06/05/2014
	answering body	HM Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	CaTreasury
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government which organisations have been involved in the consultation by the Financial Conduct Authority on the new rules for consumer credit adverts; and when the findings will be published.
	tabling member printed	The Lord Bishop of St Albans
	uin	HL6830
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/05/2014 answer text <p>This question has been passed on to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The FCA will reply directly to the Right Reverend Prelate by letter. A copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.</p> answering member printed Lord Deighton question first answered 13/05/2014 12:00:00 answering member 4262 label Biography information for Lord Deighton
	tabling member	4308 label Biography information for The Lord Bishop of St Albans