Show Search Form

Search Results

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

Search

1138384

	registered interest
	date	11/07/2019
	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	Diego Garcia: Roads
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, to which nation the road named national highway on Diego Garcia in the British Indian Ocean Territory refers.
	tabling member constituency	Glasgow North
	tabling member printed	Patrick Grady
	uin	276225
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/07/2019 answer text <p>The main road on Diego Garcia that links different areas of the island is officially named Britannia Way. It is more commonly known as DG1 or National Highway.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 16/07/2019 15:33:02 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	4432 label Biography information for Patrick Grady

1138420

	registered interest
	date	11/07/2019
	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	Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Ministers
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, who currently fulfils the responsibilities of the position of Minister for Asia and the Pacific.
	tabling member constituency	Leigh
	tabling member printed	Jo Platt
	uin	276282
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/07/2019 answer text <p>The Rt Hon. Dr Andrew Murrison is temporarily covering the Asia &amp; Pacific Ministerial portfolio.</p> answering member constituency Rutland and Melton answering member printed Sir Alan Duncan question first answered 16/07/2019 14:14:41 answering member 343 label Biography information for Sir Alan Duncan
	tabling member	4673 label Biography information for Jo Platt

1138427

	registered interest
	date	11/07/2019
	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	USA: Diplomatic Service
	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 plans to announce the new ambassador to the United States.
	tabling member constituency	Cardiff Central
	tabling member printed	Jo Stevens
	uin	276223
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/07/2019 answer text <p>The Government will announce the new Ambassador to the United States in due course and they will be appointed in the normal way. Ambassadors to the United States are appointed by the Prime Minister, on the Foreign Secretary's recommendation, with the approval of Her Majesty The Queen.</p> answering member constituency Rutland and Melton answering member printed Sir Alan Duncan question first answered 16/07/2019 14:11:46 answering member 343 label Biography information for Sir Alan Duncan
	tabling member	4425 label Biography information for Jo Stevens

1138456

	registered interest
	date	11/07/2019
	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	Members: Correspondence
	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 plans to respond to the letter of 18 June 2019 from the hon. Member for Bishop Auckland requesting a meeting with the Minister of State for the Commonwealth.
	tabling member constituency	Bishop Auckland
	tabling member printed	Helen Goodman
	uin	276170
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/07/2019 answer text <p>A response from Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon was sent to the hon. Member for Bishop Aukland on 15 July 2019.</p> answering member constituency Rutland and Melton answering member printed Sir Alan Duncan question first answered 16/07/2019 14:08:04 answering member 343 label Biography information for Sir Alan Duncan
	tabling member	1484 label Biography information for Helen Goodman

1138558

	registered interest
	date	11/07/2019
	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	Jerusalem
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had, if any, with the government of Israel about (1) the demolition of Palestinian properties in East Jerusalem, (2) tunnelling in East Jerusalem, and (3) the activities of the Ateret Cohanim and Elad organisations.
	tabling member printed	Lord Hylton
	uin	HL17116
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/07/2019 answer text <p>Our Embassy in Tel Aviv discussed our concerns about the increase in demolitions in East Jerusalem with the Israeli Authorities on 25 June. The nature of these demolitions which took place within an area of the West Bank controlled by the Palestinian Authority is particularly concerning and we continue to monitor the situation closely. We regularly make clear our serious concerns about the situation in East Jerusalem to the Israeli authorities, both bilaterally and in co-operation with EU partners. We are strongly opposed to any attempts to change the facts on the ground in the East Jerusalem. The UK continues to regard Israeli settlements as illegal under international law and an obstacle to peace, and we regularly raise our concerns about settlement activity with the Israeli authorities.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 22/07/2019 14:22:36 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	2018 label Biography information for Lord Hylton

1138564

	registered interest
	date	11/07/2019
	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	Ministers: Languages
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what language training they provide to ministers with international portfolios.
	tabling member printed	Baroness Smith of Gilmorehill
	uin	HL17122
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/08/2019 answer text <p>The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) does not provide language training to ministers with international portfolios as a matter of course, but ministers can apply for FCO language training if they need it to conduct Government business.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 21/08/2019 13:18:44 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	3125 label Biography information for Baroness Smith of Gilmorehill

1138059

	registered interest
	date	10/07/2019
	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	Hungary: Academic Freedom
	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 (a) his Hungarian counterpart and (b) other EU counterparts on (i) the closure of the Central European University and (ii) restrictions on academic freedom in Hungary.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	275713
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/07/2019 answer text <p>The British Embassy in Budapest have discussed this with the Hungarian government on various occasions, stressing that Central European University's (CEU) relocation to Vienna is a great loss for Budapest and Hungary. We regret that the Hungarian government and CEU could not find a mutually acceptable solution as a vibrant and diverse education sector brings substantial benefits to any country.</p> answering member constituency Rutland and Melton answering member printed Sir Alan Duncan question first answered 19/07/2019 13:40:26 answering member 343 label Biography information for Sir Alan Duncan
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

1138060

	registered interest
	date	10/07/2019
	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	Somalia: Weapons
	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 Government is providing to the Somali Government to counter the proliferation of weapons within Somalia and prevent access to weapons by terrorists.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	275714
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/07/2019 answer text <p>The UK plays a leading role in upholding and strengthening the UN Somalia sanctions regime in our capacity as drafters for all UN Security Council Resolutions on Somalia. The sanctions regime is central to international efforts to promote peace and security in Somalia, including through addressing the threat of Al-Shabaab. The regime includes an arms embargo with certain exemptions for humanitarian protection, the African Union Mission in Somalia, and the development of the Somali security forces. Within these exemptions, safeguards are in place to manage proliferation of arms. Our Embassy in Mogadishu regularly engages with the Somali authorities on the importance of compliance with the regime and to support the development of effective weapons and ammunition management. More broadly, the UK has an extensive programme of support to security sector reform in Somalia, helping Somalia take responsibility for its own national security and reduce conflict and terrorism.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 16/07/2019 13:42:36 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

1138067

	registered interest
	date	10/07/2019
	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	Persecution of Christians across the Globe Independent Review
	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 evidential basis was for the downgrading of the impact of persecution of Christians in the Middle East between the the Bishop of Truro’s Independent Review for the Foreign Secretary of FCO Support for Persecuted Christians and (a) Interim and (b) Final Report.
	tabling member constituency	Stroud
	tabling member printed	Dr David Drew
	uin	275654
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/07/2019 answer text <p>This is an independent Review. As the Foreign Secretary has stated, the findings of the report make for harrowing reading and we are concerned about the situation for all Christians, including those in the Middle East. The report states that further evidence will be published and will be available incrementally from 15 July on the Review's website.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 15/07/2019 10:48:52 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	252 label Biography information for Dr David Drew

1138069

	registered interest
	date	10/07/2019
	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	Iran: Baha'i Faith
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what information his Department holds on reports of the closure of a Baha’i-run elder care centre in Karaj, Iran.
	tabling member constituency	Carshalton and Wallington
	tabling member printed	Tom Brake
	uin	275646
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/07/2019 answer text <p>We are aware of reports indicating that Baha'i owned businesses are being targeted for closure, including reports of the attempted closure of a care centre in Karaj, Iran. We remain concerned about the continued harassment and mistreatment that the Baha'i and other minority groups face.</p><p>We support the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Iran's assessment that discrimination against the Baha'is in Iran is legally sanctioned by a lack of constitutional recognition and the absence of other legal protections for adherents of this faith. We regularly call upon Iran to cease harassment of all religious minorities and to fulfil its international and domestic obligations to protect freedom of religion or belief.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 15/07/2019 15:15:44 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	151 label Biography information for Tom Brake

1138070

	registered interest
	date	10/07/2019
	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	Iran: Minority Groups
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what information his Department holds on (a) reports that the Public Places Supervision Office is seeking to close Baha’i-owned businesses in Iran and (b) the targeting of other minority communities in that country.
	tabling member constituency	Carshalton and Wallington
	tabling member printed	Tom Brake
	uin	275647
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/07/2019 answer text <p>We are aware of reports indicating that Baha'i owned businesses are being targeted for closure, including reports of the attempted closure of a care centre in Karaj, Iran. We remain concerned about the continued harassment and mistreatment that the Baha'i and other minority groups face.</p><p>We support the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Iran's assessment that discrimination against the Baha'is in Iran is legally sanctioned by a lack of constitutional recognition and the absence of other legal protections for adherents of this faith. We regularly call upon Iran to cease harassment of all religious minorities and to fulfil its international and domestic obligations to protect freedom of religion or belief.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 18/07/2019 16:38:30 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	151 label Biography information for Tom Brake

1138077

	registered interest
	date	10/07/2019
	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	Persecution of Christians across the Globe Independent Review
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what plans he has to implement the recommendations of the final report of the Bishop of Truro’s Independent Review for the Foreign Secretary of FCO Support for Persecuted Christians.
	tabling member constituency	Birkenhead
	tabling member printed	Frank Field
	uin	275685
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/07/2019 answer text <p>We are grateful to the Bishop for setting out ambitious recommendations. The report has identified specific steps the British Government can take to address the issues faced by persecuted Christians around the world. I am pleased to confirm that the government has accepted the recommendations in full and work will now begin to implement them. This work will include exploring how best to deliver a new Security Council Resolution on protecting Christians in North Africa and the Middle East; and sanctioning those who persecute people for holding a religion or belief.</p> answering member constituency South West Surrey answering member printed Mr Jeremy Hunt question first answered 19/07/2019 12:26:20 answering member 1572 label Biography information for Jeremy Hunt
	tabling member	478 label Biography information for Lord Field of Birkenhead

1138104

	registered interest
	date	10/07/2019
	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	USA: State Visits
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how much was spent from the public purse on (a) security, (b) accommodation and (c) transport for family members of President Trump during his visit to the UK in June 2019.
	tabling member constituency	Cardiff Central
	tabling member printed	Jo Stevens
	uin	275782
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/07/2019 answer text <p>​As part of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's transparency programme, the cost of the State Visit to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office will be published on the gov.uk website before the end of the year.</p> answering member constituency Rutland and Melton answering member printed Sir Alan Duncan question first answered 15/07/2019 14:59:23 answering member 343 label Biography information for Sir Alan Duncan
	tabling member	4425 label Biography information for Jo Stevens

1138115

	registered interest
	date	10/07/2019
	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	India: Islam
	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 an assessment of trends in the level of religious violence directed against Muslims in India in the last 10 years.
	tabling member constituency	West Ham
	tabling member printed	Lyn Brown
	uin	275716
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/07/2019 answer text <p>We maintain a continuous assessment of the human rights situation across India. India has a strong democratic framework and constitutionally enshrined protections for freedom of religious belief, but faces some challenges enforcing these due to its size and social and economic development. The situation for religious minorities in India varies, depending on location, socio-economic background and proportion of religious minorities.</p><p>We condemn any instances of discrimination because of religion or belief. We engage with India on the full range of human rights matters, working with Union and State Governments, and with non-governmental organisations, to build capacity and share expertise to promote human rights for all. The British High Commission in New Delhi, and our Deputy High Commissions across India, also run projects promoting minority rights and regularly meet with religious representatives, as well as official figures such as the Chair of the National Human Rights Commission and the National Commission for Minorities. Recent project work included 'Empowering Muslim youth' which reached 150 youths, 20 teachers and over 100 educational institutions.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 17/07/2019 14:34:15 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	1583 label Biography information for Ms Lyn Brown

1138117

	registered interest
	date	10/07/2019
	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	India: Islam
	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 an assessment of the potential effect of Hindu nationalist rhetoric publicly used by members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in inciting violence against Indian Muslims.
	tabling member constituency	West Ham
	tabling member printed	Lyn Brown
	uin	275717
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/07/2019 answer text <p>​We maintain a continuous assessment of the human rights situation across India. India has a strong democratic framework and constitutionally enshrined protections for freedom of religious belief, but faces some challenges enforcing these due to its size and social and economic development. The situation for religious minorities in India varies, depending on location, socio-economic background and proportion of religious minorities.</p><p>We condemn any instances of discrimination because of religion or belief. We engage with India on the full range of human rights matters, working with Union and State Governments, and with non-governmental organisations, to build capacity and share expertise to promote human rights for all. The British High Commission in New Delhi, and our Deputy High Commissions across India, also run projects promoting minority rights and regularly meet with religious representatives, as well as official figures such as the Chair of the National Human Rights Commission and the National Commission for Minorities. Recent project work included 'Empowering Muslim youth' which reached 150 youths, 20 teachers and over 100 educational institutions.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 17/07/2019 14:46:44 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	1583 label Biography information for Ms Lyn Brown

1138163

	registered interest
	date	10/07/2019
	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	Bangladesh: Politics and Government
	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 his Department has made of the political situation in Bangladesh.
	tabling member constituency	Newport West
	tabling member printed	Ruth Jones
	uin	275838
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/07/2019 answer text <p>The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) makes regular assessments of the political situation in Bangladesh, including through the British High Commission in Dhaka. Bangladesh is a close partner of the UK and a fellow Commonwealth member, and we welcome our joint reaffirmation of democratic values at the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers' Meeting on 10 July.</p><p>A general election took place in December in which the Awami League won 96% of seats in Parliament. The Minister for Asia and the Pacific issued a statement on 1 January noting credible accounts of obstacles and irregularities in the conduct of elections, and deploring the acts of intimidation and violence that took place. The UK called for the full and transparent resolution of complaints about the conduct of the elections.</p><p>The Foreign Secretary also wrote to Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen in January to express our concerns and to encourage the Government of Bangladesh to maintain dialogue with opposition parties and civil society. In April 2019, Minister Field reiterated these concerns and the importance of engaging with opposition parties and freedom of expression when he met the Prime Minister and ministers during his visit to Bangladesh.</p><p>Bangladesh remains a human rights priority country for the FCO. Ministers, and our High Commission in Dhaka, carry out a wide range of activities to promote human rights and freedom of expression in Bangladesh, working with civil society and other like-minded partners. We frequently raise these concerns with the Government of Bangladesh.</p><p>The UK will continue to engage with the Government of Bangladesh to address these concerns and will support efforts towards a stable, prosperous and democratic Bangladesh.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 17/07/2019 14:50:08 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	4716 label Biography information for Ruth Jones

1138164

	registered interest
	date	10/07/2019
	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	Sri Lanka: Politics and Government
	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 his Department has made of the political situation in Sri Lanka.
	tabling member constituency	Newport West
	tabling member printed	Ruth Jones
	uin	275839
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/07/2019 answer text <p>The Foreign and Commonwealth Office makes regular assessments of the political situation in Sri Lanka, including through the British High Commission in Colombo. Sri Lanka is a close partner of the UK and a fellow Commonwealth member, and we welcome our joint reaffirmation of democratic values at the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting on 10 July.</p><p>We are concerned about the rise in anti-Muslim rhetoric since the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks. We have urged the Government of Sri Lanka to take stronger action to protect minorities and prevent extremists in all communities from inciting violence. The Minister for Asia and the Pacific most recently raised these concerns with the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister in June.</p><p>We are also concerned about President Sirisena's statements reiterating his intention to end the country's moratorium on the death penalty, and issued a statement on 26 June. While we welcome the Supreme Court ruling on 5 July halting executions until October, we have made clear our continued concern, including about the implications for our cooperation on counter narcotics, counter terrorism and other areas of law enforcement. We will continue to encourage the Government of Sri Lanka to maintain its moratorium.</p><p>More broadly, the UK continues to believe that Sri Lanka's commitments to the UN Human Rights Council through Resolutions 30/1, 34/1 and 40/1 remain the best framework for establishing truth, justice and lasting reconciliation in Sri Lanka. We will continue to encourage and support Sri Lanka to deliver on these commitments.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 18/07/2019 13:50:17 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	4716 label Biography information for Ruth Jones

1138183

	registered interest
	date	10/07/2019
	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	USA: Detention Centres
	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 counterpart in the US Administration on the treatment of (a) child and (b) other refugees and migrants being held at detention centres on the US-Mexico border.
	tabling member constituency	Hove
	tabling member printed	Peter Kyle
	uin	275797
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/07/2019 answer text <p>​We are aware of recent concerning reports describing conditions for children and other refugees and migrants in US detention facilities. The President signed a Bill on 1 July providing emergency funding, including humanitarian support, in part to help address those conditions. We will continue to monitor the situation, though immigration policy in the US is of course a matter for the US Government, just as immigration policy in the UK is decided by the British Government.</p> answering member constituency Rutland and Melton answering member printed Sir Alan Duncan question first answered 15/07/2019 14:53:58 answering member 343 label Biography information for Sir Alan Duncan
	tabling member	4505 label Biography information for Peter Kyle

1138196

	registered interest
	date	10/07/2019
	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	Arms Trade: Saudi Arabia
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, with reference to the United Nations Security Council letter dated 26 January 2018 from the Panel of Experts on Yemen mandated by Security Council resolution 2342 (2017) addressed to the President of the Security Council, what steps he took following publication of (a) footnotes 19 and 20 on page 267 and (b) footnote 39 page on 272 recording that components of missiles used by the Saudi-led Coalition in Yemen were manufactured by EDO MBM Technology Limited, UK.
	tabling member constituency	Brighton, Pavilion
	tabling member printed	Caroline Lucas
	uin	275727
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/07/2019 answer text <p>The Government rigorously assesses arms export licences against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria. We draw on a wide range of sources of information in making our assessments, including reports from the UN Panel of Experts. We will not issue any export licences for Saudi Arabia that are inconsistent with the Consolidated Criteria, including Criterion 2(c): where there is a clear risk that the goods might be used in the commission of a serious violation of International Humanitarian Law.</p><p>The Government disagrees with the 20 June Court of Appeal judgment and is appealing to the Supreme Court. We are also carefully considering the implications of the judgment for decision-making. While we do this, we will not grant any new licences for exports to Saudi Arabia and other coalition partners for items which might be used in the conflict in Yemen.</p> answering member constituency Rutland and Melton answering member printed Sir Alan Duncan question first answered 19/07/2019 13:42:52 answering member 343 label Biography information for Sir Alan Duncan
	tabling member	3930 label Biography information for Caroline Lucas

1138219

	registered interest
	date	10/07/2019
	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	Westminster Foundation for Democracy
	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 an assessment of the effect on the work of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy of delays to the issue of visas to (a) Dr Fadia Kiwan, Director General of the Arab Women Organization for an event in Parliament on the 5 December 2018, (b) Intisar al-Jabouri, member of the Council of Representatives of Iraq, for an event in Parliament on the 5 December 2018 and (c) Reagan Wamajji, representative of the Ugandan civil society organisation Parliament Watch, for an event in Parliament on the 3 July 2019.
	tabling member constituency	West Ham
	tabling member printed	Lyn Brown
	uin	275720
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/07/2019 answer text <p>The Westminster Foundation for Democracy organised these events on behalf of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Democracy in the World, for which they are the Secretariat. Both events went ahead, with the Secretary of State for the Department for International Development attending the Westminster Foundation for Democracy's annual reception on 3 July. Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials also attended the event on young political leaders in East Africa on 3 July, and the event on 5 December on women's political leadership.</p><p>All UK Visa applications are considered on their individual merits and in line with the UK Immigration Rules <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-v-visitor-rules" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-v-visitor-rules</a> which set out the requirements to visit the UK. These requirements apply to all visitors to the UK and the onus is on the applicant to demonstrate that they satisfy the immigration rules. Under our published customer service standards we aim to process straightforward non-settlement applications within 15 working days.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 19/07/2019 11:20:10 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	1583 label Biography information for Ms Lyn Brown

1138220

	registered interest
	date	10/07/2019
	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	India: Islam
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, with reference to recent reported acts of religious violence against Indian Muslims, what assessment he has made of the level of risk to visibly Muslim UK tourists visiting India.
	tabling member constituency	West Ham
	tabling member printed	Lyn Brown
	uin	275721
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/07/2019 answer text <p>The Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s travel advice to India, which is regularly updated, provides comprehensive security advice to all British nationals covering a range of situations and regions in India. These include the risk of increased threat in places visited by British nationals such as religious sites. Like all British nationals, British Muslims should exercise vigilance and keep up to date with local news and advisories.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 15/07/2019 10:45:58 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	1583 label Biography information for Ms Lyn Brown

1138221

	registered interest
	date	10/07/2019
	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	Kashmir: Human Rights
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, with reference to the Answer of 26 June 2019 to Question 266275 on Kashmir: Human Rights, whether he has made representations to the Indian Government in relation to (a) the findings and (b) recommendations of the report entitled, Tyranny of a lawless law: detention without charge or trial under the Jammu and Kashmir public safety act, published by Amnesty International India in 2019.
	tabling member constituency	West Ham
	tabling member printed	Lyn Brown
	uin	275722
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/07/2019 answer text <p>​We have noted the Amnesty International report and its recommendations. As with all governments around the world, we call on the Government of India to protect Human Rights and guarantee the fundamental rights of all its citizens. We are committed to working with the Indian Government and with international partners to address Human Rights issues in India and elsewhere.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 19/07/2019 10:59:20 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	1583 label Biography information for Ms Lyn Brown

1138227

	registered interest
	date	10/07/2019
	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	Ahmed Mansoor
	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 Emirati counterpart to ensure that Ahmed Mansoor's prison conditions comply with internationally agreed minimum standards.
	tabling member constituency	Exeter
	tabling member printed	Mr Ben Bradshaw
	uin	275651
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/07/2019 answer text <p>The case of Ahmed Mansoor was raised by my officials with senior Emirati officials in the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The UK urges all countries to comply with their human rights obligations. When we have concerns in this regard, we raise those concerns at senior level levels with foreign governments.</p><p>​</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 18/07/2019 16:35:57 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	230 label Biography information for Mr Ben Bradshaw

1138228

	registered interest
	date	10/07/2019
	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	Iraq: Internally Displaced People
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to support the Iraqi Government to strengthen security in that country so that internally displaced Christian and Yazidi minorities are able to return to their home towns.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle-under-Lyme
	tabling member printed	Paul Farrelly
	uin	275705
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/07/2019 answer text <p>We support the safe, voluntary return of displaced members of Iraq's Christian and Yazidi minority communities and continue to engage with the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government on this issue. Both the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary held productive meetings with the President of Iraq during his recent visit to the UK on 25-28 June. A range of issues were discussed, including how best to protect and support minority communities including Yazidis and Christians.</p><p>We have contributed £14.45 million to the UN's Funding Facility for Stabilisation to help the Government of Iraq rebuild communities in liberated areas where many minorities are resident. We regularly meet with leaders and members of Iraq's ethnic and religious minorities to discuss their needs and priorities.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 16/07/2019 13:41:34 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	1436 label Biography information for Paul Farrelly

1138231

	registered interest
	date	10/07/2019
	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	Diplomatic Service: Disclosure of Information
	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 adequacy of the process for (a) distributing and (b) grading of diplomatic telegrams of a sensitive nature; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Mid Sussex
	tabling member printed	Sir Nicholas Soames
	uin	275645
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/07/2019 answer text <p>Sir Simon McDonald, Permanent Under Secretary at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) gave evidence to the Foreign Affairs Committee on 10 July on the recent leak of classified information official documents, which covered Diplomatic Telegrams. Formal correspondence from diplomats, including these, is marked either OFFICIAL, OFFICIAL SENSITIVE or SECRET in line with government policy.</p><p>We use the Cabinet Office Government Security Classification policy as a guide to classifying all FCO information and its subsequent handling. We are confident we have good security systems. Nevertheless we are reviewing how they are functioning in light of recent events. The new cross-government SECRET system developed by the Cabinet Office now also provides enhanced secure communication in the majority of our posts around the world and across government.</p> answering member constituency Rutland and Melton answering member printed Sir Alan Duncan question first answered 15/07/2019 14:57:22 answering member 343 label Biography information for Sir Alan Duncan
	tabling member	116 label Biography information for Lord Soames of Fletching

1138236

	registered interest
	date	10/07/2019
	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	Tanzania: Non-governmental Organisations
	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 treatment of NGOs by the Tanzanian Government.
	tabling member constituency	South Leicestershire
	tabling member printed	Alberto Costa
	uin	275785
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/07/2019 answer text <p>​We are concerned about the treatment of Non-Governmental Organisations in Tanzania and increasing restrictions on the democratic space in which they operate. The UK Government is working closely with civil society, including through the Department for International Development Accountability in Tanzania programme, to strengthen civil society and promote positive and constructive engagement with the Tanzanian authorities on difficult issues. I raised our concerns regarding the protection of civil and political rights with the Tanzanian Minister of Foreign Affairs at the Defending Media Freedom conference in London on 11 July 2019.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 18/07/2019 16:25:21 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	4439 label Biography information for Alberto Costa

1138243

	registered interest
	date	10/07/2019
	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	Romania: Deportation
	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 UK residents deported to Romania are not subject to overcrowded prison conditions in that country.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	275706
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/07/2019 answer text <p>We regularly discuss improvements planned for Romanian prisons with the Romanian Ministry of Justice. Through our embassy in Bucharest, we have official guarantees from the Ministry that persons sent back by the UK serve time in prisons which meet EU standards.</p> answering member constituency Rutland and Melton answering member printed Sir Alan Duncan question first answered 19/07/2019 13:34:57 answering member 343 label Biography information for Sir Alan Duncan
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

1138244

	registered interest
	date	10/07/2019
	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	Romania: Prisoners
	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 alleged abuses in the Romanian legal justice system relating to UK citizens imprisoned in that country; and what steps he is taking to help prevent such alleged abuses occurring for UK citizens deported to that country.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	275707
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/07/2019 answer text <p>We are not aware of any allegations of serious abuses in the Romanian legal justice system relating to UK citizens imprisoned in Romania. When prisoners have approached us with concerns, we have contacted the local authorities to raise them - but they have usually been related to personal inconveniences and not abuse.</p> answering member constituency Rutland and Melton answering member printed Sir Alan Duncan question first answered 19/07/2019 13:36:44 answering member 343 label Biography information for Sir Alan Duncan
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

1138289

	registered interest
	date	10/07/2019
	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	Libya: Politics and Government
	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 current situation in Libya, following the removal of pro-Haftar militias from Gharyan by the government of National Accord; and what steps they are taking, together with international partners, to support a process of dialogue and negotiation in Libya.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL17086
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/07/2019 answer text <p>​The UK is deeply concerned by the continuing fighting, and actively engaged in international diplomatic efforts to bring it to an end. On 5 July we secured agreement to a UN Security Council statement stressing the need for all parties to urgently de-escalate and commit to a ceasefire. We are working closely with Security Council members, regional governments and UN Envoy Ghassan Salamé to convince the parties on the ground to return to a UN-led political process, the objective of which is to facilitate agreement on a more inclusive political settlement, which is the best way of stabilising the country.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 22/07/2019 14:23:34 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

1138290

	registered interest
	date	10/07/2019
	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	Israel: 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 the extent to which the United States-led Peace to Prosperity workshop, held in Bahrain on 25 to 26 June, has advanced efforts to find a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL17087
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/07/2019 answer text <p>​We welcome US efforts to support the development of the Palestinian economy. It is important that economic discussions complement a political process, which is ultimately required to unlock lasting and sustainable economic growth for Palestinians and overdue peace in the region. A peace deal and the lifting of access and movement restrictions would generate the ultimate economic dividend not only for the Occupied Palestinian Territories but also for Israel, Jordan, Egypt and the wider region. The UK's longstanding position on the Middle East Peace Process remains that we support a negotiated settlement leading to a two-state solution based on 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as the shared capital of both states.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 22/07/2019 14:21:35 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

1138291

	registered interest
	date	10/07/2019
	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	Iran: Nuclear Fuels
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they intend to take in response to the government of Iran’s announcement on 8 July that it had exceeded the stockpile limit of its low-enriched uranium permitted by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action 2015 (JCPOA), and that government's stated intention to continue to raise the level at which it enriches uranium above the threshold allowed by the JCPOA.
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL17088
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/07/2019 answer text <p>The International Atomic Energy Agency has now verified that Iran has exceeded its JCPoA low enriched uranium (LEU) stockpile and enrichment limits. We have called on Iran to immediately reverse these actions and not to take further steps. With other parties to the deal we are urgently considering next steps under the JCPoA, including convening a Joint Commission.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 22/07/2019 14:21:56 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

1138292

	registered interest
	date	10/07/2019
	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	Iran: Tankers
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to de-escalate tensions with Iran, further to fears of retaliation over the seizure of the Iranian tanker Grace 1 by the Royal Navy near Gibraltar on 4 July, and in view of the speech made by the Iranian Defence Minister on 8 July, in which he called the seizure a "threatening and incorrect action" and said that Iran "will certainly not tolerate this type of maritime piracy and it will not be left without a response".
	tabling member printed	The Marquess of Lothian
	uin	HL17089
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/08/2019 answer text <p>Since 4th July, the UK has made strenuous efforts to support the resolution of the Grace 1 issue, which remains subject to a legal process in Gibraltar. The former Foreign Secretary spoke to the Iranian Foreign Minister on 17 July with the aim of encouraging de-escalation. However, instead of responding constructively, Iran chose to seize the Stena Impero. The former Foreign Secretary made a statement to the House on 22 July, outlining actions the UK government is taking in response.</p><p>We are clear that under international law, Iran had no right to obstruct Stena Impero, let alone board her. This incident was a breach of the principle of free navigation on which the global trading system and the world economy ultimately depend. We urge Iran to release the Stena Impero and her crew.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 01/08/2019 15:10:10 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	259 label Biography information for The Marquess of Lothian

1137741

	registered interest
	date	09/07/2019
	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	Yemen: Military Intervention
	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 Emirati military personnel based in Yemen in (a) 2017, (b) 2018 and (c) 9 July 2019.
	tabling member constituency	Leicester East
	tabling member printed	Keith Vaz
	uin	275110
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/07/2019 answer text <p>​There has been a downward trajectory in the number of Emirati military personnel based in Yemen since 2017. Our Emirati counterparts have recently expressed their commitment to the phased and partial redeployment of troops from Yemen as part of their strategy moving away from a military led to a more politically led action. In this context they have also made clear their support for the UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and UN-led peace process.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 17/07/2019 15:52:21 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	338 label Biography information for Keith Vaz

1137742

	registered interest
	date	09/07/2019
	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	Yemen: Military Intervention
	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 held with his Emirati counterpart on the withdrawal of their military forces from Yemen; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Leicester East
	tabling member printed	Keith Vaz
	uin	275111
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/07/2019 answer text <p>​We are aware of reports that the United Arab Emirates has begun withdrawing its forces from Hodeidah and welcome all efforts to de-escalate the conflict in Yemen. We call on the Yemeni parties to cooperate with the UN to implement the Hodeidah Agreement and work towards a resolution of this brutal conflict.</p><p>We have been clear that a political settlement is the only lasting solution to the Yemen conflict. It is crucial that all parties implement agreements made in Stockholm and continue to engage with UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and the UN-led political process. During the meeting of the Yemen Quad on 22 June, representatives of the UK, US, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates reiterated their support for UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and the peace process.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison grouped question UIN 275112 question first answered 17/07/2019 15:55:27 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	338 label Biography information for Keith Vaz

1137743

	registered interest
	date	09/07/2019
	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	Yemen: Military Intervention
	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 held with his Saudi Arabian counterpart on the withdrawal of Emirati troops from Yemen.
	tabling member constituency	Leicester East
	tabling member printed	Keith Vaz
	uin	275112
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/07/2019 answer text <p>​We are aware of reports that the United Arab Emirates has begun withdrawing its forces from Hodeidah and welcome all efforts to de-escalate the conflict in Yemen. We call on the Yemeni parties to cooperate with the UN to implement the Hodeidah Agreement and work towards a resolution of this brutal conflict.</p><p>We have been clear that a political settlement is the only lasting solution to the Yemen conflict. It is crucial that all parties implement agreements made in Stockholm and continue to engage with UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and the UN-led political process. During the meeting of the Yemen Quad on 22 June, representatives of the UK, US, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates reiterated their support for UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and the peace process.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison grouped question UIN 275111 question first answered 17/07/2019 15:55:27 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	338 label Biography information for Keith Vaz

1137744

	registered interest
	date	09/07/2019
	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	Yemen: Military Intervention
	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 and size of armed groups trained by the UAE in Yemen since the beginning of 2015.
	tabling member constituency	Leicester East
	tabling member printed	Keith Vaz
	uin	275113
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/07/2019 answer text <p>​The complex situation on the ground makes it difficult to assess the number and size of armed groups trained by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Yemen. We are however aware of UAE media reporting quoting a UAE official statement claiming the Emiratis had trained 90,000 Yemeni government fighters.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 17/07/2019 15:56:58 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	338 label Biography information for Keith Vaz

1137749

	registered interest
	date	09/07/2019
	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	Rockall: Fisheries
	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 Irish counterpart on international fishing fleets' access to waters around Rockall.
	tabling member constituency	East Londonderry
	tabling member printed	Mr Gregory Campbell
	uin	275131
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/07/2019 answer text <p>Fisheries compliance policy is a devolved competence for the Scottish Government. I have therefore not raised the matter of international fishing fleets' access to waters around Rockall with my Irish counterpart. Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials, working closely with other Government departments, including the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, remain in close contact with the Irish and Scottish Governments about this issue.</p> answering member constituency Rutland and Melton answering member printed Sir Alan Duncan question first answered 15/07/2019 08:05:56 answering member 343 label Biography information for Sir Alan Duncan
	tabling member	1409 label Biography information for Mr Gregory Campbell

1137830

	registered interest
	date	09/07/2019
	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	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 steps his Department is taking to ensure the Protection of Civilians strategy makes the protection of children a priority.
	tabling member constituency	Colne Valley
	tabling member printed	Thelma Walker
	uin	275240
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/07/2019 answer text <p>​The Government is currently reviewing its strategy for the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict, and is committed to ensuring that its approach benefits all civilians, including children and other vulnerable groups, and that it reflects the changing international landscape and the complexity of many conflicts. The Government welcomes recent research carried out by academics and Non-Governmental Organisations in this field and is taking their work into account as it undertakes its review. The Government aims to complete the review by the end of 2019.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 17/07/2019 14:43:18 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	4649 label Biography information for Thelma Walker

1137834

	registered interest
	date	09/07/2019
	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	Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Interserve
	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 Interserve on (a) changes to its cleaners' working hours and (b) the effect of those changes on the (i) overtime payments and (ii) take-home pay of those staff; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Glasgow South West
	tabling member printed	Chris Stephens
	uin	275230
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/07/2019 answer text <p>We are aware that Interserve is currently introducing a British Institute of Cleaning Science solution across the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's UK estate, in accordance with the requirements of the Crown Commercial Service.</p><p>If a Cleaner finds the new system isn't working for them, Interserve has undertaken to discuss what reasonable adjustments can be made, while ensuring service delivery that achieves contractual requirements.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 15/07/2019 15:20:10 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	4463 label Biography information for Chris Stephens

1137851

	registered interest
	date	09/07/2019
	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 he will make an assessment of the potential merits of imposing sanctions under Section 1(2)(f) of the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 on officials from Oman involved in human rights abuses against the Shuhuh 6.
	tabling member constituency	Lincoln
	tabling member printed	Karen Lee
	uin	275245
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/07/2019 answer text <p>My Rt Hon Friend The Minister of State for the Middle East has raised these cases with the Omani authorities, as has our Ambassador in Muscat. They 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 any discrimination against the Shihuh more generally, many of whom occupy senior positions in the Omani state and wider society. Our current assessment of the situation means that we see no merit in considering any action.</p><p>With regard to the use of the powers under Section 1(2)(f) of the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act, the government is actively considering establishing a human rights sanctions regime to support the UK’s work in promoting and defending human rights around the world. Any potential listings would need to be consistent with the purposes of the regime and thresholds for evidence. As the sanctions regime is not yet established we are not able to provide any comment on possible designations.</p> answering member constituency Rutland and Melton answering member printed Sir Alan Duncan question first answered 16/07/2019 14:22:26 answering member 343 label Biography information for Sir Alan Duncan
	tabling member	4664 label Biography information for Karen Lee

1137859

	registered interest
	date	09/07/2019
	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	Romania: Deportation
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, what steps he is taking to protect UK residents subject to deportation from Romania.
	tabling member constituency	The Cotswolds
	tabling member printed	Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown
	uin	275099
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/07/2019 answer text <p>Deportations from Romania is a matter for the Romanian immigration authorities. We provide country specific advice for British nationals overseas on gov.uk in our 'living in guides', including Romania, which are regularly updated.</p> answering member constituency Rutland and Melton answering member printed Sir Alan Duncan question first answered 16/07/2019 14:17:03 answering member 343 label Biography information for Sir Alan Duncan
	tabling member	249 label Biography information for Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown

1137884

	registered interest
	date	09/07/2019
	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	Malaysia: Diplomatic Relations
	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 steps he has taken to improve diplomatic relations with Malaysia.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	275149
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/07/2019 answer text <p>The British government has long-standing diplomatic relations with Malaysia.</p><p>We have had a high number of inward and outward ministerial visits over the past year, including a visit by the Foreign Secretary in January. Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, Deputy Prime Minister Wan Azizah and the Malaysian Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah have visited the UK during that period.</p><p>The UK works closely with Malaysia in a number of areas including trade and defence. We have strengthened our defence relationship with the launch of the Ministerial level Defence Strategic Dialogue in 2018. We have a growing collaboration on climate change and our education partnership continues to grow with five British university campuses in Malaysia and 19,000 Malaysian students in the UK. The UK is also supporting the Malaysian government's institutional reform agenda.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 17/07/2019 14:25:07 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

1137885

	registered interest
	date	09/07/2019
	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	Ghana: Diplomatic Relations
	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 steps he has taken to improve diplomatic relations with Ghana.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	275150
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/07/2019 answer text <p>​The UK has a strong relationship with Ghana that is built on our Commonwealth ties, shared values, our people-to-people links and a common interest in promoting stability, democracy and prosperity in West Africa. The Foreign Secretary visited Ghana on 30 April – 1 May where he was accompanied by a British business delegation. During the visit he held talks with the Vice President of Ghana and several Cabinet Ministers to further bilateral and trade priorities, including securing new commercial deals with British companies. The Foreign Secretary and the Ghanaian Foreign Minister enhanced the UK-Ghana relationship through the signing of a Joint Declaration, which is set to strengthen existing ties, focus action on agreed priorities and open up new areas for mutual co-operation.</p><p>In the last year, I have co-chaired, with Ghana's Vice President, two meetings of the UK-Ghana Business Council, a high-level bilateral forum to promote cooperation on economic development, job creation, trade and investment. The last meeting was held in London in February where, as well as the Vice President, I was delighted to welcome the Minister for Trade, the Minister for Planning, and Deputy Ministers of Finance and Foreign Affairs. During his visit, the Vice President also met with the Foreign Secretary and the Chancellor of the Exchequer.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 16/07/2019 13:40:26 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

1137886

	registered interest
	date	09/07/2019
	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	Pakistan: Diplomatic Relations
	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 steps he has taken to improve diplomatic relations with Pakistan.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	275151
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/07/2019 answer text <p>​The UK and Pakistan enjoy a strong relationship based on our shared history, wide people to people links and growing economic ties. Pakistan's Foreign Minister has made two recent visits to the UK in June and July this year. The Development Secretary and the Minister of State for the Commonwealth and the United Nations visited in February this year. The Home Secretary visited Pakistan in September 2018. We look forward to building on this partnership and continuing our cooperation, including on security and bilateral trade.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 17/07/2019 14:36:36 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

1137918

	registered interest
	date	09/07/2019
	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	Sudan: Politics and Government
	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 members of the Transitional Military Council were guaranteed immunity from prosecution for the actions of the Sudanese armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces on 3 June in exchange for signing a power-sharing agreement with the Forces for the Declaration of Freedom and Change.
	tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
	uin	HL17017
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/07/2019 answer text <p>We are aware of reports that issues of accountability and immunity for members of Sudan's armed forces and Rapid Support Forces are part of the current negotiations between the Transitional Military Council and the Forces of Freedom and Change. We are not currently aware of any guarantees of immunity in respect of the events of 3 June. We welcome the agreement between the Transitional Military Council and Forces of Freedom and Change to conduct a transparent and independent investigation into the violence committed against peaceful protestors since 11 April.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 22/07/2019 13:45:07 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1137919

	registered interest
	date	09/07/2019
	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	Omar al-Bashir
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress is being made in bringing Omar al Bashir to trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC); what assessment they have made of the proposal that any ICC trial could take place in Khartoum if removal to the Hague is not acceptable to the government of Sudan; what resources they have offered to enable such a trial to occur; and what support they intend to provide to assist with (1) the training of judges, (2) ensuring credible judicial processes, (3) transitional justice mechanisms, (4) institutional reform, and (5) restitution for victims of violence in Sudan.
	tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
	uin	HL17018
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/07/2019 answer text <p>The arrest warrant against Omar al Bashir still stands and we urge the Sudanese authorities to cooperate with it. The UK strongly supports the mission of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its independence. The location of any ICC trial is a matter for the Court to decide.</p><p>For a number of years, the UK has supported the strengthening of the Sudanese Parliament towards becoming an institution capable of providing effective scrutiny. Our Embassy in Khartoum has also supported civil society groups advocating on behalf of victims at international fora such as the Human Rights Council. As the transition deal is agreed, respect for human rights, accountability for past abuses and a process of rehabilitation for victims will be essential for its success.</p><p>We are assessing opportunities of further engagement and support to develop justice and reconciliation mechanisms offered by the current political environment.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 22/07/2019 13:46:03 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1137920

	registered interest
	date	09/07/2019
	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	Sudan: Human Rights
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they intend to have with the government of Sudan about that country becoming a signatory to the Convention on Torture; and whether they will table a motion at the United Nations Human Rights Council to seek a hearing on any violations of human rights, war crimes and genocide committed by the government headed by Omar al Bashir in Sudan.
	tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
	uin	HL17019
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/07/2019 answer text <p>The UK is very concerned by the human rights situation in Sudan, which is identified as a priority country in the UK's Annual Human Rights Report. Our Embassy in Khartoum monitors the human rights situation in Sudan closely, and frequently raises our concerns in meetings with the authorities. It also administers programmes and workshops to support greater progress on Sudan's human rights obligations. In March 2018, our Embassy in Khartoum funded a workshop for senior representatives of the Sudanese Government, which focused on the steps needed for Sudan's ratification of the UN Convention against torture, which it signed in 1986. We will continue to provide support on this issue and to ensure Sudan meets its human rights obligations.</p><p>There must be accountability for the crimes committed by members of the former regime. We will continue to work with Troika (UK, US and Norway), EU, UN and regional allies to explore how best we can support accountability, including at the UN Human Rights Council in September.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 22/07/2019 13:46:52 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1137921

	registered interest
	date	09/07/2019
	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	Sudan: Internet
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Sudan about (1) restoring access to the internet to its citizens, and (2) allowing the dissemination of information as required under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human rights.
	tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
	uin	HL17020
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 22/07/2019 answer text <p>The British Government welcomes the restoration of access to the internet on 9 July. We were deeply concerned by the disruptions to the internet that began on 3 June. British officials in Khartoum, including the UK Envoy to Sudan and South Sudan, raised our concerns through direct and public messaging to the military leadership on 5 and 23 June. The Minister of State for Africa raised it when she summoned the Sudanese Ambassador on 6 June. The UK's statement at the UN Human Rights Council on 9 July called for the rights of the Sudanese people to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly to be respected. The Sudanese authorities must uphold the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for all people in Sudan.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 22/07/2019 13:47:17 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1137922

	registered interest
	date	09/07/2019
	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	Persecution of Christians across the Globe Independent Review
	house id	2
	legislature	25277 pref label House of Lords
	question text	To ask Her Majesty's Government when the Final Report of the Bishop of Truro’s Independent Review for the Foreign Secretary of Foreign and Commonwealth Office support for persecuted Christians was published; what were the recommendations of that Report; and whether they will set out their response to each such recommendation.
	tabling member printed	Lord Alton of Liverpool
	uin	HL17021
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/07/2019 answer text <p>We are grateful to the Bishop for setting out ambitious recommendations in his report which was published on 16 July. The report has identified specific steps the British Government can take to address the issues faced by persecuted Christians around the world. I am pleased to confirm that the Government has accepted the recommendations in full and work will now begin to implement them. This work will include exploring how best to deliver a new Security Council Resolution on protecting Christians in North Africa and the Middle East; and sanctioning those who persecute people for holding a religion or belief.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 23/07/2019 15:26:14 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	738 label Biography information for Lord Alton of Liverpool

1137930

	registered interest
	date	09/07/2019
	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	USA: Diplomatic Service
	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 ability of the UK ambassador to the United States to maintain a productive relationship with the government of the United States; and when that ambassador is due to be replaced.
	tabling member printed	Lord Blencathra
	uin	HL17029
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/07/2019 answer text <p>​As the Noble Lord will be aware, Sir Kim Darroch resigned as our Ambassador to the United States on 10 July. A new appointment will be made in due course. The UK has a strong relationship with the US which is based on decades of close cooperation and partnership, and that will remain the case.</p> answering member printed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon question first answered 23/07/2019 16:49:42 answering member 4210 label Biography information for Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
	tabling member	497 label Biography information for Lord Blencathra