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1224519

	registered interest
	date	14/07/2020
	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	British Council: Educational Exchanges
	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 effectiveness of the role of the British Council in providing foreign exchange opportunities for UK students.
	tabling member constituency	York Outer
	tabling member printed	Julian Sturdy
	uin	73813
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/07/2020 answer text <p>The British Council is the UK's international organisation for cultural and educational opportunities, and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office recognises the importance of its work in providing a variety of foreign exchange programmes for UK students to widen their career prospects. The Council delivers or part-funds eight schemes for UK students to study or work abroad. For example, over 2,000 students participate annually in the Language Assistants programme, which supports UK students and recent graduates in taking up a placement in a school to assist in English language teaching. Between now and 2025, the British Council is aiming to provide international mobility opportunities to over 125,000 UK students and researchers.</p> answering member constituency Selby and Ainsty answering member printed Nigel Adams question first answered 21/07/2020 16:56:29 answering member 4057 label Biography information for Nigel Adams
	tabling member	4079 label Biography information for Julian Sturdy

1063953

	registered interest
	date	19/02/2019
	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	Antarctic: Marine Protected Areas
	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 advance proposals to create an Antarctic Ocean Sanctuary in the Weddell Sea, following the failure to reach an agreement on such proposals at the meeting of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources in autumn 2018.
	tabling member constituency	York Outer
	tabling member printed	Julian Sturdy
	uin	223125
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/02/2019 answer text <p>The UK remains engaged with a range of developments to help secure early adoption of a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the Weddell Sea. British scientists are participating in scientific expeditions to the Weddell Sea during this Antarctic season, and in a series of international scientific workshops and meetings, to further develop the scientific case for the MPA proposal. The UK is also continuing to engage with counterparts from other Member States in the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources to find a way to move forward on this, and other outstanding, MPA proposals.</p> answering member constituency Rutland and Melton answering member printed Sir Alan Duncan question first answered 27/02/2019 16:11:31 answering member 343 label Biography information for Sir Alan Duncan
	tabling member	4079 label Biography information for Julian Sturdy

1201144

	registered interest
	date	08/06/2020
	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: 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, what recent discussions he has had with his Chinese counterparts on the human rights situation in Hong Kong and the potential effect of that situation on future trade with China.
	tabling member constituency	York Central
	tabling member printed	Rachael Maskell
	uin	56055
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/06/2020 answer text <p>On 8 June, the Foreign Secretary spoke to Chinese State Councillor and Minister for Foreign affairs, Wang Yi. He set out the UK's deep concern at China's proposal to impose national security law in Hong Kong, which is in conflict with the high degree of autonomy, and rights and freedoms, protected under international law by the Sino-British Joint Declaration. The Foreign Secretary and Foreign Minister Wang Yi also discussed how the UK and China could work together on areas of mutual interest, including on climate change and trade.</p> answering member constituency Selby and Ainsty answering member printed Nigel Adams question first answered 16/06/2020 15:36:39 answering member 4057 label Biography information for Nigel Adams
	tabling member	4471 label Biography information for Rachael Maskell

1200643

	registered interest
	date	04/06/2020
	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: Human Rights and Press 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 steps he is taking to protect (a) journalists and (b) human rights defenders in Hong Kong.
	tabling member constituency	York Central
	tabling member printed	Rachael Maskell
	uin	54949
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/06/2020 answer text <p>We expect the Hong Kong authorities to abide by international human rights laws and practices. The UK remains committed to upholding Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy and rights and freedoms underpinned by the Joint Declaration and the &quot;One Country, Two Systems&quot; framework set out in the Basic Law. In a call with Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on 8 June, the Foreign Secretary made clear that Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy and rights and freedoms must be preserved in line with China's international obligations under the Joint Declaration. Officials have also raised issues of concern regularly at senior levels with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government.</p><p>In our six-monthly reports to Parliament, we have regularly highlighted the importance of freedom of the press and set out our views on specific incidents of concern. We will of course continue to do so, including in the next Six-monthly Report which the Foreign Secretary intends to publish soon.</p> answering member constituency Selby and Ainsty answering member printed Nigel Adams question first answered 09/06/2020 15:38:27 answering member 4057 label Biography information for Nigel Adams
	tabling member	4471 label Biography information for Rachael Maskell

1199629

	registered interest
	date	02/06/2020
	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: Police
	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 (a) the murder of George Floyd and (b) the policing of citizens in the US.
	tabling member constituency	York Central
	tabling member printed	Rachael Maskell
	uin	53490
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/06/2020 answer text <p>The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have been clear that the death of George Floyd was appalling, inexcusable and deeply distressing. We are aware that a suspect has been charged and there is a federal review underway. We would hope and expect justice to be done.</p><p>The violence we have seen is clearly very alarming. People must be allowed to protest peacefully - peaceful protest remains a vital part of a democratic society and we understand the strength of feeling around this issue.</p> answering member constituency Aldridge-Brownhills answering member printed Wendy Morton grouped question UIN 53491 question first answered 08/06/2020 10:54:29 answering member 4358 label Biography information for Wendy Morton
	tabling member	4471 label Biography information for Rachael Maskell

1199630

	registered interest
	date	02/06/2020
	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: Police
	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 discriminatory policing practices against BAME people in the US; and what the outcome was of those discussions.
	tabling member constituency	York Central
	tabling member printed	Rachael Maskell
	uin	53491
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/06/2020 answer text <p>The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have been clear that the death of George Floyd was appalling, inexcusable and deeply distressing. We are aware that a suspect has been charged and there is a federal review underway. We would hope and expect justice to be done.</p><p>The violence we have seen is clearly very alarming. People must be allowed to protest peacefully - peaceful protest remains a vital part of a democratic society and we understand the strength of feeling around this issue.</p> answering member constituency Aldridge-Brownhills answering member printed Wendy Morton grouped question UIN 53490 question first answered 08/06/2020 10:54:29 answering member 4358 label Biography information for Wendy Morton
	tabling member	4471 label Biography information for Rachael Maskell

1194497

	registered interest
	date	11/05/2020
	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	Infectious Diseases: Disease Control
	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 at the United Nations on resolutions to prevent future pandemics.
	tabling member constituency	York Central
	tabling member printed	Rachael Maskell
	uin	45316
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/05/2020 answer text <p>The UK is leading with partners and allies to: support an effective and co-ordinated global health response led by the World Health Organisation, reinforce the resilience of vulnerable countries, pursue a vaccine, and support the global economy. The Foreign Secretary spoke to the UN Secretary-General on these priorities on 5 May. The UK is working together with international partners to achieve these objectives, including with the G7, G20, the UN and other multilateral institutions, in order to ensure a stronger institutional response to the current crisis, and greater resilience against future threats. Officials in Geneva and New York are in regular contact with the UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes on their contributions to the crisis response including future crisis preparedness. This included co-sponsoring a Mexican resolution in the General Assembly on access to medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.</p> answering member constituency Selby and Ainsty answering member printed Nigel Adams question first answered 19/05/2020 14:29:52 answering member 4057 label Biography information for Nigel Adams
	tabling member	4471 label Biography information for Rachael Maskell

1147737

	registered interest
	date	02/10/2019
	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
	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 and what proportion of the members of Her Majesty’s Diplomatic Service are (a) serving overseas and (b) have served overseas in each year since 2010.
	tabling member constituency	York Central
	tabling member printed	Rachael Maskell
	uin	293642
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/10/2019 answer text <p>The table below provides the number and proportion of Her Majesty's Diplomatic Service serving overseas each year since 2013:-</p><table><tbody><tr><td><p> </p></td><td><p>Mar-13</p></td><td><p>Mar-14</p></td><td><p>Mar-15</p></td><td><p>Mar-16</p></td><td><p>Mar-17</p></td><td><p>Mar-18</p></td><td><p>Mar-19</p></td><td><p>Aug-19</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Number of Diplomatic Service members posted overseas</p></td><td><p>1600-1699</p></td><td><p>1400-1499</p></td><td><p>1400-1499</p></td><td><p>1400-1499</p></td><td><p>1400-1499</p></td><td><p>1500-1599</p></td><td><p>1700-1799</p></td><td><p>1600-1699</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Proportion of Diplomatic Service members posted overseas</p></td><td><p>48%</p></td><td><p>47%</p></td><td><p>47%</p></td><td><p>45%</p></td><td><p>45%</p></td><td><p>48%</p></td><td><p>52%</p></td><td><p>51%</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p>The statistics above exclude FCO Home Civil Servants who are working in an overseas post. Up until 1st April 2015, Department of Trade staff (former UKTI) were included in FCO staff headcount.</p><p>We are unable to provide headcount information prior to 2013. As reported in the 2012/13 FCO Annual Report and Accounts at page 29, in February 2013 the FCO realigned previous staffing figures, adopting a new methodology in line with Office for National Statistics guidelines.</p><p>Numbers have been released in bands rather than absolute values in line with current publication policies for FCO headcount.</p> answering member constituency South Derbyshire answering member printed Mrs Heather Wheeler question first answered 08/10/2019 13:01:23 answering member 4053 label Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler
	tabling member	4471 label Biography information for Rachael Maskell

1147738

	registered interest
	date	02/10/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	EU Countries: 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, how many members of Her Majesty’s Diplomatic Service work in the institutions and bodies of the EU.
	tabling member constituency	York Central
	tabling member printed	Rachael Maskell
	uin	293643
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/10/2019 answer text <p>There are fewer than 5 Foreign Commonwealth Office members of Her Majesty's Diplomatic Service working in the institutions and bodies of the EU.</p> answering member constituency South Derbyshire answering member printed Mrs Heather Wheeler question first answered 07/10/2019 15:45:20 answering member 4053 label Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler
	tabling member	4471 label Biography information for Rachael Maskell

1147739

	registered interest
	date	02/10/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	South East Asia: 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, how much his Department has budgeted for the (a) establishment and (b) operation of a permanent British diplomatic mission to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
	tabling member constituency	York Central
	tabling member printed	Rachael Maskell
	uin	293644
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/10/2019 answer text <p>The UK has close connections with the ten countries that make up the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and we are rightly looking to strengthen our links with this important region of the world after we exit the EU.</p><p>The new UK Ambassador to ASEAN is expected to take up the role in Jakarta this autumn, with the Mission fully established and operational by the end of the current Financial Year. The Mission is co-located with the British Embassy in Jakarta. The estimated budget for establishing it is £700,000; the full costs will be known once the necessary works have been completed. It is estimated that the annual budget for operating the Mission, once fully established, will be approximately £750,000.</p> answering member constituency South Derbyshire answering member printed Mrs Heather Wheeler question first answered 08/10/2019 12:49:50 answering member 4053 label Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler
	tabling member	4471 label Biography information for Rachael Maskell

1122630

	registered interest
	date	24/04/2019
	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	China: Animal Welfare
	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 Chinese counterpart on the Shanghai World Dog Show 2019 and animal welfare in that country.
	tabling member constituency	York Central
	tabling member printed	Rachael Maskell
	uin	247116
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 29/04/2019 answer text <p>I have not raised this issue with my Chinese counterpart. However, the Government is committed to raising standards of animal welfare at home and abroad. The sale and consumption of dog meat is legal in many countries, including China, and there are no international norms, laws or agreements governing this. We believe that it is necessary to work with governments around the world to gain agreement on animal welfare standards, and to phase out cruel and inhumane practices. There is no suggestion that the event will break any local or international laws.</p> answering member constituency Cities of London and Westminster answering member printed Mark Field question first answered 29/04/2019 16:10:16 answering member 1405 label Biography information for Mark Field
	tabling member	4471 label Biography information for Rachael Maskell

1174019

	registered interest
	date	28/01/2020
	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: Apprentices
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what proportion of staff employed by his Department are apprentices.
	tabling member constituency	Wythenshawe and Sale East
	tabling member printed	Mike Kane
	uin	9043
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/02/2020 answer text <p>As of 31 December 2019, the Foreign &amp; Commonwealth Office (FCO) employed 112 apprentices, of whom 62 work for our Trading Fund, FCO Services. We expect a further 51 staff to enrol on an apprenticeship by 31 March 2020.</p> answering member constituency Tamworth answering member printed Christopher Pincher question first answered 03/02/2020 17:15:51 answering member 4075 label Biography information for Christopher Pincher
	tabling member	4316 label Biography information for Mike Kane

1092644

	registered interest
	date	21/03/2019
	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	Ilois: Finance
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 20 March 2019 to Question 233007 on Ilois: Finance, on what dates were the visits organised by the British Indian Ocean Territory Administration between 2000 and 2016 to allow Chagossians access to their homeland; and how many Chagossians participated in each of those visits.
	tabling member constituency	Wythenshawe and Sale East
	tabling member printed	Mike Kane
	uin	235302
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/03/2019 answer text <p>Between 2000 and 2015, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office funded a total of 10 visits, involving 164 Chagossian participants, to the British Indian Overseas Territories. A breakdown is included below:</p><table><tbody><tr><td><p>Year</p></td><td><p>Month</p></td><td><p>Number of Chagossians</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2006</p></td><td><p>September</p></td><td><p>56</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2008</p></td><td><p>February – March</p></td><td><p>8</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2008</p></td><td><p>November</p></td><td><p>6</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2009</p></td><td><p>October - November</p></td><td><p>18</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2010</p></td><td><p>(dates not available)</p></td><td><p>7</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2011</p></td><td><p>March</p></td><td><p>12</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2011</p></td><td><p>June</p></td><td><p>4</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2011</p></td><td><p>November</p></td><td><p>15</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2013</p></td><td><p>October – November</p></td><td><p>20</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2015</p></td><td><p>April – May</p></td><td><p>18</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>2016</p></td><td><p>(no visits)</p></td><td><p>0</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p>On 16 November 2016, I announced the UK's decision to fund a package to improve support for Chagossians. This included an expanded programme of visits to the British Indian Oceans Territories.</p> answering member constituency Rutland and Melton answering member printed Sir Alan Duncan question first answered 26/03/2019 16:55:19 answering member 343 label Biography information for Sir Alan Duncan
	tabling member	4316 label Biography information for Mike Kane

1089464

	registered interest
	date	15/03/2019
	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	Ilois: Finance
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 14 March 2019 to Question 230807 on Ilois Finance, how many visits £312,899.37 has financed, and how many Chagossians have to date (a) expressed interest but not yet participated and (b) participated in those visits from (i) Seychelles, (ii) Mauritius, (iii) the UK and (iv) other countries.
	tabling member constituency	Wythenshawe and Sale East
	tabling member printed	Mike Kane
	uin	233007
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/03/2019 answer text <p>76 Chagossians have participated in five Heritage Visits to date which have been funded by the Support Package. This breaks down by country:</p><p> </p><p>Seychelles: 7<br>Mauritius: 18<br>UK: 51<br>Other countries: 0</p><p> </p><p>There have been 156 initial expressions of interest who have not participated in a Heritage Visit. Not all went onto complete questionnaires, and of those who did, not all met the requirements to participate in a Heritage Visit.</p> answering member constituency Rutland and Melton answering member printed Sir Alan Duncan question first answered 20/03/2019 16:02:30 answering member 343 label Biography information for Sir Alan Duncan
	tabling member	4316 label Biography information for Mike Kane

1086673

	registered interest
	date	11/03/2019
	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	Ilois: Finance
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 11 October 2018 to Question 170339 on Ilois Finance, how much of the £40 million fund for Chagossians has been allocated to date; to whom that funding has been allocated; and for what purposes that money has been allocated.
	tabling member constituency	Wythenshawe and Sale East
	tabling member printed	Mike Kane
	uin	230807
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/03/2019 answer text <p>​£312,899.37 of the £40 million fund has been spent to date, largely on implementing an expanded programme of Heritage Visits for Chagossians to the British Indian Ocean Territory. Officials are continuing work to identify areas for broader support package funding. The bulk of the funding will be allocated once we have a clear assessment of need, and an agreed mechanism for effectively and fairly disbursing funds in collaboration with the Chagossian communities in the UK, Seychelles and Mauritius.</p> answering member constituency Rutland and Melton answering member printed Sir Alan Duncan question first answered 14/03/2019 16:00:17 answering member 343 label Biography information for Sir Alan Duncan
	tabling member	4316 label Biography information for Mike Kane

1086679

	registered interest
	date	11/03/2019
	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	British Indian Ocean Territory: Environment Protection
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether the Chagos Conservation Trust has returned any unspent funds that were provided by his Department for the purposes of the Chagossian Outreach Programme; and how much in total (a) was and (b) remains to be provided for that programme.
	tabling member constituency	Wythenshawe and Sale East
	tabling member printed	Mike Kane
	uin	230811
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/03/2019 answer text <p>The Chagos Environmental Outreach Project (later named Connect Chagos) ran from March 2012 to December 2015. In total just over £330,000 was provided by the British Indian Ocean Territory Administration to the Chagos Conservation Trust and Zoological Society for London for the delivery of the programme. At the end of the programme, an underspend of £16,745 was reported. The British Indian Ocean Territory Administration is in discussions with the Chagos Conservation Trust about options for the use of this underspend. No additional funding remains to be provided.</p> answering member constituency Rutland and Melton answering member printed Sir Alan Duncan question first answered 14/03/2019 16:01:34 answering member 343 label Biography information for Sir Alan Duncan
	tabling member	4316 label Biography information for Mike Kane

1064109

	registered interest
	date	19/02/2019
	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: Apprentices
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what proportion of the staff employed by his Department are apprentices.
	tabling member constituency	Wythenshawe and Sale East
	tabling member printed	Mike Kane
	uin	223520
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 25/02/2019 answer text <p>As of 31 January 2019, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) employed 99 apprentices, of whom 57 work for our Trading Fund, FCO Services. This is 1.69 per cent (an increase of 0.34 per cent from January 2018) of the total of FCO and FCO Services UK-based staff worldwide, and 2.59 per cent (an increase of 0.59 per cent from January 2018) of our staff working in the UK. We expect a further 22 staff to enrol on an apprenticeship by 31 March 2019.</p> answering member constituency Rutland and Melton answering member printed Sir Alan Duncan question first answered 25/02/2019 17:11:11 answering member 343 label Biography information for Sir Alan Duncan
	tabling member	4316 label Biography information for Mike Kane

1196530

	registered interest
	date	18/05/2020
	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: 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 representations he has made to the Government of India on Kashmir; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Wycombe
	tabling member printed	Mr Steve Baker
	uin	48403
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 02/06/2020 answer text <p>We are in regular contact with the Indian Government regarding the situation in Kashmir. The Foreign Secretary most recently spoke about Kashmir with India's External Affairs Minister Jaishankar on 20 April. Our longstanding position is that it is for India and Pakistan to identify a lasting, political resolution that takes into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people. It is not for the UK to mediate or prescribe a solution.</p> answering member constituency Selby and Ainsty answering member printed Nigel Adams question first answered 02/06/2020 08:05:11 answering member 4057 label Biography information for Nigel Adams
	tabling member	4064 label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker

1195508

	registered interest
	date	13/05/2020
	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: Coronavirus
	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 Indian counterpart on internet communication between UK citizens with friends and family in Indian-administered Kashmir during the covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Wycombe
	tabling member printed	Mr Steve Baker
	uin	46633
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/05/2020 answer text <p>We are in regular contact with the Indian Government regarding the situation in Kashmir. The Foreign Secretary most recently spoke about Kashmir with Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar on 20 April. We remain concerned about ongoing restrictions on internet services in India-administered Kashmir and call for these to be lifted as soon as possible.</p> answering member constituency Selby and Ainsty answering member printed Nigel Adams question first answered 18/05/2020 16:10:45 answering member 4057 label Biography information for Nigel Adams
	tabling member	4064 label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker

1183871

	registered interest
	date	10/03/2020
	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	China: Press Freedom
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affair, what assessment he has made of the accuracy of the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of China 2019 survey findings on intimidation and harassment of journalists in China.
	tabling member constituency	Wycombe
	tabling member printed	Mr Steve Baker
	uin	27534
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/03/2020 answer text <p>We are deeply concerned by the credible findings of the Foreign Correspondents' Club of China's Annual Report. On 2 March, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad publicly set out his concerns that more foreign journalists in China are facing visa restrictions, and more are being harassed, intimidated and monitored by the authorities.</p> answering member constituency Selby and Ainsty answering member printed Nigel Adams question first answered 19/03/2020 16:08:57 answering member 4057 label Biography information for Nigel Adams
	tabling member	4064 label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker

1175582

	registered interest
	date	03/02/2020
	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: Nationality
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies on international human rights of (a) recent protests against and (b) allegations of mistreatment of people arrested under the Government of India's Citizenship Amendment Act.
	tabling member constituency	Wycombe
	tabling member printed	Mr Steve Baker
	uin	11491
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/02/2020 answer text <p>The British High Commission in New Delhi and our network of Deputy High Commissions across India are following reports on the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens, as well as the Government of India's response. We raise our concerns with the Government of India where appropriate. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon discussed the Government of India's intent with the CAA, and public response to the legislation, with India's Minister of State for External Affairs on 19 December 2019. Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials also raised the issue with the High Commission of India in London on 14 January.</p><p>India has a proud history of inclusive government and religious tolerance. Post-election, Prime Minister Modi promised to continue this under the guiding principles of &quot;together with all, development for all, trust of all&quot;. We trust the Government of India will provide reassurances to its citizens who are expressing concern about the impact this legislation may have. We will continue to monitor the situation.</p> answering member constituency South Derbyshire answering member printed Mrs Heather Wheeler question first answered 06/02/2020 15:36:02 answering member 4053 label Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler
	tabling member	4064 label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker

1175583

	registered interest
	date	03/02/2020
	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	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, what steps the Government is taking to promote (a) human rights and (b) secular government throughout the world.
	tabling member constituency	Wycombe
	tabling member printed	Mr Steve Baker
	uin	11492
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/02/2020 answer text <p>The UK is committed to protecting and promoting human rights throughout the world through both bilateral and multilateral engagement, by working with and supporting human rights defenders, who play an essential role in upholding and promoting respect for human rights, democratic freedoms and civil society. We regularly raise concerns about countries that do not comply with their human rights obligations at the UN Human Rights Council, the Council of Europe and other multilateral fora; the UK has provided recommendations at every country's Universal Periodic Review since it began in 2008.</p><p>Additionally, we work to support democracies across the globe, whether secular or otherwise, as the system that best allows for societies that are more secure, more prosperous, and better equipped to meet the needs of their people. Effective democracy allows people to discuss and debate issues freely, to challenge their governments and to make informed decisions. Through our work with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and others, the UK works to strengthen democracy and to create inclusive, accountable and transparent democratic systems across the globe.</p> answering member constituency South Derbyshire answering member printed Mrs Heather Wheeler question first answered 06/02/2020 16:17:18 answering member 4053 label Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler
	tabling member	4064 label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker

1168740

	registered interest
	date	20/12/2019
	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: Nationality
	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 on the human rights of Muslims in India of that Government's recent decision to pass the Citizenship Amendment Bill; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Wycombe
	tabling member printed	Mr Steve Baker
	uin	282
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/01/2020 answer text <p>The British Government and the British High Commission in New Delhi are following the human rights situation across India and raise issues with Indian officials where appropriate.</p> answering member constituency South Derbyshire answering member printed Mrs Heather Wheeler question first answered 07/01/2020 09:39:07 answering member 4053 label Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler
	tabling member	4064 label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker

1168743

	registered interest
	date	20/12/2019
	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 his timescale is for implementing the recommendations of the Bishop of Truro’s Independent Review for the Foreign Secretary of FCO Support for Persecuted Christians; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Wycombe
	tabling member printed	Mr Steve Baker
	uin	284
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/01/2020 answer text <p>The British government is committed to implementing the recommendations from the Bishop of Truro's Review. The recommendations have been divided into short, medium and longer term priorities and we have already implemented a good number of them. This includes recently appointing a Director General level champion for Freedom of Religion or Belief and marking Red Wednesday in support of persecuted Christians and members of other minority groups. Some of the recommendations will take longer to implement and many will require an ongoing effort to embed into the working practice of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and other Departments.</p> answering member constituency South Derbyshire answering member printed Mrs Heather Wheeler question first answered 07/01/2020 09:44:12 answering member 4053 label Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler
	tabling member	4064 label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker

1168744

	registered interest
	date	20/12/2019
	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	Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion or Belief
	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 (a) reappoint and (b) adequately resource the Prime Minister's Envoy for Freedom of Religion and Belief; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Wycombe
	tabling member printed	Mr Steve Baker
	uin	285
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 07/01/2020 answer text <p>Rehman Chishti MP has been reappointed as the Prime Minister's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief. Funding has been agreed for the office which should adequately cover travel and administrative costs.</p> answering member constituency South Derbyshire answering member printed Mrs Heather Wheeler question first answered 07/01/2020 09:46:15 answering member 4053 label Biography information for Mrs Heather Wheeler
	tabling member	4064 label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker