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1142454

	registered interest
	date	25/07/2019
	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	International Religious Freedom Alliance
	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 International Religious Freedom Alliance launched by the United States Secretary of State on 18 July; and what consideration they have given to joining that Alliance.
	tabling member printed	The Lord Bishop of Leeds
	uin	HL17528
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/08/2019 answer text <p>​The United States State Department are yet to share details with us on the proposed International Religious Freedom Alliance. When we receive more information, we will consider our approach.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 09/08/2019 13:14:57 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	4349 label Biography information for The Lord Bishop of Leeds

1142468

	registered interest
	date	25/07/2019
	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	Nabeel Rajab
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 4 July (HL16567), why they were not aware of Nabeel Rajab’s application, and subsequent rejection, for alternative sentencing, given (1) reports by international news outlets, and (2) their close monitoring of his case; and what mechanisms they use to assess Bahrain’s provision of alternative sentences.
	tabling member printed	Lord Scriven
	uin	HL17542
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/08/2019 answer text <p>We are not privy to individual applications for alternative sentencing. We assess information that is publically released through official channels. The decision making process of the application of alternative sentencing is subject to meeting qualifying conditions and remains the responsibility of the Bahraini judicial system. We are closely monitoring the trials of Mr Rajab with officials from the Embassy regularly attending court hearings. We have raised the case as part of the UK's ongoing open dialogue with Bahrain at senior levels. We continue to urge the Government of Bahrain to protect freedom of expression for all its citizens in line with its international commitments.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 06/08/2019 13:53:16 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	4333 label Biography information for Lord Scriven

1142469

	registered interest
	date	25/07/2019
	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: Sentencing
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Instagram post by the British Embassy in Manama on 22 July stating that Prosecutor Ali Al Showaikh revealed that 586 individuals in Bahrain have benefited from non-custodial sentences since the new legislation on alternative sentencing was implemented in May 2018, whether they know the names of those individuals; and what representations they have made to the government of Bahrain about discrimination in the implementation of that law.
	tabling member printed	Lord Scriven
	uin	HL17543
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/08/2019 answer text <p>Bahrain has brought in new legislation related to alternative sentencing and has already started to implement provisions under this new legal framework. We welcome this positive move in reforming the judicial system. UK expertise has supported this process. The names of the 586 individuals that have benefited from non-custodial sentences have not been published.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 06/08/2019 13:46:01 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	4333 label Biography information for Lord Scriven

1142470

	registered interest
	date	25/07/2019
	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	Hassan Mushaima
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they intend to make to the government of Bahrain about the access of Hassan Mushaima to specialised medical care without shackles, in line with international standards.
	tabling member printed	Lord Scriven
	uin	HL17544
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/08/2019 answer text <p>We continue to monitor the case of Hassan Mushaima closely. We have raised the case of Mr Mushaima at senior levels with the Bahraini Government and continue to follow the case. We have received confirmation of Mr Mushaima's recent medical appointments and assurances that he will continue to have access to all necessary healthcare and medical treatment whilst in detention, as guaranteed by the Bahraini constitution.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 06/08/2019 13:44:30 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	4333 label Biography information for Lord Scriven

1142471

	registered interest
	date	25/07/2019
	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: Nationality
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have been made of the Bahraini individuals whose citizenships were reinstated in April; and what assessment they have made of whether those individuals have regained their full rights as citizens following reports that (1) applications for passports are being rejected, and (2) they are not benefitting from state benefits and services.
	tabling member printed	Lord Scriven
	uin	HL17545
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/08/2019 answer text <p>The UK has raised our concerns on the revocation of Bahraini citizenship at a senior level with the Government of Bahrain. We welcome the reinstatement of Bahrain citizenship to 643 people so far this year and will continue to monitor this issue. We encourage individuals experiencing issues with reinstatement of benefits and services to report them to the Bahrain National Institute for Human Rights (NIHR). We continue to urge the NIHR to carry out swift and thorough investigations into any such concerns or allegations.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 06/08/2019 13:46:19 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	4333 label Biography information for Lord Scriven

1142472

	registered interest
	date	25/07/2019
	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: Technical Assistance
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government on what basis they are providing technical assistance to the government of Bahrain; and whether they intend to make representations to that government about human rights abuses, including reported cases of sexual assault and torture against female human rights defenders and activists by state officials in Bahrain.
	tabling member printed	Lord Scriven
	uin	HL17546
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/08/2019 answer text <p>We continue to monitor events in Bahrain closely and we regularly raise human rights with the Government of Bahrain, at senior levels, both in private and public. We continue to encourage the Government of Bahrain to deliver on its international and domestic human rights commitments.</p><p>The UK has been providing a range of technical and practical assistance to the Government of Bahrain since 2012, in support of its reform programme. Any training provided by or on behalf of the British Government complies with our domestic and international human rights obligations.</p><p>We encourage those with concerns about treatment in detention to report them to the appropriate Bahraini human rights oversight body. We continue to encourage these oversight bodies to carry out swift and thorough investigations into any such concerns or allegations.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 06/08/2019 13:53:53 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	4333 label Biography information for Lord Scriven

1142473

	registered interest
	date	25/07/2019
	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: Prisons
	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 Bahrain about the conditions in the Isa Town Prison, including the reported (1) repeated denial of adequate medical care for a lump in the breast of Hajer Mansoor, and (2) restrictions to unimpeded family visits without a glass barrier for Hajer Mansoor, Najah Yusuf, and Medina Ali.
	tabling member printed	Lord Scriven
	uin	HL17547
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/08/2019 answer text <p>We continue to follow the cases of Ms Mansoor, Ms Yusuf and Ms Ali, and have raised the issue of access to medical care with the Government of Bahrain at a senior level. The Government of Bahrain have given categorical assurances that Ms Mansoor has had appropriate investigations and will continue to receive access to appropriate medical care, as guaranteed by the constitution of Bahrain. We encourage those with concerns about treatment in detention to report them to the appropriate Bahraini human rights oversight body. We continue to encourage these oversight bodies to carry out swift and thorough investigations into any such concerns or allegations.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 06/08/2019 13:54:53 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	4333 label Biography information for Lord Scriven

1141920

	registered interest
	date	24/07/2019
	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 Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands: Marine Protected Areas
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the consultation process about extending marine protection measures around South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands has been completed; what additional measures for its Marine Protected Area are envisaged; and when they are expected to be implemented.
	tabling member printed	Lord Haworth
	uin	HL17464
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/08/2019 answer text <p>​The South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands sustainable-use Marine Protected Area (MPA) underwent its first 5-yearly review during 2018. The MPA review panel published its report on 7 November, concluding that the current MPA is achieving its objectives, whilst also making a series of recommendations to further strengthen protection of the Territory's waters. The Commissioner for South Georgia &amp; the South Sandwich Islands announced, on 12 December, a suite of environmental enhancements to the MPA. These include extending the MPA across the entire maritime area; protecting 23 per cent of the MPA to all commercial fishing activities; and prohibiting mining, hydrocarbon extraction and carriage of heavy fuel oil. The majority of these measures have put in place; the remaining measures are in the process of being implemented by the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 09/08/2019 13:13:49 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	3704 label Biography information for Lord Haworth

1141935

	registered interest
	date	24/07/2019
	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	EU Action
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government how many times the UK has voted against legislation in the Council of Ministers since 2001; and on how many of those occasions that legislation subsequently passed.
	tabling member printed	Lord Pearson of Rannoch
	uin	HL17479
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/08/2019 answer text <p>​This information is not held centrally and to compile it would incur disproportionate cost. Information on EU legislation can be found on the EU website.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 06/08/2019 13:54:11 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	3153 label Biography information for Lord Pearson of Rannoch

1141942

	registered interest
	date	24/07/2019
	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	Nepal: Visits Abroad
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government whether any serving Prime Minister of the UK has visited Nepal; what plans the Prime Minister has, if any, to visit that country; and, if there are no such plans, why not.
	tabling member printed	The Earl of Sandwich
	uin	HL17486
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/08/2019 answer text <p>The United Kingdom and Nepal are long time partners. The two countries have enjoyed diplomatic relations for over 200 years, by far the longest formal relationship Nepal has with any country. Today the relationship is broad, vibrant and diverse and marked by mutual respect. Although no serving British Prime Minister has visited Nepal, the governments enjoy frequent Ministerial visits in both directions. The Government was delighted to welcome Prime Minister Oli of Nepal to London in June; his visit included a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister May, an audience with His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex, and a dinner at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. At this early stage, the Prime Minister’s travel plans are yet to be confirmed.</p><p>​</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 01/08/2019 15:12:43 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	2109 label Biography information for The Earl of Sandwich

1141943

	registered interest
	date	24/07/2019
	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	Balkans: Unemployment
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have (1) commissioned, or (2) supported, any study into the causes of unemployment among skilled young people in (a) Kosovo, (b) Albania, (c) Bosnia-Herzegovina, and (d) any other states of the Western Balkans.
	tabling member printed	The Earl of Sandwich
	uin	HL17487
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/08/2019 answer text <p>​The Foreign &amp; Commonwealth Office commissioned a Joint Analysis of Conflict and Stability (JACS) in 2017 (refreshed in 2019) for the Western Balkans. A JACS is a strategic assessment used to strengthen cross-government approaches to tackling conflict and instability overseas. The analysis covered youth unemployment as well as migration and &quot;brain-drain&quot;. In addition, the Foreign &amp; Commonwealth Office has commissioned analysis on 'The Cost of Youth Emigration from Serbia' and analysis by the British Council for the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF).</p><p>Through the CSSF, the Government funds the following projects to help tackle unemployment in the Western Balkans:</p><ul><li><p>21st Century Schools; which will provide training to children in over 4,500 schools, to improve digital literacy and core skills across the Western Balkans.;</p></li><li><p>a project supporting employment and social services for vulnerable youths in Albania; and</p></li><li><p>in North Macedonia working jointly with the National Youth Council and IT Chamber of Commerce to support digital skills training to young people in return for community work.</p></li></ul> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon grouped question UIN HL17488 HL17489 HL17490 HL17491 question first answered 07/08/2019 14:56:10 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	2109 label Biography information for The Earl of Sandwich

1141944

	registered interest
	date	24/07/2019
	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	Balkans: Emigration
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have (1) commissioned, or (2) supported, any analysis of migration and the brain drain of skilled young people in (a) Kosovo, (b) Albania, (c) Bosnia-Herzegovina, and (d) any other states of the Western Balkans.
	tabling member printed	The Earl of Sandwich
	uin	HL17488
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/08/2019 answer text <p>​The Foreign &amp; Commonwealth Office commissioned a Joint Analysis of Conflict and Stability (JACS) in 2017 (refreshed in 2019) for the Western Balkans. A JACS is a strategic assessment used to strengthen cross-government approaches to tackling conflict and instability overseas. The analysis covered youth unemployment as well as migration and &quot;brain-drain&quot;. In addition, the Foreign &amp; Commonwealth Office has commissioned analysis on 'The Cost of Youth Emigration from Serbia' and analysis by the British Council for the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF).</p><p>Through the CSSF, the Government funds the following projects to help tackle unemployment in the Western Balkans:</p><ul><li><p>21st Century Schools; which will provide training to children in over 4,500 schools, to improve digital literacy and core skills across the Western Balkans.;</p></li><li><p>a project supporting employment and social services for vulnerable youths in Albania; and</p></li><li><p>in North Macedonia working jointly with the National Youth Council and IT Chamber of Commerce to support digital skills training to young people in return for community work.</p></li></ul> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon grouped question UIN HL17487 HL17489 HL17490 HL17491 question first answered 07/08/2019 14:56:10 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	2109 label Biography information for The Earl of Sandwich

1141945

	registered interest
	date	24/07/2019
	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	Balkans: Overseas Aid
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what support they are providing to projects aimed at tackling unemployment and migration in the Western Balkans.
	tabling member printed	The Earl of Sandwich
	uin	HL17489
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/08/2019 answer text <p>​The Foreign &amp; Commonwealth Office commissioned a Joint Analysis of Conflict and Stability (JACS) in 2017 (refreshed in 2019) for the Western Balkans. A JACS is a strategic assessment used to strengthen cross-government approaches to tackling conflict and instability overseas. The analysis covered youth unemployment as well as migration and &quot;brain-drain&quot;. In addition, the Foreign &amp; Commonwealth Office has commissioned analysis on 'The Cost of Youth Emigration from Serbia' and analysis by the British Council for the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF).</p><p>Through the CSSF, the Government funds the following projects to help tackle unemployment in the Western Balkans:</p><ul><li><p>21st Century Schools; which will provide training to children in over 4,500 schools, to improve digital literacy and core skills across the Western Balkans.;</p></li><li><p>a project supporting employment and social services for vulnerable youths in Albania; and</p></li><li><p>in North Macedonia working jointly with the National Youth Council and IT Chamber of Commerce to support digital skills training to young people in return for community work.</p></li></ul> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon grouped question UIN HL17487 HL17488 HL17490 HL17491 question first answered 07/08/2019 14:56:10 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	2109 label Biography information for The Earl of Sandwich

1141946

	registered interest
	date	24/07/2019
	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	Balkans: Overseas Aid
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government how many aid and development projects in the Western Balkans they support; through which (1) embassies, (2) governments, and (3) local organisations, that support is provided; and how much they have spent on such support.
	tabling member printed	The Earl of Sandwich
	uin	HL17490
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/08/2019 answer text <p>​The Foreign &amp; Commonwealth Office commissioned a Joint Analysis of Conflict and Stability (JACS) in 2017 (refreshed in 2019) for the Western Balkans. A JACS is a strategic assessment used to strengthen cross-government approaches to tackling conflict and instability overseas. The analysis covered youth unemployment as well as migration and &quot;brain-drain&quot;. In addition, the Foreign &amp; Commonwealth Office has commissioned analysis on 'The Cost of Youth Emigration from Serbia' and analysis by the British Council for the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF).</p><p>Through the CSSF, the Government funds the following projects to help tackle unemployment in the Western Balkans:</p><ul><li><p>21st Century Schools; which will provide training to children in over 4,500 schools, to improve digital literacy and core skills across the Western Balkans.;</p></li><li><p>a project supporting employment and social services for vulnerable youths in Albania; and</p></li><li><p>in North Macedonia working jointly with the National Youth Council and IT Chamber of Commerce to support digital skills training to young people in return for community work.</p></li></ul> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon grouped question UIN HL17487 HL17488 HL17489 HL17491 question first answered 07/08/2019 14:56:10 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	2109 label Biography information for The Earl of Sandwich

1141947

	registered interest
	date	24/07/2019
	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	Balkans: Migrant Camps
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the number of non-EU migrants currently in refugee camps in the Western Balkans; and whether they are making any contributions through the EU, United Nations agencies or other channels to support such migrants.
	tabling member printed	The Earl of Sandwich
	uin	HL17491
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/08/2019 answer text <p>​The Foreign &amp; Commonwealth Office commissioned a Joint Analysis of Conflict and Stability (JACS) in 2017 (refreshed in 2019) for the Western Balkans. A JACS is a strategic assessment used to strengthen cross-government approaches to tackling conflict and instability overseas. The analysis covered youth unemployment as well as migration and &quot;brain-drain&quot;. In addition, the Foreign &amp; Commonwealth Office has commissioned analysis on 'The Cost of Youth Emigration from Serbia' and analysis by the British Council for the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF).</p><p>Through the CSSF, the Government funds the following projects to help tackle unemployment in the Western Balkans:</p><ul><li><p>21st Century Schools; which will provide training to children in over 4,500 schools, to improve digital literacy and core skills across the Western Balkans.;</p></li><li><p>a project supporting employment and social services for vulnerable youths in Albania; and</p></li><li><p>in North Macedonia working jointly with the National Youth Council and IT Chamber of Commerce to support digital skills training to young people in return for community work.</p></li></ul> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon grouped question UIN HL17487 HL17488 HL17489 HL17490 question first answered 07/08/2019 14:56:10 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	2109 label Biography information for The Earl of Sandwich

1141951

	registered interest
	date	24/07/2019
	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	Tankers: Security
	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 safe passage of British tankers overseas.
	tabling member printed	Lord Taylor of Warwick
	uin	HL17495
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/08/2019 answer text <p>The shipping industry is understandably concerned about recent regional tensions and attacks on international shipping in the Persian Gulf. These events culminated in Iran's illegal seizure of the Stena Impero, a UK-flagged tanker, on 19 July.</p><p>It is vital to uphold the principle of freedom of navigation and ensure that merchant shipping can pass through the Gulf safely. That begins with clear information flows between Government and the shipping industry. The Department for Transport (DfT) regularly reviews threats and reporting worldwide and issues the most up to date advice available to operators to assist with their risk assessments, to enable their safety while travelling overseas.</p><p>In late July, following the illegal seizure of the Stena Impero, the Royal Navy began to accompany British-flagged ships in the region to provide reassurance to the shipping industry. In parallel, we have been talking to allies and partners about the threat to international shipping in the region. On 5 August, the Government announced its decision to join an international maritime security construct in the Gulf, focused on freedom of navigation and restoring safe passage for shipping. The mission involves the Royal Navy working with international partners to accompany merchant vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, building on existing cooperation which has seen Royal Navy vessels accompany 50 merchant ships through the Strait since 24 July.</p><p>Our participation in this construct is focused entirely on the issue of reassuring the shipping industry and deterring further attacks. The Government has not changed its wider policy towards Iran. We remain committed to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which is the best way to prevent a nuclear armed Iran. We are not part of the US maximum pressure campaign and have no wish to escalate tensions with Iran, but we also have to ensure that international law and rules are upheld and respected.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 09/08/2019 13:14:42 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	1796 label Biography information for Lord Taylor of Warwick

1141285

	registered interest
	date	23/07/2019
	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	Germany: Muslims
	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 raise with his German counterpart the decision by the City of Koblenz to ban the burqa at public swimming pools.
	tabling member constituency	Newport West
	tabling member printed	Ruth Jones
	uin	281033
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 31/07/2019 answer text <p>Thank you for asking me to consider the ban on the burqa at swimming pools in Koblenz. I can confirm that the ban is no longer in place.</p> answering member constituency Tamworth answering member printed Christopher Pincher question first answered 31/07/2019 13:06:26 answering member 4075 label Biography information for Christopher Pincher
	tabling member	4716 label Biography information for Ruth Jones

1141291

	registered interest
	date	23/07/2019
	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	Oman: Detainees
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if his Department will meet with representatives of the Shuhuh 6 to discuss the human rights situation in Oman.
	tabling member constituency	Dundee West
	tabling member printed	Chris Law
	uin	281039
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/07/2019 answer text <p>Officials in London met a UK-based Non-Governmental Organisation to listen to their concerns about the Shihuh and Oman on 15 July. I have also raised this issue with the Omani authorities, as has our Ambassador in Muscat. We are aware that human rights authorities in Oman have responded directly to Amnesty International with a detailed reply regarding one of their reports. Omani authorities have given us the strongest assurances that the individuals concerned were given full legal assistance and treated in accordance with Oman’s constitution and international laws and conventions. There is no evidence of discrimination against the Shihuh more generally, many of whom occupy senior positions in the Omani state and wider society. We continue to monitor developments closely.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison grouped question UIN 281040 281041 281042 question first answered 30/07/2019 14:47:12 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	4403 label Biography information for Chris Law

1141292

	registered interest
	date	23/07/2019
	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	Oman: Detainees
	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 has taken to verify assurances given by the Government of Oman that (a) there is no discrimination against the Shuhuh 6 and (b) the arrest of the Shuhuh 6 was conducted with respect for human rights.
	tabling member constituency	Dundee West
	tabling member printed	Chris Law
	uin	281040
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/07/2019 answer text <p>Officials in London met a UK-based Non-Governmental Organisation to listen to their concerns about the Shihuh and Oman on 15 July. I have also raised this issue with the Omani authorities, as has our Ambassador in Muscat. We are aware that human rights authorities in Oman have responded directly to Amnesty International with a detailed reply regarding one of their reports. Omani authorities have given us the strongest assurances that the individuals concerned were given full legal assistance and treated in accordance with Oman’s constitution and international laws and conventions. There is no evidence of discrimination against the Shihuh more generally, many of whom occupy senior positions in the Omani state and wider society. We continue to monitor developments closely.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison grouped question UIN 281039 281041 281042 question first answered 30/07/2019 14:47:12 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	4403 label Biography information for Chris Law

1141293

	registered interest
	date	23/07/2019
	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	Mohammed Abdullah al-Shahi
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether Ministers of his Department have seen the Amnesty International statement of 22 May 2019 entitled, Oman: Life Sentence for Prisoner of Conscious on the imprisonment of Mohammed Abdullah al-Shahi.
	tabling member constituency	Dundee West
	tabling member printed	Chris Law
	uin	281041
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/07/2019 answer text <p>Officials in London met a UK-based Non-Governmental Organisation to listen to their concerns about the Shihuh and Oman on 15 July. I have also raised this issue with the Omani authorities, as has our Ambassador in Muscat. We are aware that human rights authorities in Oman have responded directly to Amnesty International with a detailed reply regarding one of their reports. Omani authorities have given us the strongest assurances that the individuals concerned were given full legal assistance and treated in accordance with Oman’s constitution and international laws and conventions. There is no evidence of discrimination against the Shihuh more generally, many of whom occupy senior positions in the Omani state and wider society. We continue to monitor developments closely.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison grouped question UIN 281039 281040 281042 question first answered 30/07/2019 14:47:12 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	4403 label Biography information for Chris Law

1141294

	registered interest
	date	23/07/2019
	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	Oman: Detainees
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if his Department will support the call by Amnesty International for the Government of Oman to unconditionally release (a) Mohammed Abdullah al-Shahi and (b) other prisoners of conscience in that country.
	tabling member constituency	Dundee West
	tabling member printed	Chris Law
	uin	281042
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/07/2019 answer text <p>Officials in London met a UK-based Non-Governmental Organisation to listen to their concerns about the Shihuh and Oman on 15 July. I have also raised this issue with the Omani authorities, as has our Ambassador in Muscat. We are aware that human rights authorities in Oman have responded directly to Amnesty International with a detailed reply regarding one of their reports. Omani authorities have given us the strongest assurances that the individuals concerned were given full legal assistance and treated in accordance with Oman’s constitution and international laws and conventions. There is no evidence of discrimination against the Shihuh more generally, many of whom occupy senior positions in the Omani state and wider society. We continue to monitor developments closely.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison grouped question UIN 281039 281040 281041 question first answered 30/07/2019 14:47:12 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	4403 label Biography information for Chris Law

1141394

	registered interest
	date	23/07/2019
	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: Armed Conflict
	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 support the provision of emergency medical to Syrian civilians in Idlib.
	tabling member constituency	Glasgow North West
	tabling member printed	Carol Monaghan
	uin	281093
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/07/2019 answer text <p>​British aid continues to support the provision of emergency medical aid in Idlib, where DFID partners are working to support health facilities and establish mobile emergency protection teams. In addition, the UK has announced an additional £32 million aid package to meet emergency humanitarian needs in Idlib and the surrounding areas.</p><p>We have also made clear, including at four emergency sessions of the UN Security Council, that attacks on hospitals and other civilian infrastructure are inexcusable. We call on all parties to distinguish between civilians and civilian infrastructure, and military targets.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 30/07/2019 14:44:00 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	4443 label Biography information for Carol Monaghan

1141514

	registered interest
	date	23/07/2019
	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	Suzan Der Kirkour
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what information they have about the rape, torture, and murder by stoning of a retired Christian schoolteacher, Suzan Der Kirkour in Syria; whether they are seeking to confirm reports about who was responsible; and what assessment they have made of the statement by church leaders that “attacks against Christians, mainly women and girls, are frequent here now.”
	tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
	uin	HL17382
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/08/2019 answer text <p>​We are aware of reports of the murder of Christian school teacher, Suzan Der Kirkour in Idlib, Syria. Given the difficulties of gathering information inside Syria, we are unable to assess who was responsible.</p><p>Christians and people of other religions or beliefs, have suffered in the Syrian conflict, persecuted particularly by Daesh. The persecution of Christians, and indeed individuals of all faiths and beliefs, remains of profound concern to us. The British Government has recently accepted all of the recommendations of the Bishop of Truro's independent Review of Foreign and Commonwealth Office support for persecuted Christians overseas, and we will look to implement them at the earliest opportunity.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 06/08/2019 14:04:41 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1141520

	registered interest
	date	23/07/2019
	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: Politics and Government
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government, in the light of the upcoming deadline for forming South Sudan’s Transitional Government, what steps they are taking to encourage the parties and regional powers in that region to (1) unify security forces, and 2) clarify, with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, Dr Riek Machar’s freedom to travel back to South Sudan.
	tabling member printed	The Lord Bishop of Coventry
	uin	HL17388
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/08/2019 answer text <p>The British Government remains closely engaged at senior levels with all sides in South Sudan, the region and the wider international community to encourage full implementation of the peace agreement signed on 12 September 2018, including through the work of the UK Special Representative to Sudan and South Sudan. As part of these efforts, the UK recently convened a meeting with regional and international partners to discuss peace agreement implementation, and risks and challenges ahead for the formation of a transitional government in November. We discussed how to secure progress on issues including the reunification of armed forces and ensuring the conditions are in place for opposition leaders to participate in government.</p><p>On the reunification of armed forces, we work closely with security implementation bodies in Juba, and fund a security advisor to the ‘Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission’ to support oversight of such work. The return to South Sudan of opposition figures, including Dr Machar, is one part of the formation of a transitional government, and we urge this to happen by the November deadline. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development, as guarantors of the peace agreement, declared that Dr Machar is free from travel restrictions in a statement on 7 May. We have urged the region to ensure this message is reinforced, the status of his ability to travel clearly communicated, and no impediments are in place to prevent Dr Machar and others participating in any transitional government in Juba.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 06/08/2019 14:06:32 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	4266 label Biography information for The Lord Bishop of Coventry

1141536

	registered interest
	date	23/07/2019
	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: Palestinians
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that over 150 Palestinians have been recently arrested in Saudi Arabia, possibly because of alleged links with the Muslim Brotherhood; whether any of those people have refugee status; and what action they intend to take to ensure that those arrested are not held indefinitely.
	tabling member printed	Lord Hylton
	uin	HL17404
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/08/2019 answer text <p>​We are concerned by the reports that 150 Palestinians have been arrested in Saudi Arabia. Our Embassy in Riyadh plan to raise this at the next available opportunity.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 06/08/2019 14:04:15 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	2018 label Biography information for Lord Hylton