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173407

	registered interest
	date	13/01/2015
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Nigeria
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many incidents caused by Boko Haram in Nigeria involved British citizens in the last five years.
	tabling member constituency	Barnsley Central
	tabling member printed	Dan Jarvis
	uin	220630
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/01/2015 answer text <p>Five British nationals have reported their involvement in incidents caused by Boko Haram. However, we believe that more than 4,000 people were killed last year by Boko Haram, primarily in north-east Nigeria, but also in terrorist attacks throughout the country. The United Nations estimates that more than 1.5 million people have been displaced by Boko Haram’s terrorist activities.</p><p>As reflected in Travel Advice, terrorist groups in Nigeria, including Boko Haram, continue to pose a significant threat to British nationals and British interests in parts of the country. We believe that the terrorist group Ansaru are responsible for the murder of at least nine foreign hostages, including two British nationals in separate incidents in Nigeria in 2012 and in 2013. The UK has made clear our commitment to standing by Nigeria in its fight against terrorism.</p> answering member constituency East Devon answering member printed Mr Hugo Swire question first answered 16/01/2015 13:22:50 question first ministerially corrected 16/01/2015 13:53:35 answering member 1408 label Biography information for Lord Swire previous answer version 38835 answering member constituency Rochford and Southend East answering member printed James Duddridge answering member 1559 label Biography information for Sir James Duddridge
	tabling member	4243 label Biography information for Dan Jarvis

173398

	registered interest
	date	13/01/2015
	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	Turkey
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he plans to take to encourage the consolidation of developments in religious freedom in Turkey.
	tabling member constituency	Belfast North
	tabling member printed	Mr Nigel Dodds
	uin	220606
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/01/2015 answer text <p>We regularly raise the issue of religious freedom in bilateral discussions with the Turkish government. In early January 2015, Her Majesty´s Ambassador to Turkey met with the Head of the Diyanet (Presidency of Religious Affairs in Turkey) to discuss religious freedom. In 2014, we organised a round table with religious groups in Istanbul with the Archbishop of Canterbury. Our embassy in Ankara has regular meetings with religious groups and civil society to discuss strengthening freedom of religion in Turkey. The 2014 European Commission Annual Progress report on Turkey noted the need for comprehensive reform of legislation on freedom of thought, conscience and religion, and application of this legislation, in line with European Court of Human Rights rulings, Council of Europe recommendations and EU standards. We support this assessment and will continue to work closely with Turkey, EU Member States, and with the European institutions, to encourage further reforms, including on religious freedom, that will continue to underpin Turkey’s accession process.</p> answering member constituency Aylesbury answering member printed Mr David Lidington question first answered 19/01/2015 16:46:49 question first ministerially corrected 19/01/2015 16:56:26 answering member 15 label Biography information for Sir David Lidington previous answer version 39095 answering member constituency Monmouth answering member printed David T. C. Davies answering member 1545
	tabling member	1388 label Biography information for Lord Dodds of Duncairn

61513

	registered interest
	date	11/06/2014
	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	European General Court
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will be publishing a response to proposals from the European Court of Justice for new rules of procedure that would permit the General Court to take into account, in actions for annulment, confidential information that has not been shown to some of the parties to the proceedings.
	tabling member printed	Lord Pannick
	uin	HL291
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/06/2014 answer text <p>The Government issued an Explanatory Memorandum on the 25 <del class="ministerial">May</del> <ins class="ministerial">April</ins> in which it highlighted these proposals as a matter of particular interest. This is a complex and sensitive issue which Governments across the EU are very carefully considering. We are aware of parliamentary interest in this issue and will continue to update on developments. Under the Treaty on European Union national security remains the sole responsibility of each Member State.</p> answering member printed Baroness Warsi question first answered 19/06/2014 11:56:31 question first ministerially corrected 23/07/2014 14:51:10 answering member 3839 label Biography information for Baroness Warsi previous answer version 2243 answering member printed Baroness Warsi answering member 3839 label Biography information for Baroness Warsi
	tabling member	3870 label Biography information for Lord Pannick

57819

	registered interest
	date	04/06/2014
	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	Armed Conflict: Children
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what support his Department is giving to the UN Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict for the campaign to eradicate the recruitment of children by government armed forces by 2016.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	198848
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/06/2014 answer text <p>The Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides funding of £150,000 over three years (January 2013-December 2015) to the Office of the UN Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) for Children and Armed Conflict. These funds strengthen the UN SRSG's capacity to monitor violations committed against children in situations of concern, in line with UNSC Resolutions 1612, 1882, 1998 on children and armed conflict and including countries covered by the UN SRSG's campaign, such as Burma and South Sudan.</p><p>Children and Armed Conflict is an important personal priority. I am leading a campaign to prevent the recruitment of child soldiers and to protect children from becoming victims of sexual violence in five priority countries: Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, Chad and Burma. I have raised the issue with a number of leaders, including most recently with the Somali President during a visit in April.<br><br>The UN SRSG will take part in the End Sexual Violence in Conflict Summit, from 10-13 June in London, where she will join a Ministerial roundtable that I am hosting on Children and Armed Conflict.</p> answering member constituency Boston and Skegness answering member printed Mark Simmonds question first answered 10/06/2014 13:09:34 answering member 1393 label Biography information for Mark Simmonds
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

78481

	registered interest
	date	16/07/2014
	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	Sri Lanka
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to his Sri Lankan counterpart (a) on that country's duties to uphold human rights and (b) in response to recent attacks on Muslims in that country.
	tabling member constituency	Stockton North
	tabling member printed	Alex Cunningham
	uin	206124
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/07/2014 answer text <p>We regularly raise human rights concerns with the Sri Lankan government and urge them to make progress on reconciliation and accountability. The UK was a main co-sponsor of the UN Human Rights Council resolution passed in March, which establishes an international investigation into allegations of violations and abuses of international law on both sides of Sri Lanka’s military conflict. The resolution also calls upon the Sri Lankan government to end continuing incidents of human rights violations and abuses in Sri Lanka.</p><p>We also continue to raise our concerns about attacks against religious minorities in Sri Lanka with the Sri Lankan government, including the most recent violence in Aluthgama and Beruwala. Through our High Commissioner in Colombo, we have urged the Sri Lankan authorities to take early action to promote peaceful co-existence between all communities, noting the importance of ensuring any acts of violence, intimidation or threats are thoroughly investigated and those responsible brought to justice.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency East Devon answering member printed Mr Hugo Swire question first answered 21/07/2014 14:19:03 answering member 1408 label Biography information for Lord Swire
	tabling member	4122 label Biography information for Alex Cunningham

49995

	registered interest
	date	06/05/2014
	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	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what estimate he has made of the number of school-age girls in Nigeria abducted by Boko Haram or similar groups in each of the last five years.
	tabling member constituency	Wirral South
	tabling member printed	Alison McGovern
	uin	197894
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/05/2014 answer text <p>While abductions by Boko Haram are not new, the scale of this recent abduction of over 200 school girls from Chibok School on 14 April was unprecedented. As most of the reported abductions in the last few years have taken place in remote areas, where communication is difficult, we have been unable to verify the details of how many have taken place or how many children have been abducted.</p> answering member constituency Boston and Skegness answering member printed Mark Simmonds question first answered 13/05/2014 12:00:00 answering member 1393 label Biography information for Mark Simmonds
	tabling member	4083 label Biography information for Alison McGovern

91628

	registered interest
	date	11/09/2014
	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	Burkina Faso
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what presence his Department has in Burkina Faso; and what steps his Department is taking to support a peaceful transition of presidential power in Burkina Faso in 2015.
	tabling member constituency	Wirral South
	tabling member printed	Alison McGovern
	uin	209142
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/10/2014 answer text <p>The UK has an Honorary Consul in Burkina Faso who provides basic consular assistance to British Nationals as and when required. Our High Commissioner to Ghana is currently awaiting accreditation as non-resident Ambassador to Burkina Faso. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Parliamentary Undersecretary of State for International Development visited Burkina Faso in February 2014.</p><p>The UK supports the democratic process in Burkina Faso and wishes to see peaceful and constitutional elections in 2015, in order to secure Burkina Faso’s own stability and that of the region. We are working with partners on the ground, including the European Union, to make clear to the Government of Burkina Faso international concern about possible attempts to amend the constitution ahead of the elections.</p> answering member constituency Rochford and Southend East answering member printed James Duddridge question first answered 14/10/2014 13:14:35 answering member 1559 label Biography information for Sir James Duddridge
	tabling member	4083 label Biography information for Alison McGovern

91643

	registered interest
	date	11/09/2014
	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	Burkina Faso
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effects of political instability in Burkina Faso on (a) the Sahelian region and (b) the Ebola outbreak.
	tabling member constituency	Wirral South
	tabling member printed	Alison McGovern
	uin	209143
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/10/2014 answer text <p>Serious political instability in Burkina Faso would have a wider effect given the fragility of the Sahel region. Burkina Faso has demonstrated commitment to ensuring regional stability through its role as a mediator on behalf of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) during the Mali crisis, and as a major contributor to the United Nations Multi-Dimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali. We are working with international partners to make clear to the Burkina Faso government our desire to see this positive approach to external stability mirrored domestically.<br>The Ebola outbreak in West Africa is an unprecedented human tragedy. The UN has declared it a public health crisis requiring an urgent international response.</p> answering member constituency Rochford and Southend East answering member printed James Duddridge question first answered 14/10/2014 13:15:42 answering member 1559 label Biography information for Sir James Duddridge
	tabling member	4083 label Biography information for Alison McGovern

61700

	registered interest
	date	12/06/2014
	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	Written Questions
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many parliamentary questions tabled to his Department in the last parliamentary Session did not receive a substantive answer by the time of the 2014 prorogation; and when each such question was first tabled.
	tabling member constituency	Plymouth, Moor View
	tabling member printed	Alison Seabeck
	uin	200591
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/06/2014 answer text <p>The Foreign and Commonwealth Office received 2,331 Commons written questions in the 2013/14 session. All received a substantive answer before Prorogation. Questions tabled just before Prorogation, which had invalid notice periods, were not able to be answered.</p> answering member constituency Aylesbury answering member printed Mr David Lidington question first answered 23/06/2014 15:00:44 answering member 15 label Biography information for Sir David Lidington
	tabling member	1552 label Biography information for Alison Seabeck

173192

	registered interest
	date	12/01/2015
	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	Lebanon
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has made to his counterparts in the Lebanese government on the removal of restrictions placed on Syrian refugees seeking to enter Lebanon.
	tabling member constituency	North East Bedfordshire
	tabling member printed	Alistair Burt
	uin	220497
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/01/2015 answer text <p>I discussed the issue of Syrian refugees with the Lebanese Prime Minister and the Speaker for Parliament when I visited Lebanon in December. I paid tribute to Lebanon’s generosity as they host nearly 1.2 million registered refugees and made clear that the UK’s support, which is now around £160 million since the start of the Syria crisis, will continue. Following the announcement of new border regulations by the Lebanese authorities, our Ambassador in Lebanon alongside EU partners, reiterated to the Lebanese Prime Minister the international community’s concern that the new border regulations should adequately provide for the most vulnerable humanitarian cases.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 15/01/2015 15:46:19 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt

64028

	registered interest
	date	25/06/2014
	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	Armed Conflict: Sexual Offences
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the outcomes were of the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict.
	tabling member constituency	North East Bedfordshire
	tabling member printed	Alistair Burt
	uin	202517
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/07/2014 answer text <p>The Global Summit had two primary objectives: to agree practical action to tackle impunity for the use of rape as a weapon of war, and to begin to change global attitudes to these crimes. The Summit set in motion a series of unprecedented practical steps and commitments. In addition, it significantly raised the profile of this issue and placed it firmly on the international policy agenda. <br><br>During the Summit we launched the first ever International Protocol on how to document and investigate sexual violence in conflict as a means of overcoming one of the key barriers to prosecutions of these crimes and announced an ambitious plan to implement the Protocol. The Foreign Secretary announced £6 million in new UK funding to support survivors of rape, and the United States, Bahrain, Australia, Japan and others including European partners also made new pledges. The African Union announced a pilot project in the Central African Republic to respond to the urgent needs of victims of sexual violence, supported by the UK and Japan. In addition the Somali government launched a new action plan, supported by the UN and the international community, for addressing sexual violence, which has blighted the lives of thousands there. <br><br>Within the Summit we convened a special meeting on security in Nigeria, where violence against women and girls is a particular concern among the wider impact of Boko Haram. We agreed that a Regional Intelligence Fusion Unit should be made operational immediately. The countries of the region also agreed rapidly to implement joint or coordinated patrols along their borders and Cameroon committed to add a battalion to that regional task force. The UK, US and France pledged to support of these regional efforts. We announced a separate package of support for Nigeria including: increased tactical training for the Nigerian army, assistance to regional security and intelligence cooperation, and a joint UK/US educational programme to educate an additional one million children in Nigeria. All the parties present also agreed on the need for UN sanctions against Boko Haram’s leadership and Ansaru, another dangerous terrorist organisation. Both were listed by the UN Security Council’s Al Qaida Sanctions Committee on 26 June. <br><br>Finally, states and delegates at the Summit joined together to sign a Statement of Action, uniting governments, UN Agencies, civil society, experts and survivors with a shared determination to tackle these issues.</p> answering member constituency Boston and Skegness answering member printed Mark Simmonds question first answered 21/07/2014 17:45:47 answering member 1393 label Biography information for Mark Simmonds
	tabling member	1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt

64029

	registered interest
	date	25/06/2014
	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	Armed Conflict: Sexual Offences
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what estimate he has made of public footfall at the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict.
	tabling member constituency	North East Bedfordshire
	tabling member printed	Alistair Burt
	uin	202518
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/07/2014 answer text <p>One of the principal aims of the Global Summit was to invite members of the public to take part in the Summit and to transform awareness of a taboo and often poorly understood subject. We estimate that several thousand members of the public attended the Fringe events each day.</p> answering member constituency Boston and Skegness answering member printed Mark Simmonds question first answered 01/07/2014 16:22:04 answering member 1393 label Biography information for Mark Simmonds
	tabling member	1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt

64030

	registered interest
	date	25/06/2014
	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	Armed Conflict: Sexual Offences
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many fringe events were held during the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	North East Bedfordshire
	tabling member printed	Alistair Burt
	uin	202519
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/07/2014 answer text <p>I refer my honourable Friend the member for North East Bedfordshire to the Foreign Secretary's statement to the House on 16 June 2014 on the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict. There were 175 fringe events during the Summit, which included panel discussions and debates, theatre and performance, marketplace with products made by survivors, gallery, silent cinema, exhibitions. We estimate that several thousand members of the public attended the fringe each day. In addition, our Embassies and High Commissions overseas held a global fringe and hosted events for each of the 84 hours of the Summit. These events challenged perceptions and encouraged policy and decision makers and the general public to engage with a subject that for too long has remained hidden.</p> answering member constituency Boston and Skegness answering member printed Mark Simmonds question first answered 01/07/2014 13:03:27 answering member 1393 label Biography information for Mark Simmonds
	tabling member	1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt

64036

	registered interest
	date	25/06/2014
	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	Armed Conflict: Sexual Offences
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many (a) Government Ministers, (b) non-governmental organisations and civil society groups and (c) survivors attended the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	North East Bedfordshire
	tabling member printed	Alistair Burt
	uin	202524
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/07/2014 answer text <p>I refer my honourable Friend the member for North East Bedfordshire to the statement made by the Foreign Secretary to this House on 16 June 2014 on the outcomes of the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict. 79 Ministers and 129 country delegations were accredited for Summit, plus 950 experts from civil society, non-governmental organisations, academia, health practitioners, military and policy. Many more members of the public attended the Fringe. The FCO supported participation of the 300 grass roots and civil society activists from conflict affected countries, many of whom had direct experience of sexual violence in conflict. Other organisations who attended also had survivors as part of their delegations. Together we discussed practical action to tackle impunity for the use of sexual violence as a tactic of conflict and continued the long process of changing global attitudes to these crimes.</p> answering member constituency Boston and Skegness answering member printed Mark Simmonds question first answered 01/07/2014 16:03:31 answering member 1393 label Biography information for Mark Simmonds
	tabling member	1201 label Biography information for Alistair Burt

62908

	registered interest
	date	19/06/2014
	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	Central African Republic
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure that the UN-led peacekeeping force in the Central African Republic is prepared to protect civilians and is fully operational as soon as possible.
	tabling member constituency	Glasgow Central
	tabling member printed	Anas Sarwar
	uin	201456
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/06/2014 answer text <p>We are working closely with partners to support UN planning for MINUSCA's deployment as mandated on 15 September, ready to assume immediate responsibility for the protection of civilians. We will continue to provide expertise and resources to ensure a well planned, phased approach that prioritises protection of civilians, and enables a smooth transition of responsibility for security from the African Union led mission, MISCA. We will also continue to support efforts to identify troops and equipment to contribute to MINUSCA's military component.</p> answering member constituency Boston and Skegness answering member printed Mark Simmonds question first answered 24/06/2014 09:38:18 answering member 1393 label Biography information for Mark Simmonds
	tabling member	3981 label Biography information for Anas Sarwar

62909

	registered interest
	date	19/06/2014
	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	Central African Republic
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he will take to ensure that survivors of sexual violence in the Central African Republic have access to lifesaving services that respond to the specific needs of women and girls.
	tabling member constituency	Glasgow Central
	tabling member printed	Anas Sarwar
	uin	201466
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/06/2014 answer text <p>The UK remains extremely concerned about the grave humanitarian and security situation in the Central African Republic (CAR) and is working closely with international partners and CAR's Transitional Government to bring stability to CAR and ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance.</p><p>We welcome the announcement made by the African Union at the 10-13 June Global Summit to Ending Sexual Violence in Conflict about the deployment of a team of experts to CAR to investigate sexual violence abuses. This will be funded by the UK and Japan.</p><p>The decision by Transitional President Samba-Panza to refer CAR to the International Criminal Court is a positive step towards tackling impunity and bringing charges against those most responsible for crimes, including sexual violence.</p> answering member constituency Boston and Skegness answering member printed Mark Simmonds question first answered 24/06/2014 15:52:57 answering member 1393 label Biography information for Mark Simmonds
	tabling member	3981 label Biography information for Anas Sarwar

64513

	registered interest
	date	27/06/2014
	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	Tajikistan
	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 respect for human rights, the rule of law and the case of Mr Alexander Sodiqov with Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojidin Aslov during his upcoming visit to the UK.
	tabling member constituency	Glasgow Central
	tabling member printed	Anas Sarwar
	uin	202904
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/07/2014 answer text <p>We discuss the importance of respect for human rights and adherence to the rule of law with the Government of Tajikistan at both official and ministerial level whenever opportunity allows.</p><p>We remain deeply concerned by the continuing detention in Tajikistan of Alexander Sodiqov, an academic researcher working for the University of Exeter. Senior Minister of State Baroness Warsi discussed a number of issues, including human rights, the rule of law and the case of Mr Sodiqov, when she met Foreign Minister Aslov on 1 July.</p> answering member constituency Aylesbury answering member printed Mr David Lidington question first answered 02/07/2014 15:31:17 answering member 15 label Biography information for Sir David Lidington
	tabling member	3981 label Biography information for Anas Sarwar

89649

	registered interest
	date	29/08/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Middle East
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, for what reason the UK abstained from voting on the motion entitled, Ensuring respect for international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem at the 21st Special Session of the UN Human Rights Council.
	tabling member constituency	Glasgow Central
	tabling member printed	Anas Sarwar
	uin	207437
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/09/2014 answer text <p>The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend, the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond) issued a press release on 23 July stating that:</p><p>&quot;Today's UN Human Rights Council resolution will not help achieve a lasting ceasefire. It is fundamentally unbalanced and will complicate the process by introducing unnecessary new mechanisms.</p><p>The UK could not support this resolution, but recognising the strength of feeling about the loss of life and the desire by a large number of members of the Council to express that feeling in a resolution, the UK joined other EU nations in abstaining in the vote.&quot;</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 03/09/2014 14:17:00 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	3981 label Biography information for Anas Sarwar

77997

	registered interest
	date	15/07/2014
	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	Gao Zhisheng
	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 make representations to his Chinese counterpart on the health and whereabouts of human rights' lawyer Mr Gao Zhisheng following his further detention by Chinese authorities.
	tabling member constituency	High Peak
	tabling member printed	Andrew Bingham
	uin	205837
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/07/2014 answer text <p>We remain concerned about human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng, who has been imprisoned in Xinjiang since 2011. We raised his case directly with Chinese officials during the UK-China Human Rights Dialogue on 19-20 May, and urged the Chinese authorities to respect the constitutionally guaranteed rights of all detainees, including access to family, lawyers and adequate medical care.</p><p>We understand that Gao’s prison term is due to end soon, and we urge the Chinese authorities to ensure that his rights to freedom of movement and communication are duly protected on his release.</p> answering member constituency East Devon answering member printed Mr Hugo Swire question first answered 21/07/2014 14:24:56 answering member 1408 label Biography information for Lord Swire
	tabling member	3994 label Biography information for Andrew Bingham

46545

	registered interest
	date	02/04/2014
	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	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Italian counterpart on the status of foreign lecturers in Italian universities.
	tabling member constituency	North West Leicestershire
	tabling member printed	Andrew Bridgen
	uin	194913
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/04/2014 answer text <p>The discrimination faced by UK and foreign national lecturers in Italy is unacceptable and illegal. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) raised the ‘lettori' with the then Italian Foreign Minister, Emma Bonino, on 25 October 2013. I met the then Italian Europe Minister, Enzo Moavero Milanesi, on 19 November 2013, and stressed the importance of progress. I also met the Chairman of the Association of Foreign Lecturers in Italy (ALLSI), David Petrie, on 28 November 2013, and assured him of the Government's commitment to keep up the pressure on the Italian authorities. I raised the issue with Italian Deputy Foreign Minister, Marta Dassu, when I met her on 15 January. Most recently, the Minister of State for Universities and Science, my right hon. Friend the Member for Havant (Mr Willetts), has written to the new Italian Minister for Education, Research and Universities, Stefania Giannini, and underlined the importance of finding a solution.</p> answering member constituency Aylesbury answering member printed Mr David Lidington question first answered 09/04/2014 12:00:00 answering member 15 label Biography information for Sir David Lidington
	tabling member	4133 label Biography information for Andrew Bridgen

164356

	registered interest
	date	24/11/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Middle East
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has made to his Palestinian counterparts on levels of incitement to violence against Israel.
	tabling member constituency	Brigg and Goole
	tabling member printed	Andrew Percy
	uin	215756
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/11/2014 answer text <p>Officials from our Consulate-General in Jerusalem regularly speak to members of the Palestinian leadership including representatives from the Palestinian Liberation Organization, the President’s office and the Prime Minister’s office, to underline the importance of the Palestinian leadership taking all possible steps, including avoiding the use of inflammatory rhetoric, to reduce tension and encourage calm in Jerusalem and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs). I also raised the importance of this issue with interlocutors on both sides on my visit to Israel and the OPTs in October.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 27/11/2014 14:29:44 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	3939 label Biography information for Andrew Percy

164462

	registered interest
	date	24/11/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Iran
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the statements by the government of Iran that that country's nuclear activities are for exclusively civilian nuclear purposes.
	tabling member constituency	Brigg and Goole
	tabling member printed	Andrew Percy
	uin	215771
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/11/2014 answer text <p>We welcome Iran's statements that its programme is exclusively peaceful. However international concerns about its programme remain. These are based on IAEA reports and national assessments. Iran needs to resolve with the IAEA the outstanding issues surrounding the possible military dimension to its nuclear programme. It also needs to restore confidence with the international community through concluding and implementing a comprehensive agreement with the E3+3 on its nuclear programme.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 27/11/2014 14:33:40 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	3939 label Biography information for Andrew Percy

100167

	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	Ukraine
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with his counterpart in Ukraine on the protests in that country.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	211380
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/10/2014 answer text <p>The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond) discussed the crisis in eastern Ukraine with Foreign Minister Klimkin on 13 September. The Prime Minister, my right hon. Friend the member for Witney (Mr Cameron) also discussed the crisis with President Poroshenko in the margins of the European Council on 30 August and the NATO Summit on 4 September, and at the ASEM meeting in Milan on 17 October.</p> answering member constituency Aylesbury answering member printed Mr David Lidington question first answered 28/10/2014 15:11:39 answering member 15 label Biography information for Sir David Lidington
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

100168

	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	Hong Kong
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what reports he has received on the recent political unrest in Hong Kong.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	211374
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/10/2014 answer text <p>We have been monitoring events in Hong Kong closely over recent weeks including, in particular, through regular reports from our posts in Hong Kong and Beijing. We also continue to meet regularly at senior level with both the Chinese authorities and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to discuss the situation. I met Hong Kong Justice Secretary Rimsky Yuen on 14 October. <br><br>We have consistently called on all sides to ensure that the demonstrations are peaceful and in accordance with the law, including in my response to a Westminister Hall Debate on 22 October, in my Written Ministerial Statement of 13 October, and in a Foreign and Commonwealth Office statement on 2 October on the question of constitutional reform. We encourage all parties to engage in dialogue and work towards a consensus that allows a significant step forward for democracy.</p> answering member constituency East Devon answering member printed Mr Hugo Swire question first answered 27/10/2014 14:35:32 answering member 1408 label Biography information for Lord Swire
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

100169

	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	Taiwan
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the UK's trading relationship with Taiwan.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	211377
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/10/2014 answer text <p>The UK and Taiwan enjoy a strong trading relationship. In 2013 total bilateral goods trade between the UK and Taiwan was £4.59bn. UK exports of goods to Taiwan increased 7.8% year-on-year to £1.16bn, the second highest level in history. Trade in services have been increasing over the last decade reaching £958m in 2012 (figures for 2013 will be available in November).</p><p>The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the British Trade and Cultural Office (BTCO) in Taipei promote the trading relationship through engagement with industry, trade missions and trade visits, for example, the visit of the Lord Mayor of the City of London in January to promote financial services collaboration, and the bilateral trade talks in July.</p> answering member constituency East Devon answering member printed Mr Hugo Swire question first answered 27/10/2014 14:33:31 answering member 1408 label Biography information for Lord Swire
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

100170

	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	Ukraine
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effects of protests in Ukraine on the stability of the government in that country.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	211381
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/10/2014 answer text <p>We do not assess that the protests outside the Ukrainian Parliament on 14 October had any effect on the Ukrainian government’s stability. We welcome the recent parliamentary elections as a further step towards building a democratic society in Ukraine. But there is still work to do. The new government, when it is formed, must press ahead with much-needed political, economic and governance reforms.</p> answering member constituency Aylesbury answering member printed Mr David Lidington question first answered 28/10/2014 15:07:28 answering member 15 label Biography information for Sir David Lidington
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

100171

	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	Ukraine
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the Government's policy is on recognition of Crimea as the territory of Ukraine.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	211379
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/10/2014 answer text <p>The UK does not, and will not, recognise the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia. Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea is a flagrant violation of a number of Russia’s international commitments, including under the UN Charter, the OSCE Helsinki Final Act and the 1997 Partition Treaty on the Status and Conditions of the Black Sea Fleet with Ukraine. That is why Russia has been isolated in the Security Council and in the wider international community.</p> answering member constituency Aylesbury answering member printed Mr David Lidington question first answered 28/10/2014 15:09:13 answering member 15 label Biography information for Sir David Lidington
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

100172

	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	Senkaku Islands
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his international counterparts on the disputed Senkaku or Diaoyu islands.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	211370
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/10/2014 answer text <p>Whilst the UK does not take a position on underlying sovereignty claims to the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, we have a clear interest in maintaining regional peace and stability. We regularly discuss East Asian regional security issues with our international partners.</p> answering member constituency East Devon answering member printed Mr Hugo Swire question first answered 27/10/2014 14:25:04 answering member 1408 label Biography information for Lord Swire
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

100173

	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	Ukraine
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent reports he has received on the political situation in Ukraine.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	211382
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/10/2014 answer text The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my Rt. Hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), receives regular reports on the political situation in Ukraine from our Embassy in Kyiv and we are in frequent contact with the Ukrainian government. The Prime Minister, my Rt. Hon. Friend the Member for Witney (Mr Cameron), last discussed the crisis in Ukraine with the leaders of Ukraine, Russia, Germany, France and Italy on 17 October at the Asia-Europe Meeting in Milan and with EU leaders at the European Council on 23-24 October. answering member constituency Aylesbury answering member printed Mr David Lidington question first answered 28/10/2014 15:08:05 answering member 15 label Biography information for Sir David Lidington
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

101399

	registered interest
	date	28/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Taiwan
	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 improve bilateral relations with Taiwan.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	212292
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/11/2014 answer text <p>The UK enjoys a strong relationship with Taiwan, in the fields of trade, investment, education and culture. We consistently seek ways to develop this relationship further. Recent examples include: the Taiwan Britain Business Council held in London in May; a visit to Taiwan by Dame Julia King, the UK’s Low Carbon Business Ambassador in September; and the “GREAT Taste of Britain” campaign to promote British culture and food in Taiwan in October.</p> answering member constituency East Devon answering member printed Mr Hugo Swire question first answered 03/11/2014 15:48:36 answering member 1408 label Biography information for Lord Swire
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

101401

	registered interest
	date	28/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Falkland Islands
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his US counterpart on furthering US support for British sovereignty over the Falkland Islands.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	212290
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/11/2014 answer text <p>I discussed the US Government’s position on British sovereignty over the Falkland Islands and the Islanders' right of self determination with Assistant Under-Secretary Roberta Jacobson when I visited Washington in July, and senior Foreign Office officials have also raised the issue with their US counterparts. We will continue to do so as appropriate. We will also continue to highlight to the US government specific examples where Argentina’s approach to the Falkland Islands has a direct adverse impact on US as well as UK interests.</p> answering member constituency East Devon answering member printed Mr Hugo Swire question first answered 03/11/2014 16:02:15 answering member 1408 label Biography information for Lord Swire
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

101404

	registered interest
	date	28/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Gibraltar
	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 encourage support from legislators in the US for British sovereignty over Gibraltar.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	212291
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/11/2014 answer text I am grateful for the support that members of the US Congress have shown for Gibraltar and we are working with them to build support for Gibraltar’s right to choose to remain under British sovereignty. The UK has given a firm commitment that we will never enter into arrangements under which the people of Gibraltar would pass under the Sovereignty of another State against their wishes. Furthermore we have given an assurance that we will not enter into a process of Sovereignty negotiations with which Gibraltar is not content. The wishes of the people of Gibraltar to remain British must be respected. The UK’s position on sovereignty was reaffirmed most recently in the UN Fourth Committee. answering member constituency Aylesbury answering member printed Mr David Lidington question first answered 04/11/2014 15:11:53 answering member 15 label Biography information for Sir David Lidington
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

101408

	registered interest
	date	28/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Norfolk Island
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with his US counterpart on Norfolk Island in the last 12 months.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	212287
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/11/2014 answer text <p>Foreign and Commonwealth Office Ministers have not discussed Norfolk Island with the US in the last year.</p> answering member constituency East Devon answering member printed Mr Hugo Swire question first answered 03/11/2014 15:42:38 answering member 1408 label Biography information for Lord Swire
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

101409

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

101410

	registered interest
	date	28/10/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Hong Kong
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what support the UK is providing to the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	212337
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/11/2014 answer text <p>HMG Officials and Ministers have maintained a regular dialogue with all sides of the constitutional reform debate in Hong Kong. I have met with members of the Central People’s Government, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Regions (SAR) Government, and with two Hong Kong democracy advocates during their visit to London in July. They also met separately with the Deputy Prime Minister, my right hon. Friend the member for Sheffield Hallam (Mr Clegg).</p><p>As I noted in my Written Ministerial Statement to Parliament on 13 October, and in my response to a Westminster Hall debate on 22 October, the Government continues to encourage all parties to engage in dialogue and to work towards a consensus that allows a significant step forward for democracy in Hong Kong. The Government has consistently called on all sides to ensure that the demonstrations remain peaceful.</p> answering member constituency East Devon answering member printed Mr Hugo Swire question first answered 03/11/2014 15:45:54 answering member 1408 label Biography information for Lord Swire
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

114731

	registered interest
	date	05/11/2014
	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	Burkina Faso
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the political situation in Burkina Faso.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	213615
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/11/2014 answer text <p>We were deeply concerned by the violence and uncertainty in Burkina Faso, caused by President Blaise Compaoré’s attempt to change the constitution in order to seek a third term, and the subsequent installation of a military government.</p><p>We strongly support the efforts of the African Union, Economic Community of West African States and the United Nations to bring about a peaceful, civilian-led and democratic transition process, leading to free and fair elections as soon as possible. We call on the Burkinabe military authorities to work swiftly with all parts of society to that end.</p> answering member constituency Rochford and Southend East answering member printed James Duddridge question first answered 13/11/2014 14:34:58 answering member 1559 label Biography information for Sir James Duddridge
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

114733

	registered interest
	date	05/11/2014
	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	Burkina Faso
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what support his Department is providing to assist the holding of democratic elections in Burkina Faso as quickly as possible.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	213616
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/11/2014 answer text <p>We have called on all parties in Burkina Faso to work together to launch a peaceful, civilian-led and democratic transition process leading to the holding of free and fair elections as soon as possible. We strongly support the leadership of the African Union, Economic Community of West African States and the United Nations in achieving that goal.</p> answering member constituency Rochford and Southend East answering member printed James Duddridge question first answered 13/11/2014 14:32:18 answering member 1559 label Biography information for Sir James Duddridge
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

114736

	registered interest
	date	05/11/2014
	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	EU Reform
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his French counterpart on reform of the European Union.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	213608
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/11/2014 answer text <p>The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right. Hon Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), and I regularly discuss EU reform with our French counterparts, as we do with all our counterparts across the EU. For example, on 11 September I had productive conversations on EU reform with the French Secretary of State for European Affairs in London, as did the Foreign Secretary on 15-16 September with French Ministers in Paris.</p> answering member constituency Aylesbury answering member printed Mr David Lidington question first answered 17/11/2014 15:24:43 answering member 15 label Biography information for Sir David Lidington
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

114738

	registered interest
	date	05/11/2014
	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	Spain
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with the government of Catalonia; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	213612
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/12/2014 answer text <p>I have not had any recent discussions with the Government of Catalonia.</p> answering member constituency Aylesbury answering member printed Mr David Lidington question first answered 17/12/2014 13:35:37 answering member 15 label Biography information for Sir David Lidington
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

114739

	registered interest
	date	05/11/2014
	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	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effect of EU economic sanctions on the political situation in Russia.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	213609
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/11/2014 answer text <p>Sanctions imposed by the EU in respect of Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea are designed to deter further escalation of the crisis by imposing a cost to Russia for its negative actions, in the hope of reaching a sustainable solution. Economic sanctions on Russia are having an impact. Capital has flown out of Russia, banks are short of finance, and the Russian stock market and Rouble have fallen significantly. Russia’s behaviour has seen it isolated by the international community, including at the UN and by the G8.</p> answering member constituency Aylesbury answering member printed Mr David Lidington question first answered 17/11/2014 15:27:28 answering member 15 label Biography information for Sir David Lidington
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

114741

	registered interest
	date	05/11/2014
	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	Falkland Islands
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, when he last met his Argentinian counterpart to discuss the Falkland Islands; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	213607
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/11/2014 answer text <p>The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), has not spoken directly to the Argentine Foreign Minister on this issue. Neither did his predecessor my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague).</p><p>In February 2013 my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), and representatives of the Falkland Islands Government, offered to meet with Mr Timerman to discuss issues of mutual interest in the South Atlantic, including hydrocarbons. This meeting was declined.</p> answering member constituency East Devon answering member printed Mr Hugo Swire question first answered 11/11/2014 16:04:37 answering member 1408 label Biography information for Lord Swire
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

114743

	registered interest
	date	05/11/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Nigeria
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effect of suicide bombings on the stability of Nigeria since the beginning of 2014.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	213617
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/11/2014 answer text <p>Nigeria faces a serious threat from Boko Haram attacks, including suicide bombings.</p><p>We believe that more than 3,000 people have been killed by Boko Haram this year, and over 1.5 million have been displaced.</p><p>The UK condemns these acts of terrorism. We continue to support Nigeria’s work to tackle insecurity and prevent the spread of terrorism. This includes training and advice to Nigerian units deployed against Boko Haram; support to the Nigerian government in bringing increased development and prosperity to the North East; and a commitment to draw one million more children into education in Northern Nigeria by 2020.</p><p>I led the UK delegation to a meeting of regional foreign minister in Abuja on 3 September, where I emphasised the importance of regional coordination and focus to end the threat posed by Boko Haram.</p> answering member constituency Rochford and Southend East answering member printed James Duddridge question first answered 13/11/2014 14:28:13 answering member 1559 label Biography information for Sir James Duddridge
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

114745

	registered interest
	date	05/11/2014
	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	Ukraine
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what reports he has received on the use of sexual violence in the conflict in Ukraine.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	213618
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/11/2014 answer text We are deeply disturbed by recent reporting from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights of allegations of incidents of sexual and gender-based violence in eastern Ukraine. This includes reports of rape or detention of women at check-points and incidents of the abduction of women, by armed groups, whose whereabouts remain unknown. The Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom has also received reports of a rise in domestic violence and human trafficking across Ukraine. The British Government has been in dialogue with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) around protection concerns, including sexual violence, at collective centres for the displaced and have confirmed that the UK’s £700,000 contribution to the UNHCR to repair housing for the displaced is being complemented by the work of UNHCR protection officers. We have consistently raised our concerns about these issues with partners and we will continue to call on all sides to ensure respect for international law. answering member constituency Aylesbury answering member printed Mr David Lidington question first answered 17/11/2014 15:30:28 answering member 15 label Biography information for Sir David Lidington
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

156712

	registered interest
	date	19/11/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Syria
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the likelihood of Aleppo falling to pro-government forces in Syria.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	215131
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/11/2014 answer text <p>The city of Aleppo is under pressure from President Assad’s forces. Assad’s regime is currently seeking to encircle Aleppo, and applying pressure to the 300,000 civilians and the moderate opposition in the area, whilst also bombarding the area with barrel bombs and artillery. The moderate opposition – many of them Aleppo civilians themselves – are in Aleppo supporting and protecting its inhabitants. At present, the moderate groups in Aleppo are holding off the assault from the regime. But the conditions are difficult, and they will need our continuing support.</p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 26/11/2014 14:05:14 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

156713

	registered interest
	date	19/11/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Syria
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the sustainability of anti-government forces in Syria.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	215129
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/11/2014 answer text The moderate opposition groups in Syria are under pressure. The Government remains longstanding and strong supporters of these groups. We are providing non-lethal support, as well as strong political backing for the National Coalition – most recently when President Hadi al-Bahra visited London from 10th-12th November. We also plan to make a significant contribution to the US Department of Defence training programme for the Syrian groups. Taken together, our contribution is helping the moderate groups in their fight against ISIL and against President Assad’s regime forces, in very challenging conditions. answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 26/11/2014 14:04:09 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

156714

	registered interest
	date	19/11/2014
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Islamic State
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to prevent the killing of hostages by ISIL.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	215201
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 25/11/2014 answer text <p>It is a long-standing British Government policy not to discuss operational details of kidnap cases.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Bournemouth East answering member printed Mr Tobias Ellwood question first answered 25/11/2014 15:24:41 answering member 1487 label Biography information for Mr Tobias Ellwood
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

167489

	registered interest
	date	02/12/2014
	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	Cuba
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what his policy is on the relaxation of the EU's political position on Cuba.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	216915
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/12/2014 answer text <p>On 29 April 2014, Cuba and the EU opened negotiations on a bilateral agreement on Political Dialogue and Cooperation in Havana. The UK supported the opening of negotiations with Cuba. The agreement will allow the EU to respond more effectively to Cuba’s ongoing process of change and modernisation by providing a stronger framework for political dialogue and improved cooperation. The defence and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms will remain central to the relationship. Two rounds of negotiations have so far taken place, led by the European External Action Service on the EU side. Our position during the negotiations has been balanced, constructive and supportive of the proposal.</p> answering member constituency East Devon answering member printed Mr Hugo Swire question first answered 09/12/2014 14:36:44 answering member 1408 label Biography information for Lord Swire
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

167490

	registered interest
	date	02/12/2014
	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	Cuba
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with the European Commission on that body's policy towards Cuba.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	216914
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/12/2014 answer text <p>Officials have participated actively in the negotiations of the EU-Cuba Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement during regular meetings of the Latin American and Caribbean Working Group in Brussels and also via regular meetings among EU Heads of Mission in Havana. We have adopted a positive stance in pursuit of a strategic agreement that supports UK and EU political, human rights and commercial objectives.</p> answering member constituency East Devon answering member printed Mr Hugo Swire question first answered 09/12/2014 14:40:42 answering member 1408 label Biography information for Lord Swire
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

167491

	registered interest
	date	02/12/2014
	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	Cuba
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what his policy is on Cuba.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	216913
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/12/2014 answer text <p>We have deepened our relationship with Cuba through enhanced engagement building on the UK-Cuba 2011 Bilateral Declaration. I recently paid a three-day visit to Cuba, as the first British Minister to visit in nearly a decade. I signed three bilateral Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) during my visit and explained to Cuban Ministers our desire to see an improvement to the bilateral relationship in areas where we have a shared interest. We already have pragmatic cooperation on strategic issues such as counternarcotics, trade and investment, climate change and, more recently on Ebola, where we are co-operating closely in combating the disease in Sierra Leone. Our Embassy in Havana remains active on the ground on human rights and I made clear during my visit our concerns about freedom of expression and association, as well as the need to release prisoners of conscience. I also called on Cuba to ratify the UN Covenants on Political and Economic Rights.</p> answering member constituency East Devon answering member printed Mr Hugo Swire question first answered 09/12/2014 14:39:02 answering member 1408 label Biography information for Lord Swire
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

46913

	registered interest
	date	03/04/2014
	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	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what sanctions the UK has imposed on Russia since Russian troops entered Crimea.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	195231
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/04/2014 answer text <p>The EU Foreign Affairs Council imposed asset freezes and visa bans on 33 named individuals, for actions that undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. The UK has also frozen military cooperation with Russia, refused export licence requests, which may be used by the Russian military, and has postponed a number of planned Ministerial Summits. Along with other G7 members, the UK has withdrawn participation in the planned G8 Summit in Sochi in June, and will instead take part in a G7 meeting in Brussels.</p> answering member constituency Aylesbury answering member printed Mr David Lidington question first answered 09/04/2014 12:00:00 answering member 15 label Biography information for Sir David Lidington
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell